Biochemical Study of Fermentation

Fermentation – Italy

9 days Turin, Parma, Modena, Verona, Bologna, Florence & Bracciano

Fermentation & Biochemistry

The Fermentation and Biology Faculty-Led Program in Italy offers students a unique opportunity to explore the science and culture of fermentation across one of the world’s most celebrated culinary regions, journeying through Turin, Parma, Modena, Verona, Bologna, and Florence.

Over 9 days and 8 nights, participants will trace fermentation from its biological foundations to its regional expressions across Northern Italy, encountering artisan producers, world-renowned institutions, and centuries-old traditions. The program blends academic engagement, producer visits, and cultural immersion for a richly hands-on study abroad experience.

Through site visits and expert-guided encounters, students will discover fermentation in all its forms — from alcoholic and acetic to lactic and leavening. Highlights include a visit to Slow Food International HQ and the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Bra, a tour of the Museo del Prosciutto di Parma, and a morning at Acetaia Giusti to explore traditional balsamic vinegar production alongside a stop at 4 Madonne Caseificio for Parmigiano-Reggiano dairy fermentation. Wine fermentation takes center stage with visits to the Amarone Brunelli winery in Valpolicella and two Chianti castle estates — Castello di Verrazzano and Castello di Vicchiomaggio — rounding out a comprehensive look at Italy’s viniculture heritage. A visit to Grand Tour Italia in Bologna further connects students to Italy’s broader food production ecosystem.

Beyond the science, students will enjoy the beauty of Verona, an evening stroll through Florence, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Apennine Mountains and Chianti countryside.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 (Saturday): Depart from the USA

    Flight

    Depart from the USA on an overnight flight to Milan.

    Overnight

    In flight.

  • Day 2 (Sunday): Arrival in Milan

    Morning

    Arrive in Milano Malpensa in the morning and meet your coach driver and your TLAC group leader at the airport.

    Depart from the airport to your hotel in Turin to check in and drop your luggage.

    Remainder of the day

    Free day to rest after arrival. Try to stay awake until bedtime to help your adjustment to jetlag!

    Overnight:

    Turin.

  • Day 3 (Monday): Turin: Fermentation in Piedmont

    Morning

    Breakfast in the hotel.

    Bus ride to Bra (1hr 15mins approx.).

    Visit to Slow Food International HQ (1 – 3 hours approx.)

    Noon

    Group lunch in the area.

    Afternoon

    Visit to the University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) (2 – 3 hours approx.).

    Bus ride to Barolo (30 mins approx.).

    Remainder of the afternoon

    Spent autonomously by the students.

    Evening

    Group dinner in Barolo.

    Bus ride back to Turin (1hr 15mins approx.).

    Overnight:

    Turin.

  • Day 4 (Tuesday): Modena: Transfer to the Pianura Padana

    Morning

    Breakfast in the hotel.

    Bus ride from the hotel in Turin to Modena (3hr 45mins approx.).

    Check in the hotel in Modena upon arrival.

    Noon

    Group lunch in Modena.

    Afternoon

    Bus ride to the Museo del Prosciutto di Parma (1hr 30mins aprox.).

    Visit to the Museo del Prosciutto di Parma (1hr approx.).

    Bus ride back to Modena (1hr 30mins approx.).

    Dinnertime & evening

    Spent autonomously by the students.

    Overnight:

    Modena.

  • Day 5 (Wednesday): Verona: Day trip in Verona & Valpolicella

    Morning

    Breakfast in the hotel.

    Bus ride to the Amarone Brunelli winery in Valpolicella (1hr 45 mins approx.).

    Visit to Amarone Brunelli (1 – 1.5 hours approx.).

    Bus ride from Valpolicella to Verona (35 mins approx.).

    Noon & afternoon

    Lunch and afternoon spent autonomously by the students in Verona.

    Evening

    Group dinner in Verona.

    Bus ride from Verona back to Modena (1hr 45mins approx.).

    Overnight:

    Modena.

  • Day 6 (Thursday): Modena & Bologna: Acetic & dairy fermentation, and Grand Tour Italia

    Morning

    Breakfast in the hotel.

    Visit to Acetaia Giusti (1 hour approx.), to experience the traditional craftsmanship and heritage of authentic balsamic vinegar production.

    Visit to 4 Madonne Caseificio (1 hour approx.), with an exclusive insight into the traditional art of Parmigiano Reggiano cheesemaking.

    Noon

    Group lunch back in Modena.

    Afternoon

    Bus ride to Bologna (1hr 15mins approx.).

    Visit to the Grand Tour Italia (ex FICO Eataly World) (2 – 4 hours approx.), to explore Italy's diverse regional food traditions, artisan producers, and culinary heritage.

    Remainder of the afternoon

    Spent autonomously by the students.

    Evening

    Group dinner in Bologna.

    Bus ride back to Modena.

    Overnight:

    Modena.

  • Day 7 (Friday): Greve in Chianti: Cross the Apennine Mountains

    Morning

    Breakfast in the hotel.

    Bus ride to Grieve in Chianti (2hrs 30 mins approx.).

    10:00 AM

    Visit to the Castello di Verrazzano (w/ Classic Wine Tour booking) (90 minutes).

    Noon

    Group lunch in Grieve in Chianti.

    3:30 PM

    Visit to the Castello di Vicchiomaggio (w/Gold Wine Tour booking) (90 minutes).

    Afternoon

    Bus ride to Florence and check in the hotel.

    Evening

    Group dinner and evening walk around the city.

    Overnight:

    Florence.

  • Day 8 (Saturday): Bracciano: Florence – Bracciano: Local farms and Castello Orsini-Odescalchi

    Morning

    Breakfast in the hotel.

    Bus ride to Bracciano (3hrs 30 mins approx).

    Noon

    Group lunch in Bracciano.

    Afternoon

    Group visit to Castello Orsini-Odescalchi (1 – 2 hours approx).

    Bus ride to Fratelli Gentili cheese farm (15 mins) and visit to the farm (2.5 – 3.5 hours approx.).

    Bus ride to hotel in Rome (1hr 30mins approx.).

    Check in the hotel in Rome.

    Evening

    Group dinner in Rome.

    Overnight

    Rome.

  • Day 9 (Sunday): Rome: Flight back to the US

    Morning

    Group breakfast in the hotel.

    Bus ride to Roma Fiumicino Airport (45 mins approx.).

    Flight

    Check in the airport and catch the morning flight back to the US.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

  • Fermentation Science Across Biological Processes
  • Dairy, Acetic & Alcoholic Fermentation Techniques
  • Food Systems & Artisan Production Methods
  • Regional Cuisine & Culinary Heritage of Italy
  • Sustainable & Slow Food Philosophy
  • Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Food & Biology
  • Real-World Exposure to the Global Food Industry
Support for Faculty

Support for Faculty

At The Learning Abroad Co., we collaborate with faculty to design custom programs that align with their academic vision. We provide comprehensive support in curriculum development, logistics and resources for promoting and recruiting students for these unique global learning experiences.

  • Online faculty-led program website for consultation by faculty and students pre- and during the trip
  • Expertise from the local team who developed the program proposal
  • Collaborative planning for a unique and customized program
  • Feedback forms for continuous evaluation
  • Pre-departure webinar

Contact Information

We would be delighted to work with you to facilitate a rich experience for your group in Italy. If you would like to discuss any of the details in this proposal please do not
hesitate to contact us.

Contact us

What’s Included

  • Housing

    • Students and faculty will be housed in 3-star hotel accommodations with daily breakfast included.
    • Students will share rooms: 2 students per room, each with a separate bed. Each room has its own bathroom.
    • The faculty will be provided with private bedrooms with bathrooms.
  • Meals

    • Breakfast in the hotels is included daily.
    • The students and faculty will spend programmed meals in group; when “autonomy” is granted instead, the students will have free choice over where or how to spend their break times.
    • The group may have to purchase packet lunch and dinner for the last day.
  • Transport

    • Students will primarily explore destinations on foot. A private coach is provided for the entirety of the trip. Students are forbidden to make use of public transportation if a meetup is scheduled shortly for a visit afterwards (therefore please remain within walking distance to the rest of the group).
  • On-Site Support

    • A TLAC team member in Italy will be assigned to your group for the duration of the program.
    • A 24-hour emergency contact number will be provided for support throughout the stay.

Contact Information

We would be delighted to work with you to facilitate a rich experience for your group in Italy. If you would like to discuss any of the details in this proposal please do not
hesitate to contact us.

Contact us