Discover Parma’s Flavors: Parmigiano & Prosciutto Food Tour

Parma , Italy

Discover Parma’s Flavors: Parmigiano & Prosciutto Food Tour

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(17 reviews)

4h - 5h

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

Visit a traditional Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory and learn the secrets of one of the most celebrated ingredients of Italy. Watch the cheese makers at work see how the cheese is still produced following traditional methods. Watch the cheese makers pull the product from the milk vats and visit the shaping and salting rooms before going to the stagionatura where the cheese is aged.
Then, taste the delicious cheese with local wine. At the ham factory the tour commences with a brief introduction of the historical side of the production, from here you will visit the “cold stage”, where the fresh meats are processed. You will see the machines used for salting and the refrigeration/resting cells,the seasoning rooms.
At the end of the food tour there will be a taste of Parma ham a sparkling local wine.

Available options

Discover Parma’s Flavors: Parmigiano & Prosciutto Food Tour

What's included

Parmigiano cheese tour and farmhouse visit

Pick up and Drop off in Central Parma nh Hotel next to the train station

Cheese tasting paired with sparkling wine

Parma ham farmhouse tour

Parma ham tasting with local bread and sparkling wine

Headsets to hear the tour guide clearly

Local expert guide

Detailed itinerary

The tour starts early in the morning to reach a cheese factory and watch the Parmigiano Reggiano production. On the way you will see the typical countryside with the stables and the fields where grown up the specific dry and fresh forage fixed from Consortium for the cows that produce milk for Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Discover the secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano on a guided visit to a traditional caseificio (cheese factory) in Parma. Watch master cheese makers at work as they craft this iconic cheese, separating the whey and shaping it into its signature wheels.

Follow the journey of the cheese through each stage of production. See the shaping and salting rooms, then step into the stagionatura where thousands of wheels age to perfection. Learn about the rigorous tests performed by the Consorzio, including the hammering of cheese wheels before the iconic fire branding ritual.

Complete your experience with a tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano paired with sparkling regional wine.

Immediately afterwards we will move to the prosciouttificio where Parma ham is produced. It will be possible to
see the processing areas, refrigerated cells and aging cellars. It will also be possible to watch the processing in progress during the visit.
At the end there will be a tasting of Prosciutto paired with wine from the Parma hills

What's not included

All items not explicitly included are excluded.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.4

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

BOOK TRENITALIA TRAIN TICKETS HERE : https://tinyurl.com/wyhsadae

Our tours will operate in bad weather as long as conditions are safe.

No Luggage or large bags are allowed on the Van

We kindly remind all guests that children of all ages must be included in the booking and are required to pay a fee, regardless of their age. This ensures we can provide sufficient space in the van for everyone. Unfortunately, if a child is not included in the reservation, we may not be able to accommodate them on the tour, as seating is limited.

Meeting point

NH hotel: Parma station, north exit Falcone/Borsellino, reach the NH hotel on the right. Our Van wait at the bus parking area in front of the hotel . After 10 minutes passed the scheduled time for pick up the vehicle will leave for its destination.
https://goo.gl/maps/rKRNJAmEfvqUW7YM8

Important notes

NH Parma, Viale Paolo Borsellino, 31, 43122 Parma PR, Italy. At Parma Train Station: Follow to north exit Falcone/Borsellino, reach the NH HOTEL on the right. Our Van wait at the parking area in front of the hotel . After max 10 minutes passed the scheduled time for pick up the vehicle will leave for its destination.
Directions to NH Hotel: https://tinyurl.com/2989t3k7
Image of pickup Point NH : https://postimg.cc/CnnJ6JkJ

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