Something to look forward to

Judy and Steve, Italy 2005

Judy and Steve are doing all the trip planning for northern Italy (trip starts May 12).  We have a few cooking classes planned, a day or two in Venice.  We will be staying in Bologna for one week and in another place for another week.  The birthplace of Risotto and where this special rice is grown.  Also, while in Bologna, a special tour which is described below.  I am already stowing away liquor bottle wraps in order to bring back balsamic, olive oil and wine.  Just thought you'd enjoy this teaser. 

Typical Schedule:

- 7:30 a.m. : Departure from your Hotel in Bologna or the Bologna train station and we will be back around 4:30 pm

First visit is to the cheese factory, where you will see all the working steps in the production of the Parmesan Cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano) - from the untreated milk until the final product. At the end of the visit there will be a cheese tasting at different stages of maturity accompanied with a good Lambrusco Wine

Second Visit is to the "Acetaia" where the owners make the famous "Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena" (Balsamic Vinegar minimum 12 years old) and where they will reveal to you the secret to the art to making traditional vinegar from wine, as well as the history of the Balsamic Vinegar through the centuries . Afterwards there will be a tasting of an "Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale", which has matured for 4-15-30 years in special barrels. We will also have the chance to try a nice ice cream topped with Balsamic Vinegar Tradizionale .. mmmm : )

Afterwards we will get a special tour of the Liberty-Style Villa where the owner of the Acetaia lives and where in 1976 the movie "1900" by Bernardo Bertolucci , with Robert de Niro, Dominik Sandra and Gerard Depardieu was filmed! Inside the Villa is a Stunning private collection of glass vases by Gallè and Lalique, as well as many prized paintings and a private collection of bronze animals from the best Austrian and French school...An incredible glimps into the History of Italy!!!!!

Last but not least we will visit a Typical Italian Wine Cantina (winery) in a XVIth Century monastery that is currently a wonderful Agriturismo with fantastic views of the hills, here we will have a fabulous wine tasting and a light lunch all while enjoying the beautiful view of the Valley...

After lunch we will meet a family that for over 3 generations has been committed to the production of “Prosciutto di Modena, A Prosciutto equal to the more famous Prosciutto de Parma, however it is produced in the city limits of Modena instead of Parma!