EMILIAN TRADITIONS: THE LAND OF EXCELLENCE: 5 DAYS/ PARMA- MODENA- MARANELLO

The heart of the Po Valley, Emilia Romagna is a wonderful region, full of cities of art and homeland of ancient traditions which have given birth to some of the Italian excellence brands in the world. From the capital city of the region, Bologna and its historic university (the most ancient European one) and its elegant porticoes to the towns of Parma, Modena, Ferrara- each one witness to the intellectual fervour of the Italian Renaissance. The squares, town halls and churches of these small but charming towns tell us a story of distant times and the narrow streets so small and ethereal that you can comfortably  explore them on the back of your bike, create that calm and relaxed atmosphere so different from the chaotic one that you can breathe in big cities. But Emilia is also the mother of Italian gastronomy and some of its most exported excellences in the world including the delicious Tortellini, Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. An itinerary designed to make you discover the best of these cities and to let you retrace the deep and long traditions which have given birth to these magnificent products. And finally, Emilia is home to Ferrari: the iconic Italian car brand. Don't miss the Museum dedicated to the history of this flaming redhead!

5 days/ 4 nights- 2 pax minimum

Day 1: Arrival to Parma

Arrival to Parma and check-in at the assigned hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Parma ham factory and Parmigiano Reggiano factory tour

The day will begin with the discovery of the two gastronomic excellences of the Parma area: Parma Ham and Parmigiano Reggiano. The group tour begins with a visit to a dairy factory where you will witness the different production phases of Parmigiano Reggiano. You will reach the locations by bus with the rest of the Group from Parma. It will be possible to witness the extraction of the new Parmesan wheel , visit the brine room and the maturing warehouse. At the end of the route, wou will taste two different aged cheeses accompanied by local wine. Next, you will move towards the town of Langhirano where Parma ham is born. After an introduction to the area, you will enjoy a visit to the ham production rooms and the maturing rooms. At the end of the visit, you will have the chance to taste Parma ham aged 24 months with homemade bread and wine from the Parma hills. At the end of the tour you will return to Parma. Lunch on your own . Afternoon and evening free to explore Parma independently. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 3: Modena vinegar factory tour- tasting- cooking class- lunch

Dedicate the day to a unique and unforgettable experience: a visit to an ancient vinegar factory in Modena where you can discover the secrets of the production of Modena's "black gold", a unique product with an absolutely enveloping taste. The family that owns the estate will first show you the various rooms, explaining each production phase and then accompanying you in a tasting of various vintages of vinegars, including a "reserve" version. The day will continue with an Emilian cooking lesson where you will learn the secrets of egg pasta and learn the recipe for tagliatelle and tortellini. Finally you will sit at the table where you can enjoy the regional delicacies with pleasure. Enjoy the rest of the day free to visit Modena and its beautiful historic center. Return and overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 4: Maranello- Ferrari Museum

The day will be dedicated to discovering the world of Ferrari. You will go to Maranello where you can visit the Ferrari Museum and learn about the history of this flagship brand of Made in Italy in the world. Take the opportunity to visit the Maranello circuit and in the remaining free time, if you want, explore the surrounding countryside area. Free evening. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 5: Departure

Free day. Departure.

HOTEL ACCOMODATION: NH Parma or similar