This culinary getaway is a food lover's dream come true! Experience a week in Bologna and Emilia Romagna, renowned throughout the world as Italy’s gastronomic paradise: the land of tagliatelle and tortellini and the birthplace of Bolognaise sauce. You will learn about the cuisine first hand with visits to local producers of salamis, prosciutto, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and parmesan to see where and how these famous Italian food products are made.

You’ll also enjoy cooking lessons with locals off the beaten path, learning how to prepare simple dishes with the best ingredients.. Finally, you’ll be a guest, not a tourist, as you explore the countryside of this fascinating region.

This is a genuine, Italian experience filled with good friends gathered around tables and the simple joys of life

Click here for a recipe from Bologna and Beyond

Day One

Meeting at Bologna airport or train station. Private transfer to your hotel, situated in the heart of Bologna.

In the late afternoon drive to Dozza, a small and charming medieval hilltown. Welcome dinner at a typical Italian restaurant frequented by local families to enjoy traditional dishes of the area.

Day Two

In the morning drive to the hills of Romagna, border with Tuscany, to visit a privately owned aromatic herb garden, with more than 40 different kinds of plants. The owner, a young woman, will explain how the herbs are used in cooking and for our lunch she will prepare delicious samplings of her products.

After lunch drive to visit a family-owned factory of aprons, tablecloths and other table linens hand-printed with traditional decorations of Romagna area.

In the late afternoon Italian cooking class demonstration at a restaurant. The owner and chef, Nicola, is a man very passionate about his work and will prepare a special dinner based on dishes featuring local herbs. You will learn a lot of little secrets to take home to your own kitchen! Aperitif in the very pretty garden of the restaurant waiting for our dinner that will consist of what we have prepared in the kitchen.

Day Three

In the morning leave for Ravenna, famous for its Byzantine mosaics and architecture. Walking tour to visit San Vitale and Galla Placidia and their spectacular and unique mosaics. Free time to stroll, admire the fabulous art and shop at mosaic and other stores. Light lunch in Ravenna center at an Italian osteria serving tasty local food.

After lunch drive to a beautiful agriturismo in the countryside for a 3 hours hands-on cooking class with a lady who is at once a great Italian family chef and an expert on hand made pasta. You will learn to make the traditional pasta of Emilia-Romagna: tagliatelle with ragu alla bolognese --bolognese sauce--, tortellini in broth and tortelli with ricotta and herbs filling. Dinner of our creations at her 150 years old farmhouse among the olive trees.

Day Four

Early morning departure to visit a family-cooperative where you will watch all the stages in the production of parmigiano reggiano --parmesan cheese--, learn all about parmigiano and finish this excursion with a cheese tasting.

Transfer to Modena to visit another family-owned representative business, producer of traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena. The owner will explain where and how balsamico is made; we will have a tasting of the product at various ages and learn how and when to use these.

Drive to a beautiful restaurant in Modena where we will have an aperitif in the kitchen with the chef, Luigi, who is very creative and friendly. In the kitchen you will see how Luigi prepares our lunch, based on plates featuring parmigiano --parmesan-- and balsamico and accompained by Lambrusco, the red sparkling wine typical of Modena area, wonderful accompainment to parmigiano. All his dishes are a feast for the eye as well as delectable.

Back to Bologna. Afternoon and dinner free, after a busy morning.

Day Five

In the morning visit and walk in the central market area, a couple of ancient narrow streets lined with colorful, irresistible Italian food shops, stands and delis, wonderful to the eye and to the taste. Here we will buy the ingredients for our afternoon cooking lesson. Leisure time for shopping or just strolling in the charming medieval town.
Lunch on your own.

In the afternoon hands-on cooking class at a private home with an Italian family cook. You will learn traditional dishes of the region. Our farewell dinner will follow and consist of the fruits of your own afternoon labors.

Day Six

Departure for Bologna train station or airport after breakfast at the hotel.

Note: this is a sample itinerary which changes with the seasons. Please call for winter and summer itineraries