A private daytrip to discover the Italian food-valley with tastings and factory visits of Parmesan cheese, Prosciutto di Parma ham and Balsamic vinegar
Visit the real Food Valley of Italy with a private guide
Go inside Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar producers
Taste iconic Italian products directly where they are made
Enjoy a relaxed gourmet lunch with regional dishes and wine
Perfect for food lovers seeking an authentic, behind-the-scenes experience
- Private driver with Mercedes sedan/minivan
- Private local food expert guide
- Guided visits to cheese, ham, and balsamic vinegar producers
- Tastings of Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar
- Traditional lunch with local specialties and wine
- Pickup and drop-off from Bologna or customizable locations
- Flexible itinerary that we can customize for you
Description:
Discover the heart and soul of Italian cuisine on this private food tour in the Italian Food Valley in the Emilia Romagna region.
This immersive experience takes you behind the scenes of the world’s most celebrated Italian products—Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma, and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena—guided by local experts and enjoyed at a relaxed, exclusive pace.
Departing from Bologna, you’ll travel comfortably with a private driver and guide to family-run producers where centuries-old traditions are still alive today. From aging rooms filled with giant cheese wheels to the fragrant hills where Parma Ham slowly cures, this tour is a sensory journey through flavor, craftsmanship, and culture. Tastings, lunch with local specialties, and warm hospitality make this day a true celebration of Italian food excellence.
Itinerary – What to Expect
Private Pickup in Bologna
Your day begins with private pickup from your hotel or apartment in Bologna. You’ll meet your private driver and guide from the KissFromItaly team and travel in a luxury sedan or minivan. Pickup from other locations can also be arranged upon request for a fully customized experience.
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Factory Visit & Tasting
Your first stop is an authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory, where production takes place early in the morning. You’ll watch the cheesemakers at work, learning how milk, time, and craftsmanship come together to create the “King of Cheeses.” Visit the impressive aging rooms—often called cheese banks—where thousands of wheels mature for years. A guided tasting lets you savor different ages of Parmigiano Reggiano, handmade using methods passed down for over eight centuries in a strictly regulated production area.
Prosciutto di Parma Producer
Next, travel into the rolling hills around Parma to visit one of the only 156 certified Parma Ham producers in the world. During your guided visit, you’ll learn how just four elements—pork, salt, air, and time—create one of Europe’s most prized cured meats. Walk through the curing rooms and enjoy a tasting of Prosciutto di Parma, celebrated for its delicate sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Traditional Lunch with Local Specialties
Lunch is served at one of the producers or a trusted local venue, where you’ll taste the authentic flavors of Emilia Romagna. Expect freshly made tagliatelle with ragù alla Bolognese, seasonal dishes, and other regional specialties, paired with local wines. This relaxed meal is an essential part of the experience, offering a true taste of everyday Italian food culture.
Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Experience
In the afternoon, continue to Modena to visit one of the oldest producers of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO. Learn how cooked grape must is aged in a series of wooden barrels for a minimum of 12 years—and often 20 or 25 years—to create this extraordinary condiment. During a guided tasting, you’ll sample different ages and styles, discovering why authentic balsamic vinegar is nothing like the commercial versions found worldwide.
Return to Bologna
At the end of the day, your private driver will escort you back to your hotel in Bologna or another agreed location. As a private tour, timing, pickup, drop-off, and itinerary details are fully flexible and can be tailored to your interests.
Why Choose This Tour
- Fully private experience with your own driver and expert local guide
- Exclusive access to certified producers not reachable independently
- In-depth visits inside workshops and aging rooms
- Generous tastings of Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar
- Authentic lunch featuring Emilia Romagna’s most famous dishes
- Flexible schedule and customizable itinerary
- Curated by the KissFromItaly team with deep local knowledge
Who Is This Tour For
- Food lovers and gourmet travelers
- Couples seeking an authentic Italian experience
- Families interested in culture and food traditions
- Small groups and friends traveling together
- First-time visitors wanting to understand real Italian cuisine
- Repeat travelers looking to go beyond classic sightseeing
Book Your Private Food Experience in Emilia Romagna
This private food tour is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Emilia Romagna. Book online to secure your date, or contact us to customize pickup locations, timing, or add special requests. We’ll take care of every detail so you can focus on enjoying Italy’s most extraordinary flavors.
FAQs – Private Parma Food Tour from Bologna
How long is the tour?
The tour is a full-day experience, typically lasting around 8–9 hours depending on pace and customization.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, private pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Bologna are included. Other locations can be arranged on request.
Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, children are welcome and usually enjoy seeing how cheese and ham are made. Let us know ages so we can adapt explanations.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, inform us in advance of any dietary needs or allergies
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and closed shoes are recommended, as some production areas can be cool or humid.
Is the tour available year-round?
Yes, this tour runs year-round, though production activities may vary slightly by season.
Is the tour customizable?
Absolutely. As a private tour, timing, stops, and pickup locations can be tailored to your preferences.
Included:
- Private transportation
- Private guide officially licensed
- Parmesan cheese tasting
- Parma ham tasting
- Balsamic vinegar tasting
- Lunch with wine
Not included:
- Food and drinks other than the ones indicated above
Languages:
Italian, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese
Meeting point:
At your hotel/apartment in Bologna (for other pick-up points please email us)
Duration:
8 Hours
Alternative tours:
If you are interested in food tours you may also like:
Bologna Food Tour in Small Group

