Market in Bologna

Market in Bologna

By Nelleke Pruys

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Are you a food enthusiast seeking an authentic taste of Italy? Look no further! Our bespoke food tours in Bologna, Parma, and Ravenna offer a delectable journey through the heart of Italian cuisine and the most important cities in the Food Valley. Start your Italy trip with one of these tours that will make your time in this country even more memorable. 

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A visit to the famous Tamburini deli
A visit to the famous Tamburini deli in Bologna

Bologna Food Tours: A Culinary Odyssey

Baking cookies
Baking cookies

Join us on an exhilarating exploration of Bologna's renowned food scene. Whether you're new to the city or already a local aficionado, our tours are designed to delight your palate and deepen your understanding of Italian gastronomy.

Why Choose Our Bologna, Parma, Modena & Ravenna Food Tours?

Mercato dell Erbe
Mercato dell'Erbe

  • Savor Authentic Bologna Cuisine: Taste local specialties and uncover the finest eateries without the hassle of trial and error.
  • Quick Orientation in Italian Cuisine: Gain insights into specialties, ingredients, and flavors, enabling you to confidently navigate any Bologna restaurant menu.
  • Exclusive Insider Recommendations: Receive personalized tips on legendary restaurants, hidden cafés, and family-owned shops, steering clear of tourist traps.
  • Personalized Small Group Experience: Join intimate groups of no more than 10 guests, offering a local friend-like experience rather than a typical guided tour.
  • Recognized Excellence: With over 400 five-star reviews since 2013, our tours are a testament to our passion and quality.

1. Classic Bologna Food Tour: A Gastronomic Exploration

Gastronomy Club La Bonina in Bologna
The Gastronomy Club La Bonina

Price Euro 99.60 p.p. - 4 hours - 10 am on weekdays, 10.30 am on weekends

Tour Highlights:

- Begin with a Bang: Start your day with a gourmet coffee made by Alessandro, Bologna's top barista.

- Market Wandering: Dive into the foodie heart of Bologna at Quadrilatero and Mercato delle Erbe.

- Pasta Perfection: Witness the creation of tortellini and tagliatelle by the skilled hands of local pasta masters.

- Authentic Osteria Lunch: Enjoy a traditional meal at Italy's oldest osteria, featuring renowned and hidden culinary gems.

- Sweet Farewell: End your tour with a delicious gelato experience, learning about its intricate making process.

What's included:

  • Gourmet morning coffee
  • Hands-on market experience
  • Pasta-making demonstration
  • Hearty lunch at a traditional osteria
  • Gelato tasting session
  • Complimentary Foodie Map of Bologna

2. Parma Food Tour: Royal Flavors and Artistic Splendors

Price: Euro 108 p.p. - 3.5 hour - 10.30 am everyday

Tour Highlights:

Pastamaking class
Pastamakaing class

- Sweet Beginnings: Delight in unique desserts and a cappuccino at a historic pastry shop in Parma.

- Enrico's Pasta Magic: Engage in a pasta-making session with local expert Enrico, followed by a sumptuous tasting.

- Cheese Wonderland: Discover the secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano through various agings and tasting sessions.

- Meats of Mastery: Savor the famous Culatello and Prosciutto di Parma, a true taste of Parma's culinary heritage.

What's Included:

  • Dessert and cappuccino starter
  • Interactive pasta-making and tasting
  • Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tasting experience
  • Sampling of Culatello, Parma ham, and other traditional meats
  • Local wine pairing, featuring choices like Lambrusco or Malvasia

3. Ravenna Food and Mosaic Tour: A Fusion of Art and Flavor

Pastamaking demonstration in Bologna
Pasta making demonstration

Price: Euro 108 p.p. - 3.5 hours - 10 am everyday

Tour Highlights:

- Mosaic Marvels: Explore the captivating mosaics of San Vitale Basilica and Galla Placidia Mausoleum.

- Adriatic Delights: Sample an array of fish dishes, showcasing the daily catch from the Adriatic Sea.

- Romagna's Heart: Experience the iconic combination of Piadina and Sangiovese in a traditional setting, reflecting the soul of Romagna.

What's Included:

  • Guided visit to renowned mosaic sites (entrance included)
  • A diverse lunch featuring fresh fish dishes
  • Piadina or crescione accompanied by Sangiovese wine

4. Embark on a Sensory Journey: The Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Experience 

Euro 36 p.p. - 1 hour - everyday start at 2 pm

Dive into the heart of Italy's culinary heritage with our exclusive Balsamic Vinegar of Modena tour. This is not just a tasting; it's an immersive exploration into the centuries-old tradition of crafting the world-renowned "Black Gold" of Modena. Led by a Balsamic Master, this tour promises a deep understanding and appreciation of this exquisite Italian treasure.

Tour Highlights:

- The Art of Balsamic Making: Discover the intricate process of creating Aceto Balsamico of Modena, from selecting the perfect grapes to the final aging in wooden barrels.

- Sensory Exploration: Engage in a unique tasting experience, where you'll use all your senses to evaluate over five varieties of Balsamic Vinegar, all in the ambient glow of candlelight.

- Culinary Mastery: Learn from a Balsamic Master how to incorporate this versatile vinegar into your cooking. Transform your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary with expert tips.

What's included:

  • An in-depth tour of the balsamic vinegar making process, guided by a seasoned Balsamic Master.
  • A candlelit tasting session featuring more than five varieties of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
  • Practical culinary advice on how to enhance your dishes with the perfect touch of Balsamic Vinegar.

How to make a reservation?

Send an email with the following information to Reservations food tours

Which tour are you interested in
Which date do you want to book (we suggest giving us 1 or 2 alternative dates in high season)
Name of each of the participants
Contact home address
Phone number
Children between 4 and 10 years of age get a discount, over 10 pays the adult price
If any of the participants has a food allergy or dietary requirements, please let us know in advance

 

Emilia Romagna Region - Service for Tourism and Commerce

Bologna - Food Valley
Piazza Maggiore 1/e
40124 Bologna
BG Emilia-Romagna
Italy
+39 0516583111

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Nelleke Pruys

With a rich and varied career in the travel industry, Nelleke Pruys has distinguished herself as a leading tour operator and expert in the field of Italy. Her years of experience and numerous trips to the Italian boot have given her a unique insight into the country's hidden gems and lesser-known destinations. Her passion is not limited to picturesque landscapes and historic cities. Nelleke has a deep love and appreciation for Italian cuisine. She has spent much of her time exploring authentic trattorias, discovering age-old family recipes, and learning about the intricacies of Italian culinary arts. These culinary adventures have provided her with a wealth of knowledge about regional specialties and the stories behind them. As a writer, Nelleke brings these experiences to life for her readers. She has a talent for capturing the essence of a destination, both in terms of its physical beauty and its cultural and culinary richness. Whether it's a hidden village in the Tuscan hills, a rare wine from Piedmont, or a traditional festival in Sicily, Nelleke's articles offer an in-depth and personal perspective. In addition to her articles, she also organizes travel packages for those interested in a genuine Italian experience, far from the typical tourist trails. Through her extensive network in Italy, Nelleke can offer exclusive experiences that would remain out of reach for the average traveler. In her free time, Nelleke enjoys cooking, wine tasting, and of course, traveling. She is always on the lookout for the next undiscovered gem in Italy, ready to share her findings with the world.

https://www.dolcevia.com

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