Emilia Romagna Culinary Tours in Bologna and Parma
Enjoy an Emilia Romagna food tour! Explore Parma, the home of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma prosciutto ham, and discover Bologna, considered one of the culinary capitals of Italy, a vibrant city that is also home to Europe’s oldest university. You will visit local farms and wine cellars during our wine tasting Emilia Romagna, as well as enjoy gastronomic specialties. In fact, you will eat like you’ve never eaten before during our Emilia Romagna culinary vacations!
The Via Emilia, or Via Aemilia, was an old Roman road completed in 187 BC that traverses northern Italy and runs through the fertile Po river plain, the renowned “Pianura Padana,” of the Emilia Romagna region. It includes the gastronomic capitals of Parma, Bologna, and Modena, which you will visit during our best Emilia Romagna food tour.
Emilia Romagna is known as the “food basket of Italy” and considered by many to be the gastronomic capital of the country. The products of this fertile land have been praised through the centuries, and you will discover them on a Parma cheese and ham tour. Taste the delicious balsamic of Modena, visit the curing cellars of a world-famous culatello producer, and delight in a Parma parmesan tour during this 7-night trip. And don’t forget the wine, which you will experience on our vineyard tours Emilia Romagna. These are but a few of the Emilia Romagna food tours you will enjoy during your stay.
Head to Bologna for a Bologna food tour and hands-on cooking class discovering the local pastas. Bologna is a beautiful and vibrant city. Stroll through its famed porticos, have a coffee on the main piazza, and enjoy visits to the local markets and gourmet shops. You will have the opportunity to hone your culinary tastes and techniques in Parma and Bologna: two of the most charming cities of this region!
If you do not have a full week at your disposal for our combination Emilia Romagna food and wine tour in Parma and Bologna, we can also offer shorter itineraries featuring only Parma or Bologna.
For those looking for shorter, one-day Parma food and wine tours, we also offer a one-day cooking class in Parma as well as a la carte Parma food tours.
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Parma & Bologna Food and Wine Tour Details
Your week long Emilia Romagna culinary vacation includes amazing Parma food tours, wine tastings, cooking classes, and more. Among the highlights of your Emilia Romagna food and wine tour are:
- two hands-on cooking classes featuring Emilia Romagna products and recipes
- guided tour of Parma, Modena, and Bologan
- visits to Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma ham, and Balsamic vinegar producers
- wine cellar visit with Emilia Romagna wine tasting
- excursion to the Bassa Parmense area with farm visit and Rocca Meli Lupi castle
- deluxe accommodations in 4* hotels in Parma and Bologna
- meals as indicated
- and more!
Emilia Romagna Foodie Tour Itinerary
7-Night Emilia Romagna Foodie Tour Itinerary
A day-by-day itinerary for your Emilia Romagna food tour follows. Please note that depending on the specific dates booked, the order of activities may change.
Day One
- Transfer from the Bologna airport to your hotel in Parma.
- Check in and relax, or start exploring Parma on your own.
- Dinner tonight on your own, either in town or at the hotel.
- Overnight in Parma.
Day Two
- Breakfast.
- Guided tour of Parma’s old town center, including the Duomo (Cathedral), Baptistry, and Farnese Theater, among other local points of interest that make this city of art famous worldwide.
- Lunch at a typical trattoria in town.
- The afternoon is free to explore or shop.
- Dinner on your own (perhaps ask your guide for some recommendations).
- Overnight in Parma.
Day Three
Day Three- Breakfast.
- Depart for a guided tour of a local dairy farm where the famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is produced, including a tasting of this delectable cheese!
- Along the way stop to take some photos of the spectacular fifteenth-century Torrechiara Castle.
- Next, visit a plant that produces the famed Prosciutto di Parma ham.
- After the Prosciutto visit, enjoy a tasting lunch of gourmet products and local wines at a nearby winery.
- Return to Parma for some free time.
- Dinner on your own.
- Overnight in Parma.
Day Four
Day Four- Breakfast.
- Transfer to the Parma countryside known as the “Bassa Parmense” (flat countryside of Parma), where you will be treated to a very unique experience. First you will be welcomed at the farm of Chef Massimo Spigaroli, the “King of Ham,” where you will learn about the prime-cut ham, “Culatello di Zibello.”
- Next, take a hands-on cooking lesson featuring classic Emilian dishes.
- Lunch to follow based on your efforts, along with some local products produced on the farm. This is a very authentic Italian experience!
- In the afternoon, a guided tour of the Rocca Meli Lupi castle in Soragna. This stunning castle is still inhabited by Prince Diofebo Meli Lupi.
- Free time for shopping at the Fidenza Village Outlet, one of the most exclusive outlets in Italy.
- Return to Parma and dinner on your own.
- Overnight in Parma.
Day Five
Day Five- Breakfast and check out.
- First stop: Modena, where you will enjoy a guided tour of the old town center, including the Duomo, Palazzo Ducale, Piazza Grande and the Estense Gallery. Your tour will also include a focus on the town’s historical gourmet shops.
- Next, a visit of a producer of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena (the famed balsamic vinegar of Modena). Light lunch at the vinegar plant with a tasting of local products.
- In the afternoon, transfer to Bologna and check in to your hotel.
- Free evening and dinner on your own in this vibrant city.
- Overnight in Bologna.
Day Six
Day Six- Breakfast.
- Guided tour of Bologna’s city center focusing on the historical gourmet shops and including tastings of local products for lunch.
- In the afternoon, time to explore on your own.
- Dinner on your own.
- Overnight in Bologna.
Day Seven
Day Seven- Breakfast.
- In the morning, your second hands-on cooking class. You’ll learn how to make perfect tortelloni, ravioli, or other kinds of traditional pasta. Lunch to follow based on your efforts.
- The afternoon is on your own to finish exploring and shopping in Bologna.
- Farewell dinner tonight at one of the most typical restaurants of the city.
- Overnight in Bologna.
Day Eight
- Breakfast, and transfer to the Bologna airport or train station.
4-Night Emilia Romagna Foodie Tour Itinerary
A day-by-day itinerary for your Emilia Romagna cooking vacation follows. Please note that depending on the specific dates booked, the order of activities may change.
Day One
- Transfer from the Bologna airport to your hotel in Parma.
- Check in and relax, or start exploring Parma on your own.
- Dinner tonight on your own, either in town or at the hotel.
- Overnight in Parma.
Day Two
Day Two- Breakfast.
- Guided tour of Parma’s old town center, including the Duomo (Cathedral), Baptistry, and Farnese Theater, among other local points of interest that make this city of art famous worldwide.
- Lunch at a typical trattoria in town.
- The afternoon is free to explore or shop.
- Dinner on your own (perhaps ask your guide for some recommendations).
- Overnight in Parma.
Day Three
- Breakfast.
- Depart for a guided tour of a local dairy farm where the famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is produced, including a tasting of this delectable cheese!
- Along the way stop to take some photos of the spectacular fifteenth-century Torrechiara Castle.
- Next, visit a plant that produces the famed Prosciutto di Parma ham.
- Enjoy a tasting lunch of gourmet products and local wines at a nearby winery.
- Return to Parma for some free time.
- Dinner on your own.
- Overnight in Parma.
Day Four
Day Four- Breakfast.
- Transfer to the Parma countryside known as the “Bassa Parmense” (flat countryside of Parma), where you will be treated to a very unique experience. First you will be welcomed at the farm of Chef Massimo Spigaroli, the “King of Ham,” where you will learn about the prime-cut ham, “Culatello di Zibello.”
- Next, take a hands-on cooking lesson that is focused on a variety of meats.
- Lunch to follow based on your efforts, along with some local products produced on the farm. This is a very authentic Italian experience!
- In the afternoon, a guided tour of the Rocca Meli Lupi castle in Soragna. This stunning castle is still inhabited by Prince Diofebo Meli Lupi.
- Free time for shopping at the Fidenza Village Outlet, one of the most exclusive outlets in Italy.
- Return to Parma and dinner on your own.
- Overnight in Parma.
Day Five
Day Five- Breakfast and check out.
- First stop: Modena, where you will enjoy a guided tour of the old town center, including the Duomo, Palazzo Ducale, Piazza Grande and the Estense Gallery. Your tour will also include a focus on the town’s historical gourmet shops.
- Next, a visit of a producer of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena (the famed balsamic vinegar of Modena). Light lunch at the vinegar plant with a tasting of local products.
- Transfer back to Parma (or to Bologna on request).
Bologna and Parma Culinary Trip Details
Included in the Emilia Romagna 7-Night Food & Wine Trip
Accommodations
7 nights accommodation (4 nights in the 4* Hotel Stendhal in Parma and 3 nights in the 4* Art Hotel Commercianti in Bologna) (If unavailable, comparable hotels will be proposed.)
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- 6 lunches (beverages included)
- 1 dinner (beverages included)
Classes & Instructors
Your first cooking class will be taught by one of the trusted chefs who work with the famed “King of Ham” Chef Massimo Spigaroli, one of the world’s experts on Italian cured meats.
During the class you will learn some of the secrets of Emilian pastas and other specialties.
Your second cooking class will be in Bologna either in a private home or at a local cooking school and will include the town’s famed tortelloni and other kinds of pasta.
Excursions
- Guided tour of Parma
- Excursion to a local Parmigiano Reggiano producer
- Visit of a Parma ham producer
- Full-day excursion to the Bassa Parmense with farm visit, Rocca Meli Lupi castle visit, outlet shopping
- Excursion to Modena with guided tour and Balsamic vinegar producer visit
- Guided tour of Bologna
Transfer Details
- Arrival transfer from the Bologna airport or train station to your hotel in Parma (Late arrival transfers/early departure transfers may incur an additional fee. We would be happy to confirm transfers with you before you finalize your travel arrangements.)
- Departure transfer from Bologna hotel to airport or train station
Miscellaneous
- Transfer from Parma to Bologna (7-night itinerary only)
- Transportation as per itinerary
Included in the Emilia Romagna 4-Night Food & Wine Trip
Accommodations
4 nights accommodation in Parma (4* Hotel Palace Maria Luigia or similar) (If unavailable, a comparable hotel will be proposed.)
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- 4 lunches
Classes & Instructors
Your cooking class will be taught by one of the chefs of a Michelin Star restaurant. During the class you will learn to make a variety of Italian pastas for which the region is well known: ravioli, agnolini, tagliolini, tagliatelle, stringoni, and pasta rasa, to name a few.
Excursions
- Guided tour of Parma
- Excursion to a local Parmigiano Reggiano producer
- Visit of a Parma ham producer
- Full-day excursion to the Bassa Parmense with farm visit, Rocca Meli Lupi castle visit, outlet shopping
- Excursion to Modena with guided tour and Balsamic vinegar producer visit
Transfer Details
- Arrival transfer from the Bologna airport or train station to your hotel in Parma (Late arrival transfers/early departure transfers may incur an additional fee. We would be happy to confirm transfers with you before you finalize your travel arrangements.)
- Departure transfer from Bologna hotel to airport or train station
Miscellaneous
- Transfer from Parma to Bologna (7-night itinerary only)
- Transportation as per itinerary
Country:
Italy
Region:
Emilia Romagna
Tour Dates:
Available any dates you choose for a minimum of two people. Please see black out dates and review our complete pricing details.
7 Nights
Starting at
$4,195
4 Nights
Starting at
$2,875
Accommodation Information
Decorated in classical decor, Parma’s 4* Mercure Stendhal is an elegant hotel in the heart of Parma’s center, just minutes away from the Cathedral. The rooms feature en suite baths, antique furniture, and a traditional style. (If unavailable a comparable hotel will be proposed.)
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The 4* Art Hotel Commercianti in Bologna is in what was originally a 13th-century guild hall. It is next to the Basilica of San Petronio and is a short walk to the Piazza Maggiore. The elegant rooms feature marble en suite baths, WiFi, satellite TVs, and minibars. (If unavailable a comparable hotel will be proposed.)
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Emilia Romagna Cooking Vacation Tour Pricing & Dates
Find pricing and dates for our Emilia Romagna foodie tours below, and contact us for availability or to book your trip.
7 Night Emilia Romagna Food Tour 2024 Pricing:
Pricing
US$4195 per person based on double occupancy
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Pricing is not applicable during Fair dates in Bologna and Parma (please inquire for these excluded dates).
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!
Single supplement: please inquire.
Parma & Bologna Culinary Vacations Tour Dates
Our Parma and Bologna culinary vacations are available most weeks for a minimum of 2 people. Sample dates follow, but please inquire with specific dates. Our Emilia Romagna cooking vacations are not generally available in January.
2024
Available on request for a minimum of 2 people. Please contact us for availability!
4 Night Emilia Romagna Food Tour Pricing:
Pricing
US$2875 per person based on double occupancy
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!
Single occupancy supplement: please inquire.
3 night itinerary in Bologna also possible. Please inquire for details.
Pricing during fair periods: please inquire.
Emilia Romagna Food Tour Dates
Our Emilia Romagna food tours are available most weeks for a minimum of 2 people. Sample dates follow, but please inquire with specific dates. Our Emilia Romagna cooking vacation in not available in January.
2024
Available on request for a minimum of 2 people. Please contact us for availability!
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We Can Help Plan The Best Food Tour in Bologna and Parma!
We can help you start a journey to the birthplace of such culinary treasures as home-made stuffed pastas, ragù alla Bolognese meat sauce, and more during your cooking school vacation to Emilia Romagna with The International Kitchen.
We might not be able to pack for you, but there are many things we can help with to make your Emilia Romagna cooking vacation that much better. Contact us today and Emilia Romagna will delight you with its authentic atmosphere, rich lifestyle, and exceptional cuisine! Contact UsYou May Also Like Our Other Emilia Romagna Cooking Tours
Take a look at our list of cooking vacations in Emilia Romagna and explore local villages, fresh food markets, and ancient Roman cultural sites in this rich region during your cooking holiday.
Flavors Of The Real Italian Countryside
Flavors Of The Real Italian CountrysideEscape into the northern Italian countryside, where peacocks freely roam and medieval towns follow age-old farming and cooking traditions. The quaint town is home to the last castle on the Po river as well as a one-star Michelin restaurant, where you’ll be learning about cured meats and pastas from the King of Ham himself.
FAQ
What to do in Emilia Romagna?
Emilia Romagna is full of wonderful things to do. If you are a foodie, and we assume you are, then it is one of the best regions to explore, with dozens of DOP and IGP products to enjoy. If you like art, Emilia Romagna offers art cities full of fabulous churches, monuments and museums, with works by da Vinci, Botticelli, Correggio, Raphael, and more. If you like cars, it is home to some of the premier car factories in the world, including Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini, which you can visit during our Emilia Romagna tours.
What Emilia Romagna food tours are taking additional safety precautions?
During the COVID pandemic, our partners for our Emilia Romagna food tours have taken additional safety precautions to ensure the safety of our travelers. Workers in the tourism industry, including drivers, tour guides, and hotel workers, have been vaccinated. Clearing protocols were updated. Masks and socially distancing are still adopted where necessary, such as in museums. For details on the increased precautions for our Emilia Romagna food tours, please reach out to us directly.
What are the best food and wine tours in Emilia Romagna?
The best food and wine tours in Emilia Romagna include authentic product tastings of the most traditionally produced specialities of the region. Emilia Romagna culinary vacations with The International Kitchen give you an insider’s perspective to this amazing region and its gastronomy, and include pasta making, wine tastings, and of course tastings of Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Aceto Balsamico di Modena, and more.
Country:
Italy
Region:
Emilia Romagna
Tour Dates:
Available any dates you choose for a minimum of two people. Please see black out dates and review our complete pricing details.
7 Nights
Starting at
$4,195
4 Nights
Starting at
$2,875
Want more flexibility? We can customize all of your trip details for you, including:
- Trip length and Itineraries
- Hotels and Tours
- Transfers and Airfare
Let us show you how we can create a complete package just for you. Contact Us