Bologna and Modena Food tour

Journey into the heart of Emilia-Romagna, universally celebrated as Italy's ultimate gastronomic capital, for an immersive day devoted to world-class culinary craftsmanship. Your private English-speaking driver greets you directly at your hotel lobby in Florence in a premium luxury vehicle, escorting you comfortably across the rolling Apennine mountain pass to the historic city of Bologna—affectionately known as La Grassa ("The Fat One") for its unrivaled food heritage.
Your morning is dedicated to an intimate, hands-on masterclass led by an expert local pasta chef (sfoglina). In Bologna, pasta making is an art form passed down through generations. Learn the time-honored techniques of working with farm-fresh eggs and flour, rolling silky sheets of golden dough (sfoglia) by hand with a traditional wooden pin. Under personalized guidance, you will master the creation of authentic regional staples—from perfectly ribboned tagliatelle and delicate folded tortellini to classic Bolognese lasagna. Following the class, sit down to savor the fruits of your labor over a delightful lunch, enjoying your freshly made pasta paired with crisp, sparkling local Lambrusco wine.
In the afternoon, your journey continues through the idyllic countryside of Modena to a private, family-run acetaia estate dedicated to the craft of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP. Step inside the historic aging rooms, where series of ancient wooden casks (batterie) crafted from oak, chestnut, cherry, and juniper impart extraordinary layers of flavor. Learn how this precious elixir has been carefully tended by local families since the Middle Ages, slowly evaporating and concentrating over 12, 25, and even 30 years. Conclude your visit with a guided tasting of aged vintages, discovering how authentic traditional balsamic balances rich sweetness and acidity to elevate everything from savory aged cheeses to delicate fruit and gelato. After an unforgettable day of culinary discovery and rich regional flavors, sit back and relax as your driver escorts you smoothly back to your hotel in Florence.