Forget the stress of traffic and enjoy an unforgettable experience in the heart of Emilia. This exclusive tour from Bologna takes you on a journey to discover the secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham, with a premium service that begins from the moment of departure.
The Tour's Highlights:
- VIP journey: First-class Italo high-speed train tickets included (Bologna – Reggio Emilia AV).
- The Art of Cheesemaking: Guided tour inside an authentic dairy.
- PDO Prosciutto: Learn the secrets of curing ham in the hills of Parma.
- Gourmet Tastings: Sample cheeses at different stages of maturation and the delicacy of local prosciutto.
- The 8:30 a.m. Exclusive (Best Seller): Book the first slot in the morning to witness the “birth” of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese live. You'll see the hot wheels of cheese being lifted out of the vats and, for the lucky few, the magical “spinatura” stage (when the curd is broken).
The itinerary in detail:
Your day begins at Bologna Centrale Train Station. Climb aboard the Italo high-speed train and enjoy the comfort of First Class. In just 20 minutes, you will arrive at the spectacular Reggio Emilia Mediopadana train station, where our private driver will be waiting to take you on your transfer to the Emilian countryside.
Your first stop will be a traditional cheese factory. Here, time seems to have stopped for good. You will walk through the vast aisles of the aging rooms (“the cathedrals of cheese”), surrounded by thousands of golden wheels.
Note: If you choose the 8:30 AM option, you will have the privilege of seeing the master cheesemakers at work during the highlight of the production process: the removal of the steaming wheels of cheese from the copper kettles. This ancient and captivating ritual makes this tour truly unique. The visit concludes with a guided tasting session: learn to distinguish the nuances of flavor between cheeses aged for 12, 24, and 36 months.
The tour then continues to the hills around Parma, where the unique microclimate creates the perfect conditions for Prosciutto di Parma. You will visit a carefully chosen ham factory to discover how, through the simple use of salt, air, and time, select pork legs are transformed into one of the world's most prized cured meats. Here, too, the experience culminates in flavor: a rich tasting of Parma ham, freshly sliced to bring out its unmistakable sweetness.
At the end of the visits, your private transfer will take you back to Mediopadana Station in comfort. You can relax once again in your First Class seat on the Italo train for the short return journey to Bologna, taking with you the authentic flavors of Emilia.
Only the best of the Food Valley in half a day.
