Parma, the culinary capital of Italy, is renowned for its exceptional cheese heritage. Visitors can now enjoy this rich tradition by embarking on a guided tour of a traditional Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory. During this 2.5-hour experience, you will witness the intricate art of cheese-making, from the initial curd pulling to the meticulous aging process. Beyond the fascinating insights, the tour culminates with a delightful cheese tasting, complemented by the region’s finest wines. Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or simply curious to learn about this iconic Italian delicacy, this outing promises to leave a lasting impression on your palate and your understanding of Parma’s culinary legacy.
Key Points
- Guided tour of a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory, including the curd-pulling process, cheese aging, and a cheese tasting paired with local wine.
- Tour duration of 2.5 hours, starting at $69.55 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
- Convenient pickup and drop-off at the NH Parma hotel, with a 15-minute van ride to the cheese factory.
- Informative and engaging guides with excellent English skills, providing a deeper appreciation for the artistry of Parmigiano Reggiano production.
- Overall positive customer experience, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 113 reviews.
Tour Overview
The guided tour of the traditional Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory lasts for 2.5 hours and costs from $69.55 per person.
Visitors can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The "reserve now, pay later" option is available.
The tour starts at the NH Parma hotel, where guests board a van for a 15-minute ride to the cheese factory.
After the 1.5-hour guided tour, the van returns visitors to the hotel.
The highlights include learning the secrets of Parmigiano-Reggiano production, witnessing the cheese-making process, and tasting the cheese paired with local wine.
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Pricing and Availability
Pricing for the guided tour of the traditional Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory starts at $69.55 per person.
The 2.5-hour tour includes a 15-minute van ride to the cheese factory, a 1.5-hour guided tour, and a 15-minute return van ride. It also covers hotel pickup and drop-off, headsets, entry tickets, and gratuities.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour offers a reserve now & pay later option as well.
It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and certain items like sandals, pets, large bags, and open-toed shoes aren’t allowed.
Itinerary and Highlights
The tour begins with a 15-minute van ride from the starting location at the NH Parma hotel to the traditional Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory. Once there, visitors embark on a 1.5-hour guided tour to witness the production process firsthand. The highlights include:
Activity | Duration |
---|---|
Curd Pulling | 30 minutes |
Cheese Aging | 45 minutes |
Cheese Tasting | 15 minutes |
Throughout the tour, guests learn the secrets behind the iconic Parmesan cheese, from the initial curd-pulling to the meticulous aging process. The experience culminates in a delightful tasting of the cheese paired with local wine, providing a true flavor of Parma’s culinary heritage.
Customer Experience
According to the available information, travelers have consistently praised the Parma Cheese Factory tour, rating it an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 113 reviews.
Reviewers highlight the excellent English skills of the guides, who provide an informative and engaging experience. Visitors emphasize the fun and educational nature of the tour, praising the opportunity to witness the cheese-making process firsthand and savor the high-quality Parmesan paired with local wine.
The tour’s customer experience appears to be a significant draw, with travelers leaving the experience with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and tradition behind Parmigiano-Reggiano production.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyTour Inclusions
The Parma Cheese Factory tour includes a comprehensive set of amenities to enhance the visitor experience.
Hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a seamless start and end to the journey. Guests will receive high-quality headsets, allowing them to hear the guide’s commentary clearly throughout the tour. Entry tickets are included, granting access to the factory’s inner workings. Gratuities are also covered, eliminating the need for out-of-pocket expenses.
However, the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Specific attire requirements, such as no sandals or open-toed shoes, must be observed to ensure safety and respect the cheese-making environment.
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Accessibility and Restrictions
Visitors with mobility impairments or wheelchair users may find the Parma Cheese Factory tour unsuitable. The tour doesn’t cater to those with limited mobility, as it involves a 15-minute van ride to and from the factory.
Plus, the factory itself may pose accessibility challenges. Guests are required to wear closed-toe shoes, and large bags aren’t permitted. The tour isn’t suitable for those with pets either.
While the experience offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano production, individuals with mobility issues or special needs should consider an alternative tour option that better accommodates their requirements.
Meeting Point and Pickup
The meeting point for the Parma Cheese Factory tour is the parking area of the NH Hotel, located at Viale Paolo Borsellino, 31, 43122 Parma PR, Italy.
Visitors should arrive at the pickup location 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time, as the van leaves promptly after waiting for everyone in the group.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.
Headsets are provided to ensure everyone can clearly hear the guide’s explanations throughout the tour.
Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or simply curious about the traditional Parmigiano Reggiano production process, this tour offers a unique insight into the heart of Italy’s renowned cheese region.
Cheese Tasting
Capping off the insightful factory tour, visitors can savor the culmination of the Parmigiano Reggiano production process – the cheese tasting.
Led by knowledgeable guides, guests have the opportunity to taste the famous Italian cheese alongside local wines. The tasting allows them to appreciate the complex flavors and textures that result from the traditional aging process.
Travelers consistently praise this part of the experience, highlighting the quality of the cheese and the expert guidance provided.
The tasting completes the immersive journey into the centuries-old traditions of Parmigiano Reggiano cheesemaking, leaving visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this renowned culinary delight.
Recap
Enjoy Parma’s culinary heritage with a captivating visit to a traditional cheese factory. Explore the intricate art of Parmigiano Reggiano production, from curd pulling to aging. Conclude your journey with a delightful cheese tasting complemented by local wines, offering a true taste of the region’s rich gastronomic traditions.
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