Bologna is a fantastic base for full-day tours because of its central location in Italy’s food and automotive heartland. The city offers easy access to some of Italy’s most iconic culinary and automotive attractions, making it a perfect jumping-off point for day trips that go beyond city streets. From tasting authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano in Parma to exploring the legendary Ferrari Museum in Maranello, these tours offer something for every type of traveler. Our favorites include the Private Emilia Romagna Food Tour, which immerses you in Italy’s culinary mastery, and the Ferrari Full Day, perfect for car enthusiasts craving a VIP experience. You can see why Bologna remains a top choice for those seeking a mix of culture, cuisine, and high-performance machines.
In this list, you’ll find three standout full-day tours that showcase the best of what Emilia Romagna has to offer. Whether you’re drawn to food and wine, high-speed cars, or a combination of supercars, cheese, and balsamic, each of these options provides a different taste of Italy’s most beloved traditions. For detailed insights, check out our full reviews below.
1. Private Emilia Romagna Food Tour Full Day
At number one on our list is the Private Emilia Romagna Food Tour Full Day, which has earned a perfect 5.0-star rating from 118 reviews. Priced at $308.16 per person, this 7-hour experience dives deep into Italy’s most renowned gastronomic region. What makes this tour stand out is the personalized approach—guests can choose to drive themselves or have a driver escort them through the region’s top producers. The highlights include visits to a prosciutto producer and a Parmigiano-Reggiano maker in Parma, with hands-on insights into centuries-old cheese and cured ham production. You’ll also tour a traditional balsamic vinegar house to see how this prized condiment is made, then enjoy a tasting paired with local wine during lunch at a family-run wine cellar.
What elevates this tour is the emphasis on authentic, behind-the-scenes experiences. The visit to the Consorzio Produttori Latte allows you to see the entire process of making Parmigiano-Reggiano, from curdling in copper kettles to aging in “wheel cathedrals.” The prosciutto visit at Salumificio Conti explains why Parma ham is a regional treasure, thanks to the unique wind and hillside conditions. The meal itself features regional specialties, giving you a true taste of Emilia Romagna. Reviewers often mention how knowledgeable the guide is and how the tour feels tailored to your interests, making it a high-value experience.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a personalized, in-depth culinary experience that showcases Italy’s favorite flavors—cheese, ham, balsamic—this private tour offers an unbeatable introduction to Emilia Romagna’s food scene.
2. Ferrari Full Day
The Ferrari Full Day ranks second with a 4.5-star rating from 45 reviews, priced at $412.70 per person. This isn’t just a museum visit; it’s an entire day immersed in the world of Italy’s most famous sports car brand. The tour includes visits to the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari in Modena and the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, where you’ll explore the history and evolution of Ferrari cars. After the museums, you’ll take a panoramic drive around the Maranello track with an authorized guide, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary Fiorano circuit.
For car enthusiasts, the highlight is the 2-hour visit to the Enzo Ferrari Museum, which features exhibits on Ferrari’s founder and iconic cars like the Miura and Countach. The day also includes a scenic drive past the factory and the Fiorano test track, along with a lovely 2-course lunch at a countryside farmhouse. Reviews emphasize the VIP treatment and the overall quality of the experience, even appealing to those who aren’t die-hard Ferrari fans. The tour balances educational content with a touch of luxury, making it perfect for travelers interested in Italy’s automotive excellence.
Bottom Line: This tour caters to anyone curious about Ferrari’s legacy, offering a well-rounded glimpse into Italy’s high-performance car culture with personalized touches and expert guides.
3. Full Day Super Cars, Parmesan, Balsamic Tour w/Light Lunch
Finally, the Full Day Super Cars, Parmesan, Balsamic Tour w/Light Lunch is a 5-star-rated experience at $389.84 per person. This itinerary blends the thrill of Italy’s supercar heritage with its culinary delights. It starts with a pickup from Bologna or Modena, then heads straight to a Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese farm for a guided tour on cheese production, followed by tasting different aged cheeses, balsamic vinegar, and local wine. Next, you’ll visit the Lamborghini Museum in Modena, where the history of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s groundbreaking sports cars unfolds—think Miura, Countach, and other legends.
The tour continues with a visit to the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena producer, where you’ll see how this prized condiment is made and taste different ages. The day is rounded out with a light lunch, giving you a satisfying yet manageable taste of the region’s rich flavors. This tour is especially appealing to those who want a comprehensive mix of supercars and traditional food experiences, all delivered in a comfortable, well-organized manner. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the tastings as standout features.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a day that combines Italy’s love for luxury cars and culinary excellence, this tour provides a balanced, engaging experience suitable for all ages and interests.
How to Choose the Best Full-Day Tour in Bologna
When choosing between these options, consider what excites you most. For a deep dive into Emilia Romagna’s food traditions, the Private Emilia Romagna Food Tour offers unmatched authenticity and personalized attention. If you’re a car lover or want a VIP experience with Ferrari, the Ferrari Full Day is hard to beat. For those wanting both supercars and regional culinary tastings in one day, the Full Day Super Cars, Parmesan, Balsamic Tour delivers a diverse and memorable experience.
Think about your budget—these tours range from $308 to over $412 per person—and your interests. If you’re a foodie, the private tour is ideal; if you’re a gearhead or traveling with someone who loves cars, the Ferrari adventure offers VIP access and historical insight. For a little of everything, the combined supercar and culinary tour balances thrill and tradition.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons like spring and fall, to secure spots on these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Bologna’s full-day tours showcase Italy’s best specialties—culinary craftsmanship, luxury cars, and regional pride. For a personalized, food-focused experience, the Private Emilia Romagna Food Tour is hard to beat. If automotive engineering and racing history thrill you, the Ferrari Full Day offers a comprehensive, VIP treatment. Meanwhile, the Super Cars, Parmesan, Balsamic Tour blends high-speed excitement with authentic taste testing, perfect for those who want a bit of both.
No matter your interests, these tours are a great way to explore Emilia Romagna beyond Bologna’s city streets. Planning ahead and booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences.
