Gourmet Food Tour from Florence (Parmesan, Balsamic & Ham) – 2025 Update

2025 updated guide. Planning a Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar tour from Florence? While production takes place in Emilia-Romagna — not Tuscany — it is absolutely possible to join one of Emilia Delizia’s famous food tours by travelling to Bologna or Modena with the right timing.

This guide explains the best way to travel from Florence, when to arrive, and how to make sure you see the full Parmesan production process.

Best Way to Join a Parmesan Cheese Tour from Florence

1. Overnight in Bologna or Modena (Top Recommendation)

• Travel to Bologna or Modena the evening before your tour for a relaxed start.
• Stay near the train station (UNA Hotel, Starhotels Excelsior, or Mercure Bologna Centro).
• Wake up refreshed and join the early-morning Parmesan dairy visit without stress.

This option guarantees you see the full cheese-making process — something same-day travel from Florence rarely allows.

2. Same-Day Travel from Florence (Limited)

• Take an early Frecciarossa train from Florence to Bologna.
• Morning trains arrive late for most dairies.
• Pickup is possible from Bologna Centrale, but timing is tight and risky.

While Tuscany offers wonderful food experiences, many travellers head north to Bologna, Modena, and Parma to experience Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar, Parma ham, and Lambrusco wines. Here’s how to do it while staying in Florence.

Timing of Parmesan Cheese Production

Parmigiano Reggiano production starts early — usually between 5:00 and 6:00 AM. The most important stages (curd cutting, cooking, wheel forming) are completed by mid-morning.

For this reason:

• Departures from Bologna: around 7:15–7:30 AM
• Departures from Modena: around 8:20 AM

Late arrivals miss the core production stages. Private visits may be arranged, but at significantly higher cost.

Driving from Florence to Bologna or Modena

If you plan to drive from Florence to join the Emilia Delizia gourmet food tour, take the A1 Autostrada (Autostrada del Sole). It is efficient but often busy, especially in the morning.

• Florence → Bologna: approx. 1h20 (ideal conditions)
• Florence → Modena: approx. 2 hours

Tolls: €8–€12 one way. Cards accepted, cash recommended.

If meeting in Modena, leave Florence by 6:00 AM. For Bologna, departure by 5:30–5:45 AM is ideal.

How to Reach Bologna or Modena by Train

Florence is well connected to Bologna by high-speed Frecciarossa trains. Morning arrivals are usually too late for dairies, which is why we strongly recommend travelling the evening before.

Staying overnight allows you to join the Parmesan cheese tour fresh, relaxed, and on time.

Private Food Tour from Florence

If you prefer a fully customised experience, we can organise a private food tour with direct pickup in Florence. Departure is typically around 6:30 AM, returning around 5:00 PM.

Private tours are more expensive than joining from Bologna or Modena, but can be cost-effective for larger groups.