Designed by Chef Michele Casadei Massari, with support from Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, Acetaia Giusti, Palazzo Di Varignana, Hotel Baglioni, Osteria del Viandante, and Ca' Matilde.

Chef Michele takes you on a breathtaking tour of the land of slow food and fast cars---his home region of Emilia Romagna! Chef Michele has personally curated this travel package to reflect the value of time: time spent nurturing deep relationships, unique experiences, and of course, great food! Experience five unforgettable days and nights with the best the region has to offer: stays in three magnificent properties, spa treatments, private tours and tastings of some of the region's most iconic products, and unrivaled fine dining. Your package for two (2) travelers includes:

- Five nights luxury accommodations, including:

o Two nights at Palazzo Di Varignana (Castel San Pietro Terme, BO)

o One night at Hotel Baglioni (Bologna)

o One night at Ca' Matilde (Quattro Castella, Reggio Emilia)

o Spa treatments for two at Varsana Spa at Palazzo Di Varignana

o Fifth night accommodations to be arranged by Chef Michele's team based on winning bidder's geographic preference

- Exclusive experiences of regional products, including:

o EVOO Tasting of Palazzo di Varignana's three monocultivars - Claterna, Vargnano and Stiffonte - and two blends - Blu and Verde-- oils of excellence born from native cultivars, abandoned since Roman times, and now restored to their former glory.

o A private tasting in the Acetaia, a journey through the varieties of balsamic vinegars to understand their individual characteristics and features and to witness the decanter and refill process in person.

o A private visit at the Giusti Museum with Giusti specialized team to enjoy the priceless collection of objects and documents preserved for generations: from the ancient jars used for conservation, to the tools used over the centuries by vinegar makers, up to the first bottles and advertising leaflets of the early twentieth century.

o Experience the craft of cheese masters who turn milk into Parmigiano Reggiano with a visit to the maturation rooms. Your tour will be followed by a private tasting of cheeses at various levels of maturity.

- A private tour of Bologna, including:

o Tour of the City's historical towers

o Visit to the 7 Secrets of Bologna

o Visit to the Palazzina Majani, a small Art Nouveau palace usually closed to the public

- World class dining experiences will include:

o Degustazione Il Cammino del Viandante (tasting menu with wine pairing) at the Osteria del Viandante. The Osteria rests on the ramparts of the historic Fort of Rubiera, surrounded by flowered terraces and ancient crenellated parapets.

o Dinner at Michelin-starred Ca'Matilde in Quattro Castella. The restaurant's selection of four tasting menus includes: "Gli intramontabili" (often with pairings of the region's best Lambrusco wines); "Acqua in bocca"; "Con i piedi per terra"; and "Cielo", all of which demonstrate a playful use of flavors and combinations with a keen focus on seasonal ingredients.

* Package does not include airfare, ground transportation, or travel insurance. Arrangements are to be made with a minimum 90 day notice through Chef Michele's team; travel must occur before December 31, 2023.

Live Auction packages are available for bidding at our 2022 Gala taking place the evening of November 11th in New York City. If you are interested in placing a proxy bid for any of these lots, please reach out to Nick Piccora at [email protected] so we can make arrangements with you