Bologna in 1 Day for Couples - Behind-the-scenes Parmigiano Reggiano tasting near Castel d'Aiano
In Collaboration with Riccardo Bacchi. Updated on February 5, 2026.
A private 4½-hour tasting and cultural drive: meet at Bologna Centrale, visit the Grotte di Labante waterfalls & caves, enjoy a Parmigiano Reggiano production tasting near Castel d'Aiano, then return to Bologna for wine and a short visit to the Bolognini Chapel in San Petronio. Designed as an intimate, romantic food-and-history experience for couples.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Riccardo Bacchi, inspired by the tour Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour). Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Behind-the-scenes Parmigiano Reggiano tasting near Castel d'Aiano
- Scenic visit to the Grotte di Labante waterfalls and caves
- Historic wine tasting at a centuries-old inn (Osteria del Sole)
- Private entrance to the Bolognini Chapel inside Basilica di San Petronio
Itinerary
Day 1
Full private half-day experience blending nature, artisanal food production and intimate city tasting.
Meet your guide at Bologna Centrale (brief intro & departure)
Meet outside the main entrance of Bologna Centrale. Quick itinerary briefing and welcome coffee; driver/guide departs promptly for the hills.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early so you can settle in and take a quick photo under the station’s glass canopy together — a nice ‘start of day’ memento.
- Ask your guide for a small coffee recommendation to try: a true Italian espresso kick-starts the day and is perfect before the countryside drive.
- If you’re carrying luggage, it’s easiest to leave it at station left-luggage; otherwise keep it minimal for the short day trip.
Drive through the Emilian hills to Grotte di Labante
Scenic private transfer into the Tuscan–Emilian Apennines with panoramic views — enjoy a relaxed, romantic drive en route to the caves and waterfalls.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the left side of the vehicle for the best hillside views on the outward journey (ask your guide to pause for a quick viewpoint photo).
- The early-morning light in May is gentle and ideal for couple photos — keep your camera or phone ready.
- Bring a light layer: the microclimate near the caves is cooler than the city, even in spring.
Explore Grotte di Labante: waterfalls & cave walk (guided)
Guided short walk through the protected geosite to see waterfalls, caves and karst formations — an atmospheric, nature-rich pause perfect for couples who appreciate a scenic moment together.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip — some paths are damp; the walk is short but can be uneven.
- Find a quiet spot near the waterfall for a private photo — the sound of the falls makes for a lovely, intimate backdrop.
- If either of you is sensitive to cool, damp air, pack a thin windbreaker; the caves are refreshingly cool in May.
Drive to Castel d'Aiano for Parmigiano production visit
Short countryside transfer to the Castel d'Aiano area where the family-run dairy producers turn milk into Parmigiano Reggiano.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this transfer time to ask the guide about local food stories — it adds depth to the tasting experience ahead.
- Window seats give sweeping views of spring meadows; share a quiet moment watching the hills roll by.
- If you prefer a low-sugar snack before the tasting, ask your guide to recommend a local pastry shop en route.
Parmigiano Reggiano dairy visit & tasting (experience)
Hands-on, behind-the-scenes visit to a local dairy: see the early production rooms, visit the aging cellars (including rare stock), and enjoy a guided tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano, salumi and local accompaniments.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask to taste several ages (12, 24, 36 months) — the contrast makes for a memorable, romantic tasting exercise.
- Bring a small fragrance-free hand sanitizer — the producers appreciate cleanliness when you’re near the cheese rooms.
- Pose together in the old storage room for a tactile portrait with the wheel-lined walls — it’s a uniquely rustic photo-op.
Return transfer to Bologna city centre
Comfortable drive back to the historic centre of Bologna to enjoy a classic inn wine tasting and a short chapel visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the return transfer for a brief rest — you’ll have an atmospheric afternoon tasting and a cultural stop.
- If you want a small souvenir, ask the guide to note a trusted shop in central Bologna that sells vacuum-packed Parmigiano for travel.
- Check cellphone photos and pick a few favorites to have printed later as a memento of the day.
Lunch & wine tasting at Osteria del Sole (historic inn)
Relaxed seated tasting at the centuries-old Osteria del Sole: regional dishes paired with local wines — a warm, intimate setting popular with locals.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a small table tucked against the wall for an intimate atmosphere — ask the staff about their recommended Lambrusco or Sangiovese.
- Order a small plate to share first (cured meats and crescentine) so you can sample more pairings together.
- If you have a food preference (lighter or vegetarian), the staff are used to tailoring simple local plates — mention this when seated.
Private entrance: Bolognini Chapel (Basilica di San Petronio)
Short guided visit to the Bolognini Chapel inside San Petronio — admire Gothic fresco fragments and Renaissance chapels. Included entrance completes the cultural side of the tasting tour.
Tips from local experts:
- The chapel is calm and dim—hold hands and take a slow, quiet walk to enjoy the frescoes together.
- Respect the sacred space: soft voices and no flash photography in some chapels; ask the guide where photos are allowed.
- If either of you prefers step-free access, notify the guide; the basilica has level access routes and seating options nearby.
Farewell & drop-off at Bologna Centrale
Return to Bologna Centrale for a smooth farewell; your guide can suggest romantic dinner spots or rooftop bars if you wish to continue your evening.
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan an evening dinner, ask your guide for a rooftop cocktail recommendation — golden hour in Bologna is especially pretty in May.
- Keep the guide’s contact card for last-minute restaurant reservations; local places often have limited tables but the guide can help.
- Collect any purchased products (cheese, vinegar) from the guide’s recommended shop — they’ll advise on best packing for travel.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 5 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor, Experience, Meal, Culture |
