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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