YOUR HOST
Massimo Bottura
Destination
Modena, Italy
Stay
5 Days / 4 Nights
DEPARTURES
20-24 NOVEMBER 2024
SOLD OUT
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Luxury Accommodation at Casa Maria Luigia
Welcome Reception
Welcome Dinner at Francescana at Casa Maria Luigia
Grand-finale dinner at world-renowned Osteria Francescana
Truffle Hunting Experience
Q&A with Chef Massimo Bottura
Tortellini Masterclass with Tortellante
Fresh Pasta Making Masterclass
Emilian Entertainment Evening
Full-Board Menu
Wine Pairing
All activities in the itinerary
Airport Transfers from/to Bologna
Join the Waiting List to receive a priority invitation for this cinematic travel experience.
Each Satopia experience is uniquely crafted and never repeated.
Private bookings are available upon request.
STARTING FROM PER PERSON
• Members rates available learn more
• Rates (EUR) per person / double occupancy
Questions? Contact us to learn more or request a private group experience.
CHAT ON WHATSAPP
SCHEDULE A CALL
Get to know your host…
Chef Massimo Bottura is without a doubt one of the foremost ambassadors of modern Italian cuisine. From his first trattoria — Trattoria del Campazzo — on the outskirts of Modena in 1986, where he worked with Rezdora Lidia Cristoni, to an apprenticeship under Chef Georges Coigny. Bottura formed a culinary foundation that combined regional Italian cooking and classical French training. He further refined his style under legendary Alain Ducasse at Louis XV in Monte Carlo.
MEET YOUR HOST
Massimo Bottura
“Cooking is about emotion, it’s about culture, it’s about love, it’s about memory…”
In 1995, Bottura opened his Osteria Francescana in historic central Modena, where he was able to freely blend his creative take on Italian cuisine with cutting edge contemporary art and design, bringing a modern aesthetic to the junction of tradition and innovation. Another formative experience—this time under Ferran Adrià—encouraged Bottura to continue pushing the envelope in his cuisine. Over the last 10 years, Bottura has worked to do just that, creating dishes such as “Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano in different textures and temperatures” that showcase his maturity as an innovator, as well as his respect for his ingredients.
Three Michelin stars and a first-place ranking in San Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants list prove that Bottura’s explorations are more than successful; they’re inspiring. Like so many cutting-edge chefs, Bottura cooks to invite and evoke contemplation of history, territory, and flavour. And on the stage of gastronomic conferences around the world, Bottura freely shares his creative process in demonstrations, lectures and film, such as Chef’s Table on Netflix and the conceptual “We Are the Revolution,” a narrative exploration of “original sound” through art, music.
Experience Modena through the Eyes & Mind of Massimo Bottura.
CULINARY EXPERIENCE IN ITALY
Join Satopia Travel on a captivating journey, hosted by Massimo Bottura, to explore the region of Modena through the chef’s eyes, leaving you with a profound shared experience that will move and connect you to the vibrant spirit of this remarkable destination.
JOIN THIS EXPERIENCE TO EXPLORE
Charisma
Experience the true meaning of "charisma" through the magnetic presence of Massimo, your host who brings every moment to life with his engaging, magnetic, and creative energy, making every encounter an unforgettable & powerful inspiration.
The Emilia-Romagna region is known as the land of slow-food and fast-cars. This lush and fertile region is considered the epicentre of Italian cuisine and has created the Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, sparkling red Lambrusco wine, prosciutto and well-known pasta like lasagne, tagliatelle and tortellini.
A culinary centre with gastronomic traditions that is home of course to Massimo Bottura, who catapulted Italy’s Modena to worldwide gastronomic glory when he opened his Osteria Francescana in 1995, showcasing his avant-garde take on traditional Italian cuisine.
Eating at Bottura’s highly sought Osteria Francescana, right in the heart of Modena, is an unforgettable experience. Named number 1 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2016 and for the second time in 2018, Osteria Francescana remains at the top of the gastronomy scene till today. For the guests of Satopia Travel during this hosted experience, we have a dining experience at Osteria Francescana lined up at the restaurant for an unforgettable evening of creativity and imagination.
Moments
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Stay at Casa Maria Luigia
Casa Maria Luigia is an intimate 18th-Century Country House nestled in the hills of Emilia-Romagna and surrounded by agricultural landscape of the countryside of Modena. The space at Casa Maria Luigia plays home to contemporary art from all over the world, with a catalogue of music in the music room and a beautiful collection of books.
What makes a Supercar?
Emilia Romagna is a region renowned for its fast cars and slow food. Experience an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at the Pagani factory, where the passion for fast cars meets meticulous craftsmanship. Witness the magic that makes car enthusiasts' hearts race worldwide.
Masterclass with Chef Massimo Bottura
This private masterclass is designed around Chef Massimo’s culinary art and creations and the regional culture of Emilia Romagna.
Dining Experience at Osteria Francescana
A place to eat emotions, to feel enveloped by warm hospitality and to experience Italy at its finest. It is here in this kitchen that Massimo Bottura is hailed as a storyteller and artist as much as a cook.
Parmigiano Reggiano Production
Enjoy a guided tour of a Parmigiano Reggiano DOP Organic Farm to witness the organic farming craft of artisan cheese making for its unique taste of the region.
Truffle Hunting Experience
Embark on a thrilling truffle hunting experience in the enchanting woods of Bologna. Guided by expert hunters and their specially trained dogs, uncover the secrets of Italy's prized white truffles. Enjoy learning about the hunters' unique bond with their dogs, and savour a truffle-based pasta-making class and lunch afterwards.
Learn to Make Tortellini with Modena Grandmothers
Enjoy a cooking class with the grandmothers of Modena to learn how to make Tortellini and while doing so, support Tortellante, the Social Enterprise created by Massimo Bottura.
Aperitivo & Private Dinner at Francescana
This private dining experience takes place in a turn of the century Carriage House transformed into a stunning dining room with open kitchen, contemporary artwork and views of the surrounding countryside.
Discover Modena
Stroll around Piazza Grande, stop for a coffee or a gelato at one of the many lovely cafés, or grab a sandwich or a snack from Mercato Albinelli, Modena's historical market.
Day by Day
EXPERIENCE ITINERARY
Day 1
ACCOMMODATION | Casa Maria Luigia
Welcome to Emilia Romagna!
Begin your journey with a seamless transfer from Bologna or Milan airport to the charming Casa Maria Luigia in Modena. Enjoy a welcome Aperitivo, followed by an exquisite 9-course dinner at Francescana at Casa Maria Luigia, set in a stunning Carriage House, offering an intimate, culinary experience in Modena.
Day 2
ACCOMMODATION | Casa Maria Luigia
Truffle Hunting in the Woods
Begin with an Emilian breakfast at Casa Maria Luigia before departing to a thrilling truffle hunting experience.
November falls right in the 100 days of the season for truffle hunting. Guided by expert truffle hunters and their specially trained dogs in the woods of Bologna, enjoy an experience in the forest in pursuit of this elusive and prized delicacy. Savour the joy of discovering truffles and enjoy a pasta-making class followed by a delicious truffle-based lunch.
In the evening, you will be enjoying a special dining experience at “Osteria del Viandante” in the historical walled centre of Rubiera with a live musical performance. Emilian cuisine is the heart of the Viandante, represented by chef Jacopo Malpeli who has always expressed his love for the territory throughout his career between Parma, Piacenza, Modena and Bologna.
Day 3
ACCOMMODATION | Casa Maria Luigia
Pasta & Community
Start with a filling Emilian breakfast before learning to make tortellini with Modena grandmothers at Tortellante. Explore the rich culinary heritage at Mercato Albinelli, then enjoy an inspiring lunch at Roots. Relax at Casa Maria Luigia, and end the day with a delightful dinner at Il Cavallino, linked to Ferrari’s legacy.
Day 4
ACCOMMODATION | Casa Maria Luigia
Slow Food, Fast Cars
An early start in the morning at San Silvestro’s Parmigiano Reggiano farm to experience the art of organic cheese making with the cheese-maker.
Return to Casa Maria Luigia for an exclusive masterclass with Chef Massimo Bottura followed by a visit to Acetaia Maria Luigia to learn about their authentic and exquisite balsamic vinegar. Conclude the day with the highly anticipated dining experience at the renowned Osteria Francescana, savouring a 12-course tasting menu with wine pairings.
Day 5
A Final Taste of Emilia Romagna
Enjoy a final hearty Emilian breakfast in the Carriage House at Casa Maria Luigia. Reflect on your memorable experiences as you pack and check out by midday, ready for your transfer back to Bologna airport.
Ciao! Until your next time and next adventure.
Where You’ll Stay
ACCOMMODATION
Room: Festina Lente
ROOM SIZE 30-45 sq.m
GUESTS Single / Double Occupancy
FEATURES Walk-in shower, contemporary art, Italian design furniture, Ortigia bath amenities
Junior Suite: Bella Vita
ROOM SIZE 50-75 sq.m
GUESTS Double Occupancy
FEATURES Large walk-in showers and cast iron bathtubs, high ceilings, contemporary art, Italian design furniture, Ortigia bath amenities
Penthouse: Alcove
ROOM SIZE 100 sq.m
GUESTS Double Occupancy (additional guest on request)
FEATURES Private large wood decked balcony, separate living room, breathtaking countryside views, contemporary art, Bathtub and shower, Ortigia bath amenities
Private Villa: Luigina
ROOM SIZE 200 sq.m. interior, 150 sq.m. outdoor deck
GUESTS 3-6 Guests
FEATURES Private pool, 3 Bedrooms, spacious living area, glass veranda, professional kitchen, Emilian countryside landscape views, daily fresh food selection from the kitchen team
SOLD OUT
An artful escape.
Casa Maria Luigia is an art resort in the Modena countryside, assembled piece by piece by Bottura and his wife Lara Gilmore in the spaces of an eighteenth-century villa. This 12-room boutique hotel combines local craftsmanship with contemporary design to offer a reimagined view of what Italian artistry can be. No two rooms are similar, with each featuring contemporary art, vintage and design furniture, Dedar fabrics and Ortigia bath amenities.
Casa Maria Luigia
INDOOR FACILITIES INCLUDE
Cosy Lounge
Glass-Enclosed Portico Lounge
Vinyl Record Music Room
Family Style Kitchen
Daily fresh selection of seasonal tasting dishes and desserts
Wide complimentary selection of beverages
Art Collection
Fitness Centre
Comfortably Furnished Common Areas
Daily Housekeeping Service
OUTDOOR FACILITIES INCLUDE
Wood-Decked Swimming Pool
Complimentary Beverages & Snacks in the Pool House
Tennis Court
Leisure Walking Paths
Wood-Burning Oven & Vegetable Garden
Serene Countryside Views
All-inclusive experience
What you need to know.
A small group experience with like-minded food and gastronomy discerning guests.
Closest Airport: Bologna G. Marconi Airport (BLQ) is the closest. Alternatively, Milan Malpensa (MXP) serves more frequent routes and international flights. Transfers from/to Milan can be arranged at an additional cost.
Activity Level: Easy with light physical activity, suitable for most fitness levels; includes short walks and gentle activities.
Positive Impact
HOW YOU CAN TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY
We care deeply about not only who we do business with but also how our partners do business.
As more regions and countries develop their tourism industries, a growing significant impact looms on natural resources, consumption patterns, pollution and social systems. The need for sustainable, responsible planning and management is imperative for the travel industry to thrive as a whole. Our experiences are designed with sustainable and responsible travel principles in mind.
By being part of this experience you will contribute to the following organisations.
Embark on a meaningful journey through Emiglia Romagna with Satopia, where your travel experience directly supports the empowerment of local communities. A portion of your trip’s cost contributes to two incredible organisations, each playing a vital role in enriching Italy’s cultural heritage. These partners not only enhance your travel experience but also ensure that your visit has a positive impact on the destination and its people.
Il Tortellante
Il Tortellante was established in January 2016. This project, conceived in Modena, Italy, was initiated by chef Massimo Bottura, his wife Lara Gilmore, and three motivated mothers, aiming to support young people with autism and their families. Il Tortellante focuses on teaching these individuals the art of making fresh pasta, particularly tortellini, a staple in Emilia-Romagna cuisine. This initiative not only provides educational and developmental opportunities but also promotes inclusion within the community.
Learn more about Il Toertellante here
Roots
Established in 2020 by Chef Jessica Rosval and the Francescana Group, Roots Community Restaurant is a youth-led initiative in Modena, aimed at empowering women in the culinary field. Inspired by the journey of a Nigerian refugee, Ella, Roots bridges the gap in the hospitality labour market. It offers women professional culinary training, confidence-building, and accredited qualifications, paving their way into thriving careers. The restaurant, operational since 2022, epitomises a self-sustaining model of social impact.
Learn more about Roots here
Your experience can contribute positively to the planet.
Discover how your travel experiences can help restore and preserve nature. By choosing sustainable travel options, you contribute to vital conservation efforts. Explore our Nature Restoration initiatives and be a part of the solution.
Certified B Corporations are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.
B Corp Certification signifies that a business meets high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency. B Lab uniquely measures a company’s entire social and environmental impact. Satopia Travel meets this strict performance, legal, and transparency standards.
A WORLD FULL OF WONDER
WORLD-CLASS HOSTS
Join some of the most accomplished people on the planet in the quest for enriching adventures, human connection and personal transformation.
UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS
Unique access to people and places that are often inaccessible, join our community of global travellers with a guestlist applicaiton.
A MEANINGFUL MISSION
Give back to local communities, supporting conservation causes or social initiatives that improve the quality of life for others.
