My head is spinning trying to sort this out so I hope I can get some advice and suggestions. I will be with friends in Italy during a Milan (arrival), Lake Como, Venice, Montepulciano, and Rome trip. I would like to take a day or overnight trip while my friends are in Venice. I love Venice, but have been many times while they have not, and would love to have an introduction (as a prelude to a future trip) to the Bologna/Modena area. I would like to train it as a day or overnight trip. I am most interested in visiting Pedroni for Balsamic tasting and their restaurant, Osteria did Rubbiara for their Balsamic inspired meal. I would also be interested in Parmesan reggiosi tasting, but this is secondary to balsamic tasting. Any recommendations as to how to accomplish both of these? I am happy to take a train and taxi to the Pedroni place if best. Then I could train to Bologna to spend the evening and night before taking the train back to Venice.