Fantastic day tour of Emilia - We had a fantastic day with Michelle . She was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The tour was very impressive and educational. We went from one experience to the next seamlessly. That tour gives you a great overview of where the main delicious food items of Emilia come from. We would highly recommend this experience.

BEST EXPERIENCE in 45 years of European travel! - We did a similar tour 10 years ago, which we loved so much, we decided to repeat this experience with friends who had not. This one was FAR SUPERIOR to the other (highly rated on T.A.). For me it was about the authenticity of the producers and the deep knowledge of our guide, Michelle, who clearly had great passion for the region and its food. I love this type of tour where I can learn so much! I am usually reluctant to spend when there are less expensive alternatives, but in this case, I am so glad that we decided to do a private tour (we were 4 in our party) and I can’t imagine a better choice. I like to cook Italian food at home and for company, and this food experience will forever elevate my sourcing of ingredients and spoil my guests! Kudos to our driver, Guido as well! (Get the driver because you have all that extra time with your guide). SO worth it.

A Delightful Culinary Journey with Guide Extraordinaire, Michelle! - From the moment our delightful tour commenced in the charming city of Parma, it was evident that we were in for an EXCEPTIONAL experience, thanks to our guide, Michelle. Her passion for the region's culinary heritage is evident! Our first stop was a traditional Parmigiano Reggiano cheese farm and factory. Michelle's expertise was unparalleled! She guided us through EACH STEP of the cheese-making process. Her ability to communicate complex processes in an easy-to-understand manner made the experience educational and enjoyable. Next, Michelle led us to a hidden gem "Acetaia" where Modena's famed Balsamic Vinegar is produced. This off-the-beaten-path venue was a delightful surprise, offering an intimate glimpse into the art of balsamic vinegar from an awarded "Acetaia." They transformed what could have been a simple tasting into a fascinating journey through the history and culture of this product and the region. The final leg of our tour was a Parma ham factory. She explained the intricate curing process with such detail and enthusiasm that we could almost taste the care and tradition in each slice of ham. Throughout the tour, Michelle's communication skills were excellent. She answered our myriad of questions with patience and an evident joy in sharing her knowledge. Her choice of smaller, less touristy venues provided a more authentic and intimate experience, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the local food culture. ARTEMILIA's tour is a must-do for any food enthusiast visiting the region. Her deep knowledge, excellent communication skills, and selection of unique venues combine to create an unforgettable culinary adventure. I recommend them and their customized tour options to anyone see seeking an authentic and enriching experience in the heart of Italy's food country.

Magic behind the scenes...IMPRESSIVE - The experience with Artemilia and Michelle was amazing. My wife and I did the gastronomic tour around Parma, Reggio Emilia and Modena. Michelle makes you travel to the past and brings you back to present continuously. She's very knowledgeable, professional and passionate. She took care of every single detail during the whole tour and had the patience to explain and answer all your questions (and I made a lot). The Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory tour was impressive, then the traditional Balsamic acetaia (vinegar factory) was mind blowing how they keep this tradition and making a delicious unique and bursting fully rich flavored balsamic, the wine tasting was simply fantastic on a breathtaking scenery through the Reggio Emilia and Parma hills, and the Prosciutto di Parma factory visit was incredible how a family and a few workers can produce such a delicious Prosciutto following the old traditions. Best money spent. Do it, you won't regret it. We're planning our next tour with Michelle and Artemilia.

MUST DO if you are a foodie and love wine - First, Michelle our guide was one of the best guides my husband and I have ever had and we travel a lot! She was so knowledgeable about the food and the culture/history. Not to mention she is fun and somebody you want to spend the day with in Italy. I would give this tour TEN stars. Second, the 3 stops to learn about cheese, ham and balsamic vinegar felt off the beaten path and we were able to discover the taste and views of Italy you only see on TV. (Think Stanley Tucci) Her knowledge, education and certifications were amazing. Lastly, the wine pairing lunch on top of the hills in the countryside was the highlight. The food was delicious and the wine was great. Seriously, do not miss this tour!

Wish I could give Michelle and her tour a SIX! - We had a group of three couples who like to think of themselves as "foodies" and factory tour "nerds." This experience was tailor made for us! Michelle Costa was our guide for the day-long, three-stop tour. We began at a facility that produces 30 wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese each and every day. Seeing the process close up was astounding. The experience of the master cheesemaker, the coordination he has with the other workers at critical times in the process, and the seeing the various stages in the aging process was educational and kind of overwhelming. Then...we walked into the aging room (see pictures below) to marvel at the storage, maintenance, and inspection of the wheels. We tasted four different ages of the Parmigiano Reggiano and Michelle introduced us to the steps in critically smelling and tasting the cheese with all our senses. Then...we got to taste the fresh ricotta that had just been skimmed from the whey that had been syphoned off the daily cheese production and simmered in a vat on the production floor (see picture). That, my friends, was the most delicious and sensuous food product I have ever tasted. Nothing--and I mean nothing--in the US even comes close to the flavor and texture of the fresh ricotta. Oh, to live in the Parma area and come to the mother lode of cheese to pick up fresh, artisanal products whenever I wanted! Our next stop was Acetaia Picci, a third-generation, family-run artisanal maker of balsamic vinegar, close to Reggio Emilia. Michelle gave us the tour of the production floor that included "batteries" of barrels of vinegar (see picture) and the process used to mature the vinegar through each barrel for the finest taste and aroma. Marco, the owner, then presented samples of each age of vinegar for us to taste. The finest, oldest version comes with a special dropper--if you use this vinegar for a salad dressing, I think the balsamic vinegar "cops" would hunt you down. Marco served it on a lovely spoonful of custard. Magic! Of course, we had to bring some home with us! Our final stop of the day was at Barbaterre--a winery outside Reggio Emilia. It was located on a hillside overlooking a lovely valley and taking your eye to the distant hills. They produce four types of wine, including a tasty lambrusco. We were treated to a lovely lunch with wine pairings on the open deck behind the main area of the villa. It felt like every Italian movie scene you've ever watched--light curtains wafting on the breeze, exceptional hospitality, and delicious food from the region. Grazia was our host and gave us a tour of the wine-making facility, as well as a description of the wine we were offered with each lunch course. By her side was Mambo, a rescue pup who was obviously thriving at Grazia's heels and with her care. Michelle is an excellent tour guide! She is from Parma and is knowledgeable about the food and wines of the region, as well as the history of the area. We took her food tour of Parma the day before this tour and had a wonderful time. We would highly recommend planning ahead and booking your tour(s) of the Parma and Reggio Emilia regions through artemilia!

A Perfect Day in Parma, Italy - During our recent trip to Parma, we were fortunate to spend the day with Michelle from artemilia guided tours. Michelle is a fountain of information. We learned so much about how Parmesan Cheese is made. We got to see up close and personal every step in the process… it was fascinating! From seeing the cows who produce the milk for the cheese, to a tasting, the tour was perfect! We also learned how balsamic vinegar is produced through a tour at a real balsamic factory with Michelle. She explained and showed us the entire process. It was so informative! Our special day ended with a tour of a winery followed by a wine tasting, & incredible lunch showcasing the food specialties of the region. It was our favorite day in the Parma region. If you are lucky enough to spend some time with Michelle on one of her tours, you will be happy you did!

Parma food & wine tour - We had a wonderful tour with Michelle Costa in Parma. The cheese factory was very interesting - quite a process! And we enjoyed the delicious cheese! The balsamic vinegar was delicious as well and quite amazing how long it takes and the hard work that goes into it. The wine tasting at Barbaterre was fantastic! We enjoyed quite a lunch and sampled several wines. We finished up at the Ham plant. Michelle was able to show us around the plant to see all of the different steps involved. And of course we finished up with several yummy samples.

Wonderland of food - The experience was really amazing. Well balanced both in terms of information and timing.The guide is very passionate and we can see it from the level of engagement and commitment to make the most out of our day.