Bologna in 1 Day for Couples - Guided Parmigiano Reggiano cheese-making visit and tasting (Castelfranco Emilia area)
In Collaboration with Aurea Travel. Updated on February 3, 2026.
A relaxed, couples-focused full-day from Bologna exploring Parmigiano Reggiano production, Traditional Balsamic, a Lambrusco cellar with lunch at the estate, and a visit to Museo Ferrari. Pickup at Piazza XX Settembre (NH De La Gare) in Bologna — scenic, delicious, and perfectly paced for two.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Aurea Travel, inspired by the tour Day Tour Parmigiano, Ferrari Museum, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch with Transfer. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided Parmigiano Reggiano cheese-making visit and tasting (Castelfranco Emilia area)
- Traditional Balsamic vinegar tasting at an Acetaia near Modena
- Lambrusco cellar visit with tasting and lunch at the estate
- Skip-the-line entry to Museo Ferrari, Maranello
- Comfortable private minivan transfers (meeting point pickup available)
Itinerary
Day 1
A gently paced, romance-minded day through Emilia-Romagna's flavours and icons — cheeses, vinegar, wine and Ferrari. Start at the meeting point in Bologna and return same evening.
Meeting point & pickup — Piazza XX Settembre (in front of NH De La Gare), Bologna
Meet the driver and group at the meeting point. The driver will do a quick roll call and load luggage before departing. Arrive a few minutes early to grab a coffee across the square if you like.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10 minutes early to secure a front-row seat in the minivan for best views during the drive.
- If you'd like a quieter pickup, ask the driver for a seat away from the sliding door; perfect for a private chat en route.
- Bring a light jacket — morning can be breezy in May; there’s a cafe opposite (NH De La Gare area) if you want espresso before departure.
Transfer by minivan to the dairy area (Castelfranco Emilia)
Comfortable scenic drive across the Po plain to the dairy region near Castelfranco Emilia. Enjoy countryside views while the driver navigates charming local roads.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the van's left side for better views of the rolling hills as you head west from Bologna.
- Charge your phone beforehand — there’s limited charging onboard; bring a camera for close-up countryside photos.
- Use this time to confirm any dietary preferences with the guide (helps for the upcoming lunch).
Dairy farm visit & Parmigiano Reggiano tasting — Castelfranco Emilia area
Guided visit to a working Parmigiano Reggiano dairy: learn the traditional process, see wheels being aged, and enjoy a guided tasting paired with fresh bread. The visit is hosted by the producer's staff.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the host for a quiet corner to taste — producers often welcome couples who want a slower, more intimate tasting experience.
- Comfortable shoes are essential — you'll enter food-preparation areas that can be cool and uneven underfoot.
- If you plan to buy cheese, request a small vacuum-packed sample to take home; producers often provide gift-wrapping for purchases.
Transfer to traditional Acetaia (balsamic producer) near Modena
Short drive into the Modena countryside to visit an Acetaia (traditional balsamic vinegar house). You'll pass farmed fields and small villages — classic Emilia scenery.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit together on the same side of the van for Instagram-ready countryside photos as you near Modena.
- Carry a light scarf — cellars and barrel rooms can be cool and dim; a scarf creates a more flattering photo look.
- Mention to staff you’re celebrating as a couple — small producers sometimes offer a slightly more private tasting spot.
Traditional Balsamic vinegar visit & tasting — Acetaia
Guided tour of an Acetaia to learn about the ageing process of Traditional Balsamic of Modena, followed by a tasting of different aged vinegars — a sensory highlight.
Tips from local experts:
- For a romantic moment, request to taste the oldest barrel together — the staff can often guide you to savor it slowly as a duo.
- Balsamic aromas are strong — pause between tastings with a sip of still water to reset your palate.
- If you plan to purchase a bottle, ask the producer to recommend a size that’s easy to pack; Traditional balsamic makes a lovely couple’s souvenir.
Lunch at the estate — relaxed agriturismo / winery lunch (Lambrusco area)
A leisurely lunch at an agriturismo or the winery estate: regional dishes paired with Lambrusco and local wines. This is the day’s special romantic moment — long, unhurried, and scenic.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table with vineyard views or a cozy corner inside if weather is cool — perfect for a romantic slow lunch.
- Order a tasting of several Lambrusco styles to share; bubbly reds pair beautifully with regional cured meats and Parmigiano.
- Tell the staff ahead about any allergies (required on booking) and request a dessert you can share — a handmade panna cotta is often ideal for two.
Short transfer to a Lambrusco cellar (visit & tasting)
Drive a short distance within the Modena hills to the cellar for a guided tour and tasting of Lambrusco and local reds.
Tips from local experts:
- If you both enjoy photos, request a brief stop at a vineyard viewpoint en route for a private photo with rolling hills behind you.
- Sip water between tastings to keep the experience light and enjoyable for the rest of the day.
- If you prefer a quieter tasting, ask staff for smaller pours to keep the mood intimate and focused on quality, not quantity.
Lambrusco cellar visit & tasting — discover local wines
Guided cellar tour and tasting of Lambrusco styles and other local wines — learn about terroir and production, with tips for pairing back home.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a tasting flight to compare frizzante and frizzante-rifermentato — sharing tastes makes for a fun couple’s conversation.
- Request pairing suggestions from staff to recreate the lunch experience at home — producers often love giving tips for romantic home dinners.
- Buy one small souvenir bottle to open on a future anniversary — many wineries will label or sign the bottle for you.
Transfer to Museo Ferrari — Maranello
Scenic drive to Maranello to visit the Ferrari museum and experience the design and legacy of the marque. Comfortable transfer with time to freshen up on arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the right side of the van for the best late-afternoon light as you head south toward Maranello.
- Use the transfer to check your tickets and camera battery so you’re ready for photos inside the museum.
- If you want a quieter visit, ask the driver to drop you off near the museum entrance so you can enter promptly and avoid lingering crowds.
Museo Ferrari visit, Maranello (skip-the-line entrance included)
Explore cars, trophies and exhibits tracing Ferrari's history — a dynamic, iconic stop. Enjoy the displays, multimedia exhibits and photo opportunities.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan a short 'walk-and-sit' rhythm: see an exhibit, pause on a bench, then continue — makes the visit feel relaxed and romantic.
- Ask museum staff where the quieter displays are (often side galleries) for more intimate photos without crowds.
- If you love cars, look for interactive exhibits where you can sit in simulator seats together for a fun shared memory.
Return transfer to Bologna
Drive back to Bologna through the late-afternoon countryside. Relax on the journey back and enjoy a final toast if you picked up a bottle earlier.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a brief scenic stop on the return if the light is nice — a short viewpoint near the hills can be a sweet final photo opportunity.
- Store any purchases (wine/balsamic/cheese) in the van's luggage area — producers often recommend keeping them upright and shaded.
- Use the drive to compare tasting notes with your partner — a lovely way to cap a sensory day together.
Drop-off at original meeting point / your Bologna address
Arrive back in Bologna and the driver will drop you off at the original meeting point or nearest practical address (as arranged).
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your exact drop-off spot with the driver before leaving the van to avoid last-minute confusion.
- If you have purchases, ask the driver for help carrying them to your door or taxi — staff are usually happy to help.
- Plan a relaxed evening — consider a quiet aperitivo near your hotel to reminisce about the day.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 7 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Experience, Meal, Attraction |
