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Half-day small-group experience in Modena — Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, traditional balsamic vinegar producer & hands-on pasta making class with light lunch
Modena Food Tour & Pasta Making Class
This small-group experience combines the three pillars of Modena’s food heritage into one cohesive culinary day. You’ll visit a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy and a traditional balsamic vinegar acetaia — tasting at each stop — before moving to a local agriturismo for a fully hands-on pasta making class with experienced local cooks.
If you want to cook, taste, and truly understand Emilia-Romagna’s food culture — not just observe it — this is the experience for you.
Tour Details
- Start time: 8:30 AM from Modena train station (hotel pickup from Bologna available)
- End time: Approximately 2:00–3:00 PM depending on the cooking session
- Meeting point: Modena train station (Stazione di Modena)
- Group size: Small group — minimum 2 people; solo travellers welcome to join open groups
- Language: English
- Transport: Included — small-group van between all stops
What’s Included
- Transportation between all stops
- English-speaking guide throughout
- Guided visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy with tastings
- Visit to a family-run traditional balsamic vinegar acetaia with tastings
- Fully hands-on pasta making class with experienced local cooks
- Light lunch at the agriturismo
What You’ll Do
1. Parmigiano Reggiano Dairy
Your day begins at a working Parmigiano Reggiano dairy. You’ll follow the full production process — from fresh curds in the copper vats to the aging room — and taste different ages of the cheese with your guide.
2. Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Acetaia
Next, you’ll visit a family-run acetaia to see the rows of wooden barrels where Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena ages for a minimum of 12 years. You’ll taste the vinegar and learn how it differs from the commercial versions sold in supermarkets.
3. Hands-On Pasta Making Class
The final stop is a local agriturismo, where you’ll take part in a fully hands-on pasta making class. You’ll work the dough, roll and shape fresh egg pasta — including traditional formats such as tagliatelle — and then sit down to enjoy your creations with a light lunch. This is not a demonstration: every participant cooks.
After the Tour
After the experience, we recommend exploring Modena’s historic centre, including the Romanesque Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Casa Museo Enzo Ferrari. A shuttle to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello is also available — ask us when booking.
Interested in more cooking? Explore our cooking school in Bologna.
Book Your Tour
Use the calendar below to check availability and reserve your spot. Advance booking is recommended — availability is limited due to small group sizes.
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Payment & Booking
- Book securely online via credit card or PayPal
- Deposit required to reserve; balance due before the tour
- Solo travellers welcome — you may be paired with another small group
Small print: ending times are estimates — please do not schedule tight travel connections immediately after the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the pasta making class in Modena?
The experience includes transportation between all stops, a guided visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy with tastings, a visit to a traditional balsamic vinegar acetaia with tastings, a fully hands-on pasta making class with experienced local cooks, and a light lunch.
Is this a private or small-group experience?
This is a small-group experience designed to ensure personal attention during the pasta workshop. Solo travellers are welcome and may be joined by other guests.
Do I need cooking experience?
No prior experience is required. The class is suitable for complete beginners and enthusiastic home cooks alike. The local cooks guide you through each step.
Where is the pasta making class held?
The cooking session takes place at a local agriturismo near Modena, in a relaxed rural setting that reflects the traditional hospitality of Emilia-Romagna.
Is the pasta making class fully hands-on?
Yes — every participant prepares and works the dough personally, learning traditional techniques step by step. This is not a demonstration: you cook.
Can I choose what pasta we make?
The class focuses on traditional fresh egg pasta such as tagliatelle. We are happy to consider requests — please let us know your preferences when booking and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from Modena train station at 8:30 AM. Hotel pickup from Bologna is available at an additional cost. Modena is just 20 minutes from Bologna by train.
How long does the experience last?
The tour typically finishes between 2:00 and 3:00 PM, depending on the cooking session — around 5–6 hours in total. Please do not schedule tight onward travel immediately after.