Thursday - June 22
Day 1: Leave for Milano-Malpensa airport
If traveling from the US, you will arrive the following day.

Friday - June 23
Day 2: Arrive at Milano-Malpensa airport for pickup at 10:30 at the airport and transfer to B&B located in Bedonia. In the afternoon, you will have time to settle in your room, explore the town, or relax. Wine and appetizers will be served at the Villa. We will walk into town for a typical dinner of the region.

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Meals: Appetizers and Dinner

Saturday - June 24
Day 3: Genoa
Today we head to the famous port city of Genoa. You will experience winding streets, amazing architecture, Christopher Columbus’ house, and panoramas of the city. Stop for a taste of the famous Genovese pesto sauce, do a little shopping, and explore everything this marvelous city has to offer. We will stop for a typical meal and wander the charming alleyways to investigate the hidden treasures that lie within. Our favorite spot is after lunch. A little place that makes its own gelato and cream which tops off the most perfect Italian coffee!

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Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Sunday - June 25
Day 4: Parmigiano-Reggiano factory Tour & Lunch at Local Mountain Restaurant with Dancing
After breakfast, we head down the road to the local Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese factory. Here we learn how this very prestigious cheese is made. You will have the opportunity to buy it on the premises at exceptional prices. For lunch, we ride to a popular mountain trattoria where we enjoy an authentic meal (included) and have the opportunity to dance to a live band with the locals! 

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Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Monday - June 26
Day 5: Commune of Langhirano  and Torrechiara Castle
Today we tour a prosciuttificio to learn how the Prosciutto of Parma is made. Langhirano is known as the home of Prosciutto di Parma. It is the only place in Italy that can produce this delicacy because of the microclimate. The process, invented by the Romans, is still used today!  After the tour, we enjoy a meal based on the cured meats of the area, the cheese of the province, and the region's wine while looking over the beautiful Langhirano valley. After a leisurely lunch, we explore the castle of Torrechiara known for its beautiful frescos.

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Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Tuesday - June 27
Day 6:  Bedonia, Live Like a local!

Free day.....hop the train, go for a hike or bike ride, or roam the quaint village of Bedonia. Today you can choose how active you want to be. Bedonia is home to winding cobble stone streets, restaurants, trattorias, pizzerias, bars and quaint shops. If you stay local, you will have time to leisurely experience authentic northern Italy culture as it is enjoyed by the residents of this beautiful village. Or, you can choose to be more active. It is entirely up to you!

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Meals: Breakfast 

Wednesday - June 28

Day 7: Carrara Mountain & Lardo di Colonata Tasting

Today we explore Carrara Mountain and the small village of Carrara and surrounding area. We hop in a jeep and ride to the top of this marble mountain to enjoy the breathtaking panorama from above. This is the majestic white marble that Michelangelo used for his David. Watching them extract this precious stone is very interesting. It makes you marvel at the thought of doing so in a time when there was no machinery. For lunch, we dine on local specialties along with the Lard of Colonata (included). This lard is aged in Carrara marble vats to create just the right amount of flavor. It is considered a very prestigious technique that leads to a savory finish. Before we leave, we drive to the local beaches to enjoy a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

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Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Thursday - June 29
Day 8: Modena & Balsamic Acetaia
We head to Modena to investigate the technique of making traditional balsamic vinegar also known as "black gold".  We learn how traditional balsamics of Modena are produced including our favorite -- "Extravecchio" (extra old). Then, we get a chance to taste different varieties of balsamic. For lunch, we will visit a restaurant known for its delicious traditional Modena dishes. In the afternoon, we visit the Ferrari Museum. You will leave the museum with a deep appreciation for Enzo Ferrari's quest to manufacture one of the world's fastest and most beautiful car.  For an additional charge you can test drive a Ferrari! 

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Meals: Breakfast (lunch not included)

Friday - June 30
Day 9: Departure

Drop off at Milano-Malpensa airport.