Get ready for an unforgettable food and wine experience among the flavors and landscapes of Emilia, in the heart of the production area of mountain Parmigiano Reggiano. This private tour takes you to one of the rare, historic dairies where tradition meets the unspoiled nature of high-altitude pastures. To perfectly suit your travel style and offer you maximum flexibility, the experience is available in two different options of your choice: you can book the Private Driver Option, with pick-up and drop-off service directly from your hotel or accommodation in Bologna, or the Self-Drive Option, ideal for those who like to get around in total freedom with their own vehicle.
If you choose the convenience of the all-inclusive tour with a private car and driver at your disposal for the entire day, your morning will begin with a delightful stop along the way for a classic Italian breakfast at a local pastry shop, where you will be pampered with the traditional combination of an artisanal croissant and cappuccino before heading to the Emilian peaks. If, on the other hand, you prefer the independence of the self-drive option, you can manage the itinerary at your own pace, driving in total relaxation to the wonderful area of the pastures, a perfect destination also for families with children.
The highlight of the experience for both options is the guided visit inside an authentic mountain dairy, where you will discover all the secrets of the artisanal production of the king of cheeses. Accompanied by local producers, you'll be able to observe the entire production process up close and see the cows grazing, gaining an understanding of how a diet based on fresh grass influences the excellence of the final product (the cows graze from April to October, the ideal time to book).
The highlight of the day is a hearty and authentic light lunch consisting of fresh specialties from the dairy. You will take part in a guided food tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses aged for different periods, including the prized 24- and 30-month cheeses and the rare Parmigiano di Vacca Bianca Modenese. Lunch will be enhanced with fresh ricotta, cow's milk cheeses and cacio, bread, jam, honey, yogurt or homemade panna cotta, all expertly paired with an excellent local wine from the region. A total immersion in Emilian gourmet culture, before heading back on your own or being comfortably taken back to your hotel in Bologna by your private driver.
