Bologna/Modena: Parmesan,Ferrari, Balsamic,Wine Tour w/Lunch

If you’re after an experience that combines Italy’s legendary culinary delights with a pinch of high-speed glamour, this Bologna/Modena: Parmesan, Ferrari, Balsamic, Wine Tour with Lunch offers just that. While we haven’t personally strapped into a Ferrari or tasted the latest Parmigiano Reggiano ourselves, we’ve gathered enough insider insights to give you a detailed picture of what makes this tour so special—and whether it’s worth your time and money.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see authentic production processes up close, taste some of Italy’s finest products, and enjoy a day filled with stunning scenery and passionate local guides. The highlights include a guided cheese factory visit, tasting aged Parmigiano Reggiano, sampling sparkling Lambrusco wine, and learning how balsamic vinegar is crafted—plus a visit to the Ferrari Museum for a dose of automotive history.

One potential consideration is the full-day schedule, which runs for about nine hours, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a long, activity-packed day. If you’re a foodie, car enthusiast, or simply curious about Italy’s regional specialties, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Emilia-Romagna’s rich traditions. Perfect for travelers eager to explore beyond the usual sights, it’s especially great for those who appreciate authentic, hands-on experiences.

Good To Know

• Authentic production insights into Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar
• Guided tours with knowledgeable local staff and friendly guides
• Tasting sessions that let you savor aged cheeses, wines, and vinegar
• A balanced mix of culinary and automotive highlights
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pick-up and drop-off included
• Good value for a full-day, all-inclusive experience

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary and Highlights

Pick-Up and Transportation

The journey begins with a convenient pickup from either Bologna or Modena, depending on your booking choice. The group travels in an air-conditioned vehicle, easing the fatigue of a full day. The tour’s logistical planning ensures you’re moved efficiently from one highlight to the next, with minimal waiting time—though exact pickup times depend on your hotel or B&B, so keep an eye out for the details.

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Factory

The first stop is a cheese factory where you’ll observe the entire process of Parmigiano Reggiano production. Guides explain everything from curdling the milk in copper vats to salting and aging in the characteristic wheel-shaped “cathedrals.” This close-up view of such a revered cheese is a rare chance to see craftsmanship in action.

Guests have described this part of the tour as “super interesting” and appreciated the cheese tasting of different ages at the end, which showcases the evolution of flavor and texture as the cheese matures. One reviewer noted the guides at each location are highly knowledgeable, contributing to an engaging experience.

Lambrusco Wine Tasting

Next, the group visits a local winery specializing in Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine native to northern Italy. The guided tour of the winery’s facilities provides insight into what makes Lambrusco so distinctive, from the grapes used to the fermentation process.

Guests frequently comment on the delightful flavors of this wine, with one review mentioning it as a “bright, refreshing” accompaniment to the day’s food tastings. The tasting session is not just about sipping; it’s about understanding the regional heritage behind this lively wine.

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Balsamic Vinegar Production

The third major stop is an Acetaia, where you’ll learn how traditional balsamic vinegar is made. This is a highlight for many, as it reveals the patience and artistry involved in producing what’s often called “black gold”. Visitors can observe the aging process in wooden barrels and taste the different grades of balsamic vinegar, appreciating how its complexity deepens with time.

One reviewer described the vinegar tasting as “the highlight,” emphasizing how special it felt to be treated like family by the hosts. After the tour, you’ll enjoy a lunch at the producer’s farmhouse, where local dishes are paired with balsamic vinegar, giving you a true taste of Emilia-Romagna cuisine.

Lunch and Local Cuisine

The included meal is more than just a break; it’s an immersion into the region’s gastronomic traditions. The lunch is served at the vinegar producer’s farm, allowing you to see, smell, and taste how local ingredients are prepared and complemented by the vinegar and wine you’ve sampled earlier. Guests commend the delicious food—many mention it as “really, really good”—and appreciate the chance to relax in a homely setting.

Ferrari Museum Visit

The final major attraction is a trip to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. While the tour doesn’t include a guided visit through the museum, you’ll have an hour to explore the impressive collection of cars, trophies, and photographs that showcase Ferrari’s racing and design history. Enthusiasts love seeing the iconic models and learning about the brand’s legendary status.

Guests have described this part as “cool,” especially for car lovers, and appreciate the skip-the-line entrance, which saves time and adds convenience. The drive back to your starting point offers a comfortable way to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Local Experiences

Rather than just visiting tourist spots, this tour emphasizes real production sites and hands-on learning. Guides at each stop are staff from the producers themselves, providing authentic insights that you wouldn’t get in a museum or generic tour.

Well-Managed Logistics

The schedule is carefully curated, with short travel times between stops—just enough to keep the momentum going without feeling rushed. The transportation is air-conditioned, and hotel pick-up and drop-off make the experience seamless.

Food and Drink

The tastings are thoughtfully integrated, giving you a genuine sense of regional flavors. Guests consistently praise the delicious food, whether it’s the aged Parmigiano, sparkling wines, or the local lunch paired with balsamic vinegar.

For Car and Food Lovers Alike

This tour caters to two passions—automotive excellence and culinary craftsmanship—making it perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded, immersive experience.

Price and Value

At $430.48 per person, this experience offers a lot for the price, especially considering the guided visits, tastings, lunch, and museum tickets included. For those eager to explore Emilia-Romagna beyond the surface, it’s a worthwhile investment in both education and entertainment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for foodies eager to learn about Italy’s regional specialties, car enthusiasts curious about Ferrari’s heritage, and travelers who love authentic, behind-the-scenes looks at local production. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided insights over self-exploration, and who are comfortable spending a full day on their feet, sampling and learning.

However, it’s worth noting that pregnant women and wheelchair users might find it less accessible due to the nature of the visits to farms and production sites. Also, since all visits occur in the countryside, appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended—inside cheese storage or cellars can be cool even in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Bologna or Modena are included, with air-conditioned vehicles used throughout the day.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts about 9 hours, making it a substantial day trip with plenty of time to enjoy each stop.

Are the visits guided?
Yes, the cheesemaker, winery staff, and balsamic producer provide guided tours and tastings. The Ferrari Museum entry is skip-the-line, but the museum itself isn’t guided.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and casual clothes are recommended. Be prepared for farm environments, which might be cooler inside cheese storage rooms and cellars.

Can I customize the experience?
The order of visits may vary, but the core stops are fixed. You’ll need to book in advance and go as part of the scheduled group.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not explicitly designed for children, but families with older kids who are interested in food, cars, and Italian culture should find it engaging.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, combining culinary craftsmanship with iconic automotive history. The guided visits and tastings are both educational and delicious, making it a great value for travelers wanting to deepen their understanding of Italy’s regional pride.

If you’re a lover of good food, fine wine, and roaring engines, this experience hits all the right notes. It’s especially suited for those who want to see behind the scenes, taste locally made products, and walk away with stories—and souvenirs—that truly capture the spirit of Emilia-Romagna.

In the end, it’s a day packed with flavor, speed, and Italian charm—perfect for making lasting memories.

You can check if your dates are available here: