Travel Review: Italy Tour, Tuscany, Chianti, Parma, Modena, Truffle Hunting, Cooking Class, Ham & Sausage Factory, Food & Wine Tour

The visits to the ham and sausage factory in Parma and Parmesan maker were so interesting as was the balsamic vinegar maker in Modena outside of Bologna. Learning about the industry standards and processes to make these very special food items was fascinating, and in addition, being able to taste everything was wonderful! Truffle hunting in Tuscany (San Miniato) was so much fun and again a learning experience. Our host was delightful as was his dad and sister who prepared us a beautiful lunch using some of the truffles that the dog, found for us!
We enjoyed the cooking class in Florence. Making homemade ravioli was so much fun, and of course, making tiramisu was even better since we were able to enjoy it all with wine for lunch. Our visit to a farm where they make pecorino cheese, was another interesting  learning experience and a beautiful place. Lunch was delicious!
The villa were we stayed in Greve in Chianti was a beautiful old place in a gorgeous setting. 
At the end of our trip our travel planner planned a side trip, per our request, to Anzio outside of Rome. Our friend traveling with us wanted to see the place where her father was wounded during the allied invasion of Italy during WW 2. There was a very small museum there crammed full of artifacts, photos, newspaper articles and much more. In addition, to our surprise, their was an American cemetery there. It was similar to Normandy on a smaller scale, very beautifully done and very moving.