Private Full Day Parma Food Tour: Parmesan Cheese, Parma Ham, Lunch, Vinegar
Active
8h
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
Learn about the culinary traditions of Parma on this amazing 8-hour tour. Explore a cheese factory, a ham producing factory and a traditional balsamic vinegar factory with an expert gourmet guide and taste these delicacies directly from their producers. Enjoy a delicious 3-course lunch including our most traditional dishes matched with excellent local wines.
Available options
With Transport included
Transport included: Full-day food tour, using a provided vehicle and a guide. <br/>Pickup included
Without Transport
Full-day food tour, using your vehicle<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Local guide
Lunch
Wine and food tasting
Pick-up and drop-off in Parma
Beverages
Transport by private vehicle (if option selected)
Detailed itinerary
1
Leaving Parma, you will first stop at a cheese factory to see how milk is transformed into Parmigiano Reggiano. You will also discover how this cheese, devoid of any chemical additives, can be aged for years to improve its quality. You will then learn to recognize the various aging stages by enjoying a tasting led by an expert.
2
Proceed to learn about Parma Ham. In the ham producing house, you will see every phase of the curing of the meat and then taste the final result, yielded by meticulous ageing.
Move on to a local restaurant where you can enjoy all the delicious products of the area, including local wines such as Lambrusco and Malvasia. Your menu includes local cured meats, as well as the tortelli d’erbetta, a round shaped pasta stuffed with ricotta and herbs which is a local specialty. For dessert, you will try the famous sbrisolona and other dry cakes. Your lunch will also include water, wine and coffee.
3
After lunch, round your tour off with a visit of an "acetaia", where a member of the owner’s family will reveal all secrets of traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
25 reviews
5★
24
4★
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1
Tripadvisor
4.9
103 reviews
5★
99
4★
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
May be operated by a multilingual guide
Make a note of any dietary needs in the 'Special Requirements' box when you book
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
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
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Free cancellation available
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