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8. Parma Food Valley Gourmet Private Tour Easy

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15. Slow Parma Food Experience Half Day Private Tour and Tasting

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In the Heart of the Food Valley to discover the excellence of Emilia Romagna

Guided tours to discover the most famous products in the world!

Parmalook Food Tour Experience

The Look Eat by ParmaLook travel agency promotes the Parma area, its province and the Emilia Romagna region, through the daily organization of guided tours and in particular gastronomic experiences to discover typical products and the local food and wine culture.

The tours take place every day and can have different durations depending on the availability of the visitors, they include transport with a private Mini Van, guide, entrance to the facilities and tastings. Choose the type of visit you prefer and let us know when you will come to Parma. We take care of the rest.

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The Ultimate Food Tour in Parma, Italy

January 23, 2024 //  by  Gwen Engler //   Leave a Comment

M and I were by no means unusual in our priorities for our trip to Italy : we wanted to experience beautiful scenery, a culture steeped in history and tradition, and – perhaps most of all – amazing food . We were fortunate to check all of those off our list over the course of our vacation (it’s not hard to do in Italy!), but the amazing food bit was accomplished right away. At 8:00 AM on our first morning in Italy, we embarked on a full-day food tour around the city of Parma.

Parma is located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, about an hour and a half southeast of Milan. This area is known as the “Food Valley” of Italy, which is saying something in a country that is known from top to bottom for its incredible cuisine. Gastronomic traditions run deep in Emilia-Romagna, and there are multiple food products that are cultivated and crafted here and nowhere else. Much like how you can’t call sparkling wine “Champagne” unless it comes from that particular region in France, foodstuffs like proscuitto (or Parma ham), Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and balsamic vinegar are endowed with protected status and special designations here.

There are two major systems/designations for recognizing and protecting foods produced traditionally in Italy: Denominazione di origine protetta  (DOP, or Protected Designation of Origin/PDO) for foods and Denominazione di origine controllata  (DOC, or Controlled Designation of Origin/CDO) for wines. These designations indicate that each particular product is made completely in the area in which it originated, exclusively using materials and ingredients from that area, and according to original historical processes and traditions. Each step of each production process is heavily regulated to ensure authenticity and quality.

For our food tour, we chose the “Big Fives” full-day experience from Food Valley Travel . It was a bit of a splurge, as the tour was private and included five different stops and tastings, but we walked away feeling like we had gotten the best and most comprehensive glimpse into Emilia-Romagnan food culture possible. This was due in no small part to our guide, Monica, whose breadth and depth of knowledge about each of the places we visited was only matched by her good humor and ease of conversation. If you’re considering a food tour in Parma or elsewhere in the region, I highly recommend this one!

Stop 1: Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese

The first stop on our Parma food tour was the Consorzio Produttori Latte , where we were able to witness the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese from start to finish. The Consorzio (consortium, or cooperative) is located just off the highway outside Parma and is a medium-size but high quality producer in the Parmigiano-Reggiano production area

We donned hair and shoe coverings as well as disposable sanitary gowns before entering a room lined with huge copper vats. These steam-heated cauldrons hold about 290 gallons and are where the milk is heated with whey and rennet (a natural enzyme) to form the curd.

We even got to watch as workers pulled the baby Parmigiano-Reggiano from the bottom of the vats and separated it into what would become two wheels of cheese.

Monica then led us into the drying room…

… and another area where the wheels are given a salty bath to enrich their flavor and help preserve the cheese.

Most magnificent was the aging room, where the fully-processed wheels of cheese spend the next twelve to forty-eight months (or longer!) reaching cheesy perfection. Being in a room filled floor-to-ceiling with cheese is basically my dream come true.

At the end of the tour, we were treated to a tasting of three agings of Parmigiano-Reggiano: twelve, twenty-four, and thirty-six months. I love tastings like this, ones that allow you to sample the same product prepared in different ways, because you really get to appreciate the effect that different variables have on the final product. It’s amazing how cheeses that were created in the exact same way can be so different in structure and flavor profile simply because they were aged for different lengths of time.

All were delicious, of course. I could have nibbled Parmigiano-Reggiano all the live-long day if we didn’t have so many other tasty stops ahead of us. And speaking of which…

Stop 2: Culatello

The main reason that we chose the Big Fives food tour instead of any of the dozens of other offerings in Parma was because it included our second stop: Antica Corte Pallavicina and its world-renowned culatello . 

If you’ve never heard of culatello (or culatello di Zibello ) before, you’re not alone. It wasn’t until 2017 that this delectable cured meat was approved for import to the United States, and it’s still well under the radar for most people across the globe. But for those in the know, even prosciutto pales in comparison to this delicious pork product. 

Part of the reason that culatello is such a well-kept secret is that it is exclusively produced in a tiny part of Emilia-Romagna. This is because the curing of the meat is entirely dependent on the cool, foggy, humid microclimate found only in the lowlands near the Po River.

Antica Corte Pallavicina is located a stone’s throw from the Po and is not only a culatello producer but also features a Michelin-starred restaurant, an hosteria , and an eleven-room relais , or luxurious country guesthouse. 

And the property is just gorgeous.

It’s a pretty special experience to step inside a medieval estate and come face-to-face with a row of Michelin awards…

… but perhaps even more unique to descend into the 14th-century cellar and find yourself surrounded by hundreds of hanging, curing cuts of meat.

Culatello comes from pigs’ thigh muscles, from which the choicest cuts are trimmed, seasoned, and salted before being enclosed in the pig’s bladder and secured with a net of hand-tied ropes. These porcine packages are then hung in the cellar for at least ten months to cure in the cool, humid air.

Many of the culatelli are labeled with the person or restaurant to which they are specifically designated to be sold or given. The list of names is impressive, and includes such notable persons as King Charles of the United Kingdom and Prince Albert of Monaco.

Culatello is no joke.

After touring the cellars and learning all about the culatello-making process from Monica, we stepped back into the sunlight to sample the goods.

We cozied up at a little wooden table outside the hosteria, where we were treated to a board of cured meats, homemade bread, and bowls – not glasses – of Lambrusco wine. A sparkling red from Emilia-Romagna, Lambrusco is served in little bowls because at one time wine used to be considered a food. Farmers traditionally even mixed it with hot broth and pasta!

Our meat board also featured pancetta, prosciutto, and two types of salami, but there was no doubt that the culatello was the star of the show. A little bit of cured meat can go a fair distance with me, but I couldn’t get enough of it. The depth and rich complexity of the flavor, the melt-in-your-mouth texture… it was easy to see why people pay the big bucks for this special product.

After a thoroughly enjoyable – and filling – repast and conversation with Monica, we were glad to have an hour’s drive to the next stop on our Parma food tour. Not only did we get to see more of the Emilia-Romagnan countryside, but it gave us a chance to digest in preparation for our next treat!

Quick Photo Stop: Castello di Torrechiara

It wasn’t officially a stop on our Parma food tour, but Monica was kind enough to pull us over for a great view of the 15th-century Castello di Torrechiara , or Torrechiara Castle.

This massive hilltop fortress, located about a half hour south of Parma, had been slowly taking shape on the horizon as we drove. We were delighted to be able to stop and admire it for a moment or two.

Stop 3: Malvasia Wine

No food tour of Emilia-Romagna would be complete without a stop at a winery, and the views couldn’t have been much better from this one. We left the flat, industrial plains of Parma behind and found ourselves in rolling, vineyard-clad hills. Perched atop one of them was the lovely Cantine Dall’Asta .

Cantine Dall’Asta has been making wine for over a hundred years, and some of the property’s wine cellars date to the 1500’s. We got to check out those cellars, which were lined with bottles tilted at an angle to help create a sparkling effect as they aged. I personally couldn’t get over how the racks were constructed by laying bottles across thin wooden slats – it seemed so precarious! At the same time, though, I loved the adherence to tradition.

I’ll admit that, while it’s always interesting to hear how wine is made and Cantine Dall’Asta uses a variety of traditional and modern techniques, the real delight of visiting this particular winery was the gorgeous view from the terrace. Green hills undulated away before us, and the Castello di Torrechiara sat proudly at the center of the scene.

Sipping delicious Malvasia CDO wine in the Italian countryside with a genuine castle in the background… that’s the stuff of dreams. We could have lingered in the warm October air for hours just drinking in the sights and the vintages. In fact, this was the only stop on our Big Fives Parma food tour where we felt a little rushed.

I mean, who would want to leave?

Stop 4: Prosciutto

Thankfully, however, there was more delicious food in store. Next up was a visit to Salumificio Conti , a family-owned (and largely women-run) producer of prosciutto/Parma ham. Rather like our visit to the Parmigiano-Reggiano co-op, this stop was another factory tour. Once again clad in a devastatingly attractive set of hair nets, gowns, and booties, we followed Monica through the factory as she explained the many steps necessary to create this world-famous cured meat.

We saw where the hams were salted and chilled…

Where they were hung to cure in the cool Emilia-Romagnan breezes (strategically let in through tall windows), and where the ends are greased to assist in the curing process.

I’ll tell you what – I have never seen so many hams in all my life. They were hanging everywhere! Vegans beware – this is not the stop for you.

After we made our way through the factory, we were of course treated to a sampling of the excellent Conti prosciutto (and wine, naturally). And it was, of course, delicious. 

Unfortunately, Salumificio Conti was our final stop of the day with our intrepid guide, Monica, since at our last destination we would be hosted by the owner. We were so grateful for her information, her extremely professional guidance, and her company throughout the day and were sad to see her go!

Stop 5: Balsamic Vinegar

Our final destination was a family-run balsamic vinegar operation, Tenuta Medici Ermete . The Medici family have been making wine and balsamic vinegar for five generations, and stepping onto the 19th-century property feels like traveling back in time. 

You access Medici Ermete by turning onto a lane that takes you through rows and rows of grape vines. At the center is a complex of square, tan-colored buildings where people have lived and worked the land for generations. It really feels like living history, especially with all the antique farm and winery equipment scatted about.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by Alessandra, a fourth-generation member of the family. She led us across the property with a deep but quiet pride. I just loved getting to learn about this process from someone so passionate and profoundly connected to it.

Most of the balsamic vinegar aging is done in an upstairs, attic-like room, which is accessible by climbing a flight of well-trodden wooden steps.

Once inside, you are surrounded by the tempting aroma of aging vinegar and dozens of barrels of all sizes and types of wood. Alessandra explained the process of crafting balsamic vinegar, including the effect that the different woods have on the taste of the final product.

She also explained how each child born into the family is gifted a set of vinegar-making barrels, which I thought was such a beautiful way of passing along the family tradition. Walking into the room below, we could see the names of Medici family members adorning the racks.

After our tour of the vinegar attic, it was time to taste the finished product. Alessandra poured us spoonfuls of vinegar that had been aged for 12-20 years, 20-25 years, and more than 25 years, and goodness me . I don’t know if you’ve ever tasted real, high-quality balsamic vinegar before, but it is life changing. There’s absolutely no comparison to the bottles you buy at the grocery store to use in cooking. It’s so sweet and complex and sits so decadently on the tongue. 

In Conclusion

M and I couldn’t have asked for a better, more comprehensive introduction to Emilia-Romagnan cuisine than our full-day food tour from Parma. The quality and craftsmanship was obvious in every food we sampled, and it was fascinating to see the work and tradition that goes into making each product. Monica was a fantastic guide, and Food Valley Travel did a great job in structuring the experience. 

If this full-day tour seems too robust for you, or if you’d prefer an experience where you’re sampling completed dishes rather than individual products, there are plenty of shorter or differently-structured food tours and cooking classes in Parma . (Food Valley Travel also offers some great options .) Regardless of how you do it, though, you simply can’t leave Italy’s Food Valley without some sort of foodie experience!

Special thanks to Monica Vanin for correcting some errors in the original draft of this post and providing additional information where it was lacking!

Tips for Your Full-Day Parma Food Tour

• We loved the Big Fives food tour because it enabled us to experience so many different special foods from the region, but you should be aware that there is a lot of driving involved . The shortest distance between locations is about fifteen minutes, but all the others are at least forty minutes apart. 
• Speaking of driving, there are two options available when booking your Big Fives tour. You can choose to have transportation included, or you can drive yourself. The latter is significantly less expensive, even to the point that it may be more economical to do a one-day car rental, if you don’t already have one, rather than paying for driving services. (Guides are not allowed to concurrently serve as drivers in Italy, so the additional cost is specifically for a driver to come along just to transport you.)
• Wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit wet and/or dirty. The floor at the Parmigiano-Reggiano co-op is often wet, and you’ll also be walking over some uneven and potentially muddy terrain.

• Antica Corte Pallavicina also offers cooking classes , and where better to learn the art of Italian cooking? 
• You’ll get plenty of views of the Castello di Torrechiara traveling south along the SS655 highway, but taking a slight detour onto Strada Provinciale Pilastro (later Via Martiri Bernini) through the village of Torrechiara leads you to a couple of excellent photo spots . There’s less traffic, as well, so you can easily pull over for a moment to snap a picture or two.
• Cantine dall’Asta hosts lots of events and may be available to book for overnight stays. There are also other wineries and agriturismi (farm stays) in the area. If you have the opportunity to spend more time in this lovely corner of Emilia-Romagna, take it.
• Gratuities for tour guides are always appreciated.  

Where to Stay in Parma for Your Food Tour

We used credit card points to book our stay at the Starhotels du Parc in Parma and had a good experience. The room and bathroom were both large and comfortable, the staff were friendly, and parking was available onsite. The historical center of Parma, with its beautiful buildings and delicious restaurants, was about twenty minutes away on foot, but the walk led you through the pretty Parco Ducale from which the hotel got its name.

There are plenty of other places to stay in Parma , and choosing a hotel closer to the historic center obviously puts you closer to all the action. The Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati is located right beside the Baptistry with views of the Parma Cathedral, and Opera Rooms and Breakfast is a charming B&B that travelers love.

With its rich history of food production, the Parma area is also an excellent spot to lodge at an agriturismo , or farm stay. Antica Corte Pallavicina and Cantine dall’Asta, above, are both agriturismi and host visitors overnight. The best place to find and compare agriturismi is on the official website, agriturismi.it . 

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A delicious and exclusive journey in the Italian Food Valley : discover some of the best gourmet food and wine the region has to offer, with a special focus on Parma, the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and Italian Capital of Culture 2020.

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Take local knowledge, slow tourism and a network of expert partners, season generously with authenticity, add a dash of innovation and serve with 20 years’ experience : our recipe for unique high-end food travel experiences in Parma and the Emilia Romagna region. As the longest-established tour operator in the area , we invite small, international groups of food lovers – from curious foodies to serious gourmets and industry professionals – to sample some of the finest hospitality and accommodation services Italy has to offer, crafting bespoke food and wine tours, gastronomy experiences and corporate events inspired by the rich culinary tradition of Italy’s “Food Valley”, its art, history and beautiful landscape.

PARMA FOOD TOUR

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WELCOME TO THE VIOLET CITY

Parma is a rare mix of art, music, gastronomy and good life. ​Find out why through squares, streets and food markets.

MEET THE ROYAL SWEETNESS

A fascinating old pastry shop is the stage to taste desserts back from a glorious past. Sneak inside the kitchen?

ENRICO BUTTA LA PASTA!

Anolini or Tortelli? Follow Enrico's tips to make the most delicious pasta and taste heaven inside hot meat broth

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Have you heard that Parmigiano Reggiano is called the king of cheese? Taste different ageings and learn to taste the difference

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Born in the fog and impossible to forget. ​Lose yourself in the smell and flavor of Culatello and Prosciutto di Parma and tickle your mouth with a glass of Lambrusco

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What's included.

• Desserts and cappuccino to start your tour with the right energy
• A hot bowl of egg pasta made right in front of you by Enrico
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tasting (4 different agings)
• Culatello, Parma ham and a mix of traditional cured meat you won't forget
• Local wine like Lambrusco or Malvasia

Tours are led by official guides fluent in English.

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10:30 am in Piazza Duomo square, in front of Parma Cathedral .

To arrive in Parma use local Trenitalia trains: only 1h and 7€ from Bologna Centrale station. Problems to book it? Get in touch, I'll do it for you.

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Food Valley Italy – Gourmet Tour – Full Day

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• Departures from: Bologna , Como , Firenze, Milano , Modena , Parma , Piacenza , Reggio Emilia , Verona, Forte dei Marmi
• Pick-ups: If you choose the car+driver option the price is calculated considering a pickup from Parma or immediate surroundings (max 15 Km). Drivers: The drivers are not driver-guides
• Guide: the guide joins you onboard the car+driver grade and always according to the Covid-regulations valid at the moment of booking. In case you choose the own-car grade, the guide drives his/her own vehicle and you just follow with yours (with our itinerary instructions as an emergency measure)

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This booking is made under Food’n Road – Terms & Policies . The contract for the purchase is between you and the supplier as per their cancellation terms described below:

No fee for cancellations up to 8 days before the tour; From 7 days to 3 days before the tour starting date: 50% penalty; 48 hours' notice: 70% penalty; 24 hours' notice: 100% penalty.

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• Jul 20, 2021

A Food Tour of Parma, Italy

Parma, Italy. Home of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma. Have you ever wondered what magic goes into making the world famous Parmigiano cheese, or how they create the beautifully marbled and perfectly sweet and salty prosciutto? Parma may not be the first place that comes to mind when you are building an Italian bucket list, but if you're planning a trip to Milan, Florence, Bologna, or even Venice, and you want a unique and authentic Italian experience that will entice your taste buds, then a Parma food tour is for you!

As travel begins to open back up, many people are looking for experiences away from large cities and typical tourist destinations. One way to stay away from crowds is by looking into agritourism experiences. Agritourism provides a way for you to discover the best local products of an area by visiting farms, vineyards, or ranches to learn how agricultural products are made, participate in harvests, or enjoy other rural activities.

On a recent visit to Milan, we decided to take a side trip and spend a few days in Parma. We are self-admitted cheese addicts and have come to love all forms of Italian prosciutto, so a trip to Parma was a no-brainer.

We booked a half-day Parma Cheese and Ham tour through Viator, with local tour company Parma Look . Our guide contacted us in advance to arrange our pick up location, and he graciously agreed to pick us up at our hotel in Parma's historic city center. He arrived the morning of the tour right on time, with a professional, sparkly clean van, and a warm, welcoming smile on his face. And off we went on our hunt for Parma cheese and ham!

A Visit to a Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Farm

We arrived at a small farm about 20 minutes outside of Parma, in the beautiful Reggio Emilia region of North Central Italy. It's important to note that only cheese made in this region can be called Parmigiano-Reggiano, and there are strict guidelines for its production. It has only three ingredients: fresh cow's milk, salt, and a natural enzyme called rennet to help with the curdling process.

The dairy we visited is special because the cheese there is made from milk produced by their very own resident cows, as opposed to having milk delivered from another location. By the way, because cows don't take vacation days from producing milk, cheese makers don't take days off either! Creating the King of all Cheeses is a back-breaking, non-stop, 365 day per year job, and the cheese lovers of the world are grateful for it!

Our guide gave us a tour of the farm, explained how the cows are taken care of, and introduced us to the stars of the show. They were shy but curious as we approached, but a few allowed us to pet them, and one or two even posed for the camera. We learned that cows who are calm and relaxed make the best cheese, so we tried to make the interaction stress-free and friendly.

After our farm tour, we went inside to see where the cheese-making magic happens. They run on a tight schedule, because once the milk is collected it can only sit for a certain amount of time before it's heated up to start the curdling action. Our visit was timed so that we were able to watch as two men worked with a cheesecloth to pull curds from a steaming vat into a gigantic ball of baby Parmigiano-Reggiano. The curds were hung to drip-dry for a few minutes, transferred across the room, then press into a form to create the classic "wheel" shape. The process was fascinating and seamless, like a beautiful dance, the same way it's been done in Parma for over 800 years. We even got to taste some of the fresh cheese straight out of the vat. It was warm and juicy, squeaky and salty, and it was delicious!

After this we were able to visit a room where the cheese wheels rest in water, and finally we arrived at the place we'd all been waiting for. The hallowed ground, the mecca of cheese lovers, a whole room with gigantic wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano stacked to the ceiling in various stages of aging. We each took a turn with the silver cheese hammer, tapping on wheels of cheese of different ages and listening to the sounds they made. The young cheese is more dense and makes a dull, low pitched sound when tapped on. The sound becomes more hollow and high-pitched as the cheese ages. The magic little hammer can also help detect whether the cheese wheels are maturing properly, in order to determine which ones need to be sold at a younger age or used solely for grating. The thought that there is any Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese that's not "good" enough to let age is mind boggling to me, but they are the experts and they take their cheese making seriously here. I'll take a bowl full of less than perfect grated Parmigiano cheese any day!

Then came the glorious tasting. Oh my! I've tasted a lot of cheese since I moved to Italy, but there's just something about sampling cheese in the actual room where it was aged that makes it so special. We tasted samples that were 22 months, 36 months, and 60 months. We tasted them plain, with balsamic vinegar, and with honey. There was nothing I didn't like, as I don't discriminate against cheese based on its age. I could tell it was a successful tasting because we all went in for seconds, and I walked away with a smile on my face, my hands sticky with honey.

The Parma Ham Experience

The second part of our food tour took us to a Parma Ham factory. Parma Ham, also known as Prosciutto di Parma (pro-shoo-toe for English speakers who need it broken down), is a salted, dry-cured ham that is usually thinly sliced and served uncooked. This type of uncooked ham is referred to as prosciutto crudo in Italian, in contrast to cooked ham which is called prosciutto cotto.

In the same way that Parmigiano-Reggiano is only made in the Reggio Emilia region, in order for a ham to officially be called Prosciutto di Parma it must be produced here as well. Langhirano, just outside of Parma, is considered the "capital of ham" in this region. In a small valley between the Po and Parma Rivers, there are over 140 Parma Ham factories, characterized by their long, narrow shape and many windows. They say that the sea breeze coming through the valley across the mountains is what dries the hams to perfection.

In addition, Prosciutto di Parma can only be made from the hind legs of specially bred pigs. The ham must be cured in sea salt for a specific amount of time, and refrigerated at a certain temperature range and humidity level before being aged in drying rooms. Government regulations require that Parma Ham must be aged for at least 400 days from the date of first salting, but some varieties of this famous prosciutto can age as long as three years!

The quality control doesn't stop there! Each hind quarter must have a layer of fat that measures a certain thickness in order to pass the Prosciutto di Parma test, as well as undergo a check by an independent inspector for spoilage or flaws in the curing process. We learned that inspectors use a needle made of horse bone to test each ham individually, by sticking it into the ham in several places and smelling for signs of spoilage. The horse bone is perfectly suited for this test, as it retains the smell of each puncture, but releases the scent quickly so it can be used to test other hams.

Our first step was getting geared up for the tour. This was, after all, a working ham factory, and we had to adhere to sanitary regulations so as to protect the precious prosciutto inside! We were able to tour each room as our guide explained every step of the curing and aging process. As we moved from room to room, the smells became sweeter and stronger, and my mouth watered the entire time. There was no tasting inside the factory, but after the tour was over we had a lovely sampling of Prosciutto di Parma with breathtaking views of the valley below.

What else can you do in Parma?

Parma is a historic and beautiful city, a university town rich in architecture, music, culture and art. It may not be as big as other more famous Italian cities, but has an old world charm that will capture your heart. Visit the Romanesque Parma Cathedral and Baptistery in the medieval Piazza Duomo and tour the nearby Diocesan Museum .

If you do anything else in Parma, take time to explore the The Galleria Nazionale. This is no ordinary museum. Inside the 16th century Palazzo della Pilotta , the complex houses a National Art Gallery, Archaeological Museum, Palatine Library, and the crown jewel, the Farnese Theatre. This spectacular circular theater with ornately carved wooden seating was almost completely destroyed during the bombings of World War II, but has been meticulously restored to showcase the extravagant lifestyle of the Farnese royal court.

The National Art Gallery is renowned for its collection of old masters’ paintings, including the famous Head of a Woman by Leonardo da Vinci.

Shop to your heart's content in the maze of cobblestoned streets that zig zag throughout the city center. Take in a classical concert or opera performance at the Teatro Regio , a 19th-century opera house. They even have outdoor performances as part of their Summer at Music Park series. There always seems to be music playing in and around the theater.

Arrange a tour to the Castello di Torrechiara just outside of town. Although this imposing castle looks like a military stronghold, it was never actually used as a defensive fortress, but merely given as a gift from a man to his lover. Men just don't give gifts like they used to, do they?

What else should you do in Parma? Eat! This is a foodie town, and you can happily spend a weekend in Parma indulging in cheese, ham, freshly made pasta with rich bolognese or buttery herb sauces, risotto with creamy mushroom sauce, and flaky puff pastries that fall apart in your hand and melt in your mouth. Locals will tell you that food and sports are the two most important things in Parma. Not only do they produce the world's most famous cheese and ham, but they have also perfected the cultivation of tomatoes over hundreds of years. Bordered by the Po River to the north and the Apennine Mountains in the south, Parma is blessed with a unique climate that makes the food here truly special.

Where to stay in Parma

I strongly recommend if you visit Parma, that you stay in the city center. Parma is beautiful to walk around in, or even get lost! One of our favorite things to do in Parma was to just wander, shop, eat, and repeat. You'll love walking through its streets in the evening on your way to and from dinner, with everything from casual cafes to fine dining all at your fingertips.

How to get to Parma and how to get around

The easiest way to get to Parma is by train, whether you're coming from Milan, Bologna, Florence, Venice, or even Rome. Once you get there, most of the sites are in Parma's historic center, which is only about a 15 minute walk from the train station. You can take a route through the city center or along the Parma River, either of which are about equal in distance.

Final thoughts

I do not have an affiliate connection with this tour company, nor did I receive any compensation for writing this article. This was simply a phenomenal tour and I highly recommend it to anyone going to Parma, or one of the other tour options offered by Parma Look . Our guide was a local who grew up in Parma, and I can not say enough about his knowledge of the area, its history, culture and the the products shared on his tour. In addition to the Parma cheese and ham tour, their other tours include wine tasting, truffle hunting, honey and balsamic vinegar factories, cultural tours of Parma, castle visits and even mountain bike riding!

I hope this got your taste buds tingling for some delicious Parmigiano and Prosciutto! If you enjoyed reading this, drop me a comment and check out some of my other city guides below or on my European Destinations page.

Cheers to finding adventure near, far, or wherever you are!

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Oh, I would take this tour any day. Parma sounds lovely and the food looks amazing. Added to my Italian bucket list :)

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15 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Parma and Italy’s Food Valley

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese…Prosciutto di Parma…Balsamic vinegar…chances are your stomach has appreciated the bounty that comes from Parma, Italy, and the surrounding Po Valley even if you have never traveled there. But just imagine how much better it would be in person? If you are a “will travel for food” kind of person, Parma needs to be on your list.

Every visit to Parma, Italy needs to include a sampling of these delectable products, but there are other things to do in Parma that just might surprise you.

For example, did you know that Parma has had heavy French influences from the time the Duchy of Parma was under French rule? Or, did you know that as the birthplace of Verdi Parma is a musical city and hosts an opera festival each year?

Why Visit Parma, Italy

• While close to Bologna and not far from Milan , Parma is just off-the-beaten-path enough to avoid the crowds.
• Parma is a university town with a youthful vibrance that still feels laid back , versus the more chaotic Bologna.
• There are beautiful architectural attractions and fine art that draw in visitors who are looking to explore deeper into Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region.
• As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy , you can learn about the production of Parma ham, cheese, Balsamic vinegar, and more that has been passed down through generations.
• From musical festivals to a stunning Opera House , Parma is a musical city.
• Unlike the more popular cities in northern Italy (like Venice ), Parma is very affordable too.

How Long to Spend in Parma

After spending five days in Piemonte feasting on truffles and Barolo, two days in Verona scarfing down risotto Amarone, and two days in Bologna slurping tortellini in brodo, my stomach was primed to spend two days in Parma before wrapping up my Northern Italy extravaganza.

You can certainly visit Parma on a day trip from Bologna, but I’d recommend spending at least two days.

Best Things to do in Parma, Italy

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

If you have two days to spend in Parma, I’d suggest using one to explore the Food Valley (ideally with a guided tour of various producers ) and at least one full day enjoying the city itself. These are the top sights you can’t miss.

Start at Piazza della Pace

Start your day in Parma in the Piazza della Pace in front of the Palazzo della Pilotta. Dating back to the 1600s, the Palazzo houses a museum complex that includes one of Europe’s richest art collections. The Piazza in front has various monuments and fountains, along with green space where locals and students gather and lounge in the Italian sunshine. This is a good spot to start your walking tour of Parma and start learning about the city’s rich history.

Ideally, you would sign up for a walking tour of Parma or at least read up on the city’s history as a Papal State and French Duchy before visiting.

See the Teatro Farnese

The Palazzo della Pilotta houses four museums, the Parma National Gallery, the Palatine Library, the National Archeological Museum, and the Teatro Farnese, or the Farnese Theater. The Farnese Theater is one of the largest Baroque theaters in Europe and it has seen many grand productions and feats of engineering in its centuries of operation.

While the theater suffered from great damage during the bombing in World War II, it has been rebuilt in its original style. While not all guided tours enter the museums of Palazzo della Pilotta, don’t miss returning and visiting on your own. The wooden gallery and sculptures are quite stunning in scale and design. If you get a chance to peek behind the stage, you can glimpse how elaborate productions were concocted to shock theatergoers of old with horses and water flooding the stage.

Keep in mind: one ticket to the Palazzo complex provides entrance to all four museums. The museums are closed on Mondays.

Tour the National Gallery of Parma

If you have visited the world-famous art museums in Rome and Florence , you will be surprised by the size and quality of the collection of masters in the National Gallery in Parma (and the blissful lack of crowds!) Austrian Archduchess Maria Luigia of Austria, who was the second wife of Napoleon and Duchess of Parma from 1814 until her death, had a large role in the development and expansion of the Gallery.

This surprisingly large and refined gallery includes many masterpieces including:

• La Scapigliata (The Lady with Disheveled Hair) by Leonardo da Vinci
• Madonna della Scala (Madonna of the Steps) by Correggio

Plan to spend about an hour (or longer for art enthusiasts) exploring the National Gallery.

Walk through the Palatine Library

If you are a lover of books and libraries, such as the Long Room at Trinity College in Dublin , a brief visit to the Palatine Library in the Palazzo della Pilotta is a must. Built in the 1700s, today the Palatine Library is a state-of-the-art research library with over 700,000 books, manuscripts, and other materials.

Bibliophiles will love the smell of books and the vast shelves of the library, while architecture fans will appreciate the soaring main gallery.

Stroll through Parco Ducale

After the museums, I’d suggest taking a stroll through the peaceful Parco Ducal. This tranquil park was created in the 16th century by Duke Ranuccio I Farnese and was originally designed as a hunting reserve and later opened to the public in the 18th century.

The 100+ acre park just across the River Parma reminds me a bit of the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris , with tree-lined, pebble walkways and several ponds, fountains, and statues.

Be Wowed at the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral

From the park, I’d suggest crossing back over the river to the Piazza Duomo Parma, where you will find the Cathedral of Parma, Santa Maria Assunta, home of the Duomo di Parma. If you are hungry, you may want to have lunch at Ristorante Angiol d’Or . I’d recommend the traditional menu with a selection of Parma ham, fried dough, delicious Tortelli, and roast veal — just be forewarned that you may be too full for dinner.

Before entering the Cathedral of Parma, look up at the Romanesque facade with its intricate carvings and three levels of loggias. The Cathedral is also known as the Duomo of Parma and is renowned for its breathtaking fresco by the Renaissance painter Antonio da Correggio.

The dome is one of the largest in Italy and is decorated with Correggio’s masterpiece, “The Assumption of the Virgin.” This fresco depicts the Virgin Mary ascending into heaven, surrounded by a swirl of angels and saints. I’ve visited many beautiful cathedrals in Europe and I was still awed by Correggio’s masterful use of perspective and light that makes it seem as if the figures are floating effortlessly upwards.

Note: while the Cathedral is open from 7.45 am to 7.20 pm, I found that it is closed for lunch and during religious services so you may want to plan accordingly.

Take in the San Giovanni Battista Baptistery

Commissioned in 1196 and completed in 1307, this 125-foot octagonal tower blends both Romanesque to Gothic architectural styles, with pointed arches and intricate carvings. The baptistery is adorned with sculptures by Benedetto Antelami, including bas-reliefs depicting various biblical scenes and statues of the Apostles, adding depth and richness to the baptistery’s exterior.

Located just next door to the Cathedral, inside you can see the baptismal font and frescoes on the walls that depict scenes from the life of Christ and Saint John the Baptist.

Note: Entrance to the Cathedral is free, but you do need a ticket to visit the Baptistery and Diocesan Museum.

People watch in Piazza Garibaldi

Piazza Garibaldi is a vibrant square that serves as the heart of Parma in the city’s historic center. Named after Italy’s national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi, it is here that you see the signature yellow that you will find throughout Parma, a carryover from its days as a French Duchy.

The Palazzo del Governatore, with its impressive facade and astronomical clock, borders the square. If you want a snack, get a gelato from local favorite Ciacco nearby (or there is also a location of the more ubiquitous Grom.)

Tour the Teatro Regio

The Teatro Regio di Parma was built in 1829, during the reign of Duchess Marie Louise of Austria, and remains one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. It has hosted premieres of operas by some of the world’s most famous composers, including Verdi, Puccini, and Mascagni.

While you are in town, you can check the calendar to see what performances are being held. Opera lovers may want to plan their visit during the Verdi Festival , which takes place from mid-September through mid-October (it had just finished when I visited.)

Guided tours of the theater are available from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm on the hour, and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

If you are looking for a unique gift to remember your time in Parma (beyond food!), stop at the Theater’s bookstore, which has been run for three generations by the Azzali family, long-standing publishers of the city. You can purchase books and music, but also a perfume called “Marie Luigia Violet”, which is said to have been the Empress’s favorite scent.

Take a Food Tour

With such a wealth of food in this small city, taking a food tour of Parma is a great way to experience the highlights in just a short time. If you only have one day in the city, you will need to plan around the food tour time to squeeze in the other attractions. However, if you have longer you can enjoy both the food in the city and the Food Valley.

Just keep in mind that you typically need a minimum of two people for the tour to take place. When I visited, I booked a food tour with Do Eat Better Experience but since I was traveling solo and they didn’t get any other bookings, they had to cancel. It goes to show that Parma isn’t mobbed with tourists at least!

See Roman Ruins

Throughout Parma, you will see evidence of earlier Roman times such as the Arco d’Augusto and the partially-excavated Roman amphitheater . You can also walk over to the open-air Mercato di Campagna , which is a great place to find local produce, flowers, and souvenirs when the market is taking place.

Nearby, you can see the Ponte Romano bridge that was built in the 1st century AD. Under the bridge, you can see a collection of vessels, coins, jewelry, and other ancient relics.

Eat along Via Farini

If you don’t take a food tour, be sure to wander down Via Farini and pop into the many family-run stores there, such as Rastelli Formaggeria & Salumeria that specialize in meats, cheeses, and other specialty items. This street is also lined with ristorantes and enotecas if you are looking for a spot for lunch or dinner.

Make time to also stroll through the smaller side streets in the city center and poke around the old shops with goods made from leather, glass, wood, and paper. A couple of other restaurants that were recommended to me for dinner include Trattoria Corrieri and Osteria del Teatro.

Tour a Parmigiano-Reggiano Factory

If you fit all the above into one day in Parma, kudos to you! Now you have time to explore the Food Valley. Sure you can sample amazing Parma ham and parmesan cheese in town, but it is pretty thrilling to get to see the production in action (especially for a cheese lover like me!) You could rent a car and try to make appointments on your own, but it is honestly a lot easier just to book a tour.

I took a full-day tour with Food Valley Travel and they have all sorts of amazing experiences including truffle hunting, wine tasting, gelato making, cooking classes, and more. I booked the “Big Five” full day tour with a driver that included visits to a Parmigiana-Reggiano factory, an artisanal family-run producer of Culatello di Zibello, a private wine tasting and lunch in the hills of Parma, a family-run producer of Prosciutto di Parma, and a family-run production of traditional Balsamic vinegar.

This tour was amazing, but it was also a long, full day with a LOT of food (I had to skip dinner for the second night.) Looking back, I wish I had booked one of these shorter tours instead:

• Half-day Parmesan, Parma Ham & Balsamic Vinegar Tour (since these were my favorite stops!)
• Parmigiano Reggiano Tour and Tasting
• Self-drive food tour with tastings and lunch (this will be cheaper if you have your own car)

It was a huge thrill for this cheese lover to get to see how Parmesan cheese is made, from beginning to end, and to walk through the factory that houses over 80,000 giant cheese wheels! I felt like I was on an episode of Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy . Plus, the tour finished with a tasting of cheeses of various ages (delizioso!) and there was a store to make purchases.

I put together this Instagram Reel to give you a little sneak peek:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tamara Gruber (@yourtimetofly)

Note: You need to wear closed-toe shoes. You will be given personal protective clothing including a smock, shoe covers, and a hair net when entering the factory (so don’t worry too much about your outfit for photos, lol!) And, it is chilly in the factory so you may want to bring a sweater or an extra layer.

Bringing cheese back home: Keep in mind that hard-cured cheese such as parmesan or cheddar are generally admissible in the U.S. if they are vacuum-sealed, while soft cheeses such as brie and soft curd cheese and cheese in water(ricotta, feta, etc.) are not. 

But cured hams (prosciutto, Serrano ham, Iberian ham) and salami from areas within France, Germany, Italy, and Spain  may not be brought into the United States by travelers . (So eat it while you are in Italy!)

Tour a Parma Ham Factory

Parma ham, or what we call Prosciutto di Parma, is a mainstay of this region and it is fascinating to see what happens behind the scenes to bring this delight to our plates. On my tour, we visited the Conti factory, which is a women-run business, that produces 60,000 hams per year.

The process starts with the selection of high-quality pigs from specific breeds raised in the Emilia-Romagna region or throughout Italy for the production of other meats. The large white pigs are the best for true Parma ham and Parma ham also has a specific high-quality salt that is used.

The legs are carefully trimmed and salted, ensuring the perfect balance of flavor and preservation. After a period of rest, the legs are moved to curing rooms, where they undergo a slow, natural curing process that can last up to a year. As you walk through the factory, you’ll witness each stage of the production process, from the initial salting to the final aging, and appreciate the skill of the workers in how they expertly trim and shape the hams.

And of course, you’ll have the opportunity to sample the finished product! You can do a taste comparison between Prosciutto di Parma, Prosciutto di National, Culatello, and others.

Note: I’m sure if you are a vegetarian you wouldn’t even consider this tour, but it also isn’t great if you have a sensitive stomach or nose. Those thousands of curing meats hanging together have quite an aroma!

Taste Balsamic Vinegar

Modena is probably the most famous for its high-quality Balsamic Vinegar, but Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia are both two of the most renowned and coveted vinegars in the world. Both are produced in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, but they have distinct characteristics and differences.

Getting to visit a Balsamic Vinegar producer is such a treat, not only because of the tasting at the end, but because you learn what a labor of love and time it is to make this “liquid gold.” Typically it is a family operation that also makes wine because vinegar doesn’t pay the bills since it takes so much time to produce just a small amount.

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia is typically made from Lambrusco, Ancellotta, Trebbiano, Sangiovese, Albana, Montuni, Malvasia, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grapes from the Reggio Emilia province. It ages for a minimum of 12 years in a series of wooden barrels made from different types of wood, such as oak, chestnut, mulberry, and acacia.

The Vinegar has a sweet, complex taste and is dense, dark brown, and somewhat syrupy. If you visit, be sure to spend the extra money to buy a small bottle to take home!

Where to Stay in Parma

Since I was taking the train from Bologna, I chose to stay near the train station at the Novotel Parma Centro , so I didn’t need to worry about schlepping my bag very far. The hotel was fine, inexpensive, and not a far walk to the main attractions. I wouldn’t go out of my way to stay there, but it certainly worked for two nights. I’d also considered the NH Parma , which is right on top of the train station. The downside to both is that the trains can be quite noisy, especially if you have to leave the windows open for fresh air.

Find more places to stay in Parma:

Getting to and Getting Around Parma

Parma is located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy and it is easily accessible by train and car from major cities like Bologna, Florence, Venice, and Milan. Train is often the easiest way to get there as it is just 30 minutes from Bologna, 1.25 hours from Milan and 2.5-2.75 from Florence or Venice. Just remember to book your trains in advance (my train from Bologna to Milan was sold out for the entire day I wanted to travel and I needed to get a car service instead.) If you purchase train tickets at the station, remember that you need to validate your ticket before boarding and hold onto your ticket.

If you are driving, the area around Parma is not particularly crowded or challenging, unlike other spots for driving in Italy .

Once you arrive, Parma is a relatively small city and is easily explored on foot. The city center is compact and most attractions are within walking distance of each other. If you prefer not to walk, Parma has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses and a tram line.

Parma in October

Parma is a bit off-the-beaten tourist track, so you don’t need to worry about crowds as much as you do in the big cities, but summer heat can still be a challenge. In recent years, even the autumn can remain quite warm. If you visit in October, you will experience the city as the leaves begin to change color, which is especially pretty in Ducal Park.

If you visit in the first half of October, you will be there to experience the Verdi Festival and enjoy opera and other musical performances. One thing to note is that many hotels are required to turn off their air conditioning after a certain date, which can make those late autumn heat waves a bit uncomfortable. I’d check with your hotel to see if they have A/C or fans just in case if you are uncomfortable in the heat.

Visiting Italy? You may also be interested in…

• 2 Days in Milan
• 3 Days in Venice
• 2 Days in Verona
• 2 Days in Bologna
• Florence with teens
• Things to do in Siena, Italy

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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: November 8, 2023

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Emilia Delizia

Emilia Delizia | Food Tours Parmesan, Balsamic, and Ham

Food Tours From Bologna and Modena: Tours Of Parmesan Production, Parma Ham, Balsamic Vinegar.

Book Now - Foodies Delight

Pay only a deposit now and the balance 7 days before the tour. See booking page for details.

The ultimate Parmesan, balsamic vinegar, and ham tour with Emilia Delizia in Bologna, Modena, and Parma, Italy ! As a culinary travel planning company, we have been crafting exceptional gourmet food tours since 2009, taking you to the finest locations for Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, and Parma ham production visits.

But that's not all - we also guide you through intimate, organic wineries in Emilia-Romagna for a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience. For additional food and agriculture adventures, we offer activities such as vineyard tours and truffle hunting.

Our tours are highly customizable, catering to groups of any size, from intimate parties of two to larger coach tours or incentive travel. We work exclusively with government-approved guides fluent in English and employ fully licensed chauffeurs with the latest, most comfortable vehicle models.

Parmesan, Balsamic and Ham tour from Stazione Medio Padana

This station offers easy connections to many Italian cities even those are futher away from Modena, Parma and Bologna. You can reach Stazione Medio Padana from Reggio Emilia, Parma, Bologna, Milan, Florence very quickly using the Italian high speed trains.

This station is strategically positioned to facilitate quick and convenient travel across Italy, making it an ideal starting point for a variety of tours and experiences, including culinary tours that highlight the rich food heritage of the region.

The Parmesan, Balsamic, and Ham tour is an excellent example of the type of cultural and gastronomic experiences accessible from the Stazione Medio Padana. These tours are designed to showcase the world-renowned culinary products of the Emilia-Romagna region, which is celebrated for its Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, and Prosciutto di Parma, among other delicacies. Click here for more information .

Authentic Parmesan Cheese Tour Experience

Don't miss this opportunity to uncover the finest Parmesan, balsamic vinegar, and ham in Bologna, Modena, and Parma. Reserve your tour with Emilia Delizia now and savor the ultimate Italian culinary journey!

Immerse yourself in the world of Parmesan cheese with our Bologna Food Tour from Modena, featuring an exclusive Parmesan Cheese Tour. Our culinary adventures take you to select Parmigiano Reggiano factories in the area, all approved by the consortium to ensure the utmost authenticity and quality. During your guided tour, our knowledgeable guides will provide detailed explanations in your language about each step of the Parmesan cheese-making process as it unfolds before your eyes. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the art and tradition behind one of Italy's most iconic and beloved cheeses. For more information about our parmesan cheese tours click here.

Exclusive Parma Ham Prosciutto Tour Experience

For true culinary enthusiasts, we present our unparalleled Parma Ham Prosciutto Tour. This exclusive journey takes you behind the scenes of a genuine Parma ham factory, where you can witness the intricate art of crafting Prosciutto di Parma firsthand. As part of your gourmet travel itinerary, our guided tour encompasses the entire process - from the initial salting stage to the cold cells where pre-ageing occurs, and finally to the prosciutto cellars where the ham reaches perfection. Seize this extraordinary opportunity to explore the rich history and craftsmanship behind one of Italy's most celebrated delicacies.

For a more detailed information about the Parma ham visits please check this page.

Experience the Authentic Modena Balsamic Vinegar Tour

Immerse yourself in the rich history and tradition of Modena's world-renowned balsamic vinegar on our exclusive Modena Balsamic Vinegar Tour. In the heart of Modena, you'll have the unique opportunity to visit an authentic, artisanal balsamic vinegar producer, far removed from the industrialized factories. Our knowledgeable guides, fluent in your preferred language, will walk you through the intricate production process, unveiling the secrets behind this prized elixir. Conclude your tour with a delectable tasting of the finest balsamic vinegar selections, savoring the extraordinary flavors that have made Modena a global destination for balsamic vinegar enthusiasts. For more information about our vinegar tour, you could continue reading this page.

Embark on a delightful Bologna food tour and immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary culture of Emilia-Romagna with Emilia Delizia! Our expertly curated tours offer you the opportunity to explore the region's renowned Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, and Parma ham production facilities while satisfying your taste buds with authentic local flavors. Discover the heart of Italy's gastronomic capital as you indulge in the finest Bologna food experiences, from traditional balsamic vinegar tastings to hands-on pasta making classes, and create unforgettable memories in this food lover's paradise. Begin your culinary adventure with us now and uncover the true essence of Bologna's delectable food scene.

Discover Modena's Culinary Gems on Our Food Walking Tour

Embark on a delightful gastronomic journey through the charming streets of Modena with our Modena Food Walking Tour. This vehicle-free adventure begins at 10 am, as we explore the city's historical center and visit a local balsamic vinegar producer's shop, where you'll gain insight into this world-famous specialty. As we continue our stroll, prepare to indulge your taste buds with an array of delectable Modenese delights, including the irresistible gnocco fritto, mouthwatering tigelle, a selection of savory salumi, and the iconic Parmesan cheese. Join us on this unforgettable culinary expedition and experience the authentic flavors of Modena's rich food heritage. For more information about the Modena Walking Food Tour click here.

Savor the Flavors of Italy with Our Afternoon Aperitivo Tour in Modena.

If you prefer a leisurely start to your day, consider our Afternoon Aperitivo Tour, designed for those who appreciate a more relaxed pace. Explore our dedicated page for a range of options that cater to your taste buds. On this tour, you'll visit a Parmesan cheese producer's ageing cellars, a traditional balsamic vinegar producer in Modena, and a Parma ham producer, where you'll learn about the intricate process behind making this world-renowned delicacy. The tour concludes with a delightful tasting of local cured meats and a sumptuous seated lunch. With our Afternoon Aperitivo tour around Bologna and Modena, you'll have the chance to indulge in the authentic flavors of Italy while discovering the secrets behind these iconic products.

Pasta Making Classes in Bologna.

Discover the art of pasta making at our renowned cookery school in Bologna. For those seeking an authentic culinary experience, our hands-on classes provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the flavors of Bologna. Under the guidance of expert chefs, you'll participate in a comprehensive pasta making class, covering not only the main course but also the preparation of a delightful second course and a traditional dessert. Unleash your inner chef and create unforgettable memories while mastering the art of Italian cuisine at our Bologna cookery school.

Bologna Truffle Hunting Experience: Unearth Hidden Gems

Bologna, renowned for its truffles, invites you to join our truffle hunting adventures on the picturesque Bolognese hills. Led by our experienced hiking guides, you'll embark on a captivating journey to uncover these hidden culinary treasures. Along the way, you'll meet an expert truffle hunter and his trusted canine companion, who will guide you through the enchanting terrain of Savigno, nestled just 40 minutes away from Bologna on the Apennine hills. Experience the thrill of unearthing these delectable gems and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Bolognese countryside. Click here for info .

Create your own review

My family and I had an incredible time on the Emilia Delizia food tour. Our guide, Giuseppe, was fantastic - he was knowledgeable, friendly, and made us feel right at home. We loved the visits to the cheese and balsamic producers, and the truffle hunt was a unique and unforgettable experience. The lunch at the organic winery was one of the highlights of our trip, and we were blown away by the delicious food and wine. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an authentic taste of Emilia-Romagna. Thank you for a wonderful day!

ENJOY PARMA FOOD TOUR

Enjoy Parma Food Tour

Experience Parma’s rich culture and fascinating history the best way possible – through its cuisine!

We are parmesans who are wildly passionate about all the delicious food found around this world-famous and historical town.

During this Parma guided walking tour you will discover the history, art and culture of the “Little Capital”, recently confirmed as UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and will experience parmesan lifestyle, visiting the places frequented by locals and immersing yourself in the street life.

By booking on our Enjoy Parma Food Tour , you will have the opportunity to experience our passion by eating traditional Parmesan and Italian food!

You will discover the secrets of the worldwide famous typical products of this area and taste them: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, Parma Ham, Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, Culatello of Zibello, Lambrusco and Gelato . These are just some of the protagonists of this exciting walk!

Discover Parma’s old town, learn how to make the perfect espresso and cappuccino, savor mouth-watering pastries, pies and homemade pasta…

Once our experienced guide concludes the  Enjoy Parma Food Tour , you will leave with a stomach full of traditional food, plus local knowledge and sightseeing tips, to enhance the pleasure of your trip that will last with you a lifetime!

INTIMATE GROUPS

Local expert guides lead 4-14 fellow foodie travelers through an unforgettable journey.

THE FINEST FOOD

The most authentic Parmesan and Italian food from our favorite vendors, feeding locals for generations.

STUNNING GLIMPSES

Discover the old town of Parma and its unexpected and eye-catching glimpses of extraordinary artistic beauty.

Tours are subject to availability and are for groups of 4 or more people.

The cost is 30,00 euro per person.

For tours of fewer than 4 people, a minimum fee of 120,00 euro is applicable.

The cost does not include tasting.

You choose your own food and pay for it directly. There are stops at 3/4 different eateries. Guests simply purchase which ever food samples they wish. There is no requirement to buy any of the food recommended on the tour, though our tour stops at some pretty amazing eateries so it can be hard to resist!

Duration: 3 hours

Departs : from Monday to Thursday at 10:00 am, 5:00 pm; Friday and Saturday at 5:00 pm; Sunday at 10:00 am. Private tours may depart at whatever time requested.

Language: English

Private tours can be booked in the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish.

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E-mail: [email protected]

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Full day tour In the surroundings

• What to see
• Parma and the music
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Parma, Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy , is the heart of the Italian Food Valley and one of the destination with the highest number of typical products protected with quality brands in Italy: PDO Parma Ham, PDO Parmigiano Reggiano, PDO Culatello di Zibello, PGI Porcini Mushroom di Borgotaro, PGI Coppa di Parma, CDO wines of the Parma hills and many others.

“PARMA City of Gastronomy” is a product club that protects the quality of the typical products of the Parma territory and guarantees authenticity and uniqueness to your travel experience in our city.

INAUGURATION OF THE FRAGNO TRUFFLE MUSEUM

Appoint ment on june 15 in calestano, discover our tours.

Tastes that conquer, traditions that come from afar. Parma is a unique place in the world, in the heart of the Italian Food Valley, with the largest number of typical products protected by quality brands, a paradise for the palate, which will leave you with unforgettable memories.

The “Parma City of Gastronomy” Product Club protects the quality of our products and guarantees authenticity and uniqueness to your experience on our territory. Our values are: quality, genuineness, professionalism, cordiality and exclusivity.

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