The Reggio Emilia region of Italy is renowned for its culinary treasures, and the Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar Tour offers an immersive experience into this rich heritage. Visitors can expect a delightful journey, exploring the artisanal processes behind the creation of these iconic Italian delicacies. With personalized attention and a chance to indulge in exquisite flavors, this tour promises to deepen one’s appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into these beloved products. Where will this delectable adventure lead?
Key Points
- A 6-hour guided tour exploring the production of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and balsamic vinegar in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
- Includes a welcome breakfast, visits to a cheese factory and a balsamic vinegar producer, and tastings of local specialties.
- Group size is limited to 8 participants, with the tour offered in English.
- Pickup from Reggio Emilia AV train station is available, and the tour is not suitable for children under 12 or individuals with mobility issues.
- Guests leave with a deeper appreciation for Italian culinary craftsmanship and a souvenir of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Tour Overview
The "Reggio Emilia: Parmigiano Reggiano & Balsamic Vinegar Tour" is a 6-hour experience that takes participants on a journey to explore the production of two iconic Italian delicacies.
Set out on a 6-hour tour to discover the production of Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar, two renowned Italian culinary treasures.
Priced from £109.65 per person, the tour is limited to 8 participants and offered in English. Guests can opt for pickup from the Reggio Emilia AV train station.
The tour includes a cheese factory visit, a trip to a cows farm, a balsamic vinegar factory tour, and tastings of various products.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Looking for more options in Reggio Emilia? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
Starting at either the Reggio Emilia AV train station or Antico Podere Emilia, guests kickstart the tour with a 30-minute breakfast of welcome coffee and Erbazzone cake.
The 2-hour cheese factory tour follows, with guided explanations. Visitors then spend 30 minutes at a cows farm before exploring a balsamic vinegar factory for 45 minutes.
Throughout the day, guests enjoy tastings of cheese, salami, Parma ham, and balsamic vinegar. The final tasting features 3 types of aged Parmigiano Reggiano, Lambrusco wine, and balsamic vinegar served with vanilla ice cream.
Customer Experience
Travelers have consistently praised the Reggio Emilia tour, with Elisa from the USA enjoying the insightful learning experiences at the cheese and balsamic vinegar factories, as well as the engaging farm visit.
The UK’s Richard found the tour interesting and highlighted the impressive production efforts, while also praising the guide’s humor and English proficiency.
Similarly, Kyle from the USA described the tour as amazing, commending the knowledgeable and engaging guide.
The tour’s customer reviews emphasize the educational and immersive nature of the experience, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar.
Included in the Tour
The Reggio Emilia tour includes a range of delectable culinary experiences.
Guests can start the day with a welcome cappuccino and Erbazzone cake. Throughout the tour, they’ll enjoy tastings of cheese, salami, coppa, and Parma ham, as well as a glass of Lambrusco wine.
The balsamic vinegar tasting features three varieties aged 8, 15, and 30 years. Each guest receives a vacuum-sealed pound of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to take home.
Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned minivan if selected. The tour provides a comprehensive opportunity to take in the gastronomic traditions of the Emilia region.
More Great Tours NearbyTransportation Options
If arriving by train, guests can opt for the pickup service from Reggio Emilia AV train station. This convenient option allows them to be transported directly to the starting location of the tour.
Alternatively, guests can make their own way to the Antico Podere Emilia, where the tour begins. Ample free parking is available for those driving themselves.
The tour itself is conducted in an air-conditioned minivan, providing a comfortable and relaxing experience as participants are transported between the various stops on the itinerary.
Accessibility Considerations
This tour is not suitable for certain groups. Children under 12, people with mobility impairments, and wheelchair users cannot participate. The tour involves extensive walking, standing, and navigating uneven surfaces.
| Accessibility Considerations |
|——————————|
| Children under 12 |
| Mobility impairments |
| Wheelchair users |
| Steep/uneven surfaces |
| Extensive walking/standing |
The tour’s itinerary and activities cater to able-bodied adults. Guests must be able to comfortably explore cheese and balsamic vinegar production facilities. Accessibility limitations are clearly stated, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all participants.
Pre-Tour Preparation
To make the most of the Reggio Emilia tour, guests should arrive 30 minutes early to account for any potential train delays. This allows time to check in and ensure a smooth start to the experience.
Those arriving by car can take advantage of the free parking available. Guests should also communicate any transfer needs immediately after booking.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking through cheese and balsamic vinegar factories. High heels and pets aren’t allowed.
What to Expect on the Tour
The tour begins with a warm welcome, as guests enjoy a breakfast of cappuccino and traditional Erbazzone cake.
Next, visitors embark on a guided tour of the cheese factory, learning the intricate process behind crafting Parmigiano Reggiano. A visit to the cows’ farm provides an up-close look at the dairy livestock.
The experience continues with a tour of a balsamic vinegar producer, revealing the patience and dedication required for its aged maturation.
Throughout the day, guests savor tastings of cheese, charcuterie, and the prized balsamic vinegar, culminating in a final tasting of aged cheeses, wine, and gelato.
The Sum Up
The Reggio Emilia: Parmigiano Reggiano & Balsamic Vinegar Tour provides an immersive culinary experience that allows visitors to explore the rich heritage of Italian cheese and vinegar production. With guided tours, tastings, and personalized attention, this tour offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the artisanal craftsmanship behind these iconic Italian delicacies. The tour’s intimate group size and comprehensive itinerary make it a must-experience for foodies seeking to uncover the depths of Italy’s gastronomic traditions.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tours in Reggio Emilia
- Reggio Emilia Bike City Tour
- La Reggio Noire: a tour of the crime stories of the past by Night.
- Balsamic Vinegar Tasting & Barrel Tour near Parma & Reggio
- Reggio Emilia Private Guide: Historical Old Town Tour
- Reggio Food Tour: Parmigiano, Balsamic, Cured Meats & Wines
- Reggio Emilia: Parmigiano Reggiano & Balsamic Vinegar Tour
More Tour Reviews in Reggio Emilia
- Reggio Emilia: Local Cheese Tasting & Tortelli Cooking Class
- Reggio Emilia Bike City Tour
- Reggio Emilia: Gelato Making Class with Tasting Experience
- La Reggio Noire: a tour of the crime stories of the past by Night.
- Emilia Flavors: Parmigiano, balsamic, cured meats & wines
- Balsamic Vinegar Tasting & Barrel Tour near Parma & Reggio