THE FOOD VALLEY OF ITALY: EMILIA ROMAGNA

Explore the capital of good food and opera, Parma: the Cathedral Square with its ‘pink marble’ Baptistery and the Cathedral Dome decorated with frescos by Correggio; if you are interested in music not to be missed the historical Theatres: the Farnese Theatre, a copy of Andrea Palladio’s Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, situated inside the Palazzo della Pillotta and the Regio Theatre, symbolic venue of Giuseppe Verdi’s music.
Parma is not only famous for its “Prosciutto” (ham), Parmigiano cheese, architecture and music but also for its surrounding countryside. Full-day excursion to Parma countryside to visit a famous farm where “salumi” are produced. Visit the old “Corte” and one of the best producers of Culatello di Zibello, the unique and most refined expression of Parma Ham to discover the secret of its production and seasoning. Tasting included.

Stop in Modena, “la Terra dei Motori” homeland of the most popular Italian Motor Racing Cars: Ferrari and Lamborghini.
Visit the famous MEF (Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari) displaying the most noteworthy automobiles in Enzo Ferrari’s life as a driver and car builder (Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Maserati cars), rare cars of the 1950s, Formula One race cars. The museum takes visitors into a magical time machine that spans his whole life and immerses them in the history of the 20th century.
We could also arrange a stop in Maranello where you will have the chance to drive a real Ferrari! You’ll pick-up your fantastic car (Ferrari 430 or Ferrari California) and drive it in the afternoon, exploring the surroundings of Maranello. Don’t miss the Ferrari Museum of Maranello, custodian of the myth the Company’s official exhibition housing cars and trophies that have characterized the history of the brand and have been hugely successful on commercial markets and worldwide circuits: one of the reasons why the museum is not just a static collection but a dynamic exhibition constantly renewed. (OPTIONAL).
Lunch in a refined restaurant in Modena to taste typical fresh pasta and typical dishes with the local traditional balsamic vinegar. You will appreciate the creativity, unique in terms of the marriage of textures and flavors that come from the region: the cuisine tries to combine both tradition and touches of creativity which translate in successfully revisited dishes.
Visit a winery of Lambrusco di Modena where you have the chance to taste one of the best-selling wines of Italy.
Private guided tour of Bologna, plenty of works of art bearing witness to the cultural importance of the main city of the region over the centuries. A walk under the almost 40 km of porticoes that adorn its streets mean visitors can enjoy city life and its gastronomic fame.
Guided tour of Ravenna, a city with ancient origins and a glorious past, three times a capital city: of the Western Roman Empire, of the Empire of Theodore (King of the Goths) and of the Byzantine Empire of Europe. Its basilicas and baptisteries still house a mosaics from the 5th/ 6th centuries AD and eight monuments of the city are UNESCO world Heritage Sites.
Full-day excursion to the ‘Italian Food Valley’, from where some of the best world popular Italian food products come from. Visit the best production farms with an expert local food guide: a small organic factory of Parmigiano Reggiano DOP where you will have the rare opportunity to witness the entire process of the production. Breakfast with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and fresh ricotta with a glass of sweet Lambrusco. Then a local Modenese family will show you the ancient technique of aging local wine in oak barrels to produce the famous Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP; full tasting of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale DOP. Lunch in a countryside “trattoria”, and then visit one of the best Prosciutto di Modena DOP producers in the region, one of the most delicious pork products this planet has ever known.