A Food Lover’s Review: Parmesan, Balsamic & Ferrari Tour 2025
You can, of course, find tours that are just about food, and you can certainly find tours all about fast cars. That said, it’s a bit of a rare thing to find one that smashes them together in a single, really incredible day. I mean, we went on the 2025 Parmesan and Balsamic Food Tour that also included the Ferrari Museum, and frankly, it felt like experiencing the complete soul of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. The tour pretty much promises a mix of tradition that you can taste and modern speed that you can feel. It is that promise which sounds very good on paper, yet you still wonder if it actually works in real life. Well, I’m here to tell you just what it was like, and, just maybe, help you decide if this kind of day is right for you.
First Stop: The Kingdom of Parmigiano Reggiano
Our day started very early, which sort of felt right for what we were about to see. The first stop was a local caseificio, or cheese-making house, and you could actually smell the warm, milky air before you even walked inside. It was almost a little overwhelming in a very pleasant way. We were watching artisans turn fresh milk into something completely different, using these huge copper vats that looked kind of ancient. The guide explained that these people follow steps passed down for, like, hundreds of years, which is just amazing to think about. Apparently, to be called real Parmigiano Reggiano, everything from the cow’s diet to the aging process is strictly controlled; it’s almost a form of art.
Then, by the way, we walked into the aging room. It’s difficult to describe the sight of thousands of massive cheese wheels lining floor-to-ceiling shelves, you know? The room was extremely quiet and still, with this amazing nutty aroma that just hung in the air. The best part, of course, was the tasting that happened next. We tried pieces of cheese at different ages, like 12, 24, and even 36 months old. The youngest one was pretty mild and soft, yet the oldest had a character that was just so much deeper. You could really taste these little crunchy crystals, which are apparently a good sign of quality, and a flavor that was both nutty and slightly fruity. I mean, it completely changed my view of the Parmesan cheese you just shake from a can. It’s really not the same thing at all.
The Magic of ‘Black Gold’: Traditional Balsamic Vinegar
From the big, open spaces of the cheese house, our trip next took us to a much more intimate setting for the balsamic vinegar portion. We arrived at a family-run acetaia, which was basically their home, with the vinegar-making happening in the attic. The atmosphere was immediately so different, very personal and a little quiet. The family that owns the place explained that this ‘black gold,’ as they sometimes call it, is their family’s legacy. Frankly, they treat it with a reverence that is truly something to see. We saw the batteria, which is a set of wooden barrels of shrinking sizes, and that is where the magic really happens over a very long time.
The air in that attic was just thick with a sweet, woody scent that was incredibly complex. We learned that making real traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena takes a minimum of 12 years; some of what we saw was over 25 years old. Unlike the vinegar you might buy at the store, this stuff is incredibly thick, almost like a syrup. We got to taste a little drop of it, and the flavor was just a complete surprise. It had this amazing sweetness that was perfectly balanced with a gentle sourness. They even gave us a little taste on some vanilla ice cream, and I mean, it was one of the best things I have ever eaten. It just goes to show that some things are really worth the wait.
Shifting Gears at the Ferrari Museum
After a morning filled with incredible tastes and scents, it was kind of a shock to the system to switch to the world of supercars. The Ferrari Museum in Maranello is, just as you would expect, a shrine to speed and Italian design. The building itself is very sleek and modern, a big contrast to the old-world places we had just visited. I’m honestly not a massive car person, but you still cannot help but feel a little sense of wonder when you see these incredible machines up close. The color, a red that is so deep and shiny, is something that photos just don’t capture correctly.
Walking through the exhibits is pretty much like walking through car history. We saw some of the earliest Ferrari models, which looked surprisingly delicate, and then moved on to the aggressive-looking Formula 1 cars that have won so many championships. There’s a whole hall dedicated to victories that is just covered in trophies, and it gives you a real sense of the brand’s incredible heritage in racing. By the way, the tour often offers an optional go on an F1 simulator. We did it, and frankly, it’s a very humbling and incredibly fun experience. You get a real appreciation for the skill that professional drivers must possess. At the end of the day, the museum isn’t just for gearheads; it’s really a celebration of a kind of passion and artistry that feels very Italian.
Lunch and Logistics: Tying It All Together
So, you might be wondering how the day all fits together, and what about lunch? Well, included in our tour was a multi-course meal at a lovely local trattoria. This was actually a really smart part of the day, as the meal featured some of the very products we had just learned so much about. We had pasta with a simple yet delicious sauce, and of course, plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano to grate over the top. The second course came with a small drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar, and having just tasted the pure stuff, we had a brand-new appreciation for it. It really connected the whole morning together in a very satisfying way.
From a practical standpoint, the tour was run incredibly smoothly. We were picked up in a very comfortable, air-conditioned van, which was great since it was a fairly warm day. Our guide was completely fantastic—very friendly, full of stories, and clearly passionate about the region’s food and history. The group size was also pretty small, so it never felt crowded and we could always ask questions. The whole day was paced just about perfectly, I mean, we never felt rushed at any of the stops, yet we managed to fit a whole lot in. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into organizing the schedule so that it flows naturally from one experience to the next.
Is This Italian Dream Tour for You?
Okay, so let’s talk about who would really love this kind of tour. I mean, if you are a person who gets excited about food and its story, this is absolutely for you. You get to see behind the curtain of two of Italy’s most famous products. Likewise, if you have any interest at all in cars, design, or engineering, the Ferrari Museum part of the trip will be a huge highlight for you. To be honest, it is pretty much a perfect day out for couples or a small group of friends who want to experience different sides of Italian culture in a really efficient way.
Now, who might want to think twice? Well, if you have very young children, the long day and the detailed explanations at the food producers might be a bit much for them to really enjoy. It is also not a super budget-friendly activity, so that’s something to keep in mind, you know? You are paying for the convenience, the expert guide, and the access to these places, which I personally felt was worth it. As a little tip, I’d suggest wearing very comfortable shoes, because you do a fair amount of walking, especially in the museum. And, of course, show up with a very empty stomach. You will absolutely need the room.
Read our full review: Parmesan and Balsamic Food Tour with Ferrari Museum Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Parmesan, Balsamic & Ferrari Tour Tickets)
