Traditional Cooking in Modena™

Join Cooking Vacations for hands-on cooking classes in the heart of Modena with an Italian Mamma. Learn how to prepare traditional antipasto, fresh regional pasta and desserts, while learning the traditions of Modena and the farm-to-table philosophy that has governed this region for centuries.

You’ll learn how to prepare fresh pasta, such as: tagliatelle, tortellini, cappelletti, tortelloni and lasagne – delicately rolled by hand, just as the Chef’s grandmother taught her.  You’ll also learn how to make traditional and in season sauces including:  slow-cooked ragù bolognese.  Desserts such as bensone, Modena’s traditional cake, or Zuppa Inglese, along with local red or white wine are included.

With our local, English-speaking guide, you’ll visit the landmarks of Modena and hear stories about local life, the city’s rich food culture, and how the city became a UNESCO Heritage Site. Enjoy food tastings included along the way, such as the region’s famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese at three different ages – 12, 24 and 36 months, balsamic vinegar, local bread and Prosciutto and Culatello  tigelle or gnocco fritto, traditional bread.  Soak up the sights and culture of the quaint caffés and wine bars spilling onto the piazza, while artisan shops are brimming with handmade goods in beautiful Modena.

Modena Cooking Classes

Cooking classes take place in our Italian chef’s home kitchen.  Learn how to make antipasto, fresh hand-made fresh pasta –  tortellini, cappelletti or ravioli, along with seasonal sauces of ragù and Bolognese, pumpkin and mushroom.  Main courses are traditional using seasonal ingredients.  Traditional desserts of Emilia Romagna include torta Barozzi or torta nera, a black tart made with coffee, chocolate and almond.  During the cooking class you will prepare a full course menu.  Following the cooking class, everyone enjoys the food that was prepared in the cooking class with local red or white wine, and coffee, included.

Modena

Modena is small city that is big in history, music, cuisine and landmarks.  Set on the south side of the Po Valley in the heart of Emilia Romagna, it gained notoriety in the 12th century, when it became a free city and then passed to the rule of the Este family late the next century. By the sixteenth century it was a wealthy and prosperous city, and also the home to the Pope.

Its cobblestone walkways tell a tale of its ancient past. Walk along its narrow streets and visit the famous covered market. Filled with vendors selling local vegetables, fish, meats, cheese, breads and pasta, it is a social meeting place for locals who love to buy the region’s best produce and D.O.P. products.

Visit the Ducal Palace, The Town Hall, The Cathedral and the Ghirlandina, Museum Palace, Synagogue or Teatro Comunale Modena for an interesting tour that showcases the city’s past.

Modena is called the capital of engines, due to the factories of the famous Italian sports car makers Ferrari, De Tomaso, Lamborghini, Pagani and Maserati. It was also the hometown of Luciano Pavarotti, the great Italian tenor, whose name now graces the local opera house, the ex-Teatro Comunale.

Modena Accommodations

Our charming bed and breakfast is set in the heart of Modena, footsteps from the main piazza, Piazza Grande, the Cathedral and the Ghirlandina Tower. Each room has private ensuite bathroom, comfortable beds, fine linens and bathroom amenities.  On the property, there  is a living room and library with sitting room where you can relax and sit back and enjoy a glass of wine. Daily breakfast is included, and is served on the terrace overlooking the Ghirlandina Tower and rooftops of Modena. Careful attention to detail by the professional staff ensure guests enjoy a warm and friendly stay.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Benvenuto, Welcome & Chef’s Tasting Dinner

• Arrival & check-in.
• In the evening, enjoy your Chef’s Tasting Welcome Dinner with a full course fare.  Wine and beverages are not included, and are payable directly to the restaurant.

Day 2: Cooking Class 1 & Modena Landmark and Food Lover’s Tour

• Breakfast is served.
• Tie on our apron in your Chef’s home kitchen for your first hands-on cooking class preparing a three-course lunch including an antipasto, fresh pasta, and dessert.  Lunch follows and everyone dines on the foods that were prepared in the cooking class.  Toast with a glass of red or white local wine, included.
• Meet your English-speaking guide and set off your Landmark and Food Lover’s Tour of Modena. discover Modena, its history, cuisine and famous monuments such as the Ducal Palazzo, the Cathedral and Ghirlandina tower.  Your guide leads as you learn about this fascinating city with delicious tastings along the way.  Enjoy salumi, ham and artisan cheeses with local bread followed by a creamy gelato.  If guests opt to enter any museum, museum tickets not included and may be purchased at the entrance.
• Dinner is on your own, with suggestions provided.

Day 3: Cooking Class 2

• Breakfast is served.
• Tie on our apron for your second hands-on cooking class preparing a 3-course lunch including an antipasto, handmade regional fresh pasta, and dessert.  Lunch follows and everyone dines on the foods prepared in class. Toast with a glass of red or white local wine, included.
• Afternoon free to explore Modena on your own, do a little shopping or have an afternoon aperitivo in the piazza.
• Dinner on your own, with suggestions provided.

Day 4: Check Out & Departure

• Breakfast is served.
• Arrivederci Modena!

*Note: This schedule may vary due to inclement weather, saint days or festivals. All activities, in the event of rescheduling, are always included in the program.  Please note that museum tickets are not included in program price.