Bologna ~ Tortellini, Parmigiano & Balsamico™

Bologna! We invite you to join us on this magical culinary journey through the Medieval City of Bologna, under arches and across piazzas to discover a city that is rich in food, and history, and elegant in all senses.

As featured in Feb 2014 – Click here to read more!

La Grande Cucina Bolognese

La Grande Cucina Bologna program includes 3 hands-on cooking classes while discovering so many favorite addresses of food, wine, culture, and history in la centro storico. To get acquainted with this beautiful city, you will have an unforgettable week of cooking, tasting and touring through Bologna with our food experts, Chefs, and artisan producers. Also included is a special countryside tour to the land of Parmigiano Reggiano & Aceto Balsamico. There you will see the old-world artisans create the famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Discussion and tastings included. Next, we take you on a guided tour with tastings too to an artisan Balsamic Vinegar producer. A notable family in Modena opens the door to their workshop where you will see how the fine Balsamic vinegar is made. Discussions & tastings follow. Topping it all is a Medieval Food Lover’s Walking Tour through the centro storico to experience yet another important aspect of cooking in La Grande Cucina Bologna. Our private guide & food lover takes you through the famous marketplace of Bologna and its specialty food stores, purveyors, food stands, and vendors. Discussion & tastings included.

Bologna Cooking Classes

Our team of Chefs, two sisters in the kitchen, are professional Sfogline! A Sfoglina is a Bolognese term for women who make pasta by hand in the traditional way with an old-fashioned rolling pin and wooden tools.  Learn the art of artisan pasta making – roll out thin sheets of perfect pasta is something they do best! Starting with the process of preparing the ‘OO Farina,’ the finely ground white flour, followed by the kneading and resting, they then roll out the sfoglia with the old wooden rolling pin and pasta tools to create the small delicate pasta. Tortellini, tortelloni & tagliatelli, all with delicious stuffings and sauces. Under the guidance of our professional Chefs, you will learn the technique for mixing, kneading, rolling, and creating perfect tortellini & tortelloni, tagliatelle, and Bolognese Lasagne.

Bologna

Bologna is the culinary capital of Italy and the birthplace of tortellini, Parmigiano Reggiano, Aceto Balsamico and Mortadella, to name.  Also known as la grassa, the Fat Lady, Bologna is a Medieval City of old-world intellect with a touch of modern chic. Bologna’s centro storico is lined with specialty food shops that carry on with 4th and 5th generations of families still producing perfect artisan products of Prosciutto, Parmigiano, tortellini, and artisan bread just as their forefathers did. From via Caprerie to via Clavature, the small ancient streets of the 1880s seem to form one perfect banquet hall.

La Rosa, or Pink City as it is often called, is wrapped inside a Medieval Wall with porticos or arches where you’ll discover beautiful monuments, museums, arcades, piazzas, churches, shops, bookshops, artisan clothiers, handcrafted shoe and boot makers, and cafés and restaurants galore. From the Basilica of San Petronio-one of Europe’s largest churches built in the 12th century to the Fontana del Nettuno – a masterpiece by Giambologna, the Two Towers of 1109 – Asinelli & Garisenda, Europe’s oldest university – Alma Mater Studiorum founded in 1088 with notable alumni Dante, Petrarch, Prodi, and the Portico of S. Luca, which is connected to the city from its place on the hillside with 666 arches, local landmarks combine for an itinerary with lots to see. And not to mention the many Michelin Star restaurants, trattorias, cafés & restaurants that over the centuries have served intellectuals, politicians, writers, painters, and musicians from around the world. Bologna is a town that is brimming with delicious cuisine, culture, and music and is home to Italy’s grande cucina.

Modena

Modena is a 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, this small town gained notoriety in the twelfth 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, bread, 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, the Museum Palace, the 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.

Parma

Parma is a small city in the Emilia Romagna region, famed for Parmesan cheese, Parma ham, and fresh handmade pasta. Romanesque buildings, including the frescoed Parma Cathedral and the pink marble Baptistery, grace the city center. Classical concerts take place at the Teatro Regio, a 19th-century opera house, throughout the season. The Galleria Nazionale, inside the imposing Palazzo della Pilotta, displays works by painters Correggio and Canaletto. Parma was originally a Roman colony and follows the ancient layout of a typical Roman settlement. During the Roman era, the town had a theater, amphitheater, thermal spa, basilica, and forum, where Piazza Garibaldi stands today. Parma’s charm – spilling with artisan shops, trattorias, and osterias – makes it a delicious destination with something for everyone.

Parmigiano Reggiano & Aceto Balsamico

DOP Parmigiano Reggiano and aceto balsamico, balsamic vinegar, are important local ingredients in the cooking of the Emilia-Romagna region. During a full-day excursion, you will learn about Parmigiano, those giant golden wheels weighing in at about 85 pounds, and how they are still made following the same traditional and genuine methods from seven hundred years ago. Their name is trademarked, and there is a legal exclusive control used over its production and sale. Parmigiano is protected by the European Union and can only be produced in a restricted area with the official seal, a zona tipica including the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna, and Mantova.

We visit a Master Grader at his workshop and see how it is made. He leads you through the processing, first the milk is heated and then the cheese is shaped, stamped, and buckled in. It then soaks in a brine for 25 days, then, it in an aging room for 12 months.  Following this process, the cheese is polished, cleaned, and turned every 7 days by a Master, it faces a 12-month inspection, a cheese tasting by the Master Grader, and is heat branded. Parmigiano Reggiano is not your ordinary cheese, and the intensive time & labor that go into the making drive the price, an average selling point is $15 or more per pound.

We also visit an artisan balsamic maker with a tour of the studio and tastings included.  You will learn about the history of balsamic vinegar, and how it’s aged – some bottles have been aged up to one hundred years old and more and bottled at this noble family’s property.  Learn how the aged balsamico guild continues to be one of the richest and most powerful trade guilds in central Italy.  The Gilded Trade era also guarded their secrets as the guild passed down the technique from generation to generation. By the 1800s it had become commonplace to enrich the dowries of local noblewomen with jars and little barrels of balsamico.  The tour includes an English-speaking guide, tour, and tastings.

Wine of Bologna and Emilia Romagna

Discover the wine of Emilia Romagna – think Lambrusco, Sangiovese, and Pignoletto -during your stay!  The region grows six grape varieties that grow on the sun-beaten hillsides in the countryside and the fertile valleys close to the sea.  The hilly countryside brings you to the Collie Bolognesi, where three red wines –  Barbera, Merlot, and Sauvignon, along with four white wines – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco, Riesling Italico, and Chardonnay grow in rich soil vineyards.  Parma and Piacenza produce Malvasia di Candia and Sauvignon Blanc white varieties and the Barbera and Bonarda red varieties.  There’s also Albana and Sangiovese.  In Modena and Reggio Emilia, there is Lambrusco and Terre del Lambrusco DOP.  Join us on tour, sip, and swirl while experiencing the interesting wines of Emilia Romagna.

Bologna Accommodations

B&B Luxury Guest House – Check in and relax at the luxury B&B guest house set in the historic center of Bologna on one of the most prestigious streets in the city. Privately owned, this exquisite 5-bedroom property is minutes from the Piazza Maggiore and the centro storico. The property is elegantly decorated with fine furniture and comfortable bedding with Italian linens.  The property boasts a cozy lounge decorated with soft colors and furnished with comfortable sofas and a large-screen LCD satellite with many TV channels.  Take in the beauty of Italian art, Provencal furniture, and Venetian art from the 1700’s. Each private bedroom, cleverly named and designer decorated offers a private ensuite bathroom, air conditioner, mini bar, WiFi Internet, writing desk, and sitting area.  Daily breakfast is served in the dining room with cappuccino, espresso, teas, homemade cakes, traditional pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, cake, and biscotti.

4-Star Boutique – Our 4-Star deluxe property is privately owned and simply luxurious.  This charming 4-Star is just by the Piazza and offers all modern conveniences steps away from the main sites and monuments. Rooms are furnished with one-of-a-kind bed linens, furniture, and art.  Each room has big bright windows, a minibar, air conditioning, satellite TV, a safe, and a free internet connection. The full private bath includes plush towels, bathrobes, slippers, and beauty products.  Breakfast is served in the European-style dining room with a full breakfast including hot and cold cereals, fruit, toast, eggs, cakes, bread, assorted savory pies, cakes, cookies, jams, coffee, cappuccino, and tea.  Special requests are accommodated upon request. The property also offers a sitting room and bar with full-service drinks, tea, and snacks.

Bologna Boutique Apartments – perfect for a family or group.  Just a 10-minute walk from Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore, our apartments are perfect for couples, groups, and families. Beautifully decorated in soothing cool pastel blues, beiges, and whites, furnished and equipped with all modern conveniences, these 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments are located in a historic property that’s been refurbished to extremely high standards. All apartments are spacious and have a sleek modern kitchenette with a kitchen-top induction cooker, refrigerator with freezer, microwave oven, dishwasher, and electric kettle.  Some apartments have a private terrace, while others offer views of the city and Bologna’s characteristic rooftops. Laundry facilities are also available at the property.  Breakfast is not included as there is not a common restaurant or kitchen nor caffé in the boutique apartments.

3-Star – The property is set in the heart of Bologna and is the perfect option who want comfort and convenience.  The property offers charming rooms filled with modern conveniences just a few steps from the Piazza Maggiore. Rooms are pristine, and nicely furnished and have a minibar, air conditioning, satellite TV, safe, and free internet connection.  Buffet breakfasts are served in the dining area.  There is also a pleasant lobby where you can relax, read the newspaper, watch TV, and enjoy a coffee or glass of wine served at the hotel snack bar. The knowledgeable and professional staff is on hand at all times to assist.

Click for Property Photo Gallery

Itinerary ~ 7 days, 6 nights

Check-in and start your program on any day of the week.

Day 1: Welcome To Bologna

• Check in and relax.
•  bag and read through all the food and touring notes you will need for your 5 days in Bologna.
• A Welcome Dinner featuring a Chef’s Tasting Menu featuring a full-course traditional menu of local fare.

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

• Breakfast is served.
• Tie on your apron for Cooking Class 1. The kitchen area is well prepared with ‘OO Farina,’ farm fresh eggs, fresh Ricotta, and her great grandmother’s wooden rolling pins for a morning of mixing, kneading, rolling, and stuffing traditional Tortelloni & Tortellini-you will learn the difference and the technique in the two.  The practice of pasta making takes years of practice!  You will also cook up traditional Bolognese sauce, including Ragu’ Bolognese-which takes a minimum 5 to 6-hour slow cook method.
• Although Bologna is noted for its fresh pasta, desserts are not underestimated. As you stroll through the city take notice of the fancy pastry shops and cafés whose cases and windows are brimming with cakes, tortes, and biscotti of grandeur.  During your cooking class, you will also learn traditional desserts – think la Pinza – a stuffed pastry stuffed with raisins, wine, almonds, apple & prunes; Torta di riso di Bologna – a rice cake prepared with nuts, and Amaretti cookies, cider and sugar; Zuccherino Montanaro – an anise based liqueur cookie; Zuppa Inglese–a pan di Spagna or sponge cake soaked with liqueur such as Marsala and sprinkled with cocoa; or Dolce di San Michele – delicate cake cooked with cream and dedicated to Saint Michael.
• Lunch follows and includes the foods prepared in class. Toast with a glass of local Sangiovese wine included.
• Food Lover’s Tour: In the afternoon, join your guide and start at the Piazza Maggiore for a storybook tale of food, history, and the layout of Bologna’s center. The main square, Piazza Maggiore, is a landmark that stands through time. Your guided tour includes food notes, historical notes, and some visits to landmarks and important churches. (Museum tickets not included in program price.) Tastings along the way. After your 3-hour tour, take a seat at one of the Grande Cafes on the piazza for a traditional aperitivo and watch the world go by.

Day 3: Cooking Class 2

• Breakfast is served.
• Tie on your apron and get out your rolling pin. Cooking Class 2 continues with hands-on experience in the kitchen with our Chefs. Tagliatelle, Gramigna, or Lasagna are a sample of pasta on her seasonal menu. Artichoke, Porcini, or slow-cooked Ragu are a sample of sauces, and always a sweet dessert, too. Lunch follows and includes the foods prepared in class. Toast with a glass of local Sangiovese wine included.
• In the afternoon, take time to discover the footpaths of Bologna’s cobblestone city, or rent a bicycle and ride through the red-roof city stopping in time for an aperitivo. Bookshops filled with great reads, churches filled with art, or a rich espresso in the Piazza make for a perfect day.
• In the evening, dinner is on your own with suggestions provided.

Day 4: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese & Balsamico Countryside Tour & Lunch and Wine

• Breakfast is served.
• A full-day countryside tour to the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Aceto Balsamico producers with our English-speaking guide and driver. The excursion brings you to the area’s two prized makers of the coveted Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and balsamico. Discussions with food tastings,  traditional lunch with wine, and English-speaking guide included
• Return to Bologna in the late afternoon.
• In the evening, dinner is on your own with suggestions provided.

Day 5: Cooking Class 3

• Breakfast is served.
• Tie on your apron and get out your rolling pin.  Cooking Class 3 continues with hands-on experience in the kitchen with our Chefs.  The secondo or main courses are the focus of today’s class. Slow-braised pork, rabbit stewed in aged Balsamico, and chicken in a creamy Porcini mushroom sauce are a sample of the authentic foods you will prepare. Follow Chef’s techniques for a healthy artichoke carpaccio, peperoni imbottiti, or a frittata with shaved truffles.
• Lunch follows and includes the foods prepared in class. Toast with a glass of local Sangiovese wine included.
• In the evening, dinner is on your own with suggestions provided.

Day 6: Full-Day Excursion to Modena & Parma with Driver (Optional Add-On Private Guide)

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, meet your private driver for a tour of Modena.  Explore the beautiful townhome to Luciano Pavarotti, the famous covered marketplace brimming with artisan food products – think cheese, bread, wine, and farmers and food purveyors showcasing and selling prized, fish, truffles, pork, vegetables, and fruits. Enjoy lunch in a local trattoria, suggestions are provided upon request. Then head to the beautiful city of Parma known for its prosciutto, cheese, architecture, and universities.  If you would like to add on a private guide and a traditional full-course lunch on this excursion, please inquire about pricing.
• Following your full-day tour, return to the property.
• In the evening, dinner is on your own with suggestions provided.

Day 7: Check Out & Ciao!

• Breakfast is served. Check out.
• After breakfast, departure transfer to Bologna train station or airport.
• Ciao & see you soon!

*Note: This schedule may vary due to inclement weather, saint days, or festivals. All activities, in the event of rescheduling, are always included during the program.