{"id":15594,"date":"2021-12-13T07:00:35","date_gmt":"2021-12-13T06:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gomice.nl\/?p=15594"},"modified":"2025-02-18T11:19:13","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T10:19:13","slug":"culinaire-inspiratiereis-naar-italie-bologna-parma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gomice.nl\/en\/culinaire-inspiratiereis-naar-italie-bologna-parma\/","title":{"rendered":"Culinary inspiration trip to Italy: Bologna & Parma"},"content":{"rendered":"

Case: culinary inspiration trip to Bologna & Parma<\/h2>\n

In the autumn of 2021, we were faced with the wonderful challenge of organising an inspiration trip for a group of retail entrepreneurs from the Netherlands. For many years, this group has visited cities across the globe to gain inspiration, including Singapore, Split, Seville and Tokyo. This year, the initial choice fell on the surprising cities of Riga and Tallinn. The inspection trip was scheduled, special places were discovered and the programme was put together.<\/p>\n

As soon as the programme was finalised and we were about to inform the participants about this, the Latvian government decided to announce a lockdown, as a result of which the decision was made to change the destination. A combination of Tallinn and Helsinki was briefly considered, but the choice ultimately fell on the Italian cities of Bologna and Parma.<\/p>\n

The trip was scheduled to take place within just two weeks, and a follow-up inspection trip as well as the preparations for the final group trip duly followed within a week. Organising a four-day inspiration trip on such short notice was a challenge, but at goMICE we never shy away from a challenge! Thanks to the great cooperation with Pim van den Berg<\/a>, one of our valued contacts who always accompanies this group on location, the commitment of our Managing Director Rob Jansen and the flexibility of our suppliers, we were able to let the participants enjoy a wonderful trip.<\/p>\n

Day 1 \u2013 The flavours of Bologna <\/strong><\/h3>\n

The journey began with a visit to Bologna, also known as \u2018the Red City\u2019. The city owes its nickname to the many reddish hues that colour the buildings in the historic city centre. The city is located in the region from which a large number of well-known Italian products and dishes originate, such as Parma ham, Parmesan cheese, mortadella and the very best Italian salamis. And of course the dish \u2018spaghetti Bolognese\u2019 has its origins here. However, Bologna is more than just good food and drink. The city is an interesting destination with many varied sights, where you can still experience real Italian life.<\/p>\n

\"Proef<\/p>\n

The group stayed in the most prestigious and only 5-star hotel in Bologna; it Grand Hotel Majestic gi\u00e0 Baglioni<\/a>. As you walk into the hotel, you get the feeling of stepping into a former palace. Marble floors, antique furniture, Doric columns and various works of art adorn the hotel.<\/p>\n

Following check-in, a walk through the city led by urbanologist Pim van den Berg took place, visiting interesting retail locations. The walk concluded with a private visit to the Casa Morandi museum. The Italian master lived and worked here from 1910 to 1964. In 2009, the apartment became his house-museum of the same name, and it currently exhibits photographs, books, old artworks and other interesting pieces that once belonged to the artist, including the bottles, seashells and vases that he painted so often.<\/p>\n

The day was concluded with a wine tasting in the hotel's wine cellar, led by a professional sommelier, followed by a delicious \u2018di mama\u2019 dinner in a traditional restaurant.<\/p>\n

Day 2 \u2013 The king of cheeses & Balsamic vinegar<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After a hearty breakfast, it was time to discover the region from a culinary perspective, starting with a visit to a factory where \u201cParmigiano Reggiano\u201d is produced. This original Parmesan cheese has often been imitated through the centuries, but never equalled. According to the Italians, Parmigiano Reggiano is the King of Cheeses: a complex combination of tradition, craftsmanship, respect for nature and careful ageing creates a unique cheese with a distinctive, intense flavour. The tour begins with a brief theoretical explanation, followed by a visit to the production department where the various phases of the process, up to the storage and ageing department, are explained and can be viewed. The tour concluded with a tasting of this special cheese.<\/p>\n

Next, a visit to another factory was scheduled, once again featuring a world-renowned product from this region: balsamic vinegar. Here too, participants gained insight into the production process and concluded with a tasting session, paired with various local dishes.<\/p>\n

\"Parmigiano<\/p>\n

Day 3 \u2013 Parma (ham)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Alongside Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar, this region is famous for yet another product: Parma ham. A visit to a factory that produces this delicacy was therefore not to be missed during this trip. The factory selected by us, which we were allowed to visit, has been producing and selecting high-quality products for over a century, with respect for the environment and tradition. They select only the thighs of the best pigs on the market and offer a 100% genuine product according to age-old natural methods. This method enables them to preserve food without adding any form of preservative or additive. A very interesting and also flavourful tour and tasting session!<\/p>\n

The participants were then taken to Parma where an initial exploration took place, once again led by street-o-logist Pim van den Berg. The old city centre of Parma is very attractive, with districts full of stately buildings, beautiful parks and gardens. The city also offers a huge range of restaurants and bars. There is something for everyone!<\/p>\n

This final evening was concluded with a group dinner in the centre of Parma. This restaurant serves traditional, high-quality Parmesan dishes. The participants thoroughly enjoyed the local wines, the homemade Tortelli and each other's company.<\/p>\n

\"Parma:<\/p>\n

Day 4 \u2013 FICO Eataly World<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The final day of this inspirational trip had already arrived. On the way to the airport, a final stop was on the agenda: a visit to FICO Eataly World, with the motto \u2018From field to fork\u2019. FICO is the largest agro-food park in the world, featuring over 1 kilometre of shops, tastings, and education about food and drink. Here, visitors can discover the origins of all this food and familiarise themselves with Italian cuisine.<\/p>\n

Following the visit to FICO, there was a final transfer on the way to Bologna airport. This brought an end to this special inspirational trip!<\/p>\n

\"FICO<\/p>\n

Your culinary journey to Italy with goMICE<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After reading this blog, are you also enthusiastic about organising a culinary inspiration, group or incentive trip to this or another (Italian) city? Then we take we would be happy to take this off your hands<\/a> and create a tailor-made itinerary to suit your goals and target audience.<\/p>\n

Additionally, at goMICE we aim to take your meeting, event or incentive trip to the next level. The impact of a trip or event can be increased in many ways. If desired, we can collaborate on the complete communication journey surrounding your LIVE moment:<\/p>\n