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Gourmet Fall & Winter Tour in Emilia Romagna
Experience Truffle, Balsamic Vinegar and ... in Bologna and countryside
Sunday – Get settled and welcome dinner, an intro to traditional regional Italian cuisine
Meet at Bologna airport or train station. Private transfer to your hotel, ideally situated in the heart of Bologna.
Welcome dinner at a typical Italian restaurant in Bologna to enjoy traditional dishes of the area.
Monday – Truffle hunting with dog and lunch with truffles
Morning excursion in the countryside for truffle hunting with the special truffle dogs.
Lunch in the area with menu that includes truffles.
Back to Bologna and free time. We will meet in the evening for the dinner.
Tuesday – Food shopping at the Bologna market and cooking class in preparing some regional specialties
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, stunning to behold and delicious to 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. There are many fantastic cafes in the Bologna market area to choose from.
In the afternoon hands-on cooking class at a private home with an Italian family cook, expert on hand-made pasta making. You will learn to make egg pasta from scratch rolled out with the rolling pin and other traditional dishes of the region and receive a recipe book to take home. Our multi-courses dinner will follow and consist of the fruits of your own afternoon labors.
Wednesday – Parmigiano Reggiano --Parmesan cheese--, 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 --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 the 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.
Thursday – See Ravenna Byzantine mosaics and farewell gala dinner at San Domenico -Michelin star- restaurant 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, ceramics 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. For several years it has gained 2 Michelin stars. 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.
Friday – Departure day
Departure to Bologna airport or train station after breakfast at the hotel.
2013 Dates: 13-18 October * 20-25 October * 08-13 December
This tour is also available on request in other dates from October to March
Price per person Euros 2440 - Single supplement Euros 230
Included in the price:
• 5 nights in lovely four star hotel, breakfast included
• 1 Italian cooking lesson with English assistance
• 1 dinner after the cooking lesson with selected regional wines included
• 5 meals with selected regional wines, mineral water and coffee
• Truffle hunting experience with the truffle dog
• Bologna guided food market visit in English
• Visit to Parmigiano Reggiano --Parmesan cheese-- factory and tasting
• Visit to Balsamic Vinegar of Modena producer and tasting
• Entrance fee in Ravenna
• 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 car (or minivan) with driver for all the excursions listed in the program
• Local tour director English speaking throughout (Marcello or Raffaella)
• All local taxes
Not included:
• Flight ticket
• Personal expenses
• Everything not written in the program
• Cancellation insurance
• Local taxes (city taxes)
Interested in more information about this tour?
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Contact us Dear Marcello, Raffaella, and Francesca, what a delightful time Clara and I had in Bologna, thanks to you three! It's hard to believe we have been back home for two weeks! We are still savoring our experiences with you and also with Elena, Paola, Franco, the parmigiano cheese man, the balsamic vinegar couple, Luigi and Marco and his wines! Your introductions to the preparation of pasta and other Bolognese foods; parmigiano, balsamic vinegar, and wine making, truffle hunting, Faenza, food marketing and Dozza and Imola were fantastic! But the high point was the cooking lessons with you two ladies and with Elena! When we tell our friends that we were actually able to be in your own kitchens learning directly from you they are very envious!! Thank you again for making our Bologna stay so marvelous!! May you have a lovely spring and summer! Clara & John O.- Atlanta - GA - USA Good morning Marcello and Rafaella,
Finally I have sat down to write you a note and tell you what a wonderful time we had on our trip to Italy with you!!
Our life is extremely hectic with three little children. As Canadians we seem to not enjoy life as Italians do! We forget to appreciate all the simple good things in life like family, food and wine! My time in Italy certainly reminded me how to sit and appreciate fabulous food and good conversation.
My experience with Bluone is one I have spoken of several times. Marcello, your character and knowledge of food and your region was very appreciated. Our trip was everything we hoped for. As we have been friends almost all of our lives we could have probably had fun anywhere but Italy superseded our expectations. This was truly a trip of a life time. The families we met, the restaurants we dined at and the truffle hunting were all highlights, especially the truffle hunting! Thank you for such a fabulous trip. Thank you for all the laughs and information and thank you for keeping us entertained!! Michelle P. - Port Moody - BC - Canada |