Bologna: Parmigiano & Prosciutto Factory Tour with Lunch

Summary

Early morning Bologna food tour tasting cheese prosciutto and balsamic

You’ll start early in Bologna for a day trip through Emilia Romagna’s food heartland—watching Parmigiano Reggiano come alive, tasting fresh prosciutto straight from the source, sampling aged balsamic vinegar in old wooden rooms, then sharing a relaxed Italian lunch. Expect laughter over Lambrusco and moments that linger long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d be so awake at 7am in Bologna, but something about meeting in Piazza XX Settembre with a bunch of sleepy faces made it feel like the start of a school trip. Our guide, Paolo, had that gentle way of explaining things without sounding rehearsed—he even remembered everyone’s names by the first stop. The minivan was quiet at first, just the sound of coffee thermoses opening and someone quietly humming near the window as we left the city behind for the countryside between Modena and Bologna. The air smelled like dew and grass when we stepped out at the Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, which honestly made me hungry before we’d even started.

The cheesemakers were already deep into their routine—hands moving fast but careful, almost like they were sculpting something alive. Paolo nudged us closer so we could see (and smell) the curd being lifted from these enormous copper vats. I got to touch some of it—warm, soft, not what I expected at all. There was this moment in the warehouse where you’re just surrounded by thousands of cheese wheels stacked higher than your head; it’s weirdly peaceful in there, almost echoey. Tasting both young and aged Parmigiano right after seeing how it’s made... well, I’m still thinking about those flavors now.

After that came breakfast—if you can call salame, mortadella, homemade bread and Lambrusco “breakfast.” Someone joked it was “the breakfast of champions” and honestly, they weren’t wrong. The next stop was a prosciutto factory where the smell hit us before we even walked in—salty-sweet and a little nutty. We learned about how strict everything is (Paolo kept saying “two ingredients only!”), but what stuck with me was how proud everyone seemed to be working there. Tasting slices right off the leg with a glass of wine… I tried to say grazie properly but probably butchered it; one of the workers laughed and handed me another piece anyway.

Last was traditional balsamic vinegar in Modena—a totally different vibe: dark rooms lined with barrels that looked older than my grandparents’ house. It smelled sharp but sweet at the same time, almost like old wood mixed with fruit. We stood around listening to stories about patience (seriously, decades!), tasting drops on spoons while rain started tapping on the windows outside. Lunch afterwards felt more like joining someone’s family table than anything formal—lots of passing plates around and nobody keeping track of who’d had seconds.

I keep thinking about how quiet it got sometimes—like everyone just wanted to soak up every bite or story or smell before heading back to Bologna. If you’re curious about food tours from Bologna that actually show you why people care so much about these traditions… this one sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Food factory tours and tastings

• Meet at Piazza XX Settembre, Bologna
• Transfer to countryside between Modena and Bologna
• Visit Parmigiano Reggiano cheesemakers
• Taste young and aged Parmigiano Reggiano
• Enjoy breakfast with wine and coffee
• Tour Traditional Balsamic vinegar aging room
• Taste local salame, mortadella, and Lambrusco
• Visit Prosciutto Factory Montevecchio
• Learn about prosciutto curing process
• Taste prosciutto and local charcuteries with Lambrusco
• Enjoy multicourse Italian-style lunch

Top questions

What time does the Bologna food tour start?

The tour starts at 7am from Piazza XX Settembre near Bologna train station.

Is hotel pickup included for this food tour?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at a central point in Bologna.

What foods are tasted during this Emilia Romagna day trip?

You’ll taste Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, prosciutto di Modena, traditional balsamic vinegar, local charcuterie, homemade bread, cake, coffee and Lambrusco wine.

Is lunch included on this Bologna factory tour?

Yes, a multicourse Italian-style lunch with matching wines is included.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Yes; notify dietary requirements at least 3 days in advance so they can be accommodated.

How do I get to the meeting point if I'm not staying in Bologna?

If driving from outside Bologna, contact organizers to arrange an alternative meeting spot.

How long does this day trip from Bologna last?

The tour lasts most of the day with return transportation included.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this tour?

Yes; all tours are led by an English-speaking guide familiar with local traditions.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from central Bologna by minivan or minibus (no hotel pickup), guided visits inside Parmigiano Reggiano dairies and prosciutto factories near Modena plus a traditional balsamic vinegar producer; generous tastings throughout including breakfast with wine and coffee; all food samples; multicourse Italian lunch with matching wines; coffee or tea; plus plenty of stories shared along the way before returning to town together.