2024 Class Experiences
My name is Isabel, and I was part of the Maymester in Bologna in 2024. Take a look at the 2024 Maymester groups experience at some of the class trips throughout the Emilia Romagna region:
Casa Artusi
At Casa Artusi you can expect to learn about the history of some of the first ever Italian cook books.
Followed by a tour of the facility, students will watch one of the house Mariettas make many different pasta types before pairing off with their own marietta and making the pasta themselves.
Followed, is an on-site lunch with some of the pasta made by the students paired with other delicious foods offered by the chef.
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Caseificio Bazzanese
Here, you get a first hand look at how parmigiano reggiano is made. You’re taken through each step in the process while also learning about what makes differently aged cheese have different tastes.
The tour is followed by a tasting of three differently aged parmigiano reggianos: 12 months, 24 months, and 30 months.
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Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Museum
At the balsamic vinegar museum you will start with a brief lesson on the production of balsamic vinegar. This lesson takes a look into the chemistry behind the product as well as how differently aged balsamic can also have different flavoring.
After the lesson, you will be taken on a tour of the museum where you can see differently ages barrels of balsamic vinegar- some up to hundreds of years old.
To complete the tour you are given a few different samples of balsamic vinegar to try and compare. Dr. Marra even took us to an ice cream shop to pair the two!
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Museo del Prosciutto di Parma
The start of your trip to Museo del Prosciutto di Parma will be a historical tour of how prosciutto was made and specifically looking at the part of the pig used to make the meat. You’ll also learn how the techniques to getting this meat has changed over time.
After the tour, you’ll have lunch on site where you’ll taste some of the best prosciutto ever. You will eat a full meal, but probably be full after indulging all of the prosciutto.
Once lunch is finished you’ll be given some time to explore the city of Parma. With tons of great shopping and gelato stops, your time can be well spent. I recommend visiting Piazza Duomo to see some of the most beautiful murals.
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Gelato Museum Carpigiani
The Gelato Museum starts with the history of gelato, but also shows you how the gelato making machine has evolved over time.
After the tour, you will get to make a version of simple ice cream only involving a flavored sugar and a milk. Through a churning technique, you can create a very slushy like ice cream. Next, you’ll be given the softest milk flavored gelato (basically vanilla).
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Museo Ferrari
At the Museo Ferrari, you’ll take a self guided tour through the evolution of Ferrari race cars into their street cars. With replica engines and car models on display, you can truly watch these cars change overtime. There’s history plaques on the wall where you can read more into the company. There’s a trophy display room showcasing all of the major accomplishments and wins by Ferrari.
You have the option to pay for a driving simulation and a photo in one of the newer Ferrari models.
The tour finishes in the gift shop where you can buy Ferrari merch!
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To see more on the 2024 groups experience you can follow @maymester_bologna on instagram!