My daughter and I are planning our first trip to Italy and want to spend a day in a real authentic cooking class as well as visit a working pasta factory, cheese factory and olive oil factory. We do not want to drive a car but would like to visit the Tuscany area. Any suggestions? Do we need a 3-5 day guided tour?
Linda
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
It might be difficult to do all of those in one day. Consider Bologna, in Emilia-Romagna; great food and transportation connections.
Posted by
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1232 posts
Linda,
The tour we took was based out of Parma, which is where we were staying. http://www.foodtours.it
We went to the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese factory, Parma ham factory, a winery for lunch, and a Balsamic Vinegar house. I sent you a PM also.
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6290 posts
Charlotte, I just followed your link, and it looks like a wonderful way to spend a day. About how much did it cost? We're not going to make it to Italy this year, but I've bookmarked the site for next time.
Posted by
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1232 posts
Jane,
I think it was 200 euros, and we gave a tip, but I don't remember exactly.
Posted by
Toronto, Canada
415 posts
I recommend this tour out of Bologna - similar to above - parma ham factory, parmigiana reggiano cheese factory, a large lunch and a visit to an acetaia where "condiment balsamico" is created. They can also provide information on cooking classes and pasta places I'm sure.
http://tours.italiandays.it/det-tour.asp?ID=21&IDcategoria=1
You can get to Bologna easily on a high speed train from Florence.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
I enjoyed the cooking class in Volterra at Restuarnte Del Ducca