Emilia-Romagna: Parmigiano Reggiano, Dallara, and Wine Tour

Traveling through Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region often feels like stepping into a storybook of flavors and engineering marvels. This 8.5-hour tour offers a balanced taste of tradition and innovation, blending cheese-making, motorsport engineering, and wine tasting into one full-day adventure. Whether you’re a food buff, car enthusiast, or someone simply eager to experience Italy’s diverse culture, this trip promises a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s soul.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, you’ll get an up-close look at Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production, a process that’s as much art as science. Second, the visit to Dallara, the automotive powerhouse behind some of the world’s fastest race cars, adds a layer of high-tech excitement. Third, the scenic picnic among vineyards offers a relaxed chance to savor regional wines and local bites.

One potential downside? The tour does involve quite a bit of walking and some time on the coach, which might be less ideal for those with mobility issues or who prefer a more leisurely pace. Still, the small group size and knowledgeable guides tend to make it a personal and engaging experience.

This tour is perfect for travelers who appreciate authentic tastes, technological innovation, and picturesque landscapes—especially those who want a comprehensive day out without the hassle of planning each stop themselves.

Key Points

Authentic Food Experience: See cheese made firsthand and taste different aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
Automotive Innovation: Explore the cutting-edge Dallara Academy with interactive exhibits.
Wine & Scenic Lunch: Enjoy a picnic with regional wines in a beautiful vineyard setting.
Cultural Highlights: Visit historic Fontanellato Castle and its unique Camera Ottica.
Small Group: Limited to 10 participants for a more personal experience.
Convenient Transportation: Coach travel included, starting from Parma.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Full Experience: A Detailed Breakdown

Starting Point in Parma

Your day begins at Bar Stazione di Parma, a central and easily accessible meeting point at 8:00 am (check actual starting times when booking). The small group setup ensures a cozy atmosphere, with a friendly guide ready to introduce you to Emilia-Romagna’s treasures. Expect a prompt start with a comfortable coach that will be your mode of transport throughout the day.

Parmigiano Reggiano at Bertinelli Dairy Farm

The first stop is Azienda Agricola Bertinelli, a famed and longstanding producer of Parmigiano Reggiano. Here, you’ll have a guided tour lasting about 1.5 hours. The farm is one of the region’s most renowned cheese producers, and reviews highlight the “amazing insight into traditional cheese-making.” You’ll watch the process from fresh milk to the aging cellars, gaining a clear understanding of what makes Parmigiano Reggiano so special.

Guests often mention the opportunity to sample different ages of cheese, which reveals a spectrum of flavors from nutty and crumbly to rich and umami. One reviewer noted, “It’s like tasting history—each cheese had its own story.” The guided tour allows plenty of time for questions, and the farm’s passionate staff make the process accessible and engaging.

Automotive Innovation at Dallara Academy

Next, you’ll visit Dallara, a name synonymous with high-performance racing cars and technological advancement in motorsports. The 45-minute guided tour here is a highlight for many. The interactive exhibits showcase the engineering behind Formula 1, IndyCar, and Le Mans vehicles, making complex automotive concepts surprisingly digestible.

As one reviewer puts it, “Seeing the actual cars and the precision work that goes into them was fascinating.” The tour includes a close-up look at some of the most advanced vehicles in racing history, and the guides are eager to share insider knowledge. This stop is particularly appreciated by car enthusiasts, but even those less familiar with racing will find the innovation inspiring.

More Great Tours Nearby

Vineyard Exploration and Picnic Lunch

After the adrenaline of car engineering, the scenery shifts to Monte delle Vigne, a picturesque winery in Parma’s countryside. Here, you’ll learn about regional wines like Lambrusco and Malvasia, with explanations that help you understand what makes these wines unique to Emilia-Romagna.

The highlight? A complimentary picnic lunch amid the vineyards. A provided basket includes local cured meats, Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh bread, focaccia, a sweet cake, and a bottle of regional wine for every two guests. Many guests mention how the setting elevates the experience—think rolling hills, lush greenery, and the gentle rustle of vines. One reviewer called it “the perfect way to relax and enjoy the countryside.”

Visit to Fontanellato Castle & Camera Ottica

The final stop is Fontanellato, home to a stunning Renaissance castle. The guided tour lasts about an hour, during which you’ll explore frescoed rooms and learn about the castle’s history. The Camera Ottica, a secret optical chamber, offers a fun peek at historical ingenuity—viewing the town square through a hidden device.

Guests appreciate how this visit adds a touch of medieval charm and curiosity to the day. The castle’s surroundings and the detailed frescoes make for great photos and memorable moments.

Return to Parma

The day concludes with the coach ride back to the starting point, giving you time to reflect on the day’s highlights. By the end, you’ll have experienced several facets of Emilia-Romagna—culinary, technological, and cultural—all in one cohesive package.

Practical Details & What to Know

Transportation is by coach, with a small group capped at 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience. The tour runs from 8:00 am, but check availability for exact times.

Guides speak English, Spanish, and Italian, making the tour accessible to different travelers. With a total duration of 8.5 hours, you’ll spend a comfortable amount of time at each stop—enough to enjoy without feeling rushed.

Included in the price are guided tours at Bertinelli Dairy, Dallara Academy, and Fontanellato Castle, as well as the cheese tasting, wine tasting, and picnic lunch. Transportation is also covered, but personal expenses and hotel transfers are not.

What to bring? Think comfortable shoes for walking, a camera, and sunscreen. Water is provided, but bringing extra is always a good idea.

Limitations: The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility issues should consider this. Pets and smoking are not permitted.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for food lovers and wine enthusiasts wanting to see the process behind Italy’s iconic cheeses and wines. It also appeals to car fans and tech geeks eager to get behind the scenes of racing innovation. The scenic views and cultural stops make it suitable for those seeking a well-rounded cultural day without the hassle of organizing multiple activities.

Travelers who enjoy small group tours, personalized interactions, and learning about regional traditions will find this trip highly rewarding. If you’re curious about Italy’s regional specialties, value authentic experiences, and want a day filled with diverse sights, this tour offers a compelling package.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The full-day experience lasts approximately 8.5 hours, starting at 8:00 am, but check availability for specific times.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Bar Stazione di Parma and ends back at the same location.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation by coach is part of the package, ensuring smooth travel between stops.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, Spanish, and Italian.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s pace and content are generally family-friendly, but consider the walking involved.

What’s included in the price?
Guided tours at the cheese farm, Dallara Academy, and castle, cheese and wine tastings, and the picnic lunch.

Are there any dietary restrictions accommodated?
Guests should inform the provider of allergies or dietary needs in advance, but specific accommodations are not detailed.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, camera, water, and sun protection are recommended.

This Emilia-Romagna tour offers a balanced mix of culinary delight, high-tech automotive wonders, and cultural insight—all wrapped into a manageable day. It’s a wonderful way to see lesser-known facets of Italy beyond its famous cities, making it ideal for curious travelers eager to understand regional specialties and innovations.

The small-group setting and diverse stops mean you’ll get plenty of personalized attention and unpack each experience without feeling rushed. Whether you’re a gastronome, car enthusiast, or history buff, this trip will leave you with a deeper appreciation for this vibrant Italian region.

In the end, this tour pairs beautifully with Emilia-Romagna’s reputation for culinary excellence and engineering ingenuity, providing a comprehensive, enjoyable, and educational experience—one that’s likely to be a highlight of any trip to Italy.

You can check availability for your dates here: