Venture out on a morning excursion to a cheese factory, where you will see all the working steps in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano, the world´s most famous (and delicious!) artisan cheese made only here the in the Emilia-Romagna countryside. You will have the rare opportunity to witness the entire process, from the early morning delivery of the milk from local farmers to crafting of the curds by the master cheese-maker, to the final aging process. You will also see huge storage of this cheese.
At the end of the visit, you will enjoy the breakfast of the champion with a glass or two of good, dry Lambrusco, and, of course, plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tastings. Afterwards you can buy Parmigiano aged from 16 to 36 months for a quarter of the price you pay back home. Floors at this factory can be wet, so be careful.
From the Parmigiano factory the tour moves to the "Acetaia" to see the secrets of the famous Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena D.O.P (certified Balsamic Vinegar, minimum 12 years old). This is not a factory-this is a single family producing small amounts of the world's finest vinegar for generations using the same ancient technique of aging grapes in oak barrels (batterie) that Italian families in this region have been using for centuries. The result is a condiment so delicious it has to be tasted. Full tasting of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale DOP allows you to compare 6 years old balsamic condiment with 12 and 25 years old Balsamic. You will also experience ricotta, balsamic jelly and ice cream with a 6-year-old balsamic condiment.
Now you will continue to see the manufacturing of Prosciutto. Here you'll learn the careful craft of creating one of the most delicious pork products. You will also enjoy full tasting of fresh slices prosciutto di Modena D.O.P in a combination with some nice Lambrusco wine. On the Saturday tour, we have selected a local Prosciutto factory in Savigno, a small village in the Hills of Bologna.
The next stop will be an authentic Italian lunch in a countryside original Trattoria or in a Certified Organic winery, a perfect ending to a day filled with the very best of Italian food culture. Here you will experience the famous Italian light lunch, multi-course gourmet lunch with local specialties paired with local wines.
See Availability.
Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni, Via dell'Indipendenza, 8, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy
07:00 AM
8 hours 30 minutes(approx.)
Returns to original departure point
Comfortable shoes are recommended
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
The minivan/minibus we use are disinfected as required by law before and after each tour
If you have any symtoms like fever, cough or exhaustion, you are not allowed to join the tour. Please inform us immediately should you feel unwell before or during the tour
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 26 travelers
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Posted By : Owen_M
The food. If you take this tour prepare to eat. Not just tastings but family style sit down meals. Breakfast and a three hour lunch.
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Posted On : 2024-05-16
Posted By : Barry_S
There's a reason why this particular tour is so highly rated. Others may provide information, but THIS one is informative AND so much fun. Allesandro our guide knows it all and is so funny with the best outgoing personality. I never thought I'd laugh so much on a tour like this. He and Roberta were the perfect team. I learned a lot about the 3 foods for when I shop back home I kow what I'm doing. Lunch was amazing and hilarious... so much excellent food from Mama and Barbara. I Highly recommend this tour!
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Posted On : 2024-05-16
Posted By : Dhmeve
Learnt a lot about the production of Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto and balsamic vinegar. A massive and delicious lunch and copious wine was provided. Definitely 5 star for me.
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Posted On : 2024-05-14
Posted By : Kelly J
So good we returned - 14 years later. Alessandro Martini will entertain and enlighten you for a full day exploring the best the Bologna region has to offer.
You will learn how - and appreciate - these geographically- protected commodities, including Parmesan Reggiano, balsamic, prosciutto, and regional wines. If you’re on a diet, don’t drink wine or appreciate fine meat, take a pass. Otherwise, this is a gastronomic feast of epic proportions.
We were so thrilled to reconnect with Alessandro again. This is the best tour available from Bologna, picking up and disembarking at the Grand Majestic hotel.
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Posted On : 2024-05-11
Posted By : Kandy_M
Best tour in all of Bologna. Our tour guide was fantastic. He is hands down the best in all of Italy. He was entertaining, educating and fun and his passion for Italy and food was quite evident. Food was absolutely amazing. One must definitely bring a healthy appetite on the tour. By the end of the tour, we felt part of the family and did not want to leave. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone.
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Posted On : 2024-05-09
Posted By : Frances_D
Our host were amazing! Everything was perfect. The amount of food and wine
Was over the top! Such a fun experience, we laughed all day. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone traveling to Bologna.
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Posted On : 2024-05-08
Posted By : LynD601
An amazing experience that exceeded expectations! We loved touring the production sites, learning more about the products and tasting everything! Our guide was knowledgeable and welcomed questions and if he didn’t know something he would ask.
The lunch was especially a blast with so much food and wine!! The whole family was very welcoming and warm!
To start the day our google maps took us to the wrong place and we were a couple minutes late. Our driver was so wonderful and made us feel ok when we were scared we were missing the bus!
It was a fun day with laughter and we even made some new friends. Just do it! You won’t regret it!
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Posted On : 2024-05-07
Posted By : DurangoJim
As all the reviews say ... it's 5 stars! Fun, informative and the food is great. Both the driver and tour guide could see my wife was in a bit of back pain and they went out of their way to help her get in/out of the bus and even provide a seat for her in one of the factories. A must do if you are in the Bologna area.
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Posted On : 2024-05-03
Posted By : MomMAA_13
What a fantastic tour!!! Alessandro, Roberta and Barbara were an exceptional team that made everyone feel welcome and like part of a big family. Alessandro’s wit, knowledge and passion showed in every step of the tour. First seeing and learning about Parmesano Reggiano production. No wonder it tastes amazing - not like what we have at home!!! Then aceto balsamico - by a family owned farm and production for generations - since 1860 - and a process that yields incredible flavor, where we also had a fantastic colazione (Italian breakfast). Then onto seeing REAL prosciutto being produced - with a multi step process from the right selection of pork to trimming, curing and resting that gives unbelievable tenderness and taste. At the end, a truly extraordinary many course lunch experience - some of the best Italian food I’ve ever eaten, handmade with 🫶🏻 by Barbara. The entire experience - perfect in every detail- is not to be missed!!! Truly a wonderful day that ended with new friends and a memory that will last a lifetime. Piacere e grazie mille Alessandro 🤗, Roberta 🚐 and Barbara 🫶🏻🍝.
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Posted On : 2024-05-03
Posted By : Leah_J
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! so educational, so fun and I can't stress how much food and wine you get! Worth it! Do it!!
Side note: Parking is difficult and not near pickup so plan accordingly.
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Posted On : 2024-05-02
