We are going to Italy in Oct. One book suggested going to a chocolate factory in Perugia, Is it worth it? What factory or shop tours are worthwhile like the gondola factory. Thanks. Susan
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Italian car factories sometimes are open for tours. Ferrari, Fiat
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Also some Pottery factories are really just warehouse type facilities were they retail their goodas. Ie. Deruta, Ravello
Few are like USA factory tours organized led by a factory rep.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
I wouldn't miss seeing a Parmigianio-Reggiano cheese dairy outside of Parma. You can arrange the tours for free via email through thee consorzio and even take a taxi out to the nearest dairy. amazing experience and one of the best things I've done in Italy. The dairy i went had a cheese shop on the premises with incredible reasonably-priced and delicious cheese.
Not a factory per se, but I think you would enjoy seeing wineries or frantoios (olive oil presses), which are basically all over Italy.
I would read up and get actual opinions on the Perugina tours... now that it's owned by a massive company, I'm not sure how authentically italian it even is.
Perhaps it's just me but one of the reasons I love Italy is because the culture seems to largely shun "factory" type productions and rely more on smaller local production facilities. That's why I would be so weary of something like Perugina or say, Barilla and instead favor family-owned producers of various products. but that's just me.
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL, USA
26 posts
Thank you for your responses. I am interested in the cheese shop type places learning more about the authentic crafts.