Modena

Overview

Discover Modena: Private Tours, Experiences & Custom Travel

Modena, perhaps best known for its fine balsamic vinegar 'Aceto Balsamico di Modena', is a gorgeous town just waiting to be explored. Located in the heart of Emilia Romagna, a northern Italian region now famed for its fantastic food and supercars, it has long been an important seat of history and culture. In fact, in 1598 the town was proclaimed capital of the Estense Dukedom under the Este lords, and one of the most strategically important places in Italy right up to its unification in 1861. The splendid Ducal Palace, former seat of the court and named Europe's most beautiful Baroque palace, was built by the Este family in 1634 and can still be visited by tourists today. Meanwhile the Estense Gallery showcases the most important collection of art and relics from the longstanding Este rule. In the main square of Modena, Piazza Grande, you can admire the beauty of the cathedral and its annexed campanile the Ghirlandina which are so culturally significant that they have been granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status. A walking tour of this small but perfectly formed town would be the ideal way to explore its best features and revel in its architectural gems.

Modena, and indeed the entire region of Emilia Romagna, is a paradise for gastronomes. Not only does it boast the most DOP and IGP products in Europe, but it is also home to the world's number one restaurant, Osteria Francescana. Once Modena's best kept secret, owner Massimo Bottura has recently achieved worldwide fame for his innovative approach to Italian cuisine, obtaining three Michelin stars and critical acclaim. Mercato Albinelli, the central market, has been keeping the heritage of the town alive since the Middle Ages and has more recently been used as a protagonist in the US comedy series Master of None. Here tourists can delight in the fresh produce and pick up some of the local delicacies, from Parmigiano Reggiano to Prosciutto di Modena and Aceto Balsamico, to take home with them.

For those looking for something faster paced, Modena and its surrounding region is also home to giants in the automotive industry, with Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini right on its doorstep. Visitors can delight in making a trip to these supercar museums, or can even book a test drive to get a real feel of Italian luxury and speed.

This humble town, packed with things to see, do, eat and experience, is located just over two hours away from Rome and is definitely worth a visit.

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Modena in pictures

Gallery

A few frames from our own trips. The rest are in the gallery below.

Modena Historical Center

Beautiful Modena

Emiglia Romana Italy

Modena

Emiglia Romagna Italy with Italy Vacation Specialists

Map

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Multi-Day Holidays Tours

Whole journeys, planned end to end

Discover Emilia Romagna West (9 nights/10 days) : All Private tour of Emilia Romagna including Bologna, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, and incredible wine/food experiences plus Ferrari, Parmesan & Prosciutto

Our Emilia Romagna Discovery Experience is a great option for first time visitors or returning visitors to the region who want to feel first hand the local traditions of the food and wine producers while discovering the main towns and cities in the W...

Private

10 Days / 9 Nights

Fast Cars and Fine Food in Emilia Romagna Northern Italy with Optional Pre and Post Tours in Florence and Venice

Explore northern Italy and the land where speed was born on this 8 day epic journey through Emilia Romagna.

Small Group

7 Days / 6 Nights

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Popular Transfer Routes in Modena

The rides our guests ask for most, with a driver who knows the way.

Italy Vacation Specialists provides licensed private transfer services throughout Italy, including Modena and surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience, our professional English-speaking drivers offer both Business Class and Luxury Class vehicles for airport transfers, city-to-city rides, and full-day chauffeur services. All vehicles are fully insured, well-maintained, and operated by vetted local drivers who know the roads, traffic patterns, and best routes across the region.

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