Nestled in the scenic hills of the province of Parma, Italy, with a view that stretches from the Po Valley to the Alps,Villa Finetta is a newly renovated farmhouse converted into a stunning modern villa with every amenity, including lovely gardens, and large, heated swimming pool. Il Casale has eight beautifully decorated, generously sized rooms, each with its own luxurious, tiled private bathroom.
With spacious, well-appointed living room, serene gardens and places to lounge poolside, it is the ideal location to spend inspired days writing and learning.
LOCATION
ACCOMMODATIONS
All our beautiful rooms, single or shared suites, have been newly restored by artisans to reflect the old-world charms of the original Italian farmhouse, while offering all the elegance and modern amenities of a luxurious hotel. Each room has a gorgeously tiled, spacious bathroom with a large shower and state-of-the-art fixtures.
MEALS
All meals for the week, including a one-day excursion to the romantic city of Parma, will be provided by Chef Gino. Enjoy his delicious, authentic Northern Italian cuisine, his knowledge of Italy’s spectacular food valley and learn to make fresh pasta!
GETTING THERE
Arriving in Italy by plane:
The closest major airports to Tabiano, Italy are:
Bologna
Milano Linate
Milano Malpensa
Getting to Fidenza, Italy from Milan or Bologna by train:
All the airports in Milan and in Bologna have public transports that will take you directly to their Central Train Stations. From there, you will be able to buy tickets for the train to Fidenza, Italy.
Milan to Fidenza: Approximately 11-29 EU (1hour and 15 minutes)
Bologna to Fidenza: Approximately 12 – 28 EU (1 hour and 15 minutes)
Purchase train tickets or explore schedules here: www.italiatren.com
Getting from the Fidenza train station to Villa Finetta:
Text your arrival time in advance and a comfortable van will be there to pick you up from the train station in Fidenza, Italy. From there, it’s a short fifteen-minute drive to the venue.
Getting there by car:
Follow Google maps to our address. On-site parking is available.
Participants are responsible for the costs of transportation to Italy and to the train station in Fidenza. We will pick you up from there. You’ll find free parking at our location if you come by car. Our program begins at 12:30 with lunch.
EXCURSIONS AND RECREATION:
Gino’s Tour of Parma: Take a mid-week break from writing and join Chef Gino on an excursion to his stunning home city of Parma, famous for its romantic architecture, phenomenal food, great art, and superb shopping. Tour the city, visit its exquisite 11th century Duomo painted by Correggio and its famous pink marble baptistry, and eat lunch in a traditional trattoria.
Visit Castello di Tabiano: Tour the nearby castle built on the ruins of an old Roman settlement, dating back to the 11th Century, and experience the breathtaking views. Reservations needed. Ticket costs are 10 EU.
Shopping: In Parma and the nearby city of Fidenza, there are great opportunities to shop for clothes, foods, wines and any everyday necessities.
Spa Treatments: Spa treatments are available in nearby Tabiano Terme and Salsomaggiore Terme, famous for healing natural mineral hot springs.
Hiking: Many spectacular hiking trails can be found in the naturally beautiful surrounding area. Great hiking, and mountain biking, can be found in Parche Del Ducato (The Park of the Duke) www.parchidelducato.it and Oasi Ghirardi (Ghirardi Regional Nature Preserve) www.oasighiradi.org
Golf: There are three historic golf clubs nearby: La Rocca in Sala Baganza, Parma Golf in Vigatto and Salso Golf in Salsamaggiore Terme: www.parmagolf.it/it/
Plan a tour of wondrous Northern Italy before or after the Farmhouse Writing Intensive. Cinque Terre, and the cities of Milan, Parma, Lago di Guarda, Bologna, Modena, Mantua, Turin, Verona, Venice, Florence and Siena are all less than three hours by train, or car, from our location.
