ITALY
Every journey we design is an invitation into the rhythm of Italian life. These trips are not about rushing from site to site, but about slowing down enough to truly arrive. Sharing a meal in a family kitchen. Wandering cobblestone streets. Meeting artisans whose craft has been passed down for generations. For more than two decades, Jen has woven her life between Italy and California. From her student days in Florence to summers spent with family in Emilia-Romagna, each season has left its mark.
When her children were young and Massi remained home tending the restaurant, Jen often traveled through Italy with Giulia and Luca by her side. At a fork in the road, she would ask, “This way or that?” They would choose, and together they would discover treasures they never could have planned: a hilltop castle that seemed to rise from a dream, a lakeside town where only Italian voices filled the air, friendships that became part of their family’s story.
That spirit of following the heart and trusting the path shapes every Riva journey. It is a way of traveling that invites presence, awakens wonder, and leaves room for discovery.
NAPA VALLEY
Nearly twenty years ago, Massi and Jen fell in love with Napa’s hills, olive groves, and vineyards that reminded them of Emilia-Romagna. Here, they’ve found a community that cherishes the same things they do: food grown with care, wine made with love, and evenings spent gathered around the table.
For travelers, they love to share not just the well-known locales, but the hidden gems: a family-run boutique winery, their favorite restaurant, an inn as beautiful as the valley it overlooks.
Our friends are winemakers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, guides, and perennial hosts. Should you find yourself coming to town, don’t hesitate to reach out for an introduction.
SLOW FOOD | FAST CARS
EMILIA ROMAGNA
- A SAMPLE JOURNEY -
Each itinerary is unique, but all are shaped by the same promise: time slows down, flavors deepen, and life feels fuller.
Day 1
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The journey begins. Arrive at your boutique hotel, winery, and acetaia located in the rolling hills of Modena’s countryside.
Take a rest and get settled into your room before heading to a 5th-generation estate winery in the beautiful Modena hills, birthplace to both Lambrusco and Pignoletto. Enjoy award-winning Tre Bicchieri wines and local delicacies during our private lunch, while surrounded by breathtaking views of the Emilian countryside.
After lunch, you'll stroll the cobblestone streets of an ancient village, stopping at the kitchen of a beloved area restaurant to watch the chef prepare for dinner service. Using only a mattarello we’ll see how he rolls out paper-thin pasta sheets that beautifully transform into fresh tagliatelle.
Just around the corner you will find a third-generation acetaio who takes us inside the town’s ancient clock tower where his family’s balsamico is aged and protected by the surrounding solid stone walls.
As you exit the acetaia, you'll find a selection of Ferraris awaiting you and your guests for a drive through the hills where they were built. Circling back to town, you will return to the restaurant where you will enjoy the exquisite pasta chef prepared while you were off exploring.
Day 2
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Today you will enjoy private access at the area's most reputable farms and purveyors. Your first stop will be to a local dairy (caseificio) where you will learn just how much milk and what kind of labor is needed to produce a 40kg wheel of the "King of Cheese," Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Onto your next stop, a small chocolate factory in a medieval hamlet, you'll watch how the typical nutty chocolate candy, Croccante, is made.
After sweet, it's on to something savory…Prosciutto di Parma! You'll tour an artisanal factory (prosciuttificio) to see how DOP prosciutto is made and cured, step by step, before tasting this regional favorite.
Castles fill your afternoon and evening beginning with a private tour of a family-owned medieval castle followed by an incredible feast at a nearby hilltop castle catered just for you.
Day 3
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This morning you will head to Modena, where you will learn the art of making handmade pasta before dining on the fruits of your labor.
After a morning hard at work, you’ll enjoy some free time in downtown Modena. Choose to visit the magnificent 12th century cathedral, Ghirlandina Tower, or Piazza Grande, all awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site status for being exceptional examples of early Romanesque art.
Take a stroll to the acclaimed Enzo Ferrari Museum, a coterie of small boutiques, or the ever impressive Palazzo Ducale.
We’ll reconvene at a pocket-sized, 400 year old salumeria - open only to us. With four tables and incredible food, this family-owned gem of a restaurant is nearly impossible to book, but it’s ours for the night. We’ll delight in a gorgeous multi-course meal with mamma in the kitchen and brother and sister in the dining room. After dinner, we’ll retreat to their underground cellar to enjoy grappa and family stories.
Day 4
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With a trusted lagotto romagnolo as your guide, this morning begins in search of the glorious tartufo. Walking side by side with a local truffle hunter, you'll enjoy the woodlands of Emilia Romagna, home to some of Italy’s most valuable truffles.
With weather and luck on your side, you may get the chance to enjoy the bounty of your forage during lunch, where foraged truffles have been served for three generations. Its Michelin-starred chef will open his small trattoria for our private lunch, where we'll be treated to exquisite cuisine.
With the hunt and lunch complete, there is more to be discovered at an ancient flour mill, powered only by water. You'll meet the nonno and nonna couple that work the mill and enjoy freshly-baked biscotti made from their artisanal flour.
You'll then head back to the hotel to enjoy a classic Italian aperitivo of cocktails and bites. Dinner will follow, highlighting Emilia-Romagna cuisine and estate-grown ingredients.
Housemade aceto di balsamico drizzled over Parmigiano-Reggiano, salumi, fresh pasta, wine, grappa and nocino - all made on premises - will collectively shine bright.
Day 5
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This morning you'll head to Bologna’s Gelato University to learn all about artisanal Italian gelato and create your very own flavor to share.
After a short drive back to the hills, you will enjoy lunch at a quaint trattoria in a hilltop medieval village.
Next, you may choose to relax or wander through another nearby village, exploring its castle, enjoying a little shopping, or possibly stopping for an espresso or aperitivo.
Alternatively, you may simply choose to head back to the hotel for a massage, hiking, biking, or swimming.
After your downtime, you’ll enjoy dinner at another beautiful ancient castle, offering timeless regional recipes with a modern spin.
Day 6
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You’ve spent the week experiencing life like a local and going off the beaten path as only a small group can. Your first stop this morning to the Ferrari Museum will include a private guided tour and driving simulation, as you marvel at the majesty of ultraluxe race cars.
You will then make a pitstop at a nearby restaurant, where you'll enjoy classic Ferrari memorabilia paired with local favorites.
After relaxing back at the hotel, you'll be off to a gorgeous estate, nestled among rolling hills, for a cooking lesson and typical Italian pizza dinner with friends. With wine in hand, you'll start off strolling the edible gardens, picking ingredients for our meal.
Thanks to your inviting hosts, beautiful views, amazing food, and delicious wines, this night will stand out as a favorite as you reminisce about your journey.