Bologna Food Experience: Factory tours & Family-Style Lunch

Bologna , Italy

Bologna Food Experience: Factory tours & Family-Style Lunch

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(1184 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

IMPORTANT! NO HOTEL PICK UP

Meeting POINT. 7 am in Piazza XX Settembre, nearby the trainstation in Bologna.

What's included:

- FACTORY/PRODUCTION SITES TOUR
– Pick up at 7am at in central Bologna (no later pick up available)
– Guided tour with English speaking guide
– Transfer in comfortable minivan or minibus
- Generose tastings of all products, breakfast with wine and coffee and multicourse italian-style lunch included
– Please notify us with your diet requirements (vegetarian, gluten or lactose free menu available) AT LEAST 3 DAYS IN ADVANCE
or we won't be able to cater for you.

Guests joining from outside Bologna can contact us to arrange for a different meeting point if driving.

Available options

Italian Days Food Experience

What's included

Lunch with matching wines

Alcoholic Beverages

Driver/guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Breakfast

Round Trip Trasportation from and to Bologna

Coffee and/or Tea

Food tastings

Detailed itinerary

We’ll start this incredible journey with an early pick up (around 7:00am) in Bologna with our private minivan or minibus to head to the countryside between Modena and Bologna. Why so early? Parmigiano Reggiano doesn’t wait! It’s made only in the early morning and we want you to get in action ASAP!
We will see the cheesemakers taking care of all the production steps right before your eyes. You can touch the creamy curd, taste the cooked cheese and get absolutely stunned by the warehouse, where thousands of wheels all around you wait at least 12 months to be “baptized” as Parmigiano Reggiano. Time to taste it, what’d you expect? Young or aged, creamy or crunchy, delicate or intense: you can decide which of the 2 different-age samples is your favorite… or just love them both!

Third and last excellence to meet: meat (pun intended)! Prosciutto Factory Montevecchio’s products will conquer your palate with its fragrant smell, buttery texture and delicate savoriness. We’ll learn about the strict regulations, the long curing process, and the tremendous care necessary to transform only 2 ingredients into a typical product with unique characteristics.
We’ll taste its wholesomeness and genuineness with other local charcuteries and a glass of Lambrusco, before a proper lunch is served!

Another gem of Emilia Romagna is waiting to be discovered: Traditional Balsamic vinegar of Modena. After our “breakfast of champions” with local salame, mortadella, homemade bread, cake, Lambrusco wine and coffee, we’ll lead you into a magical world of smells, flavors, patience, and family tradition you’ve never experienced before! In the aging room, surrounded by many peaceful barrels, the secrets of this complex, unique and fascinating product will be unveiled.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

493 reviews

5★

480

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

691 reviews

5★

679

4★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Comfortable shoes are recommended

The minivan/minibus we use are disinfected as required by law before and after each tour

If you have any symtoms like fever, cough or exhaustion, you are not allowed to join the tour. Please inform us immediately should you feel unwell before or during the tour

Meeting point

Meeting time: 7:00am
(Please arrive 5 mins before the set meeting time)

The bus is departing at 7:05 am, it will not wait for late comers.

NO HOTEL PICK UP PROVIDED

You will back at Bologna around 5 pm.

About Bologna

Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and exceptional cuisine. Known as 'La Dotta' for its university, 'La Grassa' for its food, and 'La Rossa' for its red-tiled roofs, Bologna offers a unique blend of medieval charm and modern sophistication.

Top Attractions

Two Towers (Due Torri)

The Two Towers, Garisenda and Asinelli, are iconic symbols of Bologna. Built in the 12th century, they offer panoramic views of the city from the top.

Architecture 1-2 hours €5 for the Asinelli Tower, €2 for the Garisenda Tower

Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore is the heart of Bologna, surrounded by stunning medieval buildings, including the Basilica di San Petronio and the Palazzo d'Accursio.

Historical 30 minutes to a few hours Free

Basilica di San Petronio

This massive basilica is one of the largest churches in the world. Built in the 14th century, it features a stunning interior with beautiful art and architecture.

Religious 1 hour Free, €3 for the museum and crypt

Piazza Santo Stefano

Known as 'Piazza dei Guai' (Square of Troubles), this charming square is surrounded by medieval buildings and features the Basilica di Santo Stefano.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Piazza del Nettuno

This square is home to the Fontana del Nettuno, a stunning fountain featuring a statue of Neptune. The square is also surrounded by beautiful Renaissance buildings.

Historical 30 minutes Free

Archiginnasio

The Archiginnasio was the main building of the University of Bologna from 1563 to 1803. Today, it houses the Anatomical Theatre and the Historical Library.

Historical 1 hour €5

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tortellini in Brodo

Tortellini pasta filled with a mixture of meats, served in a rich broth. A classic Bolognese dish, perfect for a comforting meal.

Main Dish Contains meat and gluten

Ragù alla Bolognese

A rich meat-based sauce served with tagliatelle pasta. This iconic dish is a must-try for any visitor to Bologna.

Main Dish Contains meat and gluten

Lasagne alla Bolognese

Layered pasta with ragù sauce and béchamel, baked to perfection. A hearty and delicious dish that showcases Bolognese cuisine.

Main Dish Contains meat and gluten

Mortadella

A type of large Italian sausage made from finely ground heat-cured pork, flavored with spices. Often served in thin slices as an antipasto.

Snack Contains pork and may contain other meats

Popular Activities

Cycling tours Hiking in the nearby Apennine Mountains Visiting spas and wellness centers Strolling through the city's parks and gardens Attending concerts and performances at Teatro Comunale Visiting museums and art galleries Boating on the Reno River Ice skating in Piazza Maggiore

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Bologna is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are smaller. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Bologna is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially in crowded areas
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport • 6 km from city center

By train

Bologna Centrale

By bus

Bologna Autostazione

Getting around

Public transport

Bologna's public bus network is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for reaching areas not served by the tram.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow, MyTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Centro Storico Saragozza San Vitale Sant'Agostino San Donato

Day trips

Modena

45 km from Bologna • Half day to full day

Modena is a charming city known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and world-famous balsamic vinegar. It's a great day trip from Bologna, offering a mix of culture, history, and gastronomy.

Parma

100 km from Bologna • Full day

Parma is a beautiful city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and delicious food. It's a great day trip from Bologna, offering a mix of art, history, and gastronomy.

Ferrara

50 km from Bologna • Full day

Ferrara is a charming city known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. It's a great day trip from Bologna, offering a mix of history, art, and local traditions.

Festivals

Bologna Jazz Festival • July Bologna Children's Book Fair • March Bologna Film Festival • June

Pro tips

Explore the city's historic center on foot, as it's compact and pedestrian-friendly
Try local specialties like tortellini, ragù alla Bolognese, and mortadella
Visit the Two Towers for a panoramic view of the city
Take a food tour to discover the city's rich culinary heritage
Use public transportation or walk to get around, as driving in the city center can be challenging