This experience departs from Stazione Medio Padana (Reggio Emilia AV), which is very easy to reach from Reggio Emilia, Parma, and even Milan thanks to frequent high-speed train connections.

Staying in Bologna? Join our Bologna and Modena food tours to visit authentic Parmesan cheese dairies, discover traditional balsamic vinegar, and taste world-famous cured ham — all within easy reach of the city.

The Stazione Medio Padana, strategically located in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is a modern high-speed rail hub with direct connections from cities such as Reggio Emilia, Parma, Bologna, Florence, Rome, and Milan. Its efficient rail services and contemporary infrastructure make travel simple and reliable, even for day trips.

If you're arriving by train at Reggio Emilia AV station, you can easily join our Parma food experiences departing from Stazione Medio Padana, allowing you to explore the region’s food traditions without the need for a car.

The Self-Drive Gastronome’s Expedition is a guided food experience through the gastronomic heartlands of Parma and Reggio Emilia. This experience is designed for food enthusiasts who want to understand Italy’s culinary heritage by visiting artisanal producers of Parmesan cheese, traditional balsamic vinegar, and cured meats while travelling independently by car.

Understanding Italy’s Culinary Traditions

During the visits, you will learn how Parmigiano Reggiano is produced and aged, how traditional balsamic vinegar develops its complexity over time, and how cured meats are prepared according to long-established methods. Guides explain each process in detail, providing cultural and historical context rather than a staged demonstration.

The experience runs in the morning and starts at Stazione Medio Padana at 8:30 am, concluding at approximately 1:00 pm. It operates on most days throughout the year, subject to producer availability.

Experience Highlights

• Visits to Parmigiano Reggiano producers with guided explanations and tastings
• Visit to a traditional balsamic vinegar producer, including tastings and purchase opportunities
• Visit to cured meat producers with guided visits and tastings
• English-speaking guides with specialist food knowledge

Schedule & Booking

Please use the booking calendar below to check availability and view all options for this experience.

If you use your own car (20% discount), please use the coupon code mycar during booking.

Optional Extras

• Optional upgrade to include an additional prosciutto factory visit with extended tasting

Important Information

• This experience is conducted exclusively in English
• Departure is at 8:30 am from Reggio Emilia or Stazione Medio Padana
• End times are approximate; guests should avoid scheduling immediate onward travel

This experience is suitable for travellers who want a structured but relaxed introduction to the food culture of Emilia-Romagna, with a focus on authentic production methods rather than tourism-oriented attractions.

Please Note

• Additional extras are not included in the base price unless selected during booking
• This experience is shared and private tours are not available for this format

For travellers arriving by high-speed train, this page provides practical information on how to join food experiences in the Parma and Reggio Emilia area starting from Stazione Medio Padana.