Food Technology School Trip To Bologna

Bologna is Europe’s oldest university town and is considered to be Italy’s culinary capital and home to many of its most famous dishes and products. Explore the historic streets and buildings and the many amazing food markets. Climb one of Bologna’s own leaning towers or visit one of the city’s many museums.

Discover the impressive buildings of the Piazza Maggiore, the Neptune Fountain, the Palazzo del Commune and the archaeological site at the Farnese Library. Continue to the 13^th century Palazzo Re Enzo and the San Petronio Basilica. The Palazzo dell’ Archiginnasio was the original headquarters of the oldest University in the world. Walk along the market streets to the leaning towers of Garisenda and Asinelli.

Outside the city of Bologna is the largest agri-food park in the world with 45 restaurants, 40 food manufacturers, shops, pastures, livestock, an orchard and vineyards. Covering 20 acres FICO showcases the best of Italian produce including wine, Cheese, Salami, Mortadella, Pasta di Gragnano, Olive Oil and balsamic vinegar. Classes and Workshops are available for many products. A short guided introductory tour is included.

Learn the traditional secrets of this most famous Italian cured meat product, the queen of sausages, which originated in Bologna. At the FICO-based factory, students will be guided by a technician to observe the different phases of production. The workshop includes a tasting and students will learn how to distinguish the real Mortadella Bologna IGP.

Learn about the origins and production of the two most classic Bolognese pastas: tortellini in broth and lasagne with ragù. Learn the preparation techniques of Bolognese ragù  (meat sauce) and the classic filling for tortellini. Everyone will learn to prepare the layers of lasagne in a baking dish, to fill and close the tortellini with their fingertips and also the different methods.

Learn how to make Neapolitan-style pizza from scratch from a pizzaiolo! Create the perfect pizza dough from raw ingredients and then learn how to make fresh pasta using three simple ingredients, water, flour and eggs.

Discover the secrets of Italy’s “liquid gold”.  Visit FICO’s own olive grove to learn more about the characteristics of the thirty different types of Italian Olive tree and how they flower and fruit. Back inside students will learn how a real olive press works and the production process to create the perfect bottle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil!

Located Just outside of Bologna the museum explores the history of gelato and its production technology with original machines and tools, multimedia presentations, historical images and documents. Take a guided tour of the Museum with a tasting or add a special workshop to learn about the difference between Gelato and ice cream and how they are made.

This historic coastal city is Italy’s second largest and was the capital city three times when it flourished as a cultural centre. Due to its history and wealth of early Christian Monuments with fine mosaics such as the Basilica di San Vitale and Basilica of Saint Apollinaire the city is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Learn about the importance of the care and feed of the animals that produce the milk which is then turned into this iconic cheese. See the traditional methods used to produce the king of Italian cheeses. Learn about the maturing process and enjoy a tasting.

Learn how this much loved staple of the Italian table is produced at a regional acetaia. Discover the type of grape which is used and about the heating, fermentation and ageing process. Finally there is the opportunity to taste the rich and complex flavour.

The region of Emilia Romagna is the third richest industrial region in Italy it is also home to premium car and bike production. At the Ferrari Museum in Maranello students can learn about the success of the brand of the prancing horse and see the most extensive collection of Ferrari motor cars in the world. There is a chance to get a virtual racing experience in the cock-pit of a semi-professional Formula 1 simulator.