Parma-Modena-Bologna Food Tour
The Ultimate Italian Food & Wine Journey
October 19 – 25, 2025
7-Day/6-Night Parma-Modena-Bologna Food Tour
October 19-25, 2025
Join me, Italian chef and cooking authority Deborah Dal Fovo, for my Parma-Modena-Bologna Food Tour, an ultimate culinary journey to the 3 gastronomic capitals of Italy in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, known as the Food Valley. Together, we’ll explore this epicurean trifecta, savoring the cuisine and specialty products that define Italian culinary excellence like Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Aceto Balsamico Vinegar of Modena, and more. This is the birthplace of handmade egg pasta and the timeless legends tagliatelle, tortellini, and lasagna, where we’ll dive deep into all shapes and forms of artisanal pasta. Join me for my insider’s taste adventure into the heart of Italian gastronomy, where every dish tells a story, and every bite is a celebration of tradition and taste.
During this week-long tour, we’ll explore the gastronomic and cultural treasures of Parma, Modena, and Bologna—where culinary masterpieces of Italian cuisine are revered as deeply as the historical landmarks that grace their landscapes. We’ll marvel at the art and architecture of each historic center while meandering under the towers and porticos of Bologna, the cathedral and baptistery of Parma, and the Piazza Grande of Modena. Strolling through vibrant open-air markets and specialty food shops, we’ll indulge in a feast of regional delicacies along the way. On exclusive visits to prestigious food producers, we’ll witness the artisan craftsmanship behind food icons Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma and taste the magic of aging well. Venturing to hillside wineries, we’ll savor local wine varietals Pignoletto, Lambrusco, and Sangiovese that pair perfectly with the region’s culinary delights. We’ll explore the mysterious attics of renowned acetaie, or vinegar attics, uncovering the secrets behind the production of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, affectionately known as ‘black gold’, then taste the difference between aged Balsamico Tradizionale DOP and Aceto Balsamico IGP varieties. We’ll learn about 19th-century gastronomist Pellegrino Artusi, the historical cookbook author hailed as the father of Italian cuisine and revered by chefs and home cooks to this day.
In the veritable birthplace of egg pasta, we’ll roll up our sleeves for a hands-on Pasta Masterclass with expert sfogline (pasta masters) and learn the art of making tortellini, tagliatelle, and tortelloni using a rolling pin and our hands. We’ll unlock the secrets to meat ragu’ and bechamel sauce, while savoring unforgettable Bolognese lasagna.
Our home-away-from-home for the week is Palazzo dalla Rosa-Prati, a historical residence steps from Piazza Duomo in Parma’s historic center. We’ll stay in elegantly furnished junior suites complete with antique furniture, luxury linens, private bathrooms, and views of the famed square.
This trip is a feast for the senses and, though you may reluctantly bid farewell, you’ll depart with the knowledge and experience of the best Italy has to offer. Join me in Parma, Modena, and Bologna for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the mecca of Italian food!
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The 7-Day Culinary Tour Highlights*:
– Private guided visit to top Parmigiano-Reggiano producer with tasting
– Private guided visit to top Prosciutto di Parma producer with tasting
– Lunch at hillside agriturismo with panorama of Parma vineyards
– Walking tour of Parma’s historic city center with expert historical guide
– Visit to prestigious wine producers with tastings
– Visit to ancient castle in the hills of Parma
– Visit to local delicacy shops and producers to discover regional specialties
– Walking tour of Modena’s city center
– Visit to Modena’s covered market
– Guided visit to prestigious balsamic vinegar producer and tasting
– Walking tour of Bologna historical center with art historian tour guide
– Visit to outdoor market and lunch of local food and wine specialties
– Hands-on cooking class with renown pasta master (sfoglina) to learn the art of making egg pasta using a rolling pin and lunch of iconic pasta dishes
– Hands-on cooking class/dinner with regional dishes taught by Chef Deborah Dal Fovo
– All meals, with menus specially designed to experience comprehensive tasting of regional dishes and wines
*Sequence of activities and excursions may vary. The final itinerary will be given to each guest on arrival day.
Pricing & Terms:
The price of the Parma-Modena-Bologna tour for 2025 is $5,775 per person based on double occupancy. A limited number of single rooms are available with a supplement charge of $1200. Airfare is not included.
Upon inquiry, necessary booking instructions, terms & conditions, and release form will be provided via email.
This tour is limited to 12 participants. Reservations are secured by deposit on a first-come, first-served basis.
To reserve your spot:
A deposit of $1,500 per person is required to secure your spot. Final payment of the remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the tour start date. Payments can be made using U.S. domestic checks, wire transfers, or credit cards (please note that a 4% transaction fee for payments via credit card is applicable).
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Included in the tour:
– 6 nights lodging in a double-occupancy junior suite with private bathroom
– Welcome and farewell dinners
– Meals throughout the tour, including breakfast and carefully selected menus of regional specialties and wines
– Private transportation to group destinations during tour
– Private guided tours in Parma, Modena, and Bologna city centers with visits to historical monuments
– Entry into all monuments, museums, parks, cultural sites
– Guided visits to Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and Aceto Balsamic di Modena producers with tastings
– Visits to prestigious regional wineries with tasting
– Visits to regional food and wine shops with presentations and tastings of specialty products
– Hands-on pasta making cooking class with expert pasta masters (sfogline) and lunch or dinner of iconic egg pasta specialties of Bologna made in class
Not included in the tour:
– Airfare to/from Italy
– Transportation to meeting point in Parma
– Transportation outside scheduled activities
– Travel insurance (highly recommended)
– Shopping and personal expenses
– Drinks or other cocktails not included in the itinerary
– Meals not specified in the itinerary
– Tips for tour guides and bus drivers
– All other expenses incurred during free time
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See my other culinary tours in Italy here
For questions or to reserve your spot for this tour, please use the contact form below:
State of California Seller of Travel #2138140-40