Richesses et Délices d’Italie.
Tuesday, October the 4th – Saturday, October the 8th 2016
Itinere had the pleasure of welcoming six Canadian guests to discover the excellences of Northern Italy, in particular the Emilia area.
First stop in Cremona, the city that is famous for its violin makers, artists design, construction and restoration of stringed musical instruments. The day was an occasion for amazing discoveries. Guests were escorted by a specialized and a local guide, who led them to the Violin Museum to appreciate the hidden secrets of this ancient art. The Cathedral, famous for its frescoes, authors such as Boccaccio and Bocaccino Altobello Melone; the Baptistery with its characteristic octagonal plan, the Torrazzo the tallest brick bell tower in Italy, the squares, and the most significant buildings in the city.
During the afternoon, we moved to another important and significant city: Reggio Emilia, which is well-known for having given birth to the Italian flag in 1797. Guests enjoyed their 4 night stay in a friendly and pleasant atmosphere, giving them the possibility to discover the city, the culture, and local food.
The first day in Emilia started with the King of Cheeses. We visited a cheese farm in the cradle of Parmigiano Reggiano, it is here that in 1940 the history of the family began and arrived until today. These cheese is produced, in the same way since eight century ago. At the end, tasting session of different ages. The discovery of the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia has allowed to combine the pleasure and the tradition of a winery that is leader on the market for producing excellent Lambrusco and quality wines as well. The journey continues towards the Parma Hills, where Parma Ham is produced as it was 20 years ago : a unique excellence with its naturalness and its inimitable sweetness, and it is recognized and appreciated throughout the world.
Hands-on experience in a winery where tradition merges with technology and modernity. Cooking lesson together with the explanation of viticulture principles and grape production process up to the final tasting of the most representative wines produced in this generous land, not far from Reggio Emilia, in a plain triangle bounded by the waters of the Crostolo and Tresinaro and the gentle slopes of the Apennines.
The Food Valley visit joins with the Ceramics discrit, famous for its excellence, innovation and avant-garde. Our visit was focused on two local companies, world leaders in the design, technology, and manufacturing processes. Guided tour of Ferrari Museum in Maranello to know the history of the famous Prancing Horse.
The rich 5 day program gave the opportunity to discover the cultural and artistic triangle composed by Reggio Emilia, Parma, Modena, cities of art, culture that have been the witnesses of the success of the big artists such as Romolo Valli, Ludovico Ariosto, Giuseppe Verdi and Luciano Pavarotti.
