Together with Michela, proudly born in those very lowlands of Parma, you will set off from the small town of Pieveottoville toward Zibello, the cradle of Culatello and the other legendary cured meats all national and international deli shops brim with. On this 11 km journey, which largely follows the so-called Food Valley Bike route, you will literally dive into a small, magical world. We’ll stop at little chapels built to ward off the dangers of floods and ancient farms still bearing the shapes of history; and we’ll get together with the inhabitants of the Po River banks, who will meet & greet us with a glass of wine and an truthful smile. Emotions from a forgotten past, still vibrant beneath the surface.

On the way back to Pieve we will be welcomed at La Bastia, a truly iconic Italian-style osteria: the in-house butcher will open the doors of their secret cellars  to show  how king Culatello and the other handcrafted cured meats dwell and age to please our taste buds.

Final tip? Get lulled by the sun(set) while you sip the traditional wine served in the ceramic bowl, just as once-upon-a-time…