Bologna isn’t just Italy’s foodie capital; it’s also a hub for memorable full-day tours that reveal the region’s best flavors and fastest cars. If you love gastronomy, the Private Emilia Romagna Food Tour offers a private, immersive dive into Italy’s culinary traditions—think prosciutto, parmesan, and balsamic vinegar—paired with local wines. For car enthusiasts, a day at the Ferrari Full Day or the Ferrari Vip Tour Full Day Experience delivers adrenaline-pumping drives and behind-the-scenes looks at legendary factories. And if you’re after a blend of automobile marvels and gourmand delights, the Full Day Super Cars, Parmesan, Balsamic Tour combines Italian supercar history with tastings, all in one day.
Bologna’s central location makes it a perfect base for a variety of full-day excursions—whether you want to indulge in Italy’s best cheeses and cured meats or roar down the track in a Ferrari. The choice depends on your interests, but each tour provides a rich, engaging experience that’s worth booking in advance.
Quick Overview
This list features full-day tours in Bologna that cover culinary tours, sports car adventures, and a mix of both. From private food experiences that visit cheese producers, prosciutto factories, and balsamic vinegar houses, to exciting visits to Ferrari and Lamborghini museums and even test-driving supercars, there’s something for every traveler. Each tour is designed to maximize your time and give you authentic, hands-on experiences. For details on these adventures, see the links in each section.
1. Private Emilia Romagna Food Tour Full Day
At number 1, this private food tour is a highlight for anyone eager to explore Emilia Romagna’s culinary riches. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on authentic, family-run producers. You’ll visit a Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese maker and a Prosciutto di Parma ham factory, where you’ll see the cheese and cured meats crafted in traditional ways that haven’t changed for centuries. A visit to a balsamic vinegar producer completes the experience, giving you insight into Italy’s most revered condiment. The day’s highlight is a traditional lunch paired with local wines, featuring filled pasta, cheese, and cured meats, making your taste buds appreciate Italy’s gastronomic depth.
This tour is for travelers who want a personalized experience—it’s private, with undivided attention from the guide, and includes all tastings and visits with admission tickets. “Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, and the cheese and prosciutto tours were unforgettable,” says a recent review. The price ($308.16) might seem steep, but considering the private tour, multiple in-depth visits, and exquisite tastings, it’s a premium experience for food lovers.
Bottom Line: The Private Emilia Romagna Food Tour provides an intimate, all-encompassing look at Italy’s culinary heritage, perfect for gourmets and those seeking a meaningful connection with local producers.
2. Ferrari Full Day
At number 2, the Ferrari Full Day takes you deep into Italy’s legendary Motor Valley. The tour covers visits to both the Ferrari Museum in Maranello and the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena, offering a comprehensive look at the brand’s history. The highlight is a panoramic drive around the Maranello track, where you’ll see the iconic factory and Fiorano test track, guided by an authorized Ferrari expert.
For car enthusiasts, the real thrill comes with the optional Ferrari bus tour of the factory and the chance to see vintage and modern Ferraris in the museums. The tour includes a lovely two-course lunch at a farmhouse surrounded by the region’s lush landscape—no need to be a racing fanatic to appreciate the fascinating exhibits and high-performance cars.
Rated 4.5/5, travelers praise this tour for its well-organized itinerary and engaging museum visits. “Even non-car fans found this day fascinating,” one review states. It’s ideal for those who want a balanced mix of history, culture, and speed, all within a 7-hour window.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for motorsport fans and curious travelers alike who want a comprehensive Ferrari experience, with enough time for sightseeing and dining.
3. Full Day Super Cars, Parmesan, Balsamic Tour w/Light Lunch
Coming in at number 3, this tour offers a unique blend of Italy’s luxury car brands and culinary treasures. Starting from Bologna or Modena, you’ll visit a Parmesan cheese dairy farm, where you’ll observe cheese-making and enjoy tastings of aged Parmigiano Reggiano, Ricotta, and Caciotta, accompanied by balsamic vinegar, local wine, and marmalade. Then, the exploration continues at the Lamborghini Museum, where you’ll see the first models like the Miura and Countach, and learn about their innovative design.
This tour is designed for car lovers and foodies who want to combine two of Emilia Romagna’s best exports. The guided visits are informative, and the tastings are generous, making it a good value at $389.84. Travelers note the experience as both informative and delicious, with one review saying, “The cheese and balsamic tastings exceeded expectations.” The lunch, served after the museum visits, complements the day perfectly.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those who want a more relaxed pace with a focus on Italy’s automotive innovation and gastronomic excellence.
4. Ferrari Vip Tour Full Day Experience – 2 Test Drive Included
Number 4 offers a luxurious, adrenaline-filled day for Ferrari fans. This exclusive tour includes visits to both Ferrari museums in Maranello and Modena, plus a drive on the Fiorano test track. The highlight is getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari 488 Challenge, with a professional driver instructing you, and a road test in a Ferrari 488 Spider. You also receive a video recording of your test drives as a keepsake.
The experience is tailored for serious car enthusiasts willing to spend over $4,000 for a full-day of VIP treatment. The guide also takes you to Enzo Ferrari’s favorite restaurant, Cavallino’s from Bottura, for lunch, making it a day to remember. Reviews highlight the unmatched thrill of real race car experience combined with museum visits.
Bottom Line: Best suited for luxury travelers and Ferrari aficionados eager for an adrenaline rush and exclusive behind-the-scenes access.
5. Full-Day Ferrari Museum, Pagani, Maserati Factories Guided Tour
Rounding out the list at number 5, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Italy’s supercar factories. The day covers the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, the Pagani hypercars, and Maserati’s factory, giving you a broad view of Italy’s automotive excellence. You’ll see the most iconic models, including Formula One cars and vintage racers, and learn about each brand’s unique story.
This tour is ideal for those wanting to see multiple marques in one day without the high price tag of the VIP Ferrari experience. With a 5/5 review, travelers appreciate the friendly guides and the well-paced itinerary. It’s a good choice for more casual car enthusiasts who want to soak in the sights without splurging on luxury driving.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for anyone interested in Italy’s automotive diversity, combining factory visits with museum exploration.
$24
How to Choose
When choosing the right full-day tour in Bologna, consider your specific interests and budget. If you’re passionate about gastronomy, the private Emilia Romagna Food Tour offers an intimate look at cheese, ham, and balsamic vinegar production—perfect for food lovers. For those who dream of racing, the Ferrari VIP tour with test drives promises an unforgettable day behind the wheel. Budget travelers might prefer the more economical Full-Day Ferrari Museum, Pagani, Maserati Factories Guided Tour, which covers multiple brands without the VIP price.
Booking early is recommended, especially for experiences with limited availability like the VIP Ferrari tour or private culinary excursions. Also, check whether your interests lean more toward culinary adventures, automotive history, or supercar driving experiences, and select accordingly.
Bologna offers a fantastic array of full-day tours tailored to various passions—be it food, cars, or both. For culinary connoisseurs, the private Emilia Romagna Food Tour is hard to beat, while car enthusiasts will find the Ferrari and Lamborghini excursions exhilarating. For a balanced experience with a taste of both worlds, the Full Day Super Cars, Parmesan, Balsamic Tour combines taste and speed seamlessly.
No matter your choice, booking in advance ensures you secure your spot in these popular experiences. Bologna’s rich offerings promise a full day of engaging, authentic adventure—so pick what excites you most and enjoy Italy’s best.