Join Massimo Bottura, the three-Michelin-star chef behind Osteria Francescana, twice named the world’s best restaurant, for a 5-day culinary immersion in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Italy’s gastronomic soul.
Based at Casa Maria Luigia, the elegant country guesthouse Massimo and Lara created outside Modena, days move between the kitchen, the Parmigiano dairies, the balsamico lofts and the art and music that fill his world.
A rare, joyful insight into the mind of one of the world’s most celebrated chefs, in the region that gave us Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto and traditional balsamic vinegar.
"Cooking is an act of love. When you cook for someone, you are giving them a piece of yourself."
Massimo Bottura is the chef and founder of Osteria Francescana in Modena, awarded three Michelin stars and twice ranked the world’s best restaurant, a place where Italian tradition meets contemporary art and irreverent imagination.
With his wife Lara Gilmore he created Casa Maria Luigia, a country home and guesthouse, and the non-profit Food for Soul, fighting food waste and social isolation through community kitchens around the world.
A collector of art and music and a passionate champion of Emilia-Romagna’s producers, Massimo brings warmth, humour and profound craft to everything he touches.
Casa Maria Luigia is an intimate 18th-century country house nestled in the hills of Emilia-Romagna, surrounded by the agricultural landscape of the Modena countryside. The house plays home to contemporary art from all over the world, a catalogue of music in the music room and a beautiful collection of books.
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.
This private masterclass is designed around Chef Massimo’s culinary art and creations and the regional culture of Emilia-Romagna.
A place to eat emotions, to feel enveloped by warm hospitality and to experience Italy at its finest. It is here that Massimo Bottura is hailed as a storyteller and artist as much as a cook.
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.
A thrilling truffle hunt in the enchanting woods of Bologna. Guided by expert hunters and their specially trained dogs, uncover the secrets of Italy’s prized white truffles.
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.
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 countryside.
Stroll around Piazza Grande, stop for a coffee or a gelato at one of the many lovely cafés, or grab a snack from Mercato Albinelli, Modena’s historical market.
Arrival at Casa Maria Luigia, truffle hunting and tortellini with the grandmothers of Modena, a masterclass with Massimo and the grand finale at Osteria Francescana. Your designer tailors timings around your arrivals.
A seamless transfer from Bologna or Milan airport to Casa Maria Luigia. A welcome aperitivo, then an exquisite 9-course dinner at Francescana at Casa Maria Luigia, set in its stunning Carriage House.
An Emilian breakfast, then a thrilling truffle hunt with expert hunters and their trained dogs, followed by a pasta-making class and a truffle-based lunch. In the evening, a special dining experience at Osteria del Viandante in the walled centre of Rubiera, with a live musical performance.
Learn to make tortellini with the grandmothers of Modena at Tortellante, explore Mercato Albinelli and enjoy an inspiring lunch at Roots. An afternoon at Casa Maria Luigia, then dinner at Il Cavallino, linked to Ferrari’s legacy.
An early start at San Silvestro’s Parmigiano Reggiano farm, then an exclusive masterclass with Chef Massimo Bottura and a visit to Acetaia Maria Luigia. The day concludes at the renowned Osteria Francescana, with a 12-course tasting menu and wine pairings.
A final hearty Emilian breakfast in the Carriage House at Casa Maria Luigia. Reflect on your experiences as you pack and check out by midday, ready for your transfer back to Bologna airport.
One price, one designer. From your arrival near Modena, your accommodation, every meal, the masterclass and all producer experiences with Massimo’s world are held for you, so nothing is left to arrange on the ground.
This experience is hosted in the temperate months of late spring and autumn, when Emilia-Romagna is warm and golden and its tables move outdoors. The chart shows the average daytime high by month, with the best months to go marked.
Warm, bright days and the countryside green, the region’s gardens and terraces at their best.
The grape and produce harvest, warm evenings and the tables of Emilia at their most alive.
Softer light, truffle season beginning and the quiet return of the countryside after summer.
Tradition is not about looking back, it is about looking forward with everything you have learned. That is how you keep it alive.
From the Parmigiano dairies to the balsamico lofts and the fresh pasta of Emilia, this is an immersion in that living tradition, in the company of its most joyful champion.
Casa Maria Luigia is the elegant country guesthouse Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore created in the hills outside Modena, an art-filled 18th-century villa of twelve rooms and suites, with gardens, a pool and a table that is the heart of the house, taken in comfort for your group.
Words cannot express how grateful we are to have found you and Satopia. Our experience is one we will forever remember and cherish.
Jason • Satopia Community Guest
For up to 12 guests, on a first-booked basis. Complete the form and we’ll email to confirm your booking and the confirmed rate. A refundable €500 deposit per person secures your application.
The closest airport is Bologna (BLQ), around 40 minutes from Casa Maria Luigia by private transfer. Milan is also within reach. Your designer arranges the best connections for your experience.
Yes. Massimo hosts an exclusive masterclass and Q&A at Casa Maria Luigia, and the experience culminates with the grand-finale dinner at his Osteria Francescana.
Gentle. Days move between the kitchen, producer visits, the city of Modena and the gardens of the house, at an unhurried, indulgent pace.
At Casa Maria Luigia, the art-filled country guesthouse Massimo and Lara created outside Modena, taken in comfort for your small group.
A small group of up to 12 guests, priced per person based on two sharing. It suits lovers of food, wine and art drawn to the soul of Italian gastronomy.
Rates are confirmed on request, and new 2027 dates are being finalised. Join the guestlist in the application below and we’ll be in touch first with dates and pricing, or ask us about a private experience.
Yes. Private experiences can be arranged and tailored end to end by your Satopia experience designer. Select “Private Hosted Experience” in the application below.
Absolutely. Our travel designers can craft an extension across Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany or beyond, before or after your time in Modena. Just ask.
Our experiences are designed with sustainable and responsible travel principles in mind, the need for careful planning and management as tourism grows.
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