
Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 81 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar worth booking?
Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar is a 6-hour experience in Bologna, Italy, from $171 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 81 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (81)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $171 per person
I’ll bring you along a complete tour to discover all the steps of Parmigiano Reggiano’s production. We’ll see where the animals are bred and where the milk is mould. We’ll go into the cheese factory during milk processing and we'll witness in cooking and making cheese wheels. We’ll see then the process of salting and maturing up to enter the huge “caveau”, where thousands of cheeses wheels are guarded and laid out in long rows in the silent maturation rooms and where the scent of cheese will smell so nice and exciting that we won’t be able to resist till the final tasting of cheese. on this special tour you will be able to touch the newborn calves on our farm which happens almost every day. you will taste the original king of cheeses and many other local artisanal products such as real balsamic vinegar aged over 30 years and parma ham and lambrusco wine and at the end you can buy a piece of real Parmiginao Reggiano or balsamic vinegar to take home with you
What you get
About this experience
I’ll bring you along a complete tour to discover all the steps of Parmigiano Reggiano’s production. We’ll see where the animals are bred and where the milk is mould. We’ll go into the cheese factory during milk processing and we'll witness in cooking and making cheese wheels. We’ll see then the process of salting and maturing up to enter the huge “caveau”, where thousands of cheeses wheels are guarded and laid out in long rows in the silent maturation rooms and where the scent of cheese will smell so nice and exciting that we won’t be able to resist till the final tasting of cheese. on this special tour you will be able to touch the newborn calves on our farm which happens almost every day. you will taste the original king of cheeses and many other local artisanal products such as real balsamic vinegar aged over 30 years and parma ham and lambrusco wine and at the end you can buy a piece of real Parmiginao Reggiano or balsamic vinegar to take home with you
What's included
Included
- Please Wait for my instructions before booking the train to come to me
- To have transfer from the train station and the tour select option: tour with transfer
- Brunch
- Breakfast
- Disposable coat and shoe covers for access to the dairy production area and the cow farm
- Balsamic Vinegar tasting of 8/15/30 years old
- Vanilla ice cream with Balsamic Vinegar
Not included
- Suitcases and backpacks
- Excess Baggage
What you'll see and do
Cavriago
We’ll go into the cheese factory during milk processing and we'll witness in cooking and making of cheese wheels. We’ll see then the process of salting and maturing up to enter the huge “caveau”, where thousands of cheese wheels are guarded and laid out in long rows in the silent maturation rooms and where the scent of cheese will smell so nice and exciting that we won’t be able to resist till the final tasting of cheese and local typical products. I will give you a lab coat and a cap for access to the production area. I’ll bring you along a complete tour to discover all the steps of Parmigiano Reggiano’s production.
120 minutes here
Farm with cows milked and newborn calves. We’ll see the places, where the animals are bred and where the milk is mold. If we are lucky we will see a newborn calf it often happens in the morning.
30 minutes here
An ancient farm transformed into a farmhouse where we will have a coffee break in the morning as soon as we arrive and at the end of the tour we will do the tasting of cheeses aged 12, 24, and 36 months with typical Emilian salami and a glass of Lambrusco DOC wine and 3 aged balsamic vinegar of 8 and 15 and 30 years.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Albinea
tour of the ancient vinegar factory and tasting of balsamic vinegar
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Bologna
Just In case you will arrive by train from Modena, Parma, Reggio Emilia, I will pick you up in front of the train station of Reggio Emilia Pick up and drop off times are subject to change. Please send me a Whatsapp message before booking your train tickets
Meeting point
Bologna
Just In case you will arrive by train from Florence , Bologna, Milan, Venice, I will pick you up in front of the train station of Reggio Emilia AV Pick up and drop off times are subject to change. Please send me a Whatsapp message before booking your train tickets
Meeting point
Bologna
Just In case you will arrive by your car the meeting will be at 08:40 at the B and B Antico Podere Emilia where you can park easily and for free.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Just In case you will arrive by train from Modena, Parma, Reggio Emilia, I will pick you up in front of the train station of Reggio Emilia Pick up and drop off times are subject to change. Please send me a Whatsapp message before booking your train tickets
Ends at
Just In case you will arrive by train from Florence , Bologna, Milan, Venice, I will pick you up in front of the train station of Reggio Emilia AV Pick up and drop off times are subject to change. Please send me a Whatsapp message before booking your train tickets
Ends at
Just In case you will arrive by your car the meeting will be at 08:40 at the B and B Antico Podere Emilia where you can park easily and for free.
Options you can book
Tour Without Transport
Transfer Not Included : with this option you will have to arrive and follow the tour with your own car Starting point: Antico Podere Emilia, Via Carlo Darwin, 2, 42123 Reggio nell'Emilia RE, Italy
Tour With transport
Minivan: Pick up from train station and transfers included until return to the train station Starting points: Piazzale Guglielmo Marconi, 42121 Reggio Emilia RE, Italy Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana, Via Città del Tricolore, 42122 Reggio nell'Emilia RE, Italy
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Claudio Bonoretti
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Only people over the age of 12 can participate
- sconsigliato ai viaggiatori con difficoltà motorie
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 81 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
81 verified traveler reviews for Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Don’t miss this experience
A fabulous experience learning all about the process of making Parmesan and balsamic vinegar. So insightful and fun!
via Viator
Best tour ever
The best tour I have ever taken! Claudio’s knowledge and enthusiasm was contagious. We not only learned about the making of parmigiana reggiano and balsamic but we saw it up close and had very special tastings of both. Over the top, for sure!!!!
via Viator
This is a must tour!
I wish I could give more than 5 stars for this tour. Our tour guide was so wonderful! His vast knowledge of the cheese, the process for making it, the importance of the environment and the same level of detail about the balsamic vinegar, was incredibly impressive. It was clear that he is so proud of his heritage. He was funny, kind and thoughtful. Take this tour!
via Viator
Parmesan tour
A wonderful tour which was well organised, fun and interesting . Claudio was very friendly and knowledgeable. The small numbers in the group make this a special experience where you really see the whole production process from start to finish.
via Viator
Now I am a snob
You will leave astonished at all the work involved in making both Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar. Claudio is extremely welcoming and a terrific host. You will have an amazing time. It is a gastro experience not to miss. I am Reggiano and Balsamic snob now. I will forever be disappointed in Reggiiano and Balsamic that doesn't come from Claudio's farm. This is the best tour I have ever been on, period. Just book it, you will not be disappointed.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 28
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bologna.
How much does Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar cost?
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Prices start at $171 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Bologna usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Bologna is not rushed.
Is Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 81 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Bologna, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar?
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Around 28 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Bologna can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Bologna and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Bologna within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Bologna?
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On Outty we rank every Bologna experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Bologna Local Pasta Cooking Class, Ragu, Spritz, Wine & Gelato, Bologna Food Experience: Factory tours & Lunch By Italian Days, Small Group Bologna Food Tour – Local Food & Market Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Bologna?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Bologna?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar?
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Included: Please Wait for my instructions before booking the train to come to me; To have transfer from the train station and the tour select option: tour with transfer; Brunch; Breakfast; and Disposable coat and shoe covers for access to the dairy production area and the cow farm. Not included: Suitcases and backpacks; and Excess Baggage. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar?
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Just In case you will arrive by train from Modena, Parma, Reggio Emilia, I will pick you up in front of the train station of Reggio Emilia Pick up and drop off times are subject to change. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Bologna. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar?
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Across 81 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Tour Without Transport, Tour With transport. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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