Slow Parma Food Experience Half Day Private Tour and Tasting

Parma , Italy

Slow Parma Food Experience Half Day Private Tour and Tasting

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(13 reviews)

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

Looking for an authentic experience, far from the major tourist flows, to discover the soul and traditions of the Italian Food Valley? Come and discover Emilia Romagna and its food excellences, Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, at a slow pace, relying on the professionalism of a local and experienced private guide dedicated to you and your friends or family. You will follow the whole production chain, from the feeding of milking cows to the aging of the cheese wheels in the foodies heaven, the astounding Parmigiano Reggiano warehouse. You will closely watch the cheese master’s experienced hands during the breaking of the curd and his deft movements during the lifting of the cheese out of the kettle. The visit will end with a delightful tasting of different ageings of cheese. We will transfer to the hills of Parma to visit one of the plants where the inimitable Prosciutto is produced. The tour will end with a lunch of typical Parma delicacies and wine from the Parma Hills.

Available options

Price including transportation

Price including transportation: Price including a private vehicle (car/minivan) with Professional Driver <br/>Pickup included

Self-Drive Price

You must provide your own transport and follow the guide in a separate car

What's included

Professional local guide

2 Glasses of exquisite DOC Parma Hills Wine

Bottled water

Tasting of 12, 24, 30 and 36 months old Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and fresh ricotta cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Dairy Admission fee

Lunch: Traditional cured meat products such as Prosciutto di Parma, Coppa, Pancetta and Salame

Option 1 includes Transportation

Traditional Fresh Homemade Pasta (2 types)

A choice of Traditional Cakes

Parma Ham Plant Admission fee

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

We will visit an authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese dairy and the visit will be followed by tasting of 12 months, 24 months and 36 months old Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Visiting a Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese dairy with us, you will be able to follow the whole production chain, from the feeding of milking cows, the milk collection and preservation, to the forming of the curd in the typical copper cauldrons. You will be able to watch the cheese master’s experienced hands during the breaking of the curd with the “spino” and his deft movements during the lifting of the cheese out of the cauldron. After that you will visit the resting, salting and ageing rooms of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese with their overwhelming aromas. The visit will end with a pleasant tasting, a real pleasure for the senses!

We will have a Photo stop at mediaeval village & Castle of Torrechiara.

We will visit a plant where famous Prosciutto di Parma is produced.

We will have lunch at a winery or family run restaurant with typical Parma delicacies and exquisite tastings of DOC Parma Hills wines.

What's not included

Option 2 does not include Transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

7 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.

Available for gluten free with prior notice. Please advise when booking.

Not available for vegans and vegetarians.

This is a private tour, run exclusively for you and your family or friends.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included in the "Price including transportation" option. Pick-up and drop-off is intended within a radius of 15 kilometres of the city centre (Piazza Garibaldi in Parma). If your location is not among the pick up points listed, contact us to receive a customized quote for the extra transportation service. When travelers select the "Self-Drive Price" option, we'll see them at the Departure Point, they must provide their own transport and follow the guide in a separate car.

Meeting point

You will meet the guide in front of Emily Way Bar in Via Marco Emilio Lepido, 215, 43122 San Prospero PR at 7.30 am.

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