Food Lovers' Adventure in Bologna's Countryside offers a wonderful culinary experience in Italy's "Gastronomic Paradise." Students will have an unforgettable experience learning to prepare many of the best Italian and Bolognese dishes with regional Italian chefs.
Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna region are the home of such world famous foods as Parma ham, Mortadella, Sampone, Cotencino, salami, Balsamic Vinegar, many delicious wines and the king of the cheese: Parmigiano Reggiano. Bologna and the surrounding area is world famous as a culinary paradise. It's most famous dish is "Tortellini". Known as "Bologna la Grassa" because of its culinary traditions, the city and surrounding area "where stress does not exist," has harmonized the coexistence of the two sides of man's nature: the spiritual and the sensual. Natives are sure that the best way to live longer and laugh more is to eat the traditional Bolognese way.
Classes are taught by noted local chefs. There will be guided tours of factories where Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic Vinegar and Parma hams are produces. Excursions include Casola Valsenio to visit botanical garden, Bologna for a guided visit of the central market, Dozza, a small picturesque village for wine tastings, Ravenna to see the famous mosaics and a gala dinner at San Dominico Restaurant in Imola.
Students stay in a quiet, charming, three star hotel owned by Cinzia and Domenico in Riolo Terme, a town in the pretty hills near Bologna. A leisurely stroll along pleasant streets with cafes, shops and promenades is a way to spend free time. A ten minute shuttle ride away is a modern spa with a thermal swimming pool where you can pamper yourself with a massage, facial mud bath and more. And golfers can enjoy the local course.
2006 Dates: January 22-28, February 12-18, March 19-25 (Vegetarian), April 25-May 1(Food and Ferrari), May 7-13, June 11-17, July 16-22, September 3-9, October 15-21, November 5-11, December 3-9.
Detailed Itinerary
Sunday - Students are transferred from Bologna to the charming historic hotel in Riolo Terme. The afternoon is free time to get settled into your room, relax and explore the area around the hotel. In the late afternoon, drive to Brisighella to taste one of the best extra virgin olive oils in Italy! Dinner at a typical Italian trattoria in the hills, filled with local families for dinner enjoying traditional Romagnola dishes of the area.
Monday - After breakfast, there is an excursion to Casola Valsenio to "Giardino delle Erbe", the most complete botanical garden specializing in "piante officinalli" [plants benefiting the body] in Italy. Over 400 herbs are grown for cooking, medicine, and cosmetics. There will be a guided visit of the gardens & exhibits with lunch at a restaurant with a special menu of dishes featuring local herbs. In the afternoon, enjoy a cooking lesson and dinner at a restaurant with a special menu of dishes featuring local herbs with owner and chef, Nicola.
Tuesday - After breakfast, you will leave for Bologna for guided visit of the central market area stuffed with colorful, irresistible food shops, stands and delis. Free time for shopping or just strolling in Bologna centre with a chance to see the basilica di San Petronio, the Basilica of San Domenico and the famous Due Torri. Lunch in Bologna. Back to Riolo Terme. Typical Italian dinner at a local restaurant.
Wednesday - Early morning departure to visit a family factory where we will watch the men go through all the stages to make Parmigiano Reggiano, learn all about parmesan and have a cheese tasting. Transfer to Modena to visit a family producer of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena with the owner, see where and how balsamic vinegar is made and taste 25-year-old traditional balsamic vinegar. Lunch in a nearby restaurant. Late afternoon Italian pasta cooking lesson on family farm with Maria Grazia on some of the regional specialties like "strozzapreti"--"strangle the priest" pasta. Dine on your creations.
Thursday - In the morning we will go truffle hunting with the special dog followed by lunch. Afternoon cooking lesson with Elena and her daughter at their bed and breakfast. Elena is an expert on hand-made pasta, so your lessonincludes lasagne al forno, tagliatelle, tortellini, tortelloni, passatelli, meat sauce (ragu), broth and other recipes. Dine at Elena's on your own creations.
Friday - After breakfast, leave for Ravenna, famous for its Byzantine mosaics and architecture. There will be a walking tour with an Italian guide to see marvelous mosaics with free time to stroll, admire the fabulous art and shop at mosaic and other stores. Lunch will be in Ravenna at a famous enoteca. After lunch, leave for Faenza to visit a ceramic laboratory and shopping at a very specialized shop for kitchen tools. A fabulous Gala Dinner will be held at San Domenico Restaurant in Imola, cited in many Italian restaurant guides as one of the best in Italy. The cellars house 20,000 bottles, including bottles from Napoleon's time.
Saturday - Reluctantly you will departure for Bologna train station or airport after breakfast at the hotel, hoping you will once again be able to return.
Testimonials:
"...I had a truly wonderful time with you in Italy. I have told everyone I know how fantastic your program is. I really cannot wait to come back and do it with you again. Again, thank you both so much for everything. You really went out of your way to make this the best trip to Italy I ever had (and I have been many many times). I miss it already..." Valerie C.
"I really liked Alessandra and the pasta making with her. I was overwhelmed by the San Domenico Restaurant - excellent. I really liked the personal attention that was given to all of us. Thanks so much for everything! I would do it again in a heartbeat!"
Amy B., Pittsburgh, PA
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
- 6 nights with breakfast;
- 3 cooking classes and all meals with wine;
- Cooking school tuition and excursions;
- Gala dinner at one of Italy's top restaurants;
- Transfers to and from the Bologna Airport or train station.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Local Culture
Food & Wine
Cooking School
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