CULTOUR ITALIA
A LUXURY CULINARY TOUR
EXPLORE gastronomic superstars Parma & Modena
Small Group Adventure for your Tastebuds
This Cultour Italia culinary adventure promises to tantalize your taste buds and immerse you in the vibrant culture of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna Region.
Join your local hosts Sonia & Benedetta of Cultour Italia for a slice of Italian life in the food-rich region that gifted the world with prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano. This trip focuses on niche selections of traditional products and exclusive visits with artisanal makers.
The “food valley” as it is also known, had been the agricultural heart of the Roman empire, as it is now for modern Italy. There are no less than 44 food products from the region that are protected and considered national treasures.
The City of Parma received the UNESCO title of “Creative City for Gastronomy” in 2015 and “Capital of Culture” in 2020. For a total of 6 nights, we home base 4 nights in Parma and spend 2 nights in the Emilian countryside, experiencing exclusive eno-gastronomic delights the area has to offer.
This Parma + Modena Culinary Tour is limited to 12 guests.
Highlights of this Exclusive Italy Culinary Tour
DAY 1: WELCOME TO PARMA, ITALY
Welcome to beautiful Parma!
Meet at the 5-star Grand Hotel De La Ville, formerly a pasta factory for the Barilla family, which founded the Barilla pasta company in 1877. We’ll enjoy a welcome drink and a brief introduction to Parma’s history.
Heading out for dinner, this first evening we walk through the charming streets of central Parma to a typical local Trattoria.
Meals: D
ACCOMMODATION: Grand Hotel de la Ville, Parma
Day 2 – A TASTE OF TRADITION
We start the morning with a visit to a prosciutto producer from 1861, masters in the aging process. Their philosophy of “slow”, using traditional methods, and a focus on the local terroir awards them DOP* and IGT** designations for their products.
For lunch become part of the family at Nonna’s house! Nonna Christina cooks and hosts us for lunch in her private residence in a classic old-town Parmesan house.
In the afternoon you’ll have some free time to explore Parma. We’ll provide you with varied suggestions.
In the evening we convene at the premier local cocktail lounge reserved exclusively for our group, where we’ll learn about classic Italian cocktails and graze through typical local appetizers.
*DOP is short for Protected Designation of Origin and it ensures that products are locally grown and packaged. It is also a promise to the consumer – it guarantees that the DOP food was made by local farmers and artisans using traditional methods.
**GT stands for indicazione geografica tipica (an authentic geographic designation). In EU parlance it has been changed to IGP or indicazione geografica protetta – a protected geographical indication used today for wines and foods, within and beyond Italy.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel de la Ville, Parma
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3: CHEESE & WINE EXPERIENCE
The internationally renowned Parmesan cheese comes from Parma. We visit a family-owned farm in operation since 1879, whose sole focus is to produce the inimitable Parmigiano Reggiano. We will have a tasting of what is considered to be among the world’s top-quality cheeses.
We then travel to the Franciacorta wine region at the foot of the Alps and visit two inimitable wineries – the most historic (from 1680) and the most modern and innovative wine producer in the country. We will have private winery tours and tastings at these producers specializing in sparkling wine.
Eat where the wine-makers eat. That evening we dine at a local Osteria that has been in continuous operation since 1800!
Accommodation: Grand Hotel de la Ville, Parma
Meals: B/ L / D
Day 4: CULINARY MASTERY
We start the day at Alma Academy, the internationally acclaimed school of Italian culinary arts. The Academy is housed in a former aristocratic residence; we have an exclusive tour through some of its private rooms and have been granted the unique opportunity of our private cooking lesson followed by lunch.
In the afternoon there is some free time to shop or to further explore Parma.
Dinner brings us to the banks of the Po River, to visit an ancient farm dating from the 1500’s, famous for its naturally climate-controlled cellars, used by the nobles of the time to cure their meats. In 1990 new owners restored the farm and now make one of Italy’s most prized cured meats – the rare & small culatello. We tour the buildings and cellars and dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant housed within its walls.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel de la Ville, Parma
Meals: B L D
DAY 5: EN ROUTE TO THE COUNTRYSIDE
We check out of our hotel in Parma and travel into the Emilian countryside, starting with a visit to Torrechiara, one of the most physically intact castles from the 15th century.
We follow with a simple lunch at a delicatessen in operation for over 100 years at the base of the castle. Its passionate owner curates all the product selections and hosts us offering his samples.
In the afternoon we proceed to our accommodation at Relais Roncolo 1888. Situated on 130 acres of organic land, the estate was for many years the private residence of noble families. Enjoy some free time to wander the property, plunge in the pool or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful hospitality of the Relais.
We dine on site this evening at the historic greenhouse overlooking the hillsides.
Accommodation: Relais Roncolo 1888
Meals: B / L / D
DAY 6: DISCOVERING MODENA
Today’s focus is Modena, known for balsamic vinegar, opera, Lamborghini & Ferrari, and home to the world’s best restaurant – Massimo Bottura’s Osteria Francescana.
We begin with a visit to the Ferrari museum, and at lunchtime head into the old town center of Modena to visit the historic market. After lunch, there is the option of free time to tour the charming center or to visit “il Tortellante” – an innovative cultural project and cooperative community where young people with autism learn to work with fresh pasta and then find real jobs.
We re-group in the afternoon to visit Massimo Bottura’s private balsamic vinegar production for an exclusive tasting.
For our final dinner together we dine at Bottura’s newest and outstanding countryside restaurant which revolves around a wood-burning oven. It was just awarded its first Michelin Star.
Accommodation: Relais Roncolo 1888
Meals: B / L / D
DAY 7: ARRIVEDERCI – DEPARTURES
For anyone who would like to extend their stay at the Relais, we can assist with initiating the request and providing a direct contact.
If you would like to extend elsewhere in Italy, please feel free to reach out to info@finisterra.ca
Meals: B
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Nature, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS & VACCINATIONS: Responsibility of the traveller. VISAS (responsibility of the traveller)
Date: MON 26 MAY – SUN 1 JUN 2025
Prices from: €6,325 per participant based on Double / Twin accommodation
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
Experience Italy with a Local.
Benadetta & Sonia were both born in a small town in the Italian Alps into hotel-owning families, so hospitality has been a part of our lives since childhood. We have had lifelong careers in the food and beverage industry, having owned and operated acclaimed hotels, restaurants, a live music venue, and curated unforgettable gastronomic events across Italy, France, Austria, and Switzerland for both private and public clients of all sizes.
We are passionate foodies, inspired by genuine ingredients and unique experiences. Combining our passion and hospitality expertise, we now focus on designing intimate, upscale food tours in Italy.
We are dedicated to exploring Italy’s rich culinary & cultural heritage, and creating meaningful experiences for fellow culinary enthusiasts. Join us for an authentic taste of Italian life.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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