From Florence: Balsamic Vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano & Prosciutto

About this tour

A 10-hour guided tour from Florence ventures into Emilia Romagna to explore three cornerstone Italian ingredients. Visit working producers of Parmigiano Reggiano, where artisans still craft cheese by hand using centuries-old methods. Tour a traditional balsamic vinegar cellar in Modena to understand how the dark, complex condiment develops over years. Stop at a Parma prosciutto producer to see how the region's cured ham achieves its protected designation. Lunch features local cured meats, cheese, bread and wine.

Highlights

• Watch cheese makers hand-craft Parmigiano Reggiano in real time
• Taste aged balsamic vinegar straight from traditional wooden barrels
• Learn curing techniques behind Parma's protected-origin prosciutto
• Sample three DOP products with local bread and Emilia wine
• Small group maximum of eight people per booking
• English-speaking driver handles all transport from Florence

What to expect

You'll spend the morning and early afternoon moving between three specialist producers in the countryside outside Modena and Parma. At each stop, expect hands-on demonstrations rather than passive viewing—you'll see workers actively shaping cheese curds, turning wheels in ageing rooms, and discussing fermentation timelines in the vinegar cellars. Conversations happen in English via your driver. Mid-day, settle down to a light lunch featuring the very products you've watched being made, paired with local wine. The pace is leisurely; producers typically allow 90 minutes per visit. Wear comfortable shoes for walking through production facilities.

Good to know