Today’s Schedule
Breakfast: On board.
Morning: After breakfast, we set off by coach to visit Ferrara. Awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO, this town dates from the 14th Century & was home to the House of the Court of Este. Later it's time to learn all about la Cucina Italiana as we participate in a fun cookery class based on regional produce of Northern Italy and enjoy the results of our efforts over lunch.
Lunch: At Agriturismo – a working farm that also serves prepared food made from local ingredients.
Afternoon: Return to the ship in Polesella before sailing on to Taglio di Po arriving in the evening for a gala dinner.
Dinner: On board.
Lodging: CroisiEurope MS Michelangelo
My Observations
Yes, the city is Ferrara, not Ferrari, like the sports car. They do have MANY bicycles though.
Thomas’ daily schedules shows – Guided visit of town + inside a real castle. The caricature of the Italian chef has note – You cook you own lunch. Good idea? I don’t think so, we would all go hungry. When you look at the album photos, you can understand why. Does it look like a food fight? No, but all had fun.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/733
http://www.ferraraterraeacqua.it/en/discover-the-area
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jun/28/florence-italy-medieval-convents-holiday
OK, which possible tour locations will be selected for us? Which to try and visit on free time? As like many of the places we go to – much too see. For me though, just not enough time. Am sure some don’t agree, that is why we usually try to return on future visit (-:
Even with the time we have – where to?
Castello Estense,
http://www.castelloestense.it/en/home-page
Palazzo dei Diamanti,
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Italy/Emilia_Romagna/Ferrara-151204/Things_To_Do-Ferrara-Palazzo_dei_Diamanti-BR-1.html
Ferrara Cathedral,
http://www.ferraraterraeacqua.it/en/ferrara/discover-the-area/art-and-culture/churches-baptisteries/cathedral?set_language=en
Palazzo Schifanoia,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palazzo_Schifanoia
Teatro Comunale di Ferrara
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teatro_Comunale_(Ferrara)
We did not do too bad with the time we were offered. Got to visit the first 3 of 5 I thought about. Am sure the group is especially looking forward to visiting the Agriturismo: AI DUE LAGHI DEL VERGINESE. Food and fun. What’s not to like.
http://www.duelaghi.it/farm-holidays-ferrara_37c147.html
No, we did not prepare our own food. But all young folks and some adults did participate in making pasta dough from “scratch” - that means, a handful of flour and 1 egg. Yes, mixed by hand. Very gooey. And very fun, as you can see from the photo album.
After making dough, they had a chance to use wood roller to flatten the dough ball. Then cut strips for pasta with special roller. Carol, liked the design so much bought one to have for home use.
Next, what could be better on a hot day – other than another gelato – a trip to the lake for swimming. A short 5 minute walk and a chance to swim or splash in the cool water. After everyone was dried and dressed, we had a bus ride back to the ship. A most delicious dinner awaited us. During the dessert we were treated to a show by the staff with flaming deserts coming from the kitchen. What a great way to end the day.
Photo 1 - See. Go to visit city of Ferrera.
Photo 2 - Do. Get to “play” with our food.
Photo 3 - Eat. Get to eat food that chef Adam fixed for us. Not as much fun, but tasty.
Click here for today's online photo album.
