Guided group tour TastyBus: Parmesan Cheese and Parma Ham
Active
4h - 7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Hop on a TastyBus and discover the finest Parma products in one day! Visit Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham factories with tastings to learn their ancient story and savour exceptional quality. Keep discovering local delicacies and stop for a lunch at small trattoria and traditional balsamic vinegar factory with delicious guided tasting.
Available options
Parmesan Cheese and Parma ham
Visit a Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma ham production factory, and discover their flavors with an Italian and English-speaking guide.<br/>Duration: 4 hours: Return in Parma at 02:00 pm approx.<br/>Tastings: Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma ham tasting included. Lunch and balsamic vinegar tasting are not included in this option.
Best Parma products in a day
Visit a Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma ham and traditional balsamic vinegar production factory, discover the unique flavors with an Italian and English-speaking guide and enjoy a typical Italian lunch.<br/>Duration: 7 hours: Return in Parma at approx. 05:00 pm<br/>Tastings and lunch: Tastings at the three factories and light lunch included in price.
What's included
Professional guide
Parma ham tasting
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tasting
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Tasting of traditional balsamic vinegar (only for Best products in a day option)
Lunch (only for the option Best Parma products in a day)
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your English-speaking guide at the tourist bus stop in viale Toschi, 2, at 09:15 am and start your tour at 9:30 am.
2
First, stop at the Parmigiano Reggiano PDO production factory. Discover how milk is processed and transformed into Parmigiano Reggiano PDO. Find out why this extraordinary cheese can be preserved for years and why its quality improves over time without any chemical additives. Learn how to distinguish between cheese of different ageing thanks to a guided tasting.
3
Continue to the Parma Ham PDO production factory. See the production phases of this renowned kind of cold cut. Start from the meat processing and lose yourself in a journey of flavours until the tasting of the final product. If you've chosen the half-day option (Parmesan Cheese and Parma ham) end your tour with a tasting of Parma ham and savour its sweetness and unique flavour and return to viale Toschi at 2:00 pm.
4
If you have chosen the full-day tour (Best Parma products in a day), keep discovering local delicacies and continue your journey with a light lunch in typical trattoria where you will try some of the most famous local dishes accompanied with a glass of wine.
5
After lunch, enter an ancient acetaia and discover why every drop of balsamic vinegar is a true gem. Taste its exceptional quality, aroma and fragrance on a delicious guided tasting. Return to Viale Toschi at approx. 5:00 PM.
What's not included
Eventual purchase of products at the production factories
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
88 reviews
5★
78
4★
7
3★
2
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
5.0
151 reviews
5★
147
4★
4
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
If you are planning to drive to Parma from another city, please consider that the meeting point is located just outside the Parcheggio Toschi, (Address: Viale Paolo Toschi, 2, Parma) where you can leave your car
While only one person is permitted per booking, your tour will not begin unless you meet the minimum requirement of two travelers. The agency will contact you two days before the tour to inform you of any cancellation
Meeting point
Departure Point: Tourist bus stop outside the Toschi parking in Viale Paolo Toschi, 2, Parma
Important notes
THE MEETING POINT IS AT 09:15 AM IN FRONT OF THE CAFFETTERIA TOSCHI IN VIALE PAOLO TOSCHI 2 IN PARMA.
If you are planning to drive to Parma from another city, please consider that the meeting point is located just outside the Parcheggio Toschi, (Address: Viale Paolo Toschi, 2, Parma) where you can leave your car.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the activity start, the departure time is precise.
While only one person is permitted per booking, your tour will not begin unless you meet the minimum requirement of two travelers. The agency will contact you two days before the tour to inform you of any cancellation
About Parma
Parma is a charming city in northern Italy, renowned for its rich culinary heritage, particularly its ham (Prosciutto di Parma) and cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano). It's a city where history, art, and gastronomy blend seamlessly, offering visitors a delightful Italian experience.
Top Attractions
Baptistery of Parma
The Baptistery of Parma is a stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, known for its intricate frescoes and sculptures.
Historical/Religious
1 hour
€3
Parma Cathedral
The Parma Cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture with stunning frescoes and a beautiful bell tower.
Religious/Historical
1 hour
€3 (combined ticket with Baptistery)
Palazzo della Pilotta
The Palazzo della Pilotta is a grand Renaissance palace housing several museums, including the National Gallery, the Archaeological Museum, and the Bodoni Museum.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours
€7 (combined ticket for all museums)
Teatro Regio
The Teatro Regio is a historic opera house and one of the most important cultural venues in Parma, known for its stunning architecture and world-class performances.
Cultural/Entertainment
2-3 hours (depending on the performance)
Varies by performance (€20-€100)
Parco Ducale
Parco Ducale is a beautiful public park in the heart of Parma, offering a peaceful escape from the city with its lush gardens, ponds, and historic architecture.
Nature/Park
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Prosciutto di Parma
A world-famous cured ham made from the hind legs of pigs, salt-cured, and aged for at least 12 months. It is thinly sliced and served on its own or with other appetizers.
Appetizer
Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Parmigiano Reggiano
A hard, granular cheese made from cow's milk, aged for at least 12 months. It is often served in small chunks or grated over pasta dishes.
Appetizer/Dessert
Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans or those with lactose intolerance.
Tortelli d'Erbetta
A traditional Parmesan pasta filled with a mixture of ricotta, spinach, and herbs, served with a sage and butter sauce.
Main Course
Contains dairy and eggs, not suitable for vegans.
Gnocchi di Patate
Potato dumplings made with a mixture of potatoes, flour, and eggs, often served with a rich ragù or tomato sauce.
Main Course
Contains eggs, not suitable for vegans.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the surrounding countryside
Biking along the Po River
Rock climbing in nearby valleys
Spa treatments in Salsomaggiore Terme
Strolling through Parco Ducale
Enjoying an aperitivo at a local wine bar
Visiting museums and historic sites
Attending opera and concert performances
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October)
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and are ideal for exploring the city's attractions and enjoying outdoor dining.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, French, German
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Parma is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it is always advisable to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid using them at night
Getting there
By air
- Giuseppe Verdi Airport • 6 km from city center
By train
Parma Centrale
By bus
Parma Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The public bus system in Parma is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: FreeNow, ItTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Centro Storico
Oltretorrente
Viale Mentana
Day trips
Castello di Torrechiara
20 km from Parma • Half day
A stunning 15th-century castle with a rich history and beautiful architecture, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Castello di Bardi
40 km from Parma • Full day
A medieval castle perched on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys and forests, with a rich history and fascinating exhibits.
Salsomaggiore Terme
30 km from Parma • Half day
A charming spa town known for its thermal springs and luxurious spa treatments, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Festivals
Parma Jazz Frontiers Festival • November
Parma Ham Festival • February
Festa di San Giovanni • June 24
Pro tips
- Visit local producers of Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano for an authentic taste of the city's culinary heritage
- Explore the underground tunnels of Parma for a unique and fascinating experience
- Attend a performance at the Teatro Regio for a taste of the city's rich cultural heritage
- Stroll through Parco Ducale for a peaceful escape from the city and a chance to enjoy nature
- Sample local wines and cheeses at Enoteca del Tribunale and Caseificio di Parma
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
