Visit boutique producers of Prosciutto, Parmesan Cheese, Balsamic Vinegar, and wine. Experience lovely tastes with accompanying wines and learn how these fabulous foods are made.
At the end of the tour enjoy a delicious 6-course Italian lunch at a family-run restaurant including homemade pasta and a selection of local wines!
This once-in-a-life-time experience will take you to the Italian Food Valley, where the most famous and delicious Italian foods are made. You'll be picked up at your hotel or apartment by your guide and driver for this exciting and unique small-group tour.
Depart Verona by high-speed train and reach Bologna (50 minutes) where you'll meet your guide and board a comfortable air-conditioned minibus.
First you will visit a Parmigiano‐Reggiano DOP producer. The secret of such goodness originates in the place of origin, in the natural feed, and in the high quality milk with no additives. During the long aging process, natural fermenting agents in the milk give the cheese its particular flavor and texture, in other words, its typicality. The verb “to make” is absolutely correct in this case because Parmigiano‐Reggiano cheese is not just manufactured, but “it is made” today as it was made eight centuries ago, using those same typical and genuine ingredients: the precious milk from the area of origin, fire, rennet, the expertise of old methods and the skill and knowledge of cheese masters. Then, it is aged naturally for two years or more; however, this implies a great deal of effort because cheese wheels must be brushed and turned continually, they must be taken care of, supervised and inspected day after day to assure their compliance with the rigorous maturation standard. The visit to the diary will be followed by a tasting.
Then you will visit a Prosciutto DOP producer. One of the earliest references to ham production in our region appeared about 100 BC in the writings of Cato, who described the practice of burying pork legs in barrels filled with salt. The meat was then dried and smoked. As the process of making air‐cured Prosciutto was refined, the smoking step was discontinued. During classical times, hams from this region were one of the delicacies featured on banquet tables. The visit at the producer’s will conclude with a delicious Prosciutto tasting!!!
Have you ever heard about Italy’s black gold? We are talking about the traditional balsamic vinegar which is produced only in the areas of Modena and Reggio Emilia. The families of the area have always been very proud of their production of Balsamic Vinegar, and have a set of barrels in the attic as a seal of ancient family traditions, if not a confirmation of noble family roots. Born centuries ago as a medicinal of exclusive use of kings and emperors, it has found its place in the kitchen as a product of excellence, it heightens the flavors and enriches every dish on the Emilian table, from the most simple to ones such as salads and row vegetables, to the most refined dishes such as filled pastas or meats. Welcomed in a private property we will taste this special traditional balsamic vinegar and learn family recipes and secrets!
Enjoy a wine tasting in the most famous cellar of the territory. You will tour the winery and explained how grapes are picked, crushed, blended and bottled. You’ll walk through beautiful vineyards with the winery sommelier and then taste the finished product.
Our day will conclude with a delicious 6-course gourmet lunch accompanied by a selection of local wines served in a family-run restaurants on the hills.
After lunch, get dropped off at Bologna Centrale train station. Return to Verona by high-speed train.
The tour includes:
Train schedule:
Going: High speed train AV9461 departing at 6:52 from Verona Porta Nuova railway station and arriving at 7:42 to Bologna Centrale
Coming back: High speed train AV9478 departing at 18:45 from Bologna Centrale railway station and arriving at 19:30 to Verona Porta Nuova
You will receive train tickets by email. Our guide will meet at the lobby of the Starhotels Excelsior Bologna hotel, Viale Pietramellara 51, across Bologna Centrale railway station, exit Piazza Medaglie d’Oro.
Prices:
Adult Eur 199,00
Children (4-12 years old) Eur 129,00
Children from 0 to 3 years old free of charge
Tour availability: Monday to Saturday
Tour starts at: 6:52 from Verona
Tour ends at: 19:37 in Verona
Additional information:
Don’t forget to bring:
We look forward to bringing some of the best of Italy too you!