Great Food & Wine in Emilia Romagna

8 Days 7 Nights
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  • First Class
  • Bologna (BLQ)/Train Station
  • Bologna (BLQ)/Train station
  • Arrival and departure as detailed in the itinerary
  • 14
  • Luxury Minibus

Overview

Food and Wine in Emilia Romagna is an 8-day-tour perfectly paced for you to enjoy the many flavors this region has to offer.

The Emilia-Romagna region and Parma the capital of the "FOOD VALLEY” are known worldwide for the largest number of certified traditional Italian products (made in Italy) such as prosciutto, parmigiano, mortadella, salami, balsamic vinegar, wines, olive oils, tortellini, pasta alla bolognese and many more. During this tour you will learn and experience what make this food so special by visiting the cheese and prosciutto factory, balsamic vinegar, the “Fico Eataly World” and take few cooking classes. Also, you will enjoy with our local guides the historical treasures of PARMA, BOLOGNA, MODENA and many picturesque small villages. 

Highlights

  • 8 Day Tour – Bologna, Parma, Modena, Street Food Tour, Cooking Classes, Wineries
  • Start in Bologna (BLQ) – End in Bologna (BLQ)
  • Group of 8 passengers
  • 14 Meals to include – 7 buffet breakfast, 2 lunches - cooking class, 5 dinners

Itinerary

  • Day
    01

    Welcome to Bologna - Emilia Romagna Region

    Welcome to Bologna! Your driver will meet you at 3:00 pm at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) to transfer you to your beautiful agriturismo-hotel in the heart of Emilia Romagna. In the late afternoon you will meet your tour guide and then enjoy a welcome dinner.   

    Hotel: NH Parma, Hotel Green City or similar (6 nights)  

      

  • Day
    02

    Cooking class at a local farmhouse

    Our first day in Italy starts with a leisurely breakfast. Next enjoy a cooking class at a local farmhouse and learn how to prepare typical Italian dishes followed by lunch paired with delicious Lambrusco wine. In the afternoon, enjoy free time for sightseeing in the local villages of the area.  

  • Day
    03

    Parma – Barilla Academy

    Start the day with a walking tour of Parma with our local guide. Visit the Romanesque Cathedral and its Baptistery and observe the differences between the Romanesque and Gothic styles of architecture. See the amazing Baroque Farnese theatre. Then go on to visit the Barilla academy to learn the story about the family and their success. In the late afternoon, enjoy some free time and conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Day
    04

    Parmesan cheese factory – Fresh pasta making class – Lambrusco winery

    This morning, visit the Parmesan Cheese Factory (Parmigiano-Reggiano) with a local cheese expert. In the afternoon experience a 3/4-hour cooking class with an Italian chef and learn how to make traditional dishes from Parma such as Tortelli, Tagliatelle, and more. Following enjoy a wine tasting with a local wine expert. For dinner, taste your own “expertly prepared” dish!   

  • Day
    05

    "Grand Tour Italia"

    Today enjoy the largest food park in the world: “Grand Tour Italia” at your own pace. There will be time to join some food tours, food courses, or food events as you please (not included). In the evening, dinner will be served at a local restaurant.   

  • Day
    06

    Bologna

    Start the day following our local guide through the capital of “Food Valley”. Bologna is a lively city, with its blend of fascinating culture, history and delicious traditional food. The perfect place to enjoy a street food tour. Take some free time for shopping and stroll around the typical porticoes of Bologna. Tonight, dinner will be served at a traditional restaurant.  

  • Day
    07

    Modena - Balsamic Vinegar Cellar – Dozza

    This morning, take a ride to Modena to visit the city center, experience its fascinating food market, and see the beautiful Cathedral. Later, go to a local Acetaia to visit the cellar where the original balsamic vinegar is made. In the afternoon drive to the village of Dozza; known for its festival of the painted wall. See the Sforza’s Castle whose cellars host “Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna”, the wine shop and wine bar, dedicated to enology products of the region. Conclude the day with an amazing dinner to celebrate the success of your vacation. 

  • Day
    08

    Leaving for home

    Arrivederci! Your airport transfer bus arrives at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) at 6:00 am and 9:00 am.  

Map

Experiences

  • Emilia Romagna: Cooking Class
  • Parma: Walking Tour – Barilla Academy
  • Parma: Parmesan Cheese Factory
  • Parma: Fresh Pasta Making Class - Winery
  • Bologna: "Grand Tour Italia"
  • Bologna: Walking and Street Food Tour
  • Modena: Walking Tour – Balsamic Vinegar Cellar

Optional Experiences

  • "Grand Tour Italia": food tours, food courses or food events

FAQs

Tour Objectives

Introduce travelers to the gastronomic excellence of Emilia-Romagna: fresh pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma ham, balsamic vinegar, traditional dishes, and local wines.

Offer authentic, immersive experiences: producer visits, cooking classes, guided tastings, market walks.

Combine food, wine, culture, and history across Bologna, Parma, and Modena.

Why Emilia-Romagna for a Food & Wine Tour

Known as Italy’s “Food Valley,” home to world-famous products such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, and artisanal pasta.

Excellent infrastructure for gastronomic tourism: cheese factories, ham producers, balsamic vinegar workshops, vineyards.

Short travel distances between cities make it ideal for an 8-day multi-stop gourmet itinerary.

Group Logistics – 8 Passengers

A group of 8 is ideal for boutique producers and offers a more intimate, personalized experience.

Comfortable private transportation recommended (minivan or minibus).

Pre-booking required for factories, wineries, acetaie, and cooking schools.

Balanced pacing to alternate intense food days with lighter cultural or leisure days.

What is included in the tour package?

The package includes 4★ hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, private minivan transportation, guided visits, food and wine experiences, cooking classes, tastings, selected lunches and dinners, winery visits, entrance fees, and full operational support.

What is not included?

International or domestic flights

Travel insurance

Personal expenses (shopping, minibar, etc.)

Additional meals not listed in the itinerary

Optional experiences or upgrades

What type of transportation is provided?

A private 8-seater minivan with a professional driver is included. It is available for all transfers, excursions, and activities listed in the program.

Are the food and wine experiences private?

Yes. All visits to cheese factories, ham producers, balsamic vinegar workshops, wineries, and cooking schools are arranged exclusively for your group whenever possible.

Is the tour suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

Mild dietary requirements (vegetarian, lactose-light, non-alcoholic) can be accommodated. However, due to the nature of Emilia-Romagna’s traditional cuisine, vegan or gluten-free travelers may have limited options. Please notify the operator in advance.

How physically demanding is the tour?

The tour is classified as easy. Activities include city walking tours, tastings, and short walks through production sites or vineyards. No strenuous activity is expected.

What is the best time to take this tour?

The itinerary runs year-round.
Low season (Nov–Mar) offers better rates and fewer crowds.
Spring and autumn provide ideal temperatures and are peak food seasons.

Are wine tastings included?

1 winery visit with tasting

A wine-paired lunch
Additional premium winery experiences can be added on request.

Is the cooking class hands-on?

Yes. Guests will prepare pasta from scratch (e.g., tortellini, tagliatelle) under the guidance of a professional sfoglina or chef. The class concludes with a full meal.

Can the itinerary be customized for private groups?

Absolutely. We can:

  • Add more wineries
  • Include luxury farm-to-table dinners
  • Add cultural excursions (Ferrari Museum, castles, villages)
  • Upgrade hotel categories or transportation
  • Extend the tour to additional regions

How many meals are included?

Approximately:

  • 4 lunches
  • 3 dinners
  • Daily breakfast
    All other meals are free-time dining opportunities.

Are gratuities included?

Gratuities for guides and drivers are not included and are left to the guests’ discretion. Suggested amounts are provided upon request.

How far in advance should we book?

At least 3–4 months in advance is recommended. Local producers (cheese factories, ham cellars, acetaie) have limited group availability.