massimo bottura modena

A Taste of Modena with Massimo Bottura and WSJ. Magazine

Join WSJ. Magazine contributing editor Gabe Ulla for a four-day tour crafted by celebrity chef, hospitality entrepreneur and contemporary art aficionado Massimo Bottura, who invites you to experience the world-famous cuisine and heritage of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. While based in Bottura’s home province of Modena—an area revered for its namesake city, as well as balsamic vinegar, Lambrusco and Parmigiano-Reggiano—and while staying at his new boutique hotel, Casa Maria Luigia, you will gain behind-the-scenes access to Osteria Francescana, Bottura’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant long considered one of the world’s top dining establishments. Additional itinerary highlights include exclusive tours focused on Modena’s culinary and artistic traditions, with the chance to add on visits to staggering contemporary collections and moments for leisurely sports like swimming and tennis. La dolce vita, indeed.

Both the September and October dates are currently sold out. Request an itinerary or contact our team at insiderjourneys@indagare.com to join the waitlist!

The health and safety of our travelers is our No. 1 priority. We are committed to upholding the highest safety standards, while providing world-class hospitality and a seamless travel experience. For more information and questions about specific protocols that have been put into place to make your trip as safe as possible, as well as entry/exit requirements for Italy, please reach out to our team at insiderjourneys@indagare.com.

What to Expect

This trip has been crafted specially for culinary and design interests by WSJ. Magazine  editors and Indagare’s expert travel planners. Itinerary highlights include:

  • Experience the overwhelming depth and complexity of internationally acclaimed chef Massimo Bottura’s work, in his and his collaborators’ company, with exclusive-access tasting experiences at his Modena restaurants: Franceschetta58 (a contemporary-casual restaurant), Francescana at Maria Luigia (an intimate setting with an open kitchen) and the three-Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana, voted World’s Best Restaurant in 2016 and 2018.
  • Understand the history, culture, art and terroir that inspire Massimo Bottura’s culinary philosophy, in the chef’s company, with expert-guided tours throughout Emilia-Romagna, with a special focus on the region’s emblematic products, including Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, Lambrusco and tortellini. You’ll have the chance to meet with the producers who are keeping ancient traditions alive—and continuing to innovate for a modern world.
  • Explore the heart of Italian truffle country at the peak of the season with a hands-on, expert-guided truffle-hunting experience, followed by an indulgent lunch featuring freshly found truffles. (October dates only)
  • Slow Food and Fast Cars: Tour Museo Ferrari Maranello, an immersive experience celebrating the history, legacy and contemporary innovation of the iconic brand, located just steps from the Ferrari factory (with displays of top models, as well as rotating exhibitions). Plus: Those who are interested will be able to get behind the wheel with a special countryside driving adventure. (September dates only; at additional cost)
  • Stay at Casa Maria Luigia, the first boutique hotel by Massimo Bottura and his wife and collaborator, Lara Gilmore. In addition to offering exceptional dining, the property is a must-visit for its impressive contemporary art collection, stylish-yet-homey design and beautiful grounds.
  • Join an exclusive lecture focused on food and wine with Massimo Bottura, hosted by WSJ. Magazine contributing editor Gabe Ulla. (October dates only)
  • Worry less, experience more: Indagare’s expert Insider Journeys team will help you navigate a safe and rewarding travel experience—and help plan custom trip extensions within Italy and beyond. Plus: You’ll be guided through the new travel landscape by our most trusted local partners, and you’ll have complimentary 24/7 access to the emergency medical, security and evacuation services of Global Rescue while on the ground.

Please note that elements of the itinerary may change.

Past
  • When
    September 20–23 and October 27–30, 2022
  • Length
    4 days / 3 nights
  • Type of Traveler
    Foodies , Ultimate Indulgers , Art Lovers

This Journey's Host

Gabe Ulla has covered food and culture for WSJ. Magazine since 2015. In addition to his work for the magazine, he has contributed to Saveur, Town & Country and Vanity Fair, and he is the co-author of Ignacio Mattos’s debut cookbook, Estela, and David Chang’s New York Times–bestselling memoir, Eat a Peach. The son of Cuban immigrants and a lifelong New Yorker, he holds an M.F.A. in creative writing from Columbia University School of the Arts. Follow his adventures on Instagram @gabeulla. Gabe will host both the September and October journeys.

For the September journey, you will also be joined by Indagare’s founder and CEO, Melissa Biggs Bradley. After a successful career as an editor at Town & Country, Melissa founded Indagare in 2007 because she believed that creating a platform for exchange between passionate travelers would allow for more transformative journeys and meaningful global connections. Melissa has been recognized as a pioneering entrepreneur in the luxury travel space. Melissa’s first book, Safari Style: Exceptional African Camps and Lodges, was released in the fall of 2021. Follow her on Instagram @indagareceo. On the October journey, you will be joined by one of Indagare’s senior team members.

Curious to receive the full itinerary and join the trip? Contact us and find out more.

Trip Details

In preparation for the journey, members will also receive a comprehensive departure package that includes an itinerary, packing list, accommodations overview and other important information.

  • When
    September 20–23 and October 27–30, 2022
  • Length
    4 days / 3 nights
  • Group Size
    Up to 24 travelers
  • Host
    WSJ. Magazine's Gabe Ulla and Indagare Founder Melissa Biggs Bradley (September Only)

Includes

  • Three nights’ luxury accommodations at Casa Maria Luigia. Indagare can arrange higher category accommodation upgrades, subject to availability
  • All meals, beverages and culinary experiences as indicated in the itinerary
  • All exclusive activities and admissions highlighted in the itinerary, created by the Indagare and WSJ. Magazine teams, including those led by expert insider guides
  • Expert guides and drivers, as indicated in the itinerary, including your host and the 24/7 support of Indagare’s partners on the ground, as well as group transfers throughout to all included activities, in small luxury vehicles
  • The services of Indagare’s expert travel team to plan all trip details, international flights and trip extensions (costs not included)
  • 24/7 access to Global Rescue emergency medical, security and evacuation services for the duration of the trip

Excludes

  • Transportation to and from Modena, as well as airport transfers
  • Meals not specified and beverages other than those included
  • Personal items and expenses, including additional activities
  • All gratuities
  • Covid-testing fees
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended—please let us know if you would like to see quotes)
  • Liability for changes in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control (change in flights, cancellations, political disturbances, natural phenomena)
Curious to receive the full itinerary and join the trip? Contact us and find out more.

What To Read

Indagare has selected articles from our website and magazine to prepare you for your journey. Peruse inspiring slideshows, insider tips, reading lists and more.

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