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THE HEARTLAND OF ITALIAN FOOD: HERITAGE PRODUCERS
The ingredients used in Michelin-Starred restaurants, served on farm tables where they are produced
MEET SOME OF ITALY'S GREATEST FIGURES IN FOOD
Nestled between the Alps and the Apennines, the Po Valley is where many of the ingredients prepared in Milan’s finest restaurants originate, though few have the privilege of tasting them at source, or of spending time with those at the family-owned estates who produce them.
Designed for Mandarin Oriental, Milan, this immersive journey begins here and continues on to the historic countryside between Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. Discover a biodynamic farm at a private farmhouse estate run by the same family since 1700, with lunch prepared by the farm’s own chef. Visit a lauded producer of culatello, the region’s renowned cured meat, that supplied the ruling House of the Sforza Dukes during the Renaissance and still employs the same traditional curing methods today. At a private tasting, sample Barolo and Bararesco wines aged to perfection in a cellar built in 1320.
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Curated in collaboration with Isotta Rosboch, editor-in-chief of leading Italian food and wine magazine Tuorlo and expert in sustainability, this genuinely authentic gastronomic experience provides real insight into the region’s centuries-old farm-to-table cuisine.
DAY 1 - ARRIVE AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MILAN
Arrive and check in at Mandarin Oriental, Milan, which boasts a prime location in the heart of the Italian capital of fashion and culture, a few steps from the Duomo.
Later that evening, The Luminaire can make arrangements for dinner at Seta. This is the two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the courtyard of Mandarin Oriental, Milan, which is helmed by acclaimed chef Antonio Guida, showcasing an inventive and contemporary approach to Italian cuisine.
DAY 2 - PRESERVING RURAL TRADITIONS
After a relaxed breakfast, leave the city behind with a private driver and accompanied by an Italian food expert, arriving at Cascina Lago Scuro in around 90 minutes. Owned by the Grasselli family since 1700, the cattle-grazed estate is still run in accordance with the rhythms of nature. Gardens with oak, hazel, and magnolia trees fringe this biodynamic, certified-organic farm that supplies some of the best-known Michelin-starred restaurants in Milan and the wider region. Enjoy lunch prepared by the estate’s chef, featuring an array of homegrown produce, cheeses made at the on-site dairy and pastas and breads made with heritage grains harvested from the surrounding fields. Then explore 400 years of agricultural history with the family and their team, through unforgettable hands-on experiences such as foraging, harvesting and cooking.
Later that afternoon, arrive at Antica Corte Pallavicina, a mansion set on the banks of the River Po, via a 25-minute private transfer. It’s home to one of Italy’s most revered producers of cured meat, that was founded by the present owner’s great-grandfather, who left the nearby farm owned by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. Visit the 700-year-old cellars that are still used as an ageing space for cheeses and salumi. Conclude the visit with a private wine tasting of locally produced wines expertly paired with the producer’s award-winning culatello, before a private transfer back to Mandarin Oriental, Milan. Spend the evening at leisure. The Luminaire can reccommend one of many traditional Italian or contemporary fusion concept eateries nearby.
DAY 3 - DEPART MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MILAN
After a leisurely breakfast, and possibly a parting treatment at the expansive Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Milan, bid the city farewell.
THE STAY
FROM £2,210 PER PERSON
For 3 days, based on two guests sharing.
INCLUSIONS
2 nights in a Superior Room with breakfast at Mandarin Oriental, Milan.
Private transfers from Milan.
The expertise of a local expert in gastronomy and sustainability.
Immersive and authentic experiences in each of the locations visited, accompanied by chefs and produce specialists.
An exclusive farmhouse lunch showcasing the abundance of organic ingredients cultivated and raised at a family-owned farm, supplier to many of Italy’s Michelin-starred restaurants.
Privileged access to the 14th-century Po Valley makers of Italy’s finest cured meats, followed by a private wine tasting paired with award-winning charcuterie.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Magnificent in all seasons.
Experiences are subject to availability.
EXCLUSIONS
Flights to/from Milan.
Excursions, meals and drinks other than those mentioned.
ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE
Further personalise the journey with a gastronomic dinner at the restaurant of Antica Corte Pallavicina (1 Michelin star) and an overnight stay.
Discover rich cultural and culinary regional heritage in cities like Parma accompanied by local experts.
Explore Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi’s homeland and get exclusive insight into Cremona’s ancient violin craftmanship. The city has been the main centre for the production of bowed string instruments since the 16th century.
THE EXPERT
ISOTTA ROSBOCH
Isotta is a food writer with a background in food-law and sustainability. She is an editor at leading Italian food and wine magazine Tuorlo. Born and raised in Turin, she has extensive experience in travel and experience design, often hosting events and retreats to explore the finest in food and wine in Italy. A gastronome by passion and profession, The Luminaire has designed this journey in collaboration with Isotta.
OTHER JOURNEYS IN ITALY
Available exclusively for guests of Mandarin Oriental, Milan, where each journey begins.
DA VINCI’S MILAN: POLITICS, SECRETS & MAGIC
Trace the intriguing history of the court of the Sforza brothers in the city during the Renaissance, and Leonardo da Vinci's place in it. A ruthless tale of power, secrets and the occult.
AN INSIDER'S PERSPECTIVE: THE VENICE BIENNALE 2024
Starting at Mandarin Oriental, Milan, explore the 60th edition of the Venice Art Biennale as an insider. With insight from curators, privileged access to galleries, and even an artist’s studio.
EXCLUSIVE COLLABORATION
A PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP
The Luminaire designs and operates luxury travel experiences for Mandarin Oriental guests and Fans that are rooted in culture and curiosity, with additional products launching each month in close collaboration with Mandarin Oriental hotels around the world.
From a private masterclass with one of the world’s finest watchmaking ateliers in Switzerland, to an immersive trip to the private site where Van Gogh painted his last canvas just outside Paris, each experience has been designed by experts in their field – art historians, conservationists, sommeliers. Discover exciting new ways to explore each Mandarin Oriental destination and enjoy the signature service for which each hotel is renowned.
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