A full day exploring Italy’s culinary and automotive treasures, from cheese and wine to a legendary car museum. This tour from Bologna or Modena offers an engaging mix of tastes, sights, and stories that truly showcase the region’s renowned products. The inclusion of a Ferrari Museum visit, alongside hands-on experiences at cheese and vinegar producers, makes it a well-rounded outing.
What I like most are the chance to see authentic production processes—like how Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is made from start to finish—and the opportunity to taste these products in their natural setting. The trip’s well-organized itinerary, with skip-the-line access and transportation included, helps maximize your day without feeling rushed.
A point to consider is that some visits occur in countryside farms, which means you’ll want comfortable shoes and clothing. Inside cellars and production areas, the temperature can be cool, even in summer. Also, with a price of around $430, this experience offers excellent value, but it’s best suited for those eager to indulge in regional specialties and automotive history without staying overnight.
Key Points / Takeaways

- Authentic production tours of Parmigiano Reggiano and traditional balsamic vinegar offer genuine insight into Italy’s food heritage.
- Sampling experiences include tasting various aged cheeses, balsamic, and local wines, making this a delicious day.
- Convenient logistics with pickup, drop-off, and transportation included removes the hassle of planning from scratch.
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Ferrari Museum give you quick access to one of Italy’s most iconic automotive attractions.
- Local guide or staff-led visits ensure you learn about each product without feeling like just a tourist.
- A memorable combination of culinary delights, cultural sights, and a touch of speed with Ferrari’s legendary cars.
Exploring Emilia-Romagna’s Food and Car Culture

This tour provides a rare opportunity to experience Emilia-Romagna’s most famous exports while enjoying a scenic day out. Starting from Bologna or Modena, you’ll hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned van that whisks you through rolling hills and quaint towns, setting the scene for a full immersion into the region’s rich craftsmanship.
The first stop is at a cheese factory, where you’ll see Parmigiano Reggiano being produced from curd to wheel. The guided tour offers a detailed look at the process, from copper kettles to the salting and aging in massive wheel-shaped cellars. I love how the staff explains each step, making the complex seem simple and tangible. Tasting different ages of cheese, including Ricotta and Caciotta, at the end cements an understanding of why this cheese is a global icon. A reviewer praised this experience, saying it made them feel like “a privileged witness of almost all the steps of production.”
Next, a short drive takes you to a winery where you’ll learn about Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine that’s both vibrant and easy to enjoy. The guided tasting here is a highlight, showcasing the region’s signature wine in its various forms. I found the tasting session both educational and enjoyable, especially since the local staff shared stories about the traditions behind Lambrusco.
Afterward, you’ll visit a family-run balsamic vinegar producer in Modena, where traditional methods have been handed down for generations. The guided tour of the Acetaia explains how black gold is made—aged in wooden barrels and carefully monitored for quality. Tasting the balsamic, with its complex flavors and deep aroma, is a real treat. One reviewer remarked that this experience illuminated why aged balsamic is considered “the black gold of Italy.”
Lunch takes place at a picturesque estate amid the gentle hills, offering a meal that complements the region’s flavors. It’s a hearty and satisfying menu that keeps you energized for the rest of the day. The setting alone—quaint, peaceful, and surrounded by vineyards—makes the meal feel special.
In the afternoon, the trip continues with a visit to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. This part of the day is a thrill for car enthusiasts; seeing iconic models, trophies, and the story of Ferrari’s rise is inspiring. The skip-the-line tickets make sure you spend more time admiring cars than waiting in queues. While there isn’t a guided tour inside, the exhibits are comprehensive enough to give you a sense of Ferrari’s legendary status.
The final leg is a scenic drive back to Bologna or Modena, giving you some free time to soak in the countryside views or explore nearby towns.
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Breaking Down the Experience

The Cheese Factory: A Deep Dive into Parmigiano Reggiano
This visit is the most hands-on part of the tour. You’ll witness cheese being made from the beginning—curdling, heating in copper vats, salting, and aging in massive wheel cathedrals. The staff are knowledgeable, and their passion shows through in their explanations. Tasting the cheese at various stages enhances the experience, helping you appreciate the differences in flavor and texture depending on aging.
The fact that this is a guided visit means you won’t just stare at cheese; you’ll understand what makes Parmigiano Reggiano unique. For cheese lovers, this feels like a real privilege.
The Lambrusco Winery: Sparkling Stories
The guided tour of the winery digs into how Lambrusco is crafted, from grape selection to fermentation. It’s a fun, lively atmosphere, and the tasting offers a range of flavors from dry to sweet variations. The staff here are friendly and eager to share their knowledge of the wine’s history and pairing ideas.
The Balsamic Vinegar Experience: An Art in Aging
This visit is a true highlight for foodies. The traditional balsamic vinegar process is slow and meticulous, and seeing barrels stacked in the cellar offers a glimpse into centuries-old craftsmanship. Tasting the rich, syrupy vinegar reveals why it’s prized worldwide. One reviewer called it “black gold,” and I agree—this is a flavor that lingers long after the visit.
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Lunch at a Modena Farmhouse: A Taste of the Region
The included lunch is more than just a stop for fuel; it’s a chance to relax in a rustic setting, savoring local specialties. The menu balances tradition with hearty flavors—perfect for recharging before the Ferrari visit.
Ferrari Museum: A Dream Come True for Car Lovers
The Ferrari Museum packs in history, cars, trophies, and images that tell Ferrari’s story. It’s a visual feast, especially for fans of racing or design. While there’s no guided tour inside, the skip-the-line tickets ensure you spend less time waiting and more time marveling at the sleek curves and racing legends.
Logistics and Value

Priced at around $430 per person, this tour delivers a lot of value. You’re getting expert-guided visits at multiple sites, skip-the-line access at Ferrari, transportation, and a substantial lunch—all in one day. The transfer from Bologna or Modena adds convenience, especially if you’re staying in the city and want to avoid the hassle of planning multiple visits.
The tour runs about 9 hours, which means you’ll see quite a bit without feeling overwhelmed. The small group size, available as an option, enhances interaction and personalized attention. The fact that you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund adds some flexibility, which is always welcome.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
Food lovers who savor cheese, wine, and vinegar will find this experience a feast. Car enthusiasts get a behind-the-scenes look at Ferrari’s roots. And anyone wanting a curated, hassle-free day exploring Emilia-Romagna’s highlights will benefit from the logistics and guided insights.
Final Tips
Wear comfortable shoes—especially for walking in farms, cellars, and the Ferrari Museum. Bring layers, as cellar temperatures can be cool. If you have food allergies or intolerances, communicate them in advance, since the tastings can’t be modified last-minute.
The Sum Up
This tour offers a well-balanced glimpse into Emilia-Romagna’s culinary prowess and automotive fame. It’s perfect for travelers who want a mix of tasting, learning, and sightseeing, all wrapped into a single day. The combination of authentic production visits, delicious tastings, and a legendary car museum makes for a memorable experience.
While the price is on the higher side, the inclusions—guided visits, skip-the-line tickets, transportation, and lunch—justify the cost. Whether you’re a foodie eager to taste Italy’s best or a car admirer wanting to see Ferrari’s roots, this trip delivers value for money.
If you’re traveling from Bologna or Modena and enjoy engaging, authentic experiences, this tour is a smart choice. It’s the kind of day that leaves you with a full belly, a camera full of photos, and stories to tell for years.
FAQ
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation in an air-conditioned van is included from Bologna or Modena, and the transfer is shared with other travelers.
How long is the tour?
The full-day experience lasts about 9 hours, with a detailed itinerary that balances visits, tastings, and free time.
Are skip-the-line tickets included?
Yes, you get skip-the-line tickets to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, which helps you avoid long waits.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be walking through farms, cellars, and production areas. Inside some locations, temperatures might be cooler.
Can I customize the experience?
Since the visits are led by local staff and not private guides, the experience is fairly structured. However, communicating food allergies or intolerances beforehand is advised.
Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally recommended for travelers over 11 years old. It’s best for those interested in food, wine, and cars.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.
Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, likely due to the nature of tastings and production visits.
This comprehensive tour strikes a rare balance between tasting Italy’s best foods, exploring its rich craftsmanship, and experiencing automotive excellence. It’s an ideal pick for curious travelers eager to enjoy Emilia-Romagna’s authentic flavors and legendary cars—without the hassle of organizing it all themselves.
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