Parma Food Tour: Parmigiano Reggiano & Prosciutto Di Parma

The Parma Food Tour promises a delectable journey into the heart of Italy’s culinary excellence. Indulge in the renowned Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, guided by local experts who’ll unveil the secrets behind these iconic delicacies. From visiting a dairy farm to exploring a prosciutto production facility, this tour offers an immersive experience that’ll tantalize your taste buds. But the true delight lies in discovering how these time-honored traditions have shaped the vibrant food culture of Parma. Prepare to be captivated as you uncover the captivating story behind every bite.

This experience made our list of the 16 Best Food Tours In Parma.

Key Points

• Comprehensive exploration of Parma’s renowned food heritage, focusing on Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma cured ham.
• Guided tour with tastings, insights into production processes, and photo opportunities at local dairy farms and a Prosciutto di Parma facility.
• Immersive experience to discover the passion and expertise of Parma’s culinary producers, with a focus on craftsmanship and traditions.
• Optional activities include visiting Torrechiara Castle, enjoying a local lunch, and exploring Parma’s historic city center.
• Tour designed for able-bodied participants, valid passport or ID required, and operates rain or shine in a working environment.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Parma Food Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the region’s renowned culinary delights, with a focus on the production and tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma.

Priced from $195.89 per person, the tour lasts 4-7 hours and is limited to small groups of up to 5 participants.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour offers the chance to discover the secrets behind Parmigiano Reggiano production and learn about the passion of Parma Ham producers.

Participants will have the opportunity to train their palates by savoring different ages of Parmigiano Reggiano and take photos surrounded by Parma Hams.

Experience Highlights

The Parma Food Tour offers an immersive experience into the region’s acclaimed culinary heritage.

Participants will discover the secrets behind the production of Parmigiano Reggiano, the renowned cheese. They’ll learn about the passion and expertise of Parma Ham producers, as they visit a traditional salumificio.

The tour also trains participants’ palates, allowing them to savor different ages of Parmigiano Reggiano. Throughout the experience, there are ample photo opportunities, surrounded by the iconic Parma Hams.

This tour provides an exceptional opportunity to explore the rich food culture of Parma, guided by knowledgeable local experts.

Meeting Point and Itinerary

Participants meet at 8:00 am at Parma’s train station, in front of the cafe "Chiccotosto".

The first stop is a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy farm, where guests discover the secrets behind the production process and enjoy a guided tasting.

Next, the group travels to the Langhirano Valley to visit "Salumificio Conti", a Prosciutto di Parma producer. Here, they learn about the passion and dedication that goes into crafting this renowned Italian delicacy.

The tour also offers an optional lunch at a local restaurant and a visit to the historic Torrechiara Castle for panoramic views.

Throughout the experience, guests have ample opportunities to take photos and enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Parma.

Parmigiano Reggiano Dairy Farm

After departing from Parma’s train station, the group travels to a renowned Parmigiano Reggiano dairy farm.

At the farm, participants:

1. Go behind the scenes to discover the secrets behind Parmigiano Reggiano’s production process.
2. Learn about the passion and dedication of the cheesemakers.
3. Train their palates by savoring different ages of the iconic cheese, from young to aged.
4. Enjoy photo opportunities surrounded by the large wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano.

This immersive experience provides a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and traditions that make Parmigiano Reggiano a revered culinary treasure.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Prosciutto Di Parma Production

From the Parmigiano Reggiano dairy farm, the group travels to the "Salumificio Conti" in the Langhirano Valley to learn about the production of the renowned Prosciutto di Parma. At the prosciutto production facility, the guide shares the passion and expertise of the producers. Visitors discover the intricate process, from selecting the finest pigs to the meticulous curing and ageing techniques that imbue the ham with its distinctive flavor. A table showcases the key stages:

Stage	Duration
Salting	3-4 weeks
Air-drying	12-24 months
Ageing	12-24 months
Trimming & Packaging	Final step

The detailed insights and hands-on experiences leave the group with a newfound appreciation for the artistry behind Prosciutto di Parma.

Optional Activities

Visiting the Torrechiara Castle is an optional activity offered on the Parma Food Tour. This medieval fortress, located in the Langhirano Valley, provides a glimpse into the region’s rich history and offers stunning panoramic views.

Participants can explore the castle’s grand halls, admire its well-preserved architecture, and learn about the intriguing stories that have unfolded within its walls.

Other optional activities include:

1. Enjoying a local lunch at a recommended restaurant
2. Exploring the charming streets and piazzas of Parma’s historic city center
3. Visiting a traditional balsamic vinegar producer to learn about the artisanal process
4. Indulging in a post-tour gelato or espresso at a nearby café.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour’s inclusions comprise transportation from and to the Parma train station, a local guide, admission to the dairy farm and Prosciutto production facility, as well as tastings.

However, the tour excludes gratuities and any items not explicitly mentioned as included.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, and participants must bring a valid passport or ID.

The tour operates rain or shine in a working environment, and the use of alcohol and drugs isn’t permitted.

Important Information and Reviews

Designed for the able-bodied, the Parma Food Tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Participants must bring a valid passport or ID, as they’ll be visiting working facilities. The tour operates rain or shine, so attendees should dress appropriately for the weather. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed during the experience.

Customers have praised the tour guide, Alessandro, for his local insights and the quality of the overall experience.

With a 5/5 rating, the Parma Food Tour offers an immersive exploration of the region’s renowned culinary heritage, from the production of Parmigiano Reggiano to the curing of Prosciutto di Parma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour in a Language Other Than English?

Yes, the tour can be booked in languages other than English. The tour operator offers multilingual guides, so customers can select their preferred language when making the booking.

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

Yes, children are allowed on the tour, though the activities may not be suitable for very young kids. Contact the tour operator to inquire about any age restrictions or child-friendly modifications.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary is generally fixed, but guests can customize the experience by adding an optional lunch or visiting Torrechiara Castle. However, the core activities at the dairy farm and prosciutto producer are not adjustable.

How Do I Get to Parma From My Location?

To get to Parma from your location, you’ll likely need to take a combination of transportation modes, such as a flight to an airport near Parma, then a train or bus to the city center. Checking travel websites can help you plan the best route.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but casual and comfortable attire is recommended. Wear closed-toe shoes, as the tour includes visits to working dairy and meat production facilities.

Recap

The Parma Food Tour offers an immersive experience into the culinary delights of Parma. Priced at $195.89, the tour includes tastings at a dairy farm and a prosciutto facility, guided by local experts. With a maximum of 5 participants, the tour promises a personalized and enriching exploration of Parma’s renowned Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma.

You can check if your dates are available here: