Modena is a food lover’s paradise, well-known for its Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and Lambrusco wine. Its tight-knit family-run shops, vibrant markets, and historic sites offer a perfect backdrop for exploring Emilia Romagna’s culinary treasures. One favorite is the Modena Food Tour with Taste Bologna, renowned for its small-group intimacy and deep dives into local cheese and vinegar. This tour showcases the best of Modena’s food Valley, with local family stories behind each delicious bite. Besides, the Balsamic Vinegar Cellar Tour offers a fascinating peek into traditional vinegar making in a charming family-owned cellar.
In this guide, we’ll review a variety of food experiences, from guided walking tours and tastings to private excursions that explore cheese factories, vineyards, and motor museums. Whether you’re after a quick taste of local delights or an in-depth private tour, there’s something here to satisfy your appetites.
1. Modena Food Tour with Taste Bologna – Max 8 people
At number 1, this highly-rated Modena Food Tour with Taste Bologna hits the sweet spot for its small-group intimacy and comprehensive tasting experience. For around $134, you spend about four hours exploring Modena’s old town, sampling Parmigiano-Reggiano, authentic balsamic vinegar, and local Lambrusco wine. The tour includes stops at family-run shops, delis, and markets, providing a genuine taste of Emilia Romagna’s signature flavors. The guide’s commentary on the families behind these products adds a personal touch, making it much more than just a tasting.
Guests praise the tour for its friendly, knowledgeable guide and well-paced itinerary. One reviewer mentions, “Well worth the time and money,” while another highlights the “heavenly food bites” enjoyed during the stops. The small group size (max 8 people) ensures personal attention and a more relaxed experience. Perfect for foodies eager to learn about local traditions in a friendly setting.
Bottom Line: This tour balances quality, quantity, and personal connection, making it a top pick for those who want to savor Modena’s most famous culinary gems with a knowledgeable guide.
2. Modena: Balsamic Vinegar Cellar Tour, Tasting & Food Pairing
Number 2 is the Balsamic Vinegar Cellar Tour, offering an in-depth look at the craft behind Emilia Romagna’s black gold. For just $14, this 1.5-hour experience takes you inside a family-run balsamic vinegar factory where you’ll see traditional production methods and taste different aged balsamic varieties, paired with local foods.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to step into a family home and learn the secrets behind producing authentic balsamic. The tasting includes a generous food pairing, making it a sweet deal. Tour participants rave about Teresa’s storytelling and the fascinating process of vinegar aging, with comments like “fabulous” and “super interesting.” It’s ideal for travelers curious about regional food craftsmanship and seeking a personal touch.
Bottom Line: This tour is a must for balsamic lovers and anyone interested in seeing authentic, small-scale Italian food production in a relaxed setting.
3. Taste Modena: A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better
At number 3, this full meal walking tour offers a hassle-free way to taste Modena’s top foods in just three hours. For about $103, you’ll visit the Albinelli Market, artisan shops, and some of the city’s best eateries, sampling cheese, cold cuts, and authentic balsamic vinegar. The guide shares stories behind each stop, making it an educational stroll through Modena’s culinary culture.
Guests love the relaxed pace, with many saying they discovered places they’d never find alone. “The local guide was full of insights,” one review states. The tour is perfect for those who prefer a rundown in a short time, with enough tastings to satisfy a hearty appetite. It’s especially suitable for travelers wanting to combine sightseeing with food in a single outing.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, engaging tour ideal for visitors who want a taste of multiple local specialties without the fuss of planning.
4. Modena Food Tour: Sightseeing & Taste
Number 4 features a Sightseeing & Taste, blending Italy’s rich architectural heritage with culinary delights. This 2-hour small-group tour, costing around $59, explores Palazzo Ducale, Duomo, and the Ghirlandina Tower before stopping for tastings of balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and local sweets like tortelli fritti.
What makes this tour appealing is its combination of culture and cuisine. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy learning about Modena’s history while sampling its flavors. The guided tastings are held in intimate settings, and the inclusion of museums and historic sites makes it a well-rounded experience.
One reviewer notes, “We enjoyed both the sightseeings and the food, especially the balsamic tasting.” It’s a great option for those with limited time but who want a cultural and culinary snapshot of the city.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history and food lovers who prefer a short, comprehensive experience with plenty of local flavor.
5. Private Emilian Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Modena
Number 5 offers an exclusive experience, with the Private Emilian Food and Wine Tour. For about $622, you get a 5-6 hour personalized tour covering Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and local vineyards. Your private guide takes you inside factories and wineries, providing insights into production processes and wine pairing.
Guests appreciate the customized itinerary and the exclusive access, especially to the cheese factory where they see cheese aging rooms and sample different types, and the vineyard with tastings of Pignoletto and Lambrusco. Reviewers note the tour is very informative and generous with tastings, making it great for culinary connoisseurs or groups wanting a tailored experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking an in-depth, private look at Emilia Romagna’s food craftsmanship with a focus on personalized service.
6. Modena: Guided Food Tour with 10+ Local Delicacies Tastings
Number 6 is a guided tour that offers over 10 different tastings in just three hours. It includes famous cakes, pastries, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and traditional pasta at a historic restaurant. The guide’s local expertise shines as they take you through Modena’s culinary history with tastings that include local pesto and artisan sweets.
This tour is perfect for those wanting a broad sampling of regional specialties with a bit of cultural context. While it’s newer and smaller (with just 6 reviews), the reviews are glowing, praising the variety and depth of the experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers who want to cover many iconic dishes in a short time, especially if they enjoy food history.
7. Modena Tour: Motor & Food Valley
Number 7 is a specialized tour combining motorsports and food—perfect for car enthusiasts who love culinary experiences. For around $324, it includes visits to Lamborghini Museum, Parmigiano-Reggiano factories, and balsamic vinegar production, with lunch included. The itinerary also features auto museums and vineyard visits, making it a full-day immersion.
Guests appreciate the diverse attractions, including the automotive history and regional food. One reviewer mentions, “The cheese and auto museum visits were fantastic,” highlighting the unique blend of interests.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a multi-interest day, combining cars and cuisine in Italy’s Motor and Food Valley.
8. Modena: A Full Meal Walking Food Tour with a Local
Number 8 offers a full meal walking tour lasting about 3.5 hours. For a similar price ($), you’ll visit Piazza Grande, local markets, and historic food shops, tasting regional dishes and desserts. It emphasizes local food culture and the story behind each dish.
Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Modena’s culinary scene with a local guide. Tour highlights include stops at patisseries and the market, with plenty of opportunities to sample cheeses, wines, and sweets.
One reviewer calls it “an outstanding and probably our favorite food experience in Italy,” noting the variety of foods tasted and the knowledge of the guide.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a delicious, immersive experience combining food and local culture.
9. Modena walking food tour with a local
Number 9 is a personalized walking tour with just a few people, focusing on local foods like Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and dessert ice cream. For $146, it highlights historic markets and hidden spots.
It’s ideal for travelers who want a more intimate experience and customized tastings. Reviewers mention how the host’s local knowledge made the experience special, especially the tasting of traditional desserts.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies who want a personalized, relaxed pace with authentic tastes.
10. 5-Hour Food and Wine Tasting in Modena
Number 10 is a 5-hour food and wine experience, with a focus on vineyard visits and balsamic production. For $93, it includes tastings of Pignoletto and Lambrusco, paired with regional food.
This tour is great for wine lovers wanting to pair local wines with balsamic and cheese. It’s particularly praised for its informative family-run farm and authentic tasting.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for those who want a full-bodied experience of food and wine combined.
11. Private Half Day Modena Walking and Food Tasting Tour
Number 11 offers a private 3-hour exploration of Modena’s key sights and family-run eateries. For around $252, it includes Piazza Grande, Duomo, and tastings of local cheeses and cured meats.
This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a bespoke experience, with tailored stops and insider insights. One review highlights the “passion and pride” the guide shares about local traditions.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who prefer a more exclusive, flexible tour, focused on local food and sights.
12. Reggio Emilia Foodie Walking Tour
Finally, the Reggio Emilia Foodie Walking Tour offers a 3.5-hour deep dive into an often-overlooked town. For $108, enjoy balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Lambrusco in a cultural setting that includes Roman ruins and historic squares.
This tour appeals to those wanting a less touristy, more authentic** taste of Emilia Romagna’s culinary roots combined with local history.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers eager to explore off-the-beaten-path towns with great food and rich culture.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Modena
When selecting a tour, consider your interests and pace. Want to focus on authentic vinegar and cheese production? The Balsamic Vinegar Cellar Tour offers an in-depth look. Prefer a comprehensive taste of multiple specialties in a short time? The Taste Modena walking tour covers a lot in three hours. For a luxury, private experience with tailored visits, the Private Food and Wine Tour is ideal.
Budget-conscious travelers might favor tours under $100 like the Sightseeing & Taste or Food and Vinegar. If you’re into cars and food, the Motor & Food Valley** offers a unique combo.
Finally, think about time available. Short visits might opt for the 2-hour Sightseeing & Taste, while those with more time can indulge in the full private tour.
In Summary, Modena offers a diverse lineup of food experiences, from sampling regional specialties in intimate groups to exploring vineyards and family factories. The best choice depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. Book early — these experiences are popular and fill up fast. Whether you’re after a quick taste or a deep dive into Emilia Romagna’s culinary soul, Modena’s food tours promise a delicious adventure.
