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 for our welcome dinner at a typical Italian restaurant frequented by local families to enjoy traditional dishes of the area.

Monday – Truffle hunting with dog, chestnuts in Castel del Rio and cooking lesson
Morning excursion in the Romagna countryside for truffle hunting with “Lagotto“ breed dogs, the special truffle dogs.
After truffle hunting, drive to Castel del Rio, Italian capital of "marroni" (chestnuts). They are special fruits, very genuine and good, that can be eaten roasted, boiled or used in the preparation of some special dishes. The chestnut coming from the area of Castel del Rio has obtained -for its special characteristics- the IGP certification (geographical protect indication) that assures the quality and the genuineness of this wonderful autumn product.
Lunch at a trattoria in the area.
In the late afternoon Italian cooking lesson. Dinner of your creations.

Tuesday – Food shopping at the market and cooking lesson in preparing some regional specialties
In the morning drive to Bologna. 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.
Light lunch on your own.
After lunch guided tour of Bologna with an English speaking guide.
In the late 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, 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 – Ceramic shop in Faenza, extra virgin olive oil tasting and cooking lesson on hand-made pasta
In the morning 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.
Then drive to an extra virgin olive oil mill to see how the extra virgin olive oil is produced and we will taste the new extra virgin olive oil.
Light lunch at a pretty family owned trattoria in the center of little village in the hills.
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.

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.
Lunch in Ferrara, 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

2008 DATES
02-08  NOVEMBER