Your hosts of this wonderful cooking school have spent years assembling a circle of friends, collaborators, and artisans that provide the absolute best from their storehouse of knowledge – traditions, flavors and recipes – the secrets that make the difference between good and great. These characters enliven each day with stories, prized sources and time proven practices woven into hands-on cooking sessions, epicurean tastings and cultural visits.
It’s about details!
During your stay you are hosted by the most wonderful owners, and their lovely family. They will escort you on all excursions appointments, shop the markets with you, walk herb fields with you and the local grower and see you to your hotel at the end of each marvelous day.
Smaller, tasteful accommodations with an intimate atmosphere not sparing comfort or style are their preference, as is dining at trattorias and out-of-the-way restaurants with chefs they know. You are not likely to find these venues in guidebooks or on other programs.
It’s about you!
Guests tell us that the memories of traveling through the Italian countryside for a lesson with a pasta maker in her home, joining a winemaker for a barrel tasting in his cellar or walking in the woods alongside a truffle hunter and his dog are experiences that are unforgettable and enduring in their simplicity and authenticity.
Your hosts blend these visits with excursions to modern, yet traditional producers of Parmigiano Reggiano, extra virgin olive oil, Prosciutto di Parma, aged balsamic vinegar plus other specialties and handcrafted products of the regions. And if you have a special request, we are here to make it happen.
Your Week at a Glance
Sunday - Get settled and welcome dinner, an intro to traditional regional Italian cuisine
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.
Monday - Aromatic herbs and cooking lesson incorporating the fresh herbs
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 lesson 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 your dinner.
Tuesday – Food shopping at the market and cooking lesson in preparing some regional specialties
In the morning visit and walk in Bologna 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. You will buy the ingredients for your afternoon cooking lesson.
Leisure time for shopping or just strolling in the charming medieval town.
Light lunch on your own. After lunch guided tour of Bologna with an English speaking guide.
In the afternoon hands-on cooking lesson at a private home with an Italian family cook. You will learn traditional dishes of the region. Dinner will consist of the fruits of your own afternoon labors.
Wednesday – Parmigiano reggiano cheese, prosciutto of Parma, traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena and gourmet lunch
Early morning departure to visit a family-cooperative where you will watch all the stages in the production of parmigiano reggiano, learn all about parmigiano and finish this excursion with a cheese tasting. Drive to Traversetolo, close to Parma, to visit a family producer of prosciutto of Parma. The love and the passion of this family -composed by two young brothers and their mother- make this prosciutto unique and unforgettable. You will taste their prosciutto during the lunch at one of our favorite trattoria.
After lunch transfer to Parma and guided visit of the town with an English speaking guide.
After the visit, drive 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; you will enjoy a tasting of the product at various ages and learn how and when to use these.
Back to Bologna after a long but memorable day.
Dinner free on your own.
Thursday – Relaxing massage, ceramic shop in Faenza and cooking lesson on hand-made pasta
In the morning drive to a private luxury Spa to be pampered with a wonderfully relaxing massage and hydro-massage. Light lunch at the Spa restaurant.
After lunch drive to Faenza, famous in Italy and worldwide for its ceramics; we will visit an artisan ceramic workshop and showroom. The artist/owner will illustrate how the ceramics are decorated.
In Faenza we will taste one of the best Italian "gelato" of the area.
In the afternoon drive to the beautiful countryside for a 3 hours hands-on cooking lesson 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, tortellini in broth and tortelli with ricotta and herbs filling.
Dinner of your creations at a 150 year old farmhouse among the olive trees.
Friday – See Ravenna Byzantine mosaics and farewell gala dinner at San Domenico in Imola
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 back to the hotel.
In the evening drive to Imola for the farewell gala dinner at San Domenico Restaurant, opened in 1970, one of the most celebrated restaurants not only in Italy but in the world. This year, 2007, it has gained 2 stars Michelin. The chef, Valentino Marcattilii, is famous worldwide and is considered one of the best chefs in the world. The restaurant owns cellars with 25,000 bottles, including bottles from Napoleon’s time.
Saturday – Departure day
Take your time! When you are ready, your hosts will transport you to the Bologna airport or train station.
Price per person
2540 EURO
Included in this package:
Food and Wine Tour Database 
