Sophisticated Italy
Strange combination, Ferrari and Parmigiano. Both are well known names that have made Italy famous. We are continuing our suggestions for “out of the way” experiences, that most visitors usually do not have time to fit into their trip.
Our favorite city for these fun days is Bologna. Called Bologna Wise, as the world’s oldest university was founded in 1088. It is still a major learning center, lively and full of students. And Bologna the Fat because of its wonderful,(not diet conscious) cuisine.
The city is certainly worth a visit, with its Medieval and Renaissance towers, lengthy arcaded streets and its beautiful Piazza Maggiore. It is a wealthy city, very live-able, and its streets are lined with charming artisan shops and clothing boutiques, antique shops and innumerable culinary shops and trattorias.
We recommend the two following days: The first is for ‘foodies’, as befits Emilia-Romagna, the home of Parmigian cheese, Balsamic vinegar and prosciutto. Only bad part, you have to leave at 7 am to be at the small cheese factory where you get to see the entire process of making what many consider the King of Cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano. You are there from the arrival of milk from local farms to its final aging process. Your unusual breakfast combines local Lambrusco with lots of Parmigiano Reggiano. From there you will visit another small family factory that produces balsamic vinegar. You will learn about the secrets of its production, tasting several various aged balsamic vinegar, accompanied by fresh ricotta cheese and gelato. Last stop, a three generation factory, producing the finest Prosciutto. You will certainly enjoy tasting several types based on the length of the aging process. As a grand finale, lunch at a wonderful countryside trattoria, before returning to Bologna. Doubt you will want to have dinner after this foodies’ paradise day!
Emilia-Romagna is also the luxury car capital of the world. Just outside of Bologna is the Lamborghini Museum and factory. Open to visitors, you can actually visit its factory where these dream cars are produced. After the factory visit, a must stop is the Lamborghini museum, for the full history of this incredible car.
Less than an hour away, is Maranello, the true paradise for race car lovers, the home of Ferrari. Treat yourself to lunch at Lo Smeraldo, where Ferrrai test drivers eat. The piece de resistance is the possibility of test driving either a Ferrari, in one of several models available or a Lamborghini, on a racing track or through the nearby hilly countryside.
If these experiences catch your interest, please be in touch as these special tours are reserved in advance.
Dreams can come true !.
Just be in touch with us for this and all your Italian needs.
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