"Benvenuti a Parma"
Late afternoon check in at the Grand Hotel de la Ville, the city's only 5 Star property. (or another similar property based on availabilities*). Welcoming "Italian Aperitivo" at the Hotel lounge bar and then a group dinner in a typical Pizzeria next to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
"The Art of the Italian Gastronomy"
Morning:After breakfast at the Grand Hotel de la Ville*, begin your day of cooking & cultural touring. Welcome and guided tour of the world renowned Academia Barilla facility followed by a hands-on cooking class focused on authentic regional Italian specialties. Dressed like a chef, in your personal classroom with your personal chef you are going to discover some of the secrets of the local Regional recipes and then you will enjoy them.
Lunch
Enjoy a leisurely lunch dining on the wonderful dishes you prepared in the class with wine pairing.
Late afternoon:
Walking guided tour of the city center to discover the art and history that made Parma famous including the visit of the renowned Cathedral and its Baptistery. The tour will end at the footsteps of a local, typical restaurant where the group will enjoy a special Parma-style dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel.
"The Treasures of the Italian Food Valley"
After breakfast at the Grand Hotel de la Ville, the day begins with an early morning departure for the discovery of the gastronomic treasures that this territory produces. Visit to a Parmigiano-Reggiano producer to admire how this worldwide famous cheese is made through a century old recipe. (Tasting session at the end of the visit)
To follow:
Visit to a real Prosciuttificio that produces the precious "Prosciutto di Parma" ham. (Tasting session at the end of the visit.) Along the way to our next destination, stop for some pictures at the enchanting Castle of Torrechiara, one of the most beautiful castles in northern Italy.
Lunch: A tasting of authentic Italian delicacies at a charming winery located amidst the hills where DOC wines, "Colli di Parma", are produced.
Afternoon:
Transfer to the Province of Modena for the visit of a Traditional Balsamic Vinegar attic. (Tasting session at the end of the visit)
Then you will visit the charming city of Modena and its wonderful surroundings and historic center. The day will end with a lovely dinner at a well-known Modena restaurant famous for their unique use of Balsamic Vinegar. Return to Parma. Overnight stay at the hotel.
"Parma: the little Capital"
After your busy day on Tuesday, enjoy your leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Your morning is free to explore Parma. You can enjoy a visit to the Wednesday market, located in the historic downtown center. Shop like a local, take one of the bicycles from the hotel and shop the market on wheels.
Late afternoon:
Second hands-on cooking lesson. Today's class will incorporate the local specialties you learned about on the Gourmet Tour: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. You will learn to cook dishes that you can prepare at home for years to come and remember your wonderful visit to Parma. At the end of the class you will enjoy the dishes you prepared.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
"PARMA & VERDI'S LAND"
After breakfast at the hotel, third cooking class in Academia Barilla.
Lunch based on the preparation of the class.
Afternoon:
Departure to the land of the Province of Parma called "Terre Verdiane". On arrival in Roncole Verdi, visit the home where Verdi was born and of the church, where the young Giuseppe received the first lessons of music. Next stop is the famous Verdi's Theatre located in the center of Busseto where, during its 120 years of existence almost all of Verdi's operas have been performed.
To follow:
Visit of Barezzi's House and Hall, the seat of the Busseto Filarmonica, the place where Verdi studied and first emerged as a young composer.
For Dinner
Typical tasting based on cured pork meats and cheeses in characteristic place in Busseto. Here, there is always Verdi's music for atmosphere...Famous clients: Giuseppe Verdi and his friends, the famous singer Teresa Stolz, the famous publisher Giulio Ricordi, Ottorino Respighi, Arturo Toscanini, Gabriele D'Annunzio and a variety o singers, painters, writers and gourmets from all over the world have signed the big books of signature collection of the shop's guests.
Return to Parma and night at the hotel.
* The program may be subject to some modifications.
"NON TI SCORDAR DI NOI"
FULL PACKAGE (6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS)
Single Room Supplement: $680 if available
Price: $3,290.00/person
- 6 days
- 5 nights - at the five star Grand Hotel de la Ville
- Five Buffet Breakfasts
- Three Lunches with beverage
- Four Restaurant Dinners with beverage
- Apron and recipes
- Three Hands-on cooking classes with wine pairing
- Cathedral
- Baptistery
Gastronomic:
- Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Producer + Tasting
- Prosciuttificio Producer - Prosciutto di Parma ham + Tasting
- Traditional Balsamic Vinegar + Tasting
- Wine - Colli di Parma DOC + Tasting
Historic:
- Castle of Torrechiara
- Modena historic center
Province of Parma - Terre Verdiane Tour:
- Terre Verdiane
- Roncole Verdi
- Verdi's Theatre
- Barezzi's House & Hall
- Basseto Filarmonica