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Artisan Food Making Tours near Florence

We're going to be back in Florence for 9 days at the end of May. (Judging from the accommodation availability it looks like a lot of other people are going to be there, too.) We'd like to tour a olive oil or balsamic vinegar making operation. Other artisan food production would be interesting, too.

Thanks in advance, W&J

Posted by
541 posts

For balsamic vinegar you have to pass the mountains and go in the province of Modena, where the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar is made. You can take a train to Bologna and arrange a food tour from there, including maybe prosciutto maker, Parmigiano-Reggiano dairy and traditional wines of Emilia-Romagna. I suggest to contact Emilia-Romagna Tours: they arrange that kind of tours.

Posted by
5 posts

Thank you Ricky. It looks like Bologna is about an hour by train from Florence, so it is a great option.

Posted by
617 posts

I recently took the Italian Days food tour out of Bologna and it was interesting and fun. You see cheese, balsamic vinegar and prosciutto factories and then have a splendid lunch. The only downside for you coming from Florence is the tour begins at 7 a.m. due to the cheese-making all happening early in the morning.
Cynthia

Posted by
5 posts

Ramblin': The link to the article is great. If we have any energy after the tour, we'll definitely make use of it.

Cynthia: It is possible to get to Bologna for a 7 am pick up if you are determined. Sadly, none of the direct trains leave before 07:00. There is a regional train leaving Firenze Santa Maria Novella at 04:32 and arriving at Bologna Centrale at 06:16. Italian Days picks up at the station.