Modena isn’t just a charming Italian city; it’s a treasure trove for travelers eager to experience authentic culinary traditions, world-renowned automobiles, and rich cultural heritage. Its compact size makes it ideal for exploring on foot or via guided tours, and the area’s deep-rooted food and motorsport passions shine through in every experience. Whether you want to taste real balsamic vinegar, visit the factories where Parmesan cheese is made, or indulge in a high-speed Ferrari museum tour, Modena offers a diverse array of experiences that go beyond the usual tourist fare. We’re particularly fond of the guided balsamic vinegar tours because they provide a personal look into Italy’s treasured traditions—plus, the tasting sessions are truly memorable.
One of the standout features of Modena is the authenticity and craftsmanship behind its products. The tours listed here highlight that, from family-run vinegar cellars to centuries-old cheese producers. If you’re a car enthusiast, the Ferrari and Lamborghini museums offer an adrenaline rush and a peek into Italy’s legendary automotive industry. Each experience has its own appeal and depth, making it easy to tailor your visit to your interests and schedule.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a mix of culinary tours, car museum visits, and historical explorations in Modena. For lovers of food, the Modena: Guided Balsamic Vinegar Cellar Tour & Optional Meal and the Parmesan Cheese Tour & Tasting are excellent choices. Those interested in luxury cars and sports cars will find the Exclusive Ferrari and Pagani Tour from Florence and Supercar Tour: Ferrari & Lamborghini Museums + F1 Simulator irresistible. Lastly, if cultural exploration and history appeal more, the Guided Tour of the Galleria Estense and the Modena Private Walking Tour will suit you perfectly.
1. Modena: Guided Balsamic Vinegar Cellar Tour & Optional Meal
Discover the origin and history of balsamic vinegar on a guided tour of a family-run vinegar cellar in the scenic hills surrounding Modena. This tour provides a hands-on look at the traditional methods of crafting this prized Italian product. You’ll learn about the art of balsamic production, see the aging barrels, and get detailed explanations of what makes authentic balsamic so special. The experience is very personal—many visitors praise how relaxed and genuine the atmosphere feels, with hosts like Claudio making sure everyone understands both in English and Italian.
Upgrade your experience by adding an optional meal or cooking lesson, which allows you to taste local dishes paired with balsamic vinegar—an excellent way to deepen your appreciation for Italian cuisine. The tour lasts between 2 and 5 hours, giving you plenty of time to absorb the process and enjoy the views of the rolling Modena hills. Reviewers love the detailed explanations and the chance to meet a local family, with comments like “Claudio made sure he explained everything in English and Italian for all the people present.” For a comprehensive, authentic experience of Italy’s balsamic tradition, this tour ranks high on our list.
Bottom Line: If you’re curious about balsamic vinegar’s history and production, this personal, family-run tour offers a memorable taste of Italy’s culinary heritage.
2. Centenary Balsamic Vinegar of Modena – Acetaia Tour & Tasting
At number 2, the Centenary Balsamic Vinegar of Modena – Acetaia Tour & Tasting stands out for its intimate setting in a medieval tower and the passionate storytelling of the family behind the vinegar. With a rating of perfect 5.0/5 from 14 reviews, this small-group tour offers an authentic glimpse into century-old recipes. The tour lasts just over an hour but packs in plenty of insight, including a climb into the steep, historic tower where the vinegar is stored and aged.
What makes this tour unique is the personal attention and the chance to taste multiple aged vinegars while hearing family stories about their craftsmanship. Elena, the guide, is praised for her enthusiasm and knowledge, making the experience both informative and engaging. Although the climb is steep and the tower’s narrow, it’s part of the charm. Visitors tell us this is a highlight of their trip, especially if you’re a foodie eager to understand Italy’s most treasured condiment.
Bottom Line: For a small-group experience with historical charm and superb tastings, this tour offers a true taste of Modena’s balsamic excellence.
3. Modena: guided tour and tasting of superb Balsamic Vinegar
Next on the list is a visit to Acetaia Marchi, a longstanding family business that’s been making balsamic since 1910. This guided tour and tasting offers a straightforward but thorough look at how high-quality balsamic vinegar is made—from grape harvest to barrel aging. The company’s century-old tradition shines through, and the tasting session lets you sample different types of balsamic, learning to distinguish between young and aged varieties.
Guests often mention how informative and friendly the guides are, and the shop at the end offers the chance to buy bottles at reasonable prices. This tour is ideal for those wanting a personal connection with a family business and an authentic product. With a 4.8/5 rating from 16 reviews, it’s a well-loved experience for culinary enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: For a comprehensive look at balsamic making and tasting, this family-run experience delivers genuine insights and flavorful samples.
4. Exclusive Ferrari and Pagani Tour from Florence
Car lovers, rejoice: this Exclusive Ferrari and Pagani Tour from Florence hits the sweet spot for its full-day itinerary exploring Italy’s most famous luxury car brands. Starting with a pickup in Florence, your day includes visits to the Pagani Museum and Factory, and the Ferrari museums—an essential for anyone dreaming of Italy’s automotive legends. You’ll walk through the factories, see rare vehicles, and learn about the craftsmanship behind these high-performance machines.
The highlight is the guided tours of each museum, coupled with a scenic drive through Italy’s beautiful countryside. The day ends with a visit to a cheese and regional food stop, making this a well-rounded experience. The reviews emphasize how impressive and memorable the factories are, thanks to knowledgeable guides and exclusive access. It’s perfect for luxury car enthusiasts or anyone wanting a behind-the-scenes look at Italy’s iconic marques.
Bottom Line: For a luxury, all-inclusive day steeped in automotive history, this tour is hard to beat. Book early as spaces are limited.
5. Parmesan Cheese Tour & Tasting close to Modena
Cheese lovers, this one’s for you: at the Parmesan Cheese Tour & Tasting, you’ll visit an organic dairy just 15 minutes from Modena. Here, you’ll see how Parmesan wheels are made and matured in over 6,000 aging wheels. The guide explains the traditional cheesemaking techniques that have been passed down for generations, making this experience both educational and delicious.
The tasting features cheeses aged from young to over 36 months, paired perfectly with Lambrusco DOC, a sparkling Italian wine. Visitors praise the friendly guide, who shares secrets of the cheese’s flavor profile and aging process. This tour is ideal if you want to understand and taste the iconic Italian cheese in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: A must for cheese enthusiasts, offering a genuine look into Parmesan’s craftsmanship with a tasty tasting.
6. Modena: Private Walking Tour with A Guide
For those who prefer a personalized approach, the Modena: Private Walking Tour provides a 2-hour immersion into the city’s medieval streets and UNESCO sites. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit landmarks like the cathedral, Jewish ghetto, and Palazzo Ducale. It’s a relaxed pace, ideal for capturing the atmosphere and understanding Modena’s artistic and architectural highlights.
Reviews highlight how “molto interessante,” reflecting the tour’s engaging storytelling. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a customized, in-depth look without rushing through. The small-group format ensures personal attention and flexibility.
Bottom Line: For a comprehensive and tailored intro to Modena’s highlights, this walking tour offers a relaxed, enriching experience.
7. Modena Noir: a tour in the crime chronicle of the past by night
History and mystery fans will enjoy the Modena Noir, a 1.5-hour night tour exploring crime, ghosts, and secrets of the city. The tour visits locations linked to historical crimes, inquisitorial scenes, and Templar legends. Its lively narrative makes history fun and accessible, perfect for families or anyone interested in Italy’s darker side.
The guides bring over 10 years of experience, ensuring a well-organized, engaging experience. It’s a different way to see Modena, blending history, legends, and a little spooky fun. Keep in mind it’s a shorter tour, so it works best as an evening activity.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy mystery, history, and a touch of ghost stories, this night tour offers a playful yet educational experience.
8. Modena: Parmesan, Balsamic Vinegar, Wine Tour + Lunch
This full-day experience combines a cheese factory, balsamic vinegar tour, and local wine tasting, making it perfect for food lovers wanting a complete culinary immersion. Starting with a visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano producer, you’ll see the cheese’s journey from milk to wheel. Then, a visit to an acetaia reveals the secrets of traditional balsamic production.
The tour includes a guided wine tasting of Lambrusco, paired with regional specialties, and finishes with a local lunch featuring Emilia-Romagna’s best flavors. The itinerary is carefully structured, with transportation between sites included, giving you a stress-free day of gourmet discovery. The experience is highly rated for its comprehensive, hands-on approach.
Bottom Line: For a full-day foodie adventure, this tour combines cheese, vinegar, and wine—an authentic way to taste Modena’s culinary soul.
9. Modena Walking Tour & Traditional Cooking Class with Wine
Combine sightseeing with a hands-on cooking class in this Modena Walking Tour & Cooking Experience. After exploring the city’s streets and markets, you’ll learn how to prepare a classic Modenese dish from scratch, guided by local chefs. The class ends with you savoring your creation alongside regional wine.
The 3-hour experience is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in local food culture and take home new cooking skills. Many reviews mention the friendly instructors and the opportunity to enjoy authentic flavors in a convivial atmosphere.
Bottom Line: For a delicious, educational experience that combines city exploration with cooking, this class is a great fit.
10. Supercar Tour: Ferrari & Lamborghini Museums + F1 Simulator
The ultimate day for petrolheads, this Supercar Tour packs visits to two Ferrari and two Lamborghini museums. Starting in Bologna or Modena, your day includes guided tours, where you’ll see iconic models and learn about the brands’ histories. The highlight is the F1 simulator ride, giving you a taste of Formula 1 racing.
The tour is designed for small groups, ensuring a personal experience and plenty of time for photos and questions. Reviewers mention how impressive the museums are, and the experience of sitting in a Ferrari or Lamborghini is unforgettable. It’s a long day (9 hours), so be prepared for a high-energy adventure.
Bottom Line: Perfect for car enthusiasts wanting a full immersion in Italy’s luxury automotive scene, with the thrill of a racing simulator thrown in.
11. What a day: Parmesan, Balsamico, Lambrusco Taste & Tour + Lunch
For those seeking a culinary marathon, this All-in-One Food Tour combines visits to family farms producing Parmesan, balsamic vinegar, and Lambrusco wine. It’s a 7-hour journey through Modena’s culinary landscape, with tastings at each stop and reasons to love the local products.
While transportation isn’t included, the tour’s structure allows for easy booking of a driver. Highlighted are small family-run farms where you see traditional methods and sample a range of flavors. Reviewers enjoy the variety and quality of the tastings and appreciate the chance to understand each product’s story.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies wanting an intense, full-day experience exploring Emilia-Romagna’s best.
12. Guided Tour of the Galleria Estense in Modena
Art lovers will find the Galleria Estense a rewarding stop. This 1.5-hour guided tour showcases an impressive collection of Emilian art and masterpieces, collected by the Dukes of Este. The gallery’s diverse collection includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Renaissance to Baroque periods.
All tours are led by licensed guides, ensuring a knowledgeable visit. It’s a perfect choice for those interested in European art and history and suitable for the whole family. Entry is affordable at $24 per person, making it a worthwhile cultural detour.
Bottom Line: For a compact yet rich art experience, this gallery offers insight into Italy’s artistic heritage with minimal time investment.
How to Choose
When selecting your tour in Modena, consider your interests and time constraints. Food lovers should prioritize balsamic vinegar or cheese experiences, such as the family-run vinegar cellar or Parmigiano cheese. Car enthusiasts will love the luxury supercar adventures, especially the Ferrari & Lamborghini museums. For a more cultural experience, the Galleria Estense or the private walking tour offer fascinating insights into Modena’s art and history.
Practical tips include booking early for popular tours, especially those with limited group sizes like the family balsamic tours. Consider your mobility and how much time you want to dedicate—full-day experiences like the food and wine tour are best for those with ample time, while quick highlights like the art gallery suit shorter stays.
Final Thoughts
Modena is a city that celebrates its culinary craftsmanship and racing heritage with equal passion. Whether you choose a family-run balsamic vinegar tour, a luxury car museum visit, or an art-filled stroll, each experience offers a genuine taste of Italy’s soul. For a well-rounded visit, we recommend pairing a culinary tour with a cultural walk, especially if your time is limited.
If you’re passionate about cars and speed, the Ferrari and Lamborghini museums are unforgettable. For foodies, the balsamic vinegar tours provide insight into Italy’s most prized flavors. Don’t forget to book early—these popular experiences fill up fast, especially in peak season—so plan ahead and enjoy your time in Modena, Italy’s delicious and dynamic city.