How long is the Parma food tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours. It is a relaxed walking tour through the historic center of Parma.

Do we visit production sites of Parmigiano or Prosciutto?

This is a city walking tour. While we don't visit the countryside factories, we taste the absolute best selections in the historic bottegas of the city center.

Is it enough for a full meal?

Yes, the tour includes multiple gourmet stops that combined make for a very satisfying and complete lunch.

Parma Food Tour: Parmigiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Culatello

Go behind the scenes with local artisans in an intimate group to discover the true heart of Parma, far from the tourist tracks.

PARMA'S SWEET SECRETS

Sneak into a fragrant kitchen usually closed to the public.
Savor noble-age desserts with a creamy cappuccino and discover secret recipes that guidebooks simply don't offer.

MEET ENRICO, PARMA'S PASTA MASTERCHEF

Anolini or Tortelli?
Go behind the scenes with Enrico to learn the secrets of hand-rolled "sfoglia". Taste pure heaven in a comforting bowl of rich, golden meat broth.

SAY CHEEEESE...TO PARMIGIANO

Discover why Parmigiano is the "King of Cheeses." Enjoy a vertical tasting of different textures to learn how to spot a masterpiece right where it's born.

SLICES OF HAPPINESS

Born in the fog and impossible to forget.
Taste Culatello and Prosciutto di Parma, sip Lambrusco, and feel how every slice tells the story of a land where simplicity meets perfection

historic delicatessen in parma visited on our parma food tour, with cured meats and cheeses on display

traditional parma pastries served during our parma food tour tasting inside a local pastry lab

fresh anolini being plated during the pasta demo on our parma food tour in parma, italy

small group enjoying tastings with the guide during our parma food tour city walk

prosciutto di parma hand-sliced for guests on our parma food tour

culatello, prosciutto di parma and mixed salumi tasting board on our parma food tour

parmigiano reggiano wedges of different ages sampled on our parma food tour

lambrusco poured to pair with culatello and prosciutto during our parma food tour

PRACTICAL INFO

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Enjoy desserts and cappuccino to kick off your tour with the right energy behind the scenes in a pastry shop kitchen.
A steaming bowl of egg pasta, made right before your eyes by Enrico in his lab that’s closed to the public.
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tasting
Culatello, Parma ham and a mix of traditional cured meat you won't forget
Local wines like Lambrusco or Malvasia

Tours are led by official guides or tour leaders fluent in English.

PRICE

From €99 per person
From €49 for children aged 4-10 years.

Admission is free for children under 4 years old.

START

10:30 am in Piazza Duomo square, in front of Parma Cathedral.

To arrive in Parma use local Trenitalia trains: only 1h and 7€ from Bologna Centrale station

LENGTH

3.5 hours

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday to Saturday

MAXIMUM CAPACITY

Intimate experience: limited to 8 people

PLEASE NOTE

This is not a private tour. Contact us if you'd like a private tour based on your preferences.

Our Parma food tour is adaptable for celiacs

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

General Tour Information

How long is the tour and what areas of Parma will we visit?

The Parma Food Tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours. This is a walking tour through the elegant historic center of Parma. We’ll explore the beautiful streets around the Duomo and the Baptistery, visiting the best local botteghe and traditional shops.

Do we visit the production sites of Parmigiano or Prosciutto?

Please note that this is a city walking tour; we do not visit the production facilities (caseifici or prosciuttifici) as they are located in the countryside outside the city. However, we taste the absolute best selections of these products in town. If you are interested in a private tour to visit the producers, contact us directly.

I am staying in Bologna; is it easy to reach Parma?

Very easy! Parma is about 50-60 minutes by train from Bologna Central Station. It's a smooth ride and a perfect way to discover another capital of the Italian "Food Valley" as a day trip.

What language will the guide speak?

Our group tours are conducted in English. For private tours in other languages (like French or Spanish), feel free to send us an email.

What should I do if I’m running late for the tour?

We have a 15-minute policy: to respect the schedule of our guests and partners, we always start the tour 15 minutes after the official meeting time. If you are running late, please contact us immediately via email, phone, or WhatsApp. We will do our absolute best to help you catch up with the group at the first possible stop.

Food and Drink

What kind of food will we taste? Is it enough for a meal?

It's definitely enough for a full lunch! You will taste the legendary Parmigiano Reggiano (different ages), Prosciutto di Parma, Culatello di Zibello, traditional pasta like Anolini, and local desserts, all paired with Lambrusco wine.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary requirements?

Yes, we can accommodate vegetarians and gluten-free diets. Please let us know your requirements in the "Notes" section when booking. This tour is not recommended for vegans as the local cuisine heavily features cheese and cured meats.

Are drinks included?

Yes, local wine (Lambrusco) and water are included during the food stops.

Booking and Payment

How do I book and what payment methods do you accept?

You can book securely on our website. We accept all major credit cards. We do not accept cash payments on the day of the tour.

Do I need to print my booking confirmation?

No need to waste paper! You don’t need to print anything. Your email confirmation on your smartphone is perfect. Your guide will have a digital guest list with your name on it, so you just need to show up and introduce yourself.

What if I need to cancel?

Life happens, we get it. Plans change, flights get delayed, kids get sick. We're not here to make a difficult day worse.

Because our tours run in small groups (max 8 guests), every spot is reserved in advance and supports the local producers we visit, cancellations within 48 hours of the tour are non-refundable.

For extra flexibility, add Booking Protection (€12) at checkout, it covers a partial refund if something unexpected comes up before that window.

Either way, reach out if your plans change. We'll always do our best to help.

What if it rains?

The tour goes on! Parma has beautiful architecture and many stops are indoors. We recommend bringing an umbrella, but the weather won't stop the tasting.

Accessibility & Safety

How much walking is involved?

We walk about 2 km (1.2 miles) at a very relaxed pace. The center of Parma is flat and perfect for a stroll, with several stops to sit and eat.

Is the tour wheelchair and stroller accessible?

Yes, the city center is accessible. If you have specific mobility needs, please mention them in the notes so we can ensure the best experience for you.

Can I bring my children?

Absolutely. Children love the pasta and the sweet treats in Parma. Infants up to 4 years old join for free, and we have discounted rates for children.

Tour Experience & Expectations

What is the maximum group size?

We keep our groups small, with a maximum of 8 people, to ensure you get the most out of your guide's local knowledge.

Do you accept solo travelers?

Absolutely! Our tours are a great way for solo travelers to meet like-minded food lovers from all over the world. Please note that all our group tours require a minimum of 2 participants to run. If you are booking alone and the minimum isn’t met for that specific date, we will contact you in advance to offer an alternative tour, a different date, or a full refund.

What should I wear?

Casual dress is fine, but comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the historic streets.

Should I tip the guide?

Tipping is optional but always appreciated if you enjoyed your time and the stories shared by our guide.

Why choose Taste Bologna for a Parma tour?

We are deeply rooted in Emilia-Romagna and have been running food tours here for years. We work with small, independent producers we personally know, and we design our tours to avoid rushed tastings and crowded stops. What really matters is that our guests leave understanding why this food is special.

PARMA
FOOD TOUR

PARMA FOOD TOUR