Zocca: Dairy Factory Tour, Cows, Parmigiano Reggiano and Light Lunch｜Italy

Get ready for an unforgettable food and wine experience among the flavors and landscapes of Emilia, in the heart of mountain Parmigiano Reggiano production. This private tour takes you to one of the rare and historic dairies where tradition meets the unspoiled nature of high-altitude pastures. To perfectly adapt to your travel style and offer you maximum flexibility, the experience is available in two different options for you to choose from: you can book the Private Driver Option, with pick-up and drop-off service directly from your hotel or accommodation in Bologna, or the Self-Drive Option, ideal for those who love to move around in total freedom with their own vehicle.

By choosing the convenience of the all-inclusive tour with a private car and driver at your disposal for the entire day, your morning will begin with a delicious stop along the way for a classic Italian breakfast at a local pastry shop, where you will be pampered with the traditional combination of an artisanal croissant and cappuccino before heading towards the Emilian peaks. If, on the other hand, you prefer the autonomy of the self-drive option, you can manage the itinerary at your own pace, driving in total relaxation towards the wonderful area of the pastures, a perfect destination also for families with children.

The highlight of the experience for both options is the guided visit inside an authentic mountain dairy, where you will discover all the secrets of the artisanal production of the king of cheeses. Accompanied by local producers, you can closely observe the entire production process and see the cows grazing, understanding how the fresh grass-based diet influences the excellence of the final product (the cows are grazing from April to October, the ideal time to book).

The highlight of the day is a hearty and authentic Light Lunch consisting of the freshest specialties from the dairy. You will take part in a guided food tasting of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses aged for different periods, including the prized 24- and 30-month varieties and the rare Parmigiano di Vacca Bianca Modenese. Lunch will be enhanced by fresh ricotta, cow's milk cheeses and cacio, bread, jam, honey, yogurt or artisanal pannacotta, all expertly accompanied by an excellent local wine. A total immersion in the gourmet culture of Emilia before heading back on your own or being comfortably driven back to your hotel in Bologna by your private driver.