Cultour Italia - Parma + Modena Culinary Tour

Meet at the 5-star Grand Hotel De La Ville, formerly a pasta factory for the Barilla family, which founded the Barilla pasta company in 1877. We'll enjoy a welcome drink and a brief introduction to Parma's history. 

https://www.grandhoteldelaville.com

Heading out for dinner, this first evening we walk through the charming streets of central Parma to a typical local Trattoria.

We start the morning with a visit to a prosciutto producer from 1861, masters in the aging process. Their philosophy of “slow”, using traditional methods, and a focus on the local terroir awards them DOP* and IGT** designations for their products.

For lunch become part of the family at Nonna’s house! Nonna Christina cooks and hosts us for lunch in her private residence in a classic old-town Parmesan house.

In the afternoon you’ll have some free time to explore Parma. We’ll provide you with varied suggestions.

In the evening we convene at the premier local cocktail lounge reserved exclusively for our group, where we’ll learn about classic Italian cocktails and graze through typical local appetizers.

*DOP is short for Protected Designation of Origin and it ensures that products are locally grown and packaged. It is also a promise to the consumer - it guarantees that the DOP food was made by local farmers and artisans using traditional methods.

**GT stands for indicazione geografica tipica (an authentic geographic designation). In EU parlance it has been changed to IGP or indicazione geografica protetta - a protected geographical indication used today for wines and foods, within and beyond Italy.

The internationally renowned Parmesan cheese comes from Parma. We visit a family-owned farm in operation since 1879, whose sole focus is to produce the inimitable Parmigiano Reggiano. We will have a tasting of what is considered to be among the world’s top-quality cheeses.

We then travel to the Franciacorta wine region at the foot of the Alps and visit two inimitable wineries - the most historic (from 1680) and the most modern and innovative wine producer in the country. We will have private winery tours and tastings at these producers specializing in sparkling wine.

Eat where the wine-makers eat. That evening we dine at a local Osteria that has been in continuous operation since 1800! 

We start the day at Alma Academy, the internationally acclaimed school of Italian culinary arts. The Academy is housed in a former aristocratic residence; we have an exclusive tour through some of its private rooms and have been granted the unique opportunity of our private cooking lesson followed by lunch.

In the afternoon there is some free time to shop or to further explore Parma.

Dinner brings us to the banks of the Po River, to visit an ancient farm dating from the

1500’s, famous for its naturally climate-controlled cellars, used by the nobles of the time to cure their meats.

In 1990 new owners restored the farm and now make one of Italy’s most prized cured meats - the rare & small culatello. We tour the buildings and cellars and dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant housed within its walls.

We check out of our hotel in Parma and travel into the Emilian countryside, starting with a visit to Torrechiara, one of the most physically intact castles from the 15th century. 

We follow with a simple lunch at a delicatessen in operation for over 100 years at the base of the castle. Its passionate owner curates all the product selections and hosts us offering his samples.

In the afternoon we proceed to our accommodation at Relais Roncolo 1888. Situated on 130 acres of organic land, the estate was for many years the private residence of noble families. Enjoy some free time to wander the property, plunge in the pool or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful hospitality of the Relais.

We dine on site this evening at the historic greenhouse overlooking the hillsides.

Today’s focus is Modena, known for balsamic vinegar, opera, Lamborghini & Ferrari, and home to the world’s best restaurant - Massimo Bottura’s Osteria Francescana.

We begin with a visit to the Ferrari museum, and at lunchtime head into the old town center of Modena to visit the historic market. After lunch, there is the option of free time to tour the charming center or to visit “il Tortellante” - an innovative cultural project and cooperative community where young people with autism learn to work with fresh pasta and then find real jobs. 

We re-group in the afternoon to visit Massimo Bottura’s private balsamic vinegar production for an exclusive tasting. 

For our final dinner together we dine at Bottura’s newest and outstanding countryside restaurant which revolves around a wood-burning oven. It was just awarded its first Michelin Star.

For anyone who would like to extend their stay at the Relais, we can assist with initiating the request and providing a direct contact. 

If you would like to extend elsewhere in Italy, please feel free to reach out to [email protected]