Reggio Emilia is a city that offers more than just its charming piazzas and Renaissance architecture. What makes it particularly appealing is its unique blend of culinary delights, industrial heritage, and intriguing stories from the past. Whether you’re a foodie eager to sample aged balsamic vinegar, a history buff interested in mental health institutions, or an adventurer looking for scenic bike rides, Reggio Emilia has a tour for you. We especially love the Balsamic Vinegar Tasting & Barrel Tour for its sensory experience and the Reggio Emilia Bike City Tour for exploring the city’s elegant streets in a lively, active way. And if you’re curious about the city’s darker stories, the La Reggio Noire night tour offers a captivating look at some of its crime tales.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of experiences, from cultural walks and culinary tastings to immersive history tours. Each offers its own flavor of what makes Reggio Emilia special. Want to learn about its industrial past? The Botteghe Storiche di Genova tour guides you through the former Officine Reggiane. Interested in a family-friendly adventure? The Visita Guidata alla Reggia di Rivalta offers a trip back in time to an elegant estate. Keep reading to find the tour that fits your travel style.
1. Balsamic Vinegar Tasting & Barrel Tour near Parma & Reggio
This guided tour takes you through lush vineyards and into the historic barrels rooms of a villa estate, culminating in a tasting of three DOP balsamic vinegars aged over ten years. It’s held at Tenuta Medici Ermete, a family-run estate renowned for its authentic approach to balsamic production. As you stroll among the grapevines, you’ll learn about the grapes used in traditional balsamic, and the expert guides will explain the complex, patient aging process in wooden barrels.
What sets this experience apart is the chance to taste three varieties—each with its own character—and enjoy Parmesan cheese that perfectly complements the vinegars. The tour’s highlight is the opportunity to see the intricate aging process up close, in a historic setting that breathes tradition. Guests rave about the friendliness of the staff and the educational nature of the tour, with reviews calling it “really interesting and educational.”
This tour is ideal for food lovers eager to understand Emilia Romagna’s culinary heritage, and for those who appreciate high-quality, handcrafted products. The 1-hour duration makes it a manageable addition to a day of sightseeing.
Bottom Line: A must for culinary enthusiasts wanting an authentic taste of Emilia Romagna’s iconic balsamic vinegar, combined with a scenic vineyard walk.
2. Visita Guidata all’ex-manicomio San Lazzaro di Reggio Emilia
This guided tour offers a rare glimpse into one of Italy’s most significant psychiatric complexes. Located at Palazzo Farnese in Piacenza, it explores the transformation of a once-stigmatized institution into a place of social and medical history. The tour includes entry to the museum of psychiatry and delves into the social and clinical aspects of mental health treatment over the years.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour recounts stories of lives forgotten, resilience, and reform, revealing how this historic site shaped perceptions of mental health in Italy. The itinerary covers social history, medicine, and personal testimonies, making it a compelling experience for anyone interested in social progress or medical history. With 1.5 hours of walking through the complex, it balances depth with accessibility.
Guests appreciate the authentic storytelling, describing the experience as “a unique journey through history and medicine.” Because it’s a live tour in Italian with a small group, it’s best suited for those comfortable with the language and keen on history or social issues.
Bottom Line: An eye-opening experience that combines history, social change, and architecture—perfect for history buffs or anyone interested in Italy’s mental health evolution.
3. Botteghe Storiche di Genova: Viaggio tra Storia e Curiosità
In this 2-hour guided walk, you’ll explore the Officine Reggiane, a cornerstone of Reggio Emilia’s once-thriving industrial scene. Converted into the Innovation Park, this site tells stories of tragedies and resilience, illustrating how the community adapted after industrial decline. The tour takes you through workshops, archival spaces, and areas that reveal how this factory helped shape the city’s identity.
What makes this tour special is the focus on industrial heritage and transformation—from factory to innovation hub. The guide shares insights into local history, economic shifts, and the enduring spirit of Reggio Emilia’s workers. Though reviews aren’t posted, the tour’s emphasis on urban renewal and industrial resilience makes it compelling for history and architecture lovers.
Ideal for those interested in industrial history or urban development, this tour provides a vivid picture of Reggio Emilia’s past and future. It’s suited for people who enjoy walks through historic sites and learning through stories and images.
Bottom Line: A fascinating exploration of Reggio Emilia’s industrial past and its modern rebirth—great for history enthusiasts and urban explorers.
4. La Reggio Noire: a tour of the crime stories of the past by Night
This 1.5-hour night tour offers a different perspective on Reggio Emilia, revealing its shadowy stories and crime history. It covers infamous murders from the 16th century, the Guelph-Ghibelline conflicts, and tragic events like the February 1915 incident at the Ariosto theater. Conducted by licensed guides with over ten years of experience, the tour weaves mystery and history into a compelling narrative.
The tour is designed to be fun and educational, suitable for families eager to learn about local legends, crime stories, and historical episodes that shaped the city’s darker reputation. During the walk, you’ll hear authentic stories of pain, hope, and redemption, all told in an engaging manner that keeps the atmosphere lively even as it touches on grim topics.
Reviews highlight the tour’s storytelling quality and the fact that it’s perfect for nighttime adventure. If you’re interested in urban legends or the crime side of history, this tour offers a memorable experience that combines history with entertainment.
Bottom Line: An engaging way to explore Reggio Emilia’s lesser-known stories, ideal for night owls or those curious about the city’s darker side.
5. Reggio Emilia Bike City Tour
This 2-hour guided bike tour allows you to explore Reggio Emilia’s elegant streets and squares with the help of a certified cycling guide. The city’s harmonious architecture and discreetly upscale atmosphere shine through as you pedal through historic neighborhoods. The ride is relaxed but active, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
One of the tour’s highlights is stopping at a historic bar for an aperitif, bringing a social and local flavor to your experience. Cycling through quiet streets and lively squares, you’ll get a sense of local life and the city’s cultural pulse. The guide’s local knowledge will enhance your understanding of the city’s urban fabric and architectural styles.
While reviews aren’t listed, the combination of scenic cycling and a social stop makes this a good choice for active travelers who enjoy exploring on two wheels. It’s a practical, fun way to see Reggio Emilia without the fatigue of walking.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a relaxed, active exploration of Reggio Emilia’s streets and enjoy a local aperitif along the way.
6. Reggio Emilia: Guided Walking Tour with Food Tastings
This 2-hour guided walk is a culinary highlight, combining sightseeing with tastings of local specialties. It covers the historic center, including the Cathedral’s neoclassical façade, and ends with a gelato treat. Along the way, you’ll sample gnocco al forno, focaccia allo stracchino, and learn about the city’s culinary traditions from your guide.
What makes this tour stand out is the seamless combination of cultural insights and delicious food. It’s ideal for food lovers who want to experience local flavors firsthand, all while wandering through Reggio Emilia’s charming streets. The tour is well-paced, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and soak in the atmosphere.
Guests appreciate the tastings and the chance to learn about local ingredients, making it a tasty and informative experience. Perfect for travelers short on time but eager to indulge in Emilia Romagna’s cuisine.
Bottom Line: A flavorful introduction to Reggio Emilia’s culinary scene, great for foodies and culture lovers alike.
7. The secrets of the Hawk of Italy: Guided tour of Brescia Castle
Perched atop Colle Cidneo, Brescia Castle is an impressive fortress with a nickname that hints at its vigilance—the Hawk of Italy. This 1.5-hour guided tour explores the castle’s fortifications, history, and the legends that surround it. The tour is led by licensed guides with extensive experience, bringing to life the stories of military architecture and strategic importance.
You’ll see battlements, defensive walls, and learn about the castle’s role through the centuries. If you enjoy panoramic views and stories of medieval warfare, this is a perfect stop. The castle’s commanding position means you’ll also enjoy sweeping views of the city and surrounding landscape.
While reviews aren’t provided, the tour’s focus on military history and architecture makes it ideal for lovers of fortresses and strategic sites. It’s suitable for families and history enthusiasts, offering a combination of educational content and visual spectacle.
Bottom Line: An engaging look at Italy’s defensive architecture, with fantastic views and stories that appeal to history and architecture fans.
8. Visita Guidata alla Reggia di Rivalta
This 1.5-hour guided tour invites you to step back into the Estense era at the Rivaltà Palace, a beautifully preserved palace and park. The tour includes walking through French-style gardens, fountains, and the elegant interior of the palace. Your guide shares stories about the Dukes of Este and their lavish lifestyle.
The highlight is exploring the stately rooms and lush gardens, providing a glimpse of aristocratic life in Emilia Romagna. The guided walk makes history accessible and engaging, especially for those interested in architecture, gardens, and royal stories. The site’s peaceful grounds also offer a relaxing escape from the city.
Reviews often mention the charming setting and fascinating stories about the Duchi d’Este. It’s suited for family outings, history lovers, or anyone seeking a fairytale-like experience.
Bottom Line: A beautiful, immersive experience into Italy’s noble past, perfect for fans of castles, gardens, and aristocratic history.
How to Choose Your Reggio Emilia Tour
When selecting the right tour, consider your interests and pace. If you’re a culinary enthusiast, the Balsamic Vinegar Tasting offers an authentic taste of Emilia Romagna’s signature product, while Reggio Emilia Food & Walking Tour combines culture and cuisine in a relaxed walk.
For history lovers, the San Lazzaro Psychiatric Complex or Brescia Castle provide fascinating insights into social change and military architecture. Night owls or crime stories fans** will enjoy the atmospheric La Reggio Noire, while active travelers might prefer exploring on two wheels with the Bike City Tour.
If your time is limited, a short, focused experience like the Food & Walking Tour or the Balsamic Vinegar tasting makes a great introduction. For those with more time and curiosity, the industrial heritage walk or castle tour can deepen your understanding of Reggio Emilia’s diverse stories.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular experiences and during peak seasons. Check availability in advance and consider combining tours for a comprehensive visit.
Final Thoughts
Reggio Emilia offers a wide range of tours that showcase its culinary excellence, historic sites, and cultural stories. For a flavor-packed experience, the Balsamic Vinegar Tasting is hard to beat. History buffs will find the San Lazzaro Psychiatric Museum and Brescia Castle equally rewarding, while those seeking a lively exploration of the city’s streets and flavors will enjoy the Bike Tour and Food & Walking Tour.
No matter your interests, booking your preferred experiences early will ensure you make the most of your time in this charming Emilia-Romagna city. With such a variety, you’re sure to find something that sparks your curiosity and enriches your understanding of Reggio Emilia’s many faces. Happy exploring!
