Post on 31-Jan-2021
APRIL 28 – MAY 6, 2019
The Extraordinary Art & Culture of
Emilia-RomagnaParma Baptistery and (above) Labyrinth of the Mason / Gio April
ITALY
Bologna
Cremona
Ligurian Sea
ReggioEmilia
Modena
Discover the Heart
of Italy through the
culinary, artistic, and
musical flavors of Emilia-Romagna
and Lombardy.
This Uniquely Smith tour uses the ancient
town of Reggio Emilia as its home base,
with daily excursions into the Po River
Valley to explore the cuisine and cultural
history of the region. Experience private
cooking lessons in Reggio, exclusive
access to churches and art collections
of Cremona and Modena, and spaces
otherwise closed to the public. You will be
welcomed with open arms by the warmth
of Italy and its inhabitants. Come hungry
and leave gratified by great food, fantastic wine, and even better company!
Travel with Anna BottaProfessor of Italian Studies and of Comparative Literature
Anna Botta’s academic
training began at the
University of Geneva,
Switzerland, and continued
at the University of Turin, Italy
(laurea in Lingue Straniere
Moderne). She subsequently
studied in France, England, and the
Netherlands before moving to the United
States, where she received a master
and a doctorate in comparative literature
and literary theory from the University
of Pennsylvania. At Smith, she shuttles
between the Department of Italian Studies
and the Comparative Literature Program,
with forays into Film and Media Studies.
Her current book project, tentatively titled
Solid Mediterraneans, builds on previously
published articles and the special issue
“Mediterraneans” that she co-edited for
the Massachusetts Review in 2014. She
has edited two volumes of essays: Italo
Calvino newyorkese (Avagliano, 2002)
and Scrittrici eccentriche (Tre lune, 2003).
She has published numerous articles
in journals such as Modern Language
Notes, Italian Culture, California Italian
Studies Journal, Contemporary Literature
and Spunti e parole, as well as in various
volumes of critical essays. Her most
recent articles in visual studies include a
study of Luigi Ghirri’s photography and a
cinematic analysis of Roberto Rossellini’s
Stromboli. She has also served as member
of the MLA Forum on the Mediterranean
(2013–2018).
Meet local farm owners and vintners, visit a Parmesan cheese dairy, and enjoy dinner with the owners of a balsamic vinegar distillery.
See the world’s oldest university in Bologna, alma mater to the likes of Petrarch, Albrecht Dürer, and Nicolaus Copernicus.
“Ancora Pasta Fresca” / Hotel Real Fini
Archiginnasio / Paolo Piscolla
Stamen Design / Open Street Map
Sunday, April 28, 2019Departures Depart the United States on independent
flights arriving the next morning at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ).
Monday, April 29, 2019Arrivals & WelcomeUpon arrival, meet your tour director to depart
on a group transfer to charming Reggio
Emilia, our home base for the next week.
After checking into the centrally located Hotel
Posta, enjoy a leisurely introductory walking
tour of Reggio Emilia’s historic center,
stopping in the Piazza Prampolini, home to
the city’s stately Romanesque cathedral.
Admire the town’s most characteristic square,
Piazza San Prospero, before entering Saint
Prospero Church to visit its frescoed walls
and 16th-century wooden choir stall. Gather
this evening for a welcome reception and
dinner of handmade pastas, artisan meats,
and world-class cheeses to celebrate our
arrival in Emilia-Romagna!
Hotel Posta, Reggio Emilia (Rec., D)
Tuesday, April 30, 2019Essential Reggio EmiliaEarly this morning, visit a family-owned
caseificio, or traditional dairy farm, for a demonstration of the world-famous
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheesemaking
process, with an opportunity to bring home
the freshest, most authentic Parmesan
cheese at a great price! Return to Reggio
for a walking tour of the city center, with a
behind-the-scenes visit to the neoclassical
Teatro Municipale Valli. Lunch today is a feast
of local specialties at a charming trattoria.
Enjoy an independent afternoon in Reggio
Emilia, or join an optional visit to Reggio’s
Civic Museums for a chance to learn about
the city’s fascinating role in the formation of
the modern Italian state and in the creation of
the country’s famous tricolored flag. Dinner this evening is independent.
Hotel Posta, Reggio Emilia (B, L)
Wednesday, May 1, 2019Cremona: Violin HeavenAfter a lecture at the hotel by Study Leader
and Smith Professor Anna Botta, travel
through Italy’s fertile plains to Cremona, a
major agricultural market that is perhaps
more famous for its musical legends
violinmaker Antonio Stradivari and composer
Claudio Monteverdi. Begin with a walking tour
of this Lombard town, which is dominated
by its part-Romanesque Duomo and famed
medieval bell tower, the Torrazzo. Pass by the
12th-century baptistery and the 13th-century
Loggia dei Militi. Enter the Museo del Violino
for a glimpse at the city’s unparalleled
collection of 17th-century virtuoso violins
created by Amati, Stradivarius, and Guarneri.
Lunch is at a quaint restaurant and features
dishes typical of Lombard cuisine, especially
torrone—a delicious nougat made of honey,
almonds, and roasted hazelnuts. After
lunch and by special arrangement, return to
Cremona’s 12th-century cathedral to meet
with a local musician for a private recital
and exclusive look at the cathedral’s historic
organ. En route back to Reggio Emilia, stop
at the Church of San Sigismondo, built to
celebrate the marriage that united Milan’s
Visconti and Sforza families, and adorned
with dramatic Mannerist paintings by the top
local masters, the Campi brothers. Enjoy free
time in Reggio Emilia before gathering this
evening for dinner together.
Hotel Posta, Reggio Emilia (B, L, D)
Thursday, May 2, 2019Bologna: Cultural Capital of Emilia-RomagnaDepart for Bologna, known as “La Grassa,”
a moniker that refers to the rich food culture
that was already famous in the 1300s. With
our local guide, stroll through Bologna’s
charming porticoed streets, passing gourmet
shops clustered among medieval towers
and churches. Visit San Petronio, with its
graceful Gothic interior, and the Archiginnasio
Palace, built in the mid-16th century
and home to the University of Bologna’s
View of Mantova from the Bridge / Mykaul
TOUR COST Land Only ....................................................... $4,995 Single Supplement .............................................. $795Tour price is per person based on double occupancy, with a minimum of 15 paying participants. Land prices are calculated as of July 2018 and are subject to change. DATES | April 28 – May 6, 2019
ACTIVITY LEVEL | Moderate, good walking ability
DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT | A deposit of $1,000 per participant is required to guarantee participation in the program. This deposit may be paid by check or by Visa or MasterCard. Final payment will be invoiced and is due on January 18, 2019 by check only to International Seminar Design, Inc. Registrants will be accepted beyond this date on a space-available basis with payment in full by check only.
FLIGHTS | Airfare is not included in the tour price. Participants are responsible for all aspects of their round-trip air arrangements to Bologna, Italy (BLQ).
TERMS & CONDITIONS | International Seminar Design, Inc. (ISDI) acts only as an agent for the partic-ipant with respect to transportation, accommodations, and all other services relating to this tour. ISDI, Smith College, and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity, which may be caused by any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus, or other carrier, or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty
to the participants of the tour. ISDI and Smith College reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to depar-ture for any reason including insufficient numbers of participants, as well as the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour at any time. If bookings fall below the minimum required, passen-gers will be advised of additional costs or itinerary alterations before departure date.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS | All cancellations must be received in writing by ISDI, and are subject to a non-refundable administrative fee of $500 per person. Written cancellation received by ISDI on or before January 18, 2019: full refund minus $500 per person administrative fee. Written cancellation received by ISDI between January 19 and March 14, 2019: $2,500. Written cancellation received by ISDI on or after March 15, 2019: no refund. After the tour has commenced, it is not possible to issue any re-funds. No refunds can be issued for occasional missed meals or sightseeing tours. No refunds for any unused portion of the tour. If due to weather, flight schedules, or other uncontrollable factors you are required to spend an additional night, you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers, and meal costs.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Tour cancellation-interruption insurance is strongly recommended. Smith Travel will provide a confirmation letter and travel insurance application, which will be mailed upon receipt of your deposit. Smith Travel and ISDI strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage
Tour Information
groundbreaking Anatomical Theater. Enjoy a
special luncheon at the home of a prominent
Bolognese contessa who will prepare a
delicious spread of local cheeses, fine meats, typical Bolognese pastas, and local wines.
After lunch, visit with a local violinmaker
to learn the art and history of creating
equally beautiful and functional instruments.
Before returning to Reggio, enjoy free time
in Bologna for shopping and independent
exploration. Dinner is at leisure this evening.
Hotel Posta, Reggio Emilia (B, L)
Friday, May 3, 2019Private Day of Food & ArtSpend the morning at a cooking class
learning how to make regional fare including
handmade pasta. After lunch at the culinary
school, depart for an afternoon excursion
to Modena. Enjoy free time back in Reggio
Emilia before a visit the modern and
contemporary art collection of Max Mara
founder Achille Maramotti, which includes
works by Francis Bacon, Basquiat, and Lucio
Fontana. In the early evening, head into the
hills to a local family’s balsamic vinegar
distillery and learn about the process of
creating authentic aceto balsamico before
sitting down to a delicious home-cooked
dinner in the family’s rustic country home!
Hotel Posta, Reggio Emilia (B, L, D)
Saturday, May 4, 2019Mantova: The Gonzagas’
Lavish Renaissance CourtSet out this morning for Mantova, named
the “European Capital of Gastronomy”
in 2017. Under the rule of the Gonzaga
family, Mantova flourished as one of the main artistic, cultural, and musical hubs
of Northern Italy. Discover the Gonzagas’
Palazzo Ducale and its stunning Camera
degli Sposi, or wedding room, painted by
Andrea Mantegna. By special permission,
we will be granted access to the apartments
of Isabella d’Este, perhaps the greatest art
patron of the Renaissance. This beautiful
15th-century space is not open to the public.
Lunch today is a feast of local specialties,
like tortelli di zucca, pasta filled with pumpkin or squash. Next, stop inside the Bibiena
Theater, the early Rococo building where
Mozart performed at just 13 years old, and
the Palazzo Te, the ultimate masterpiece
of Renaissance painter Giulio Romano. En
route back to Reggio, we pause along the
border of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy
to learn about the wines of the Po Valley.
This particular area is famous for the slightly
effervescent red wine called Lambrusco. The remainder of the evening and dinner are at
leisure in Reggio Emilia.
Hotel Posta, Reggio Emilia (B, L, WT)
Emilia-Romagna · April 28–May 6, 2019
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ROOMING OPTIONS: (please select) Double Occupancy, We prefer separate beds Single Supplement ($795) I will share a room with: I would like a roommate but will pay the price of the single supplement if one cannot be found.
The undersigned has read the tour itinerary and recognizes and accepts any risks therein. The undersigned also understands and hereby agrees for and on behalf of his/her dependents, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns to abide by the conditions set forth in the terms and conditions listed in this brochure and to release and hold harmless International Seminar Design, Inc. (ISDI), Smith College, and any of their officers, trustees, agents, licenses, or representatives from any and all liability for delays, injuries, or death or for the loss of and/or damage to his/her property however occurring during any portion of, or in relation to, this tour.
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COMPLETE AND RETURN TO:Smith Travel
Office of Alumnae Relations33 Elm Street
Northampton, MA 01063
Tel: 800-225-2029 Fax: 413-585-2015Email: alumtrav@smith.edu© 2018–2019 INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR DESIGN, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CST 2072963-40, WST 603578109
insurance is also recommended. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Smith Travel will provide travel insurance information upon registration. For additional information, please contact Smith Travel at 800-225-2029.
TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS | 7 nights at the Hotel Posta in Reggio Emilia; breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, 1 reception, 1 wine tasting; 2 glasses of wine at included dinners, 1 glass of wine at included lunches; mineral water, coffee, and tea included with meals; one group transfer from/to the Bologna airport (BLQ) upon arrival and departure; handling of 2 pieces of luggage per person upon arrival and departure at the hotel; land transportation by private motor coach as outlined; entrance fees to sites per itinerary; services of an Italian-speaking ISDI Tour Manager and expert, local English-speaking guides; gratuities for guides and motor coach drivers; bottled water on private motor coach; taxes and service fees.
TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS | Airfare, airline taxes, and fuel surcharges; airport porterage; individual transfers from the airport to the Hotel Posta upon arrival or departure; excursions, activities, or meals during traveler’s free time; personal items; personal services; travel extensions; personal insurance for health, baggage and tour cancellation; passport fees; visa fees; gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff; any other items not specifically included in the itinerary.
Sunday, May 5, 2019The Historic Charms of
Parma & FontanellatoAfter a morning lecture at the hotel, visit
the fairytale village of Fontanellato to visit
the Rocca Sanvitale castle complex that
was home to the ancient duchy of Piacenza
and Parma. Then, discover the beauty and
intellectual interest of Europe’s largest
and perhaps most elegant labyrinth—the
Labirinto della Masone—the brainchild
of a local publisher and art collector.
Stop in Parma for an independent lunch
followed by an afternoon touring the
historic center’s cathedral, baptistery, and
monastery with stunning frescoes hidden
inside. Finally, visit the National Gallery
in the Palazzo della Pilotta, with works
by Parmigianino and an unfinished piece attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. Return
to Reggio for a free afternoon before a
festive farewell dinner celebrating this
gastronomic and cultural exploration.
Hotel Posta, Reggio Emilia (B, D)
Monday, May 6, 2019Return to the U.S.This morning, arrive at the Bologna airport
by private group transfer to meet your
returning flight home. (B)
Cathedral of Parma / Jess Wood
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