Parma, the epicenter of Italy’s revered culinary heritage, beckons with its tantalizing offerings. Explore the intricate process behind the region’s iconic Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and the time-honored craft of Parma ham production. Through this immersive tour, you’ll explore the heart of Parma’s gastronomic legacy, savoring the rich flavors and uncovering the stories that make these delicacies so revered. Join us as we uncover the secrets that have captivated palates worldwide, and prepare to embark on a journey that promises to leave an indelible mark on your senses.
Key Points
- The 5-hour guided tour offers a comprehensive immersion into Parma’s culinary traditions, including visits to a cheese factory and a Prosciutto di Parma factory.
- The tour includes a 1.5-hour visit to a cheese factory to learn about the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano, with tastings and a Malvasia wine tasting.
- Participants will visit a Prosciutto di Parma factory for a 1-hour guided tour and tastings, exploring the renowned Parma ham.
- The tour starts at the NH Parma Hotel, a 5-minute walk from the Parma Train Station’s Falcone/Borsellino exit, with transportation provided to the production sites.
- The tour itinerary includes a 40-minute travel to the Langhirano hills, the home of Prosciutto di Parma, and a 40-minute return to the starting point.
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Tour Details
This 5-hour Parma Parmigiano Production and Parma Ham Tour & Tasting offers guided tours in both English and Italian.
You’ll start at a cheese factory to learn about the production of the famous Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Then, you’ll travel to the hills of Langhirano to visit a Prosciutto factory, where you’ll go on a guided tour and enjoy tastings of the delicious cured ham.
Throughout the experience, you’ll savor the flavors of Parmesan and Prosciutto, and finish with a refreshing glass of Malvasia wine.
With pickup and drop-off, entry tickets, tastings, and a knowledgeable guide included, this tour provides a comprehensive and immersive look into Parma’s renowned culinary traditions.
Highlights of the Tour
The tour highlights an in-depth look at the production of the renowned Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, followed by a visit to the hills where the famous Prosciutto di Parma is cured. Visitors will savor tastings of both the cheese and cured ham, and finish with a refreshing glass of local Malvasia wine.
The tour’s highlights include:
| Experience | Duration |
|---|---|
| Parmigiano Cheese Production | 1.5 hours |
| Prosciutto di Parma Tour and Tasting | 1 hour |
| Malvasia Wine Tasting | – |
Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to learn about the rich culinary traditions of Italy, this tour promises a delightful and educational experience.
Starting Point and Directions
The tour meets at the NH Parma Hotel, located just north of the Parma Train Station‘s Falcone/Borsellino exit. Participants can easily find their way there by following the clear directions provided.
From the train station, travelers need only walk north for about 5 minutes to reach the hotel.
Once gathered, the group will set off on their 5-hour exploration of Parmesan cheese and Parma ham production. With a local guide leading the way, the tour will transport participants to the cheese factory and then on to the hills of Langhirano to visit a Prosciutto factory.
Throughout the day, guests will enjoy tastings of these acclaimed Italian delicacies.
Tour Itinerary
The tour kicks off at the cheese factory, where participants spend 1.5 hours learning about the production of Parmesan cheese. They’ll then travel for 40 minutes to the hills of Langhirano, the home of Prosciutto di Parma. At the Prosciutto factory, guests will enjoy a guided tour and a tasting of the world-famous ham.
| Time | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 hours | Cheese Factory | Learn about Parmesan production |
| 40 minutes | Travel to Langhirano | Journey to Prosciutto region |
| 1 hour | Prosciutto Factory | Guided tour and tasting |
| 40 minutes | Return to Starting Point | Travel back to Parma |
The tour wraps up with a 40-minute return to the starting point, where guests can enjoy a glass of the local Malvasia wine.
Cheese Factory Visit
Visiting the cheese factory kicks off the tour, where participants spend 1.5 hours learning about the intricate process of producing the renowned Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Guests watch as the cheesemakers carefully craft the iconic wheels, from the initial heating of the raw milk to the manual salting and aging stages. The tour guide explains the centuries-old traditions and strict regulations that govern this PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) product.
Participants get an up-close look at the massive cheese wheels, some aged for over 2 years, developing their rich, complex flavors.
After the tour, visitors savor tastings of the freshly produced Parmesan, complemented by a glass of local Malvasia wine, truly immersing them in the essence of Parma’s culinary heritage.
Prosciutto Factory Tour and Tasting
After exploring the intricate cheese production, the tour transitions to the rolling hills of Langhirano, where participants discover the time-honored craft of Parma ham, or Prosciutto di Parma, making.
Here, the group visits a Prosciutto factory for a guided tour and tasting. The experience offers a unique glimpse into:
- The traditional salting and aging process that transforms fresh pork legs into the iconic Parma ham.
- The meticulous attention to detail that ensures the perfect balance of flavors and texture.
The opportunity to savor the rich, umami-packed slices of Prosciutto, accompanied by a refreshing glass of Malvasia wine.
This part of the tour provides a well-rounded understanding of Parma’s celebrated gastronomy.
Inclusions and Duration
The Parma Parmigiano Production and Parma Ham Tour & Tasting lasts 5 hours, providing ample time for participants to fully enjoy the rich culinary heritage of the region. The tour includes:
| Inclusions | Duration |
|---|---|
| Pickup and drop-off | – |
| Entry tickets | – |
| Tastings | – |
| Guided tour in English and Italian | – |
| Visit to cheese factory and Prosciutto factory | 3.5 hours |
Guests will see the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, visit the hills where Prosciutto is made, and savor tastings of these iconic Italian delicacies, finishing with a glass of Malvasia wine. The comprehensive experience ensures a deep appreciation for Parma’s renowned food culture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring Children on the Tour?
Yes, children are welcome on this tour. The tour includes educational activities and tastings that are suitable for all ages. However, parents should supervise their children to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Is the Tour Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?
The tour may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans as it focuses on the production and tasting of Parmesan cheese and Parma ham. However, the wine tasting at the end could be enjoyed by all participants.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The cancellation policy allows participants to cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. However, cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee. Guests should check the policy details when booking.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, you can take photos during the tour. The tour allows visitors to capture the cheese and ham production processes, as well as the tastings. Just be mindful of not disrupting the guide or the other participants.
Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Items With Me?
Guests don’t need to bring any specific items, as the tour provides everything needed. The tour company recommends wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a camera to capture the experience. Beyond that, just come ready to enjoy the delicious tastings and sights.
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Recap
This immersive tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Parma’s renowned culinary traditions.
Participants visit a cheese factory, learn about Parmigiano-Reggiano production, and tour a Prosciutto di Parma factory, sampling the famous cheese and ham accompanied by Malvasia wine.
It’s an authentic and enriching experience in the heart of Italy’s gastronomic heritage.