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 a small and charming medieval hilltown. Welcome dinner at a very typical Italian trattoria frequented by local families to enjoy traditional dishes of the area where the food is outstanding.

Monday – Wine tasting, ceramic shop and cooking lesson on hand-made pasta
In the late morning drive to visit a local family winery, where they produce a very good Sangiovese red wine, the most important wine of the area. Tasting of three wines and light lunch at the winery with simple home-made food of the area.
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 the late 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 our creations at her 150 years old farmhouse among the olive trees.

Tuesday – Gelato fair in Rimini
In the morning drive to Rimini to the Gelato fair. In fact this fair, that takes place every year in Rimini -Emilia Romagna- is the most important event not only in Italy but in the world in the ice-cream field but is gaining prestige also in the craftmade pastry and baking fields. At the very big fair you will have the possibility to taste many outstanding Italian "gelatos", prepared in different ways and with different ingredients, and to learn more about this wonderful product.
In the late afternoon back to Bologna and free dinner, after a long day.

Wednesday –  Parmigiano reggiano 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, 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 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.

Thursday – Food shopping at the market and cooking lesson in preparing some regional specialties
In the morning visit and walk in the 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. Here we will buy the ingredients for our 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.

Friday – Guided visit of Ferrara and farewell gala dinner at San Domenico in Imola
In the morning leave for Ferrara, famous for its beautiful palaces. The presence of Este family -one of the most cultured courts in Italy and in all Europe- in the city, makes Ferrara a marvellous city full of beautiful palaces rich of decorations. The most famous monument is Castello Estense, that dates from the 14th century. Also the university, founded in 1391, is very important since it is one of the oldest in Italy.
Light lunch in the area, then 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
Departure to Bologna airport or train station after breakfast at the hotel.

PRICE PER PERSON
IN DOUBLE ROOM EUROS 2540
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT EUROS 200

Included:
• 6 nights in a lovely 4 star hotel (breakfast included)
• Italian cooking lessons as indicated in the program
• private transport and assistance on arrival and at departure
• local tour director English speaking throughout
• meals as written in the program with selected regional wines, mineral water and coffee
• all excursions, visits and tastings specified in the program

Not included:
• flight ticket;
• personal expenses;
• everything not written in the program

2009 DATES
18 - 24 JANUARY