BOLOGNA – ITALY’S GASTRONOMIC HEART
WITH VALENTINA HARRIS
WITH VALENTINA HARRIS
Join Italian food expert Valentina Harris for a tour of the culinary heartland of Italy, based in Bologna, known as “la dotta, la grassa, la rossa” for its ancient university, rich cuisine and terracotta rooftops. Broadcaster, chef and author of books including ‘Italian Regional Cookery’, Valentina will introduce you to local artisans and food producers, magnificent art galleries and museums, splendid Renaissance churches and – of course – host a series of delicious meals in carefully selected local restaurants.
In addition, we will visit the nearby cities of Modena and Parma, where we meet traditional producers of Balsamic vinegar and ‘parmigiano e prosciutto’.
8 OCTOBER 2024
5 DAY HOLIDAY
5 DAY HOLIDAY
5 nights from £2689 per person (Single Supplement £396), based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room.
INCLUDES:
• Return flights
• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast
• Two lunches
• Three dinners
• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities
• The services of Valentina Harris and a Kirker Tour Escort
TO BOOK
CALL US ON
01442 879787
CALL US ON
01442 879787
THE HOTEL
The 4* superior Hotel Commercianti has been owned and run by the Orsi family since 1967, and has the perfect location in the very heart of the city. The 35 bedrooms are all decorated with antique furniture from the family’s private collection and have comfortable beds and marble bathrooms.
TOUR ITINERARY
8 OCTOBER 2024: DAY 1 – ARRIVAL AND DINNER
We will depart from Heathrow to Bologna in the morning. Once we arrive there will be a private transfer from the airport to the 4* superior Hotel Commercianti, where there will be welcome drinks followed by dinner at the charming traditional restaurant, Osteria Da Cesare.
9 OCTOBER 2024: DAY 2 – BOLOGNA
On our first full day in Bologna, we will have a walking tour of the historic centre. We will pay a visit to Mercato delle Erbe, as well as a special behind-the-scenes tour at Paolo Atti & Figli, renowned for making traditional-style Bolognese fresh pasta, bread and pastry. In the evening, the group will dine at All’Osteria Bottega, one of the city’s finest restaurants specialising in Emilian traditional recipes.
10 OCTOBER 2024: DAY 3 – MODENA
Today will be a full-day excursion to Modena, where we will have a tour of the magnificent Romanesque cathedral and the Mercato Albinelli. We will have lunch at Massimo Bottura’s bistro, Franceschetta 58, the sister restaurant of 3 Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana. In the afternoon we will visit Balsamic producer Mazzetti with chef and guide, Valentina Harris. Dinner in Bologna tonight will be taken independently.
11 OCTOBER 2024: DAY 4 – PARMA
This morning we travel to Parma, where we will visit Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma producers, followed by lunch at classic Emilian restaurant, Sorelle Picchi, which has its own salumeria. After lunch, we will have some time to stroll around Parma, to visit the pink marble Baptistery and the art gallery housed in the imposing Palazzo della Pilotta before returning to our hotel.
12 OCTOBER 2024: DAY 5 – PASTA MAKING WITH VALENTINA
The first activity of today will be a tortelloni making class with Valentina at a local cooking school, which will be followed by lunch. In the afternoon we will visit FICO, a live showcase of the best Italian cuisine. We will dine this evening at Ristorante I Carracci, one of the most elegant restaurants in the city.
13 OCTOBER 2024: DAY 6 – RETURN FLIGHT
We will depart for the airport late morning for the return flight to Heathrow.
ABOUT VALENTINA HARRIS
Valentina is a noted chef, author and broadcaster on the subject of Italian cuisine. She has published more than 30 books including Risotto! Risotto!, Italian Regional Cookery and Food and Cooking of Milan and Bologna. Valentina often also contributes to leading national newspapers and magazines, as well as appearances on TV and radio.
CALL US
We would be delighted to talk about your holiday arrangements over the phone. You can contact us between 8am and 10pm every day (outside of office hours may not be immediate).
01442 879787
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Our office is open 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday (excluding Bank Holidays). If you wish to make an appointment, please either call or send a message, although it’s not compulsory.
