Day 1:  Depart the USA

Day 2:  Arrive to Milan (if using AZ non-stop to Milan).  Transfer to Parma. Stop in route in Cremona, a city with a distinguished musical history and decorative cathedral.  Check-in, afternoon at leisure.  Welcome dinner and program introduction at the hotel by Tour Manager. Overnight and three nights at the charming Hotel Palace Maria Luigia, centrally located in Parma. (D)

Day 3:  Cooking Program at Antica Corte Pallavicina www.acpallavicina.com, a Parma castle built in the 1400’s by the Marchese Pallavicina.   Lunch included from the cooking program (Pasta dish).   Afternoon sightseeing of culture and sights with tour manager around Parma, home to Verdi for music, Parmigiano for elegant Mannerist Renaissance paintings and a gorgeous pink stone octagonal Baptistery.  Evening and Dinner is free. (B,L)

Day 4:  Begin late in morning, and full day program around Parma Ham (Galloni family). Experience the careful process of producing one of Italy’s favorite gastronomic treats, Prosciutto di Parma.   Cheese tasting, and wine.  Coming back to Parma visit one of the nicest Castles in the region Castello Torrechiara, with its many towers that appear to pop up from the landscape and carnival fresco decorations. There is even a decorated chamber to love since the castle was built by Pier Maria Rossi for his lover. Tonight dinner is on your own.   (B,L)

Day 5:  Transfer to Bologna via stop and full visit to Modena (vinegar-Manetti family). Experience how Italy’s “liquid gold” or aceto balsamico tradizionale is made in small batches, transferred from little wooden barrels and made with much love and care.  Have lunch at Vinegar Giusti www.giusti.it,  If logistically possible, a stop to a chicken farm suggested by Lidia.  Dinner and evening is free in Bologna.   (B, L)

Day 6:  Cooking program.  Visit the local market of Bologna as it weaves its way through the picturesque medieval streets. Experience a visit to Tamburini Gastronomia, home to windows full of Bologna’s best handmade stuffed pasta, after which we will reach La Vecchia Scuola di cucina Bolognese for our cooking program and lunch.  After we have worked hard for our lunch, with bellies full, experience a sightseeing tour of Bologna with local guide.  You will find that the tower in Pisa is not the only tower leaning in Italy. Try a walk up the crooked Torre degli Asinelli.  Dinner and evening is free. (B, L)

Day 7:  FD to Ravenna with guided tour. One of the Byzantine Empire’s most important cities, Ravenna, in its churches and tombs, hides away the glistening gold and colorful walls covered with mosaics created by the leading craftsmen.  Dinner This evening is at our hotel in celebration of the region and cooking program.  (B,D)

Day 8:  Today, we continue to magical Venice with a stop Padua and Verona visiting the amphitheatre and paintings of Giotti.   Later continue to Venice for Overnight.   OPTIONAL: Evening to the theatre or Opera (TBA). (B)

Day 9: Venice: After breakfast meet your local guide for a walking tour of Piazza San Marco and the Grand Rialto Bridge. See the majestic Doge’s Palace and Giotto’s Bell Tower. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, a marble and golden fantasy and one of the most gorgeous containers ever built to display the relics of a saint. Tonight, a farewell dinner is at your hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 10: Venice: I am afraid our time in Italy ahs come to an end.. After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the USA.