
July 20 - July 28, 2023
Cooking with local Nonnas
Cooking with Nonna
Learn the secrets of Italian cooking. This week is hands-on fun. We create delicious regional dishes with the help of local nonnas and explore the region tasting the best ingredients. If you ever wanted to learn how to cook like an Italian nonna, this week is for you!
Thursday - July 20
Day 1: Flight out -if you are departing from the NYC area, you will arrive the next day.
Friday- July 21
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.
Meals: Appetizers and Dinner
Saturday - July 22
Day 3: Local village of Bedonia - Farm-to-table pizza & crostata
Visit a local farm after breakfast, where Marco will teach you to make pizza and a typical crostata “Jam Tart” made from his homegrown wheat (Included). See how local farmers care for their land and prepare their food. Marco owns a bakery locally celebrated for its delicious homebaked breads. After lunch, we will go to the local swimming spot where you can enjoy the cool river water and spend time on the stone beach sipping a nice you can purchase at the bar.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Sunday - July 23
Day 4: Parma
A day for a walking tour of the beautiful city of Parma. We visit the Duomo, Farnese Theater, and the rooms of Saint Paul where we will glimpse the most beautiful masterful artwork. This gem will not disappoint.
Meals: Breakfast
Monday - July 24
Day 5: Bedonia - Learn to make Savory Pies and Tiramisu
Today we learn how to make our typical savory pie a local favorite! Maria will show us how to create this special torta. We will also master the classic Italian dessert, Tirimisù. In the afternoon, we will tour the Castle of Compiano built in the year 840 A.D. This amazing community still has its own post office. Only a handful of residents still live there.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Tuesday - July 25
Day 6: Portofino, Santa Margherita. Cooking Lesson in Ognio with Overnight- Learn to make Tagliatelle and Pana cotta
A day at perhaps the most famous stretch of the Italian Riveria, Portofino. We take the ferry to Portofino from Santa Margherita to experience the life of the wealthy yachter. Then meander the promenade of Santa Margherita. We’ll spend the night in a small local village in the mountains nearby to learn how to make homemade Tagliatelle and pannacotta. We’ll get our milk from a local farm and enjoy what we create! A truly unique experience.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Wednesday - July 26
Day 7: Genoa - Learn about famous Genovese Pesto
Today we visit the impressive port city of Genoa. This is the home of Christopher Columbus, pesto Genovese, charming alleyways with shops and architecture that delights the eyes. We’ll have a typical meal in a place the locals love and investigate the hidden treasures that lie within this famous city. Before we head back to the villa, we will visit our favorite spot for gelato. A little place that makes it own gelato and cream which tops off the most perfect Italian coffee!
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Thursday - July 27
Day 8: Bedonia
Free day to roam the small town of Bedonia. It is just blocks from the villa. There are plenty of restaurants, trattorias, pizzerias, bars and quaint shops to choose from. The villa also offers outdoor seating to chat with new friends in the open air. Other local activities are available like hiking, horseback riding or exploring the area on an electronic bike (extra charge depending on experience).
Meals: Breakfast
Friday July 28
Day 9: Return home