From Parma: Parmigiano and Parma Ham Guided Food Tour

Parma, the epicenter of Italy’s rich culinary heritage, beckons travelers to embark on a guided food tour that delves into the world-renowned Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham. Over the course of five captivating hours, visitors can witness the intricate cheese-making process, sample aged varieties, and explore the history and production of the renowned Parma ham. This immersive experience promises to tantalize the senses and leave guests with a newfound appreciation for the region’s gastronomic treasures.

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Key Points

Guided 5-hour tour exploring Parma’s culinary heritage, featuring Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham, priced from $129.98 per person.
Visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory to observe cheese-making, aging, and tastings, as well as a Parma ham farmhouse tour.
Opportunity to sample aged Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and 24-month-aged Parma ham, paired with local wine and balsamic vinegar.
Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, and option to reserve now and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The food tour of Parma offers a guided exploration of the city’s renowned culinary heritage, featuring Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham.

The 5-hour tour is priced from $129.98 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Visitors can reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes visits to a Parmigiano Reggiano factory and a Parma ham farmhouse, where participants can observe production, sample the products, and learn about their history and traditions.

The tour also provides headsets for clear communication with the knowledgeable guide.

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Itinerary Highlights

Visitors begin the tour with a visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory, where they observe the cheese-making process, aging, and testing procedures.

They then sample two types of the aged cheese, paired with local wine and balsamic vinegar.

Next, they tour a Parma ham farmhouse, learning about the history, processing, and aging of the prized cured meat.

The tour culminates with a tasting of 24-month-aged Parma ham, accompanied by homemade bread and local wine.

The tour culminates with a tasting of 24-month-aged Parma ham, accompanied by homemade bread and local wine.

Throughout the experience, travelers gain insight into the traditional methods and passion behind these renowned Italian delicacies.

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Factory Visit

Participants first visit a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory, where they observe the intricate process of cheese-making. They witness the skilled cheesemakers as they carefully handle and monitor the milk, coagulation, and curd cutting.

The group then explores the aging rooms, seeing the enormous wheels of cheese stacked floor-to-ceiling, each meticulously aged for a minimum of 12 months. The guide explains the factors that contribute to the cheese’s distinctive flavor and texture.

Afterward, guests sample two types of Parmigiano Reggiano, paired with local wine and balsamic vinegar, allowing them to appreciate the nuances of this revered Italian delicacy.

Parma Ham Farmhouse Tour

After exploring the secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, the tour guides lead participants to a Parma ham farmhouse.

Here, guests learn about the history and production of the renowned cured meat. They observe the meat processing and aging techniques used to create the distinctive 24-month-aged Parma ham.

Participants then enjoy tasting the savory ham alongside homemade bread and local wine.

Savoring the flavors of Parma ham, homemade bread, and local wine – a delightful conclusion to the memorable tour.

The guide’s expertise and the chance to interact with local producers make this portion of the tour a memorable experience for travelers, who praise the passion and knowledge shared throughout the day.

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Tasting Experiences

The food tour’s tasting experiences take center stage, allowing participants to indulge in the rich flavors that Parma is renowned for.

Guests sample two types of Parmigiano Reggiano, each paired with local wine and balsamic vinegar, showcasing the cheese’s complex notes.

Later, they savor 24-month-aged Parma ham, served with homemade bread and regional wine.

These intimate tastings provide a deeper appreciation for the artisanal craftsmanship behind these iconic Italian delicacies.

Throughout, knowledgeable guides share insights, fostering a memorable sensory journey that highlights Parma’s culinary heritage.

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Guide and Guest Reviews

What truly sets this food tour apart, according to guest reviews, is the passion and expertise of the guides.

Travelers consistently praise the guides’ extensive knowledge of Parma’s rich culinary heritage and their enthusiastic, personalized interactions with local producers.

Travelers consistently praise the guides’ extensive knowledge and enthusiastic, personalized interactions with local producers.

The guides skillfully lead participants through the cheese and ham-making processes, providing insightful commentary and fostering a sense of connection with the artisans.

Guests describe the tour as a memorable, immersive experience that offers a unique glimpse into Parma’s renowned gastronomic traditions.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This food tour in Parma includes a comprehensive lineup of culinary experiences.

Guests will visit a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory to observe the cheese-making process, aging, and tasting. They’ll sample three aged Parmigiano cheeses paired with local wine and balsamic vinegar.

The tour also visits a Parma ham farmhouse, where travelers learn about the history, processing, and aging of the renowned Parma ham. Tastings include 24-month-aged Parma ham with homemade bread and wine.

The tour provides headsets for clear communication and pickup/drop-off from the Parma hotel. However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Important Tour Information

Meeting point for the food tour in Parma is the NH hotel, located near the Parma train station‘s north exit.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended. Pets, luggage, and large bags aren’t allowed on the tour.

The tour duration is 5 hours, and the price starts from $129.98 per person. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can also choose the "reserve now & pay later" option.

The tour includes visits to a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory and a Parma ham farmhouse, along with tastings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not allow guests to bring their own food or drinks. The tour includes tastings of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Parma ham, local wine, and Malvasia sparkling wine provided by the tour operator.

Do I Need to Know Italian to Participate in the Tour?

No, you don’t need to know Italian to participate in the tour. The tour is conducted in English by knowledgeable guides, so you can fully enjoy the experience even if you don’t speak Italian.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is available in multiple languages, including English. According to the information provided, the tour includes headsets for clear communication with the guide, ensuring participants can understand the information regardless of their language proficiency.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers private tours upon request, allowing guests to customize the itinerary and experience to their group’s preferences.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour accommodates various dietary restrictions. Vegetarians and those with lactose intolerances can be provided with alternative food tastings upon request. However, the tour may not be suitable for individuals with severe food allergies or strict dietary needs.

The Sum Up

The guided food tour in Parma offers a unique opportunity to dive into the region’s renowned culinary heritage. Visitors can witness the cheese-making process, learn about the history of Parma ham, and savor the flavors of these iconic Italian delicacies through tastings and educational experiences. It’s a comprehensive and immersive way to explore the rich gastronomic traditions of Parma.