Palazzo Minelli is situated away from the hustle and bussel
and sits quietly on the flat planes of the region, encircled by a 15th century wall
lined with trees. The buildings of the palazzo were constructed between 1400 and
1700 and the extensive grounds house a charming 17th century family chapel. And in
1975, the Italian director, Pupi Avait, used the setting of the Palazzo Minelli as
the backdrop for one of his films.
The bedrooms are decorated with
period features which lend to the richness of the atmosphere. Each one is
individual and furnished with period furniture. Beds are of wrought iron
or wood, the bathrooms are large with showers and natural light.
The kitchen, which was formerly the laundry, has been converted
for our use. While retaining a traditional "cucina" feel with a large open fire
and marble-top tables, the kitchen has an old fashioned rustic feel to it and
so is the perfect environment for making fresh tagliatelle!
The guest accommodation is in a recently converted former stables. There are
beautiful ensuite bedrooms with wooden beams, whitewashed walls and tiled
floors. The former laundry now houses the Flavours kitchen and has a rustic
feel with the original fireplace, cobbled stone floor and antique marble
tabletops. If you want to learn to cook in Bologna, then this is the place to
do it! The home of parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar is waiting for you!
Nearby you will visit a balsamic vinegar producer and also have plenty of
time for shopping and sight-seeing in Bologna itself.
On your arrival at the airport we will collect and transfer you to the villa,
which is just a short 20 minute drive away. At the villa, Palazzo Minelli, you
will receive welcome drinks followed by dinner
Day 2
After breakfast, there is a trip to nearby Bologna - the city of 100 towers and
fantastic shops! While there your host and chef, will show you a true Italian
experience and take you shopping in the market for foods of the region, such as
parmesan cheese, to be enjoyed later back at the villa. If you want any advice
or tips with any purchases for yourself, your host will be happy to help you
out. Lunch is taken independently and we can recommend some lovely local places
to you. Afternoon comprises of lots more eating with a cheese tasting and the
day ends with dinner back at the villa
Day 3
In the morning you have a cookery lesson where you'll be shown how to make
pasta. You will also learn how to create a traditional and typical Sunday
dinner, which you then get to enjoy. Afternoon comprises of a private visit to
a traditional balsamic vinegar producer where you'll get to sample some of
their 25 year old vinegar. Followed by dinner back at Palazzo
Minelli
Day 4
You can another cookery lesson Monday morning, where we'll show you how to
create some comtemporary Italian dishes. This is followed by lunch and mid
afternoon transfer to Bologna airport for return flight.
Available 2012
Dates: September 3 /
September 10 / October 8 / October 15
Price - $2,790
Included in
price:
- Hands-on cookery lessons
- 7 Nights single room accommodations
- A private visit to a balsamic vinegar producer
- A day in Bologna for sight-seeing and shopping
- A wander around an authentic Italian food
market
- Transport in private minibus including airport collection
Travel Information for Bologna
Bologna (Marconi) is the
main city airport, and only a short 20 minutes transfer to Palazzo Minelli.
Cancellation and Change
Policy
If you cancel 60 days prior to
arrival date you will receive your deposit less an administration charge of
$500. If you cancel between 60 and 45 days you will unfortunately forfeit
your deposit. Cancellation less than 30 days prior to arrival date 100% of
the amount is forfeited. If you want to change your date 60 days prior to
arrival date there is no charge to change the land portion, assuming there
is availability. The charge to change the airline ticket is whatever the
airline is charging at the present time. We strongly recommend that you
take travel insurance to cover in case you need to
cancel.
