Emilia Romagna Culinary Tour
Designing Italy Fall 2011 Tour
Emilia Romagna Culinary Adventure
Sponsored by Ginger Pozzini
Dates of Tour for Fall 2011
October 30 - November 4, 2011
Sample Itinerary & Activities
Arrival Day Sunday, October 30th
Arrival at Bologna airport or train station. Assistance and private transfers to your hotel in the heart of Bologna. Welcome Dinner in Bologna center at a nice traditional restaurant.
Day Two Monday, October 31st
In the morning, we drive to the hills and meet with the truffle hunter and his dog. We will walk with him in the woods and hunt for truffles. During this time, if we are lucky, we may even find the white truffle, the most precious one! You will learn about the prized truffle and walk in the footsteps of a very special and revered profession. Lunch at the truffle hunter’s house with his family. We will then head back to Bologna after lunch with free time to live as the Italian’s do!
In the late afternoon we will enjoy a walking visit of Bologna
with an English speaking guide exploring the unique porticos and architecture of the city.
Dinner on your own with recommendations for different types of cuisine.
Day Three Tuesday, November 1st
Early morning departure to visit a private family-cooperative, where you will watch and learn about all the stages in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano and finish this excursion with a cheese tasting of different ages of cheese.
Transfer to Modena to visit another family-owned 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 (Nocino made with walnuts) in the kitchen with the chef, Luigi, who is very creative and friendly. You will experience how Luigi prepares our lunch, based on plates featuring Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamico accompanied by Lambrusco, the red sparkling wine typical of the Modena area and wonderful accompaniment to Parmigiano. All his dishes are a feast for the eye as well as delectable. You will depart with many recipes you can recreate at home.
Dinner on your own tonight after a full culinary day.
Day4 Wednesday, November 2nd
Drive to the hills of Romagna, to see how to harvest olives, if you want you can participate in the picking of olives (done by hand). Then on to visit an olive oil mill to see how it is made along with tasting the new extra virgin olive oil, just pressed!
After our new olive oil tasting, we will have our lunch in a little village in the center of this extra virgin olive region where only locals dine.
After lunch we will drive along the countryside to a local winery for a wine tasting of Sangiovese Trebbiano & Albana (indigenous white wine).
In the late afternoon we will have an Italian cooking class demonstration at a local 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! We will enjoy an aperitif in the very pretty garden of the restaurant (weather permitting) awaiting our dinner consisting of what we have prepared in the kitchen with Nicola.
Day Five Thursday, November 3rd
In the morning, visit and walk with Raffaella in the Central Market area, comprised of ancient narrow streets lined with colorful, irresistible Italian food shops, stands and delis, wonderful to the eye and to the taste. We will be selecting some of the foods for the evening cooking class.
Lunch on your own with free time to explore.
In the late afternoon hands-on cooking class with Raffaella & family in their home followed by a farewell dinner consisting of the fruits of your own afternoon labors. A truly special experience!
Final Day Friday, November 4th
Today ends our Emilia Romagna Culinary Adventure. Departure after breakfast. Private transfers and assistance will be provided to Bologna airport or train station.
Italian Adventure to Emilia Romagna includes:
5 nights in lovely four star hotel in the historic center of Bologna, breakfast included daily
1 cooking lessons/demonstration at a local restaurant
1 cooking lesson/hands-on at a private family home
2 dinners after the cooking lessons with selected regional wines
2 meals at the restaurant with selected regional wines, mineral water and coffee
1 light lunch
Truffle hunting experience with trained truffle hunting dog & owner
Escorted Bologna center visit with English speaking guide
Escorted Bologna food market visit with English speaking guide
Visit to Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory and tasting
Visit to Balsamic Vinegar of Modena producer and tasting
Olive harvest and new olive oil tasting
Visit local winery with wine tasting
Our recipe book in English
Traditional Italian hand printed apron
Private transfers and assistance on arrival and at departure (from and to Bologna train station or airport)
Private transportation --minibus with driver-- for all the excursions/visits
Local Italian guide, Marcello (English speaking )
All local taxes
Please note: The daily schedule may vary due to weather or unforeseen changes with local producers and may be rearranged by our hosts.
Not included: Flight ticket Personal expenses Everything not written in the program Trip / Cancellation insurance
Special Activities for free time will be suggested upon your interests.
If you wish to extend your time in Italy either before or after the Emilia Romagna Culinary Adventure please contact Ginger for ideas and trip planning.
Emilia Romagna Culinary Tour Price
5 nights / days
1860€ per person double occupancy
(minimum 8 & maximum 10 people)
Single supplement at rate of 160€ / day.
Prices converted to USD at time of reservation.
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About Your Hosts
Marcello & Raffaella Tori
Married since 1980, Marcello and Raffaella have three children, Emanuele, Francesca and Tommaso. They live in the historic centre of Bologna, Italy. In recognition of their individual achievements, interests, skills and passions, they were destined to collaborate. Raffaella’s Law degree and her inherited family passion for traditional cooking, linked with Marcello’s vast knowledge of Italy and his professional experience in travel & tourism since 1978, enabled Bluone to become a dream come true. Stemming from their love and joy for their native region, which they know as well as the inside of their pockets, Bluone inaugurated their wine, food and cooking tours in Emilia Romagna. Due to their success, Raffaella and Marcello expanded their unique concept to neighboring Italian regions involving enthusiastic and passionate local people, who shared their vision, creating new and exciting gastronomic adventures.
Ginger Pozzini
Ginger brings Italy to life for her clients. After 30 years of traveling through, living in and loving Italy, Ginger’s personal knowledge and passion for the country serves clients desiring an authentic Italian experiences. Whether visiting historical sights, touring wineries, cooking at the elbow of an Italian chef, driving through medieval hilltowns or visiting a local festival or market, Ginger guides clients to feel comfortable immersing themselves in the culture and the country. As an Italian travel specialist, Ginger dedicates herself only to Italy. She understands the Italian rhythm of life and guides her clients in creating an itinerary that balances desired bases, travel pace and experiences.
For more information and to sign up for one of the Emilia Romagna Culinary Fall 2011 Tours contact Ginger Pozzini.
