Bologna Full Day Food Tour with Parmigiano & Balsamic Factories
Go behind the scenes at 3 artisan factories then feast on a traditional osteria lunch with wine
Stop pretending you know what real Parmigiano tastes like; your Emilia-Romagna food education starts now! This full-day feast is your VIP pass inside the sacred trilogy. Watch Parmigiano Reggiano wheels being made at dawn, unlock the dark secrets of decades-old balsamic vinegar, and conquer a Lambrusco winery right where the grapes are grown. You will end the day with a massive, traditional osteria lunch, proof that Bologna invented flavor and deserves it's title as "The Fat One."
What You Get With This Tour
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Licensed, local food expert, English-speaking guide
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Guided visits to Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar factories
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Exclusive wine and Lambrusco tasting at a local winery
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Multi-course osteria lunch
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Tastings of all products, including aged balsamic vinegar
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Round-trip transportation from Bologna
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Maximum group size of 25
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Hotel pick up/drop off
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Personal Expenses
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Gratuities
Tour Itinerary
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1
Bologna Departure
Meet your guide for a quick, early-morning escape from the city and a comfortable ride into the food-production countryside. -
2
Parmigiano Reggiano Factory
Witness artisans perform the ancient magic of turning fresh milk into giant, golden wheels of the world’s most famous cheese. -
3
Traditional Balsamic Acetaia
Discover the decades-long process of aging sour grapes into sweet, syrupy liquid gold inside wooden barrels. -
4
Lambrusco Winery
Tour the vineyards and cellars before enjoying generous tastings of sparkling red Lambrusco with the producers. -
5
Osteria Lunch
Sit down to your reward: a decadent, multi-course meal of handmade pasta and cured meats that fully explains why Bologna is called "The Fat One." -
6
Return to Bologna
Settle in for a comfortable ride back to the city,
Additional Information
Bologna Full Day Food Tour Full Description
Your 9-hour tour includes:
Licensed, local food expert, English-speaking guide
Guided visits to Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar factories
Exclusive wine and Lambrusco tasting at a local winery
Decadent, multi-course osteria lunch with regional pairings
Tastings of all products, including aged balsamic vinegar
Round-trip transportation from Bologna
Maximum group size of 25
The Dawn of Dairy
This is an early start because the best food is made before the crowds wake up. Your culinary mission begins when you hop aboard our transport and leave the city behind for the quiet countryside. The entire purpose of this full day is to give you VIP access to the artisanal secrets of Emilia-Romagna, the region famously nicknamed "The Fat One" for very good reason.
Witness the Birth of Gold
Your first stop is an authentic Parmigiano Reggiano dairy. You'll go inside to witness the magical crafting process as fresh milk is transformed into the giant, golden wheels of cheese. Your guide will explain the meticulous, ancient secrets that make this product so revered. After seeing the vault where the cheese ages, you'll be rewarded with a generous tasting of different ages.
Balsamic, Bubbles, and Barrels
Next, trade your cheese hairnet for a trip to an acetaia where liquid gold is born: Traditional Balsamic Vinegar. Discover why this precious condiment takes decades to age and how it develops its complex, syrupy flavor inside wooden barrels. Following this sweet-and-sour lesson, you’ll head to a local winery to sip some excellent Lambrusco and other regional specialties, proving that sparkling red wine is a legitimate, delicious thing.
The Ultimate Osteria Payoff
After all that serious factory business, it's time for the payoff. We're talking about a massive, multi-course lunch at a traditional osteria. Savor handmade pasta, regional cured meats, and other local specialties perfectly paired with wine. Consider this your final, delicious exam on why this region invented flavor, then enjoy the comfortable ride back to Bologna.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothing, an umbrella in case of a rainy day, and hat and sunscreen in case of a sunny day.
What to bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothing, an umbrella in case of a rainy day, and hat and sunscreen in case of a sunny day.
Can you accomodate for allergies on this tour?
Yes, with time in advance we can usually accommodate this tour for allergies. Please inform us of any food allergies/intolerance to support@thetourguy.com and we will reach out to our trusted partner.
I don't drink, will there be options for me?
Yes, soft drinks will be provided for non-alcoholic options.
What if there is bad weather?
This tours operates in rain or shine. We do recommend coming prepared.
Can I bring a stroller or extra luggage on this tour?
Unfortunately, strollers, suitcases, and large backpacks are not allowed on the tour.
Can I bring a camera?
Yes, but please keep in mind, drones are strictly prohibited.
