We had such a nice time during our tour here. The gentleman running the show when we arrived did…read morenot speak a drop of English but luckily our driver was generous enough to translate for us. He walked us through how the balsamic vinegar is made and the aging process it has to go through before being bottled. We also got to taste the 15 and 30 year balsamic. They were both so delicious that we purchased some of each to take home.

The Boni family was there to greet us when we arrived for our tour. The current owner is the 4th or…read more5th generation, and his wife and his grandfather were there watching over his children (who have barrels of their own already aging). They're a very friendly and passionate family, experts in their field. If you were to purchase any balsamic vinegar made from Lambrusco (from Trebbiano grapes), this maker would be just the place. Discounts given based on your tour.

My mom and I had a wonderful tour with Darren. The small group was fantastic and it gave the…read morefeeling of a group of friends exploring a new city. Darren was wonderful and provided excellent recommendations for other places to try in the city and was very knowledgeable. The food was fantastic and everything was well worth the tour price. It was about four hours and a perfect way to get to know the city!

Definitely, worth it!…read more Stumbled upon this tour, while doing some research for my trip. It had great reviews, so I was in. So I reached out to them on very short notice. The booking person, Andrea C. was so kind and went above and beyond to accomated our group so we could go the next day. Our total group size, upon arrival, was 10 total. We arrived at their requested meeting place, central location of the Basilica Petronia. Valentina was our tour guide, and she was so sweet. She gave us lots of fun facts and a little history, which I loved, along with each visit. They have several tours: Bologna Wine Tasting Tortellini Making Experience Cooking Class Sunset Food Tour Classic Tour We did the Classic tour. Includes yummy pasta tasting, with traditional broth, which tasted like a warm hug. We had several stops (dress comfortabld/sneakers), including traditional coffee shop, bread shop, and cheese shop, and farmers market. The group got along well, and enjoyed walking in and out of the cobble stone streets, and stopping to hear from Valentina. Great tour!

A taste of Liquid Gold!…read more A visit to Modena would not have been complete without going to an Acetaia where Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP is made. Since we are just in town for a day trip without a car, looking for somewhere that is accessible is our top priority. And we ended up making a reservation to visit Acetaia di Giorgio. The tour with tasting is complimentary. It was such an experience to be welcomed to the House of the producers and have an understanding of the process, the classifications and the family traditions. Our tour was small with just 3 of us. Tasting for sure was my favourite part! And tasting the "real" thing vs the one I had been used for salad dressing from the local grocery store was an experience all food loving people should not missed. And of course we went home with some of our prized souvenir from our day trip to Modena.

Such a fun (and fairly inexpensive) way to get up to the Santuario Madonna di San Luca!…read more We bought our tickets online and came to the kiosk that is in front of the shops to the left (east) of Basilica di San Petronio (left when you are facing the church.) At the kiosk, the person scanned our tickets and placed us on the next "train." We didn't have to wait that long and he made sure to tell us which side we were being picked up from. The ride didn't take that long because it was so interesting. I appreciated the headsets and being able to listen as we drive along. The second "train" that brought us back down to the city didn't have headsets but there was a loudspeaker for interesting facts.

We walked right past the doors to the welcome center at first because and we should have known…read morethey're a lot of people in front blocking the doors. So to find it visit the Fontana del Nettuno it's the large building near the middle of the open square across from the basilica di San Petronio. If you walk around the building you will find a gelateria. Walk into the welcome center to your left you will find staff to help you get what you need. In this case tickets for the San Luca express. We also purchased a bundle here at the welcome center where we hop on and off the bus stop was in front of our hotel so it worked out perfectly. We were able to visit many museums. So if you're wondering where do I go now that I have my ticket for the train you'll exit the building the same way but make a left walk to the end of the portico and cross the street the train will be there shortly but if you are talking the bus tour today only walk to the end of the portico do not cross the street. I noticed some were confused with the guides.. TIP: after you receive your ear buds plug them into the radio speaker located just in front or on the side of you depending on the type of vehicle.. the number indicator tells you what channel you are on, you will need to change the channel unless you speak Italian. You may be surprised but yes Italian first speakers do take these tours as many of them are from another region. So Italian is channel 1 English is 2 many languages to choose from.. believe it or not many get confused where to stand in line.. yes the doors open to many cars but you need to check in. First to get your earbuds and they can check your ticket. Also the back is reserved for handicapped. I believe the trains run every 20 min they told us 15 but we waited closer to 30 minutes to leave. We passed many fit people looking tired from walking the hills through the porticos I bet it's amazing if you have time and like to take photos the walk would be great! But the train ride was well worth it I'd do it again!

I've been to Italy many times before and I have never been so welcomed before as I did whilst…read moreattending a trip organized by italygate. Every details is cured to perfection... They are very detail oriented, yet cozy and flexible. No request is too big or too small for them! We visited the Acetaio Leonardi, the Caseificio Caretti and lastly, we visited Maranello for a dream car rental. The tour was personalized with detailed explanations of everything and we also got to eat in a beautiful emilian restaurant as the locals do.

Allora! Warning:…read moreLONG post ahead... Have you ever felt the joy of when your expectations were surpassed by reality? My elation may have been beyond that . Though the memories and emotions from Francescana at Casa Maria Luigia (CML) are permanently branded into my temporal lobe, I'm desperately assuaging my sadness that this incredible experience has come to an end. Thus, an homage to perhaps my favorite (celebrity) couple, Massimo & Lara. The very first episode of the first season of Chef's Table on Netflix was my introduction into the culinary mastery of Chef Massimo Bottura. And honestly, I've been obsessed ever since. So much could be said about his traditional influences while hiding under his nonna's kitchen table to his creative brilliance that at times were shunned by the local Modenese, but since this is an IG post we'll keep it at that. My fiancé and I uncharacteristically planned our trip to Italy only couple months in advance. Understandably and sadly, both Osteria Francescana and Francescana were booked. However, by a stroke of luck there happened to be a single room available for a single night at CML with the option to dine at Francescana. I booked it immediately without hesitation. When we arrived, we were given a tour of our "home away from home" (check my reel for a glimpse into the beautiful stay) and as we were being taken to our room, I recognized Lara immediately. I wasn't sure if either of them would be present but there she was! We wandered the property, eating fresh baked pistachio cookies, gawking at the Ferrari and Ducati collection, sipping on grappa while listening to jazz, just patiently waiting for 7:30 to roll around. Clock struck half past and we eagerly sat while staff promptly poured water and wines for the tasting. Then Lara came around to each table, greeting each guest in such a warm and calming demeanor. I wanted to ask for a picture but was way too shy and ultimately missed my chance ... Then she embarked on the journey of Casa Maria Luigia and the first three courses of the tasting, including an inspiration from a Beetles song, a traditional family dish flipped completely on its head, and an affectionate tribute to the best cheese in the world aged between 24-50 months! The flavors were intense, complex and lingered on your palette just long enough for the next dish. The textures were playful, some dancing, some kicking while others lied dormant in the back of your mouth before it was digested. Maybe an hour and a half in, Chef flew in through the kitchen with his expected jolly and chaotic energy infecting everyone with smiles as he shared in the task of describing the main courses. The fight between siblings for the best part of the lasagna. The flavor packed tortellini that weigh only a single gram each and was recently served to the Prince of Monaco. The conflict of a recently anointed three-Michelin star chef walking into a Burger King to view the newly hung Damien Hirst painting during the London Olympics. My mouth still drools at the thought of these dishes... and chuckles at the stories behind them... and awes at watching Chef at work, splattering various veggie sauces across his plated canvas. Up til now I must admit there is complete adoration for this experience and truly not a single thing I would change about it. And aside from the seventh course, I truly wouldn't. But I must admit, I was not the biggest fan of the North to South which is Chef's desire to bridge the geographic regions of Italy together with a Sicilian blood orange flavored risotto served cold for savory dessert. But, his signature lemon tart and a camouflaged chocolate terrain were as visually stunning as they were stunning to the palate. Not sure what it's like at Osteria Francescana, but can attest that Casa Maria Luigia brings the best of Massimo & Lara into a tangible privilege for the mind, body and community. Hopefully this isn't too hype, but seriously... it's just the best.

My husband and I are big foodies and had heard great things about visiting this place. Two months…read moreago we booked a night at the Casa Maria Luigia along with dinner/beverage pairing at Francescana at Maria Luigia as part of a larger trip to Italy from the US. Fast forward 2 months and I am 7 weeks pregnant, sick with the flu (fever/vomiting), and barely able to get to the place (train+taxi) let alone enjoy it. We arrived and let the staff know that only my husband would join for the dinner and that I wasn't feeling well and didn't want to get others sick. Obviously the pregnancy and illness aren't their fault and the terms of the sale indicated it was non-refundable. However, at fine dining establishments in the US they've often had a clause for illness or other reasons to adjust the reservation - I consider this to be a part of great customer service. Considering we paid nearly 2,000 euros for this experience, I was surprised they wouldn't even refund my wine pairing (170 euros) as even if I wasn't sick, I wouldn't have been able to partake in it due to pregnancy. They gave us a credit for future use that expires in one year, which is comical since I will still be pregnant or with a newborn for that full year. Obviously they know how to cook here, but the customer service made what was already a tough day (missing my dream foodie experience and being bed-ridden on a beautiful estate) even more frustrating.

I recently had occasion to visit Bologna for a few days and would like to endorse B&B Cesarina. I…read morechose it for its convenience to the sporting event in which I was participating at CUSB, but the degree of hospitality provided by the proprietors, Giorgio and Cesarina, was superlative. First of all, the room provided was all I needed: comfortable bed, ample closet space, air conditioning, desk with chair, quiet. The shared bathroom was very clean and always available. Towels and sheets were clean and fresh. I speak very little Italian and they speak very little English, but with Goggle Translate, and with other guests at breakfast, we were able to accomplish everything. And, I was not the most prepared guest, but they accommodated every need! I didn't have the proper a electrical adapter for Italy and one was lent to me. I needed my boarding pass printed, and voilà, it was done. As I was headed to airport after my sports tournament, they allowed me to return, late afternoon, after checkout, to shower. The graciousness is outstanding. Highly recommended. I'd stay here again any time in the area. Two thumbs up!

This was a perfect spot for out quick night in Bologna. Close to restaurants, shops & sights. Plus…read morethey have parking which was extremely helpful. Big, clean rooms. Friendly staff. Reasonably priced. Adequate breakfast. Would stay here again upon return.