Kitchens and Castles:
Art and Cuisine in Emilia Romagna
April 22 - May 1, 2005
Offered by The Umbrian Table
Last updated: June 22, 2004
There are places whose memory gladdens the heart, but
few like the lower Parma region of Emilia Romagna, one
of the most fertile and lovely in all of Italy. It is
a region renowned for its famous cuisine, lush pastures
and vineyards, healthy cattle and the Po River. Its
greatest contributions to the world of gastronomy, Prosciutto
di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano are but two of its marvelous
regional products which include perfectly seasoned salami,
silky tagliatelle, delicately flavored tortellini, fresh,
vivacious Lambrusco and the lovely Malvasia di Maiatico.
The music and memories of Verdi echo in the Teatro Regio
opera house and in the great halls of its many beautifully
preserved palaces and castles. It is a region with a real
gastronomic culture which reflects a way of life and
tradition which is the envy of the world. You are invited
to join us on a journey through the heart of this renowned
region of Italy and to experience the magnificent art,
cuisine and hospitality at its source.
DAY 1 - Check into the historic residence
hotel,
Locanda del Lupo
,Soragna for 9 nights. Welcome drinks
and dinner at the world famous hotel restaurant.
DAY 2 - We explore Soragna
and visit a museum which traces the surprisingly complex and interesting
history of Parmigiano cheese, and one which explores Jewish history in
the region. In the afternoon we experience our first cooking
demonstration in the highly acclaimed restaurant of our hotel, which
was founded in 1784.
DAY 3 - Full day in the magnificent city of Parma.
The city has been describes as a treasure trove of art and
architecture, cuisine and opera. Lunch is at one of Parma’s
most highly rated restaurants.
DAY 4 - Today we visit the Rocca di San Secondo,
a castle which features frescos of rare beauty and condition which
are based on a variety of fascinating themes including Aesop’s
fables, classical mythology and uniquely, a room decorated with
scenes from the famous Roman novel, "The Golden Ass of Apuleius".
In the afternoon we enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by dinner.
DAY 5 - Full day in the town of Mantova.
It is one of those Italian towns where we can see a long ago
conjunction of culture, power, wealth, high minded patronage of
the arts, splendor and decay. The city is marked by quiet
streets, lovely colors and an overall Neoclassical patina with
distinct monuments of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Dinner in a charming trattoria in Soragna.
DAY 6 - Today we take a tour through Verdi’s homeland and along the river Po.
We visit some of the smaller interesting villages and places of natural beauty.
Dinner in a restaurant famed for its pasta.
DAY 7 - We visit a vineyard
for wine tasting and a local cheese producer.
This is a day devoted to serious fun.
DAY 8 - Full day trip to Verona.
"There is no world without Verona’s walls..." says Romeo upon being
banished with Juliet in his heart. That same phrase describes
the enviable completeness of the universe that is Verona.
DAY 9 -Our final day begins with a walk in the country side
for a relaxing interlude before our simply unforgettable private
farewell dinner in the magnificent castle of Prince Diofebo Meli
Lupi Di Soragna. All of the other details of this evening will
remain a surprise until the event unfolds.
DAY 10 - Checkout and Departure
Included in the Program
- 9 Nights at the Historic Residence Hotel, Locanda del Lupo, Soragna
- Breakfast Daily. Lunches or dinners as listed
- 2 Cooking Demonstrations
- Private Wine and Cheese Tasting
- Entrance Fees to museums, churches and historical sites on the itinerary
- All Transportation for trips on the itinerary
- Transfers between Milan and Soragna on the specified dates
- Gratuities, hotel taxes and service charges
- Personal bi-lingual guide, our partner in Italy, Richard di San Marzano
- 2 pre-tour gatherings with food and wine with Michael and Karin
Price Per Person, Double Occupancy
Visa or Check ($25 discount if paid by check,
applied to final payment)
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE ITEMS OF A PERSONAL NATURE
Payment Schedule
- $650 US - non-refundable deposit due not later than January 15, 2005
- $2389 US - Balance due not later than March 15, 2005
Informational meetings
- Regional Food and Wine Included
- August 23, September 7, September 20, 2004 - 7:00 PM
- Please RSVP at least 72 hours in advance
Karin and I have been escorting fellow travelers to Italy
since November 2000 when we took our first group to Umbria for
the inaugural Harvest Tour. This latest offering, Of Kitchens
and Castles: Art and Cuisine in Emilia Romagna, will be our 8th
journey since then. We are very excited about this program.
Emilia Romagna is one of the most important culinary centers in
the world, and its art, architecture and landscape are simply
wonderful! Our partner and travel guide is the renowned painter,
Richard di San Marzano. His knowledge, wit and charm add a very
personal touch to our programs. We hope you will join us on this
unique adventure. As always, our groups are small and space is
very limited so we encourage you to make your reservations soon.
Book by September 1st and receive a $100 discount*.
We book our flights and make other travel arrangements
through Brian Nystedt at
New Departures Travel, 625 Second Ave. South #408, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55402. Telephone 612-305-0025. While you may book your
flight on your own or through another agency, Brian is familiar with
our programs and our clients’ needs and can assist you with all of
your travel arrangements.
*Discount cannot be used with other offers or coupons.
To book the tour, or for more information, contact us at:
We look forward to traveling with you - Michael and Karin Rostance