We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track

Modena, Emilia-Romagna
Milk Street Cooking Retreat: Emilia-Romagna with Viola Buitoni
Oct 09 - 16, 2025 (Sold Out!)
Where
Modena, Emilia-Romagna
Group Size
8-12 Travelers
Duration
8 Days, 7 Nights
Price
7,500 USD / person
Emilia-Romagna, in Northern Italy, is the land of Parmigiano Reggiano, Mortadella di Bologna, Aceto Balsamico, Prosciutto di Modena, Sangiovese, Lambrusco, Barbera and Albana wines, medieval hill towns and breathtaking scenery. It is a food lover’s and traveler’s dream destination, and where you’ll make pasta by hand, cook multi-course North Italian feasts, visit the best small-scale producers of famous and lesser known regional products, shop in local markets, and relax by the pool during our first ever Culinary Retreat.
Hosted by cookbook author, cooking teacher and Friend of Milk Street, Viola Buitoni, this week-long exploration of Emilia-Romagna’s Modena and the region surrounding it offers travelers a slower pace, flexible days and the chance to participate in longer, more frequent hands-on cooking sessions. You’ll stay in a private estate that includes three houses we have completely to ourselves, formal gardens, walking paths, a swimming pool, and ample space to decompress. Breakfasts will be leisurely, and may include an impromptu cooking lesson. Days will be filled with activities (or less full if you wish to stay back and relax). Dinners will be of your own making, under Viola’s expert guidance, and composed of the best the markets and producers we visit each day have to offer.
Your itinerary
Day 1
Explore Pragatto Hills & meet your fellow cooks

Day 2
Make pasta with a sfoglina

Day 3
Shop like an Italian

Day 4
Experience Parmigiano Reggiano through touring, tasting & cooking

Day 5
Get the real deal on bologna

Day 6
Learn about real aceto balsamico

Day 7
Taste mostardas in Mantua & cook a farewell dinner

Day 8
Goodbyes and Departure

Meet the Crew
We are firm believers in the power of local knowledge. Our guides and the culinary masters and other artisans who are part of our trips all deeply reflect that. Meet some of our local heroes:

Viola Buitoni

Simonetta Capotondo

Mariangela Montanari

Luciano Catellani

Paola Calciolari

Federico Orsi
Where you'll stay
Pragatto Hills
This week’s focus on deeply local experiences and places is also well reflected in our choice of accommodation. We always select boutique and independent places, ones inspired by international standards while staying loyal to the area’s local heritage – that’s the balance we seek for more than a good night’s rest.
Pragatto Hills B&B offers a serene retreat nestled in the picturesque countryside. Tucked away amidst rolling hills, this charming retreat boasts cozy rooms adorned with quirky local artwork and plush comforts. The stunning views of rolling hills and lush landscapes provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation. With its blend of rustic charm and modern allure, Pragatto Hills B&B is your ultimate playground for relaxation and rejuvenation.



Hear what travelers are saying
Know before you go
PRICING AND ACCOMMODATION
The total cost of this trip is $7,500. For travelers wishing to have single accommodations during the trip, an additional $1,250 supplement will be due at the time of the final payment. A $500 non-refundable deposit per traveler is required to secure space on the trip. The balance is due 90 days prior to the start of the trip.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to four miles each day and remaining on their feet for periods of time. There are a couple of hikes on uneven ground. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get hands-on during a couple cooking workshops.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
You are responsible for getting to Pragatto Hills (a short taxi ride from Bologna airport) by 3 p.m. on Day 1 and depart anytime on Day 8. We’ll provide the option of booking additional nights at our group hotel before and/or after the tour, and are more than happy to provide suggestions for things to do and see on your own.
INCLUSIONS
• All accommodation throughout the trip in stylish, boutique hotels • Professional team throughout the entire experience • All meals and drinks included in the above activities • Admission to all proposed activities, locations, and events • Private coach for visits inside and outside the center city • A hungry group of Culinary Backstreets and Milk Street travelers, excited to explore and cook!
EXCLUSIONS
• Private individual arrival & departure airport transfers • Airfare and transportation to/from the start and end destination • Meals beyond those specified in the itinerary above • Alcoholic beverages other than those served at the table • Accommodations outside those noted, including pre- or post-trip hotel nights • Activities, tours & entry fees not included above • Personal purchases and incidentals at hotels
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
We encourage an adventurous palate! We try our best to accommodate dietary restrictions, though ingredients cannot always be substituted or omitted from particular dishes. This trip may be challenging if you adhere to a gluten-free diet. If you have other food allergies or intolerances, please contact us to find out if this is the right trip for you.
NOTES ON ITINERARY
Itineraries and daily schedules are subject to change. We expect to do everything listed in the itinerary, though the order may be rearranged based on weather or other local conditions.
SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY
We have reinforced our commitment to sustainability and safety with new guidelines to assure maximum safety of our guests on our trips while maintaining the quality of the experience. All of our experiences are designed to have minimal impact on the community and environment. For more details on our precautions, read here.
CANCELLATION POLICY
<p>You may cancel 90 days before the start of the trip and receive a full refund minus a $500 per-person service fee. If you cancel on or after 60 days before the start of the trip there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 45 days there is a 75% cancellation and fee and on or after 30 days there is a 100% cancellation fee. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy in cases of family/medical emergency or cases of the trip being canceled (see our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-[#781e2a] underline" href="https://foxlabs-development.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/foxlabs-development/images_imported/Traveler+T%26C.pdf">Terms and Conditions</a> for full details).</p>