PARMA FOOD TOUR

PARMA FOOD TOUR

PARMA FOOD TOUR

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Step behind the scenes of Parma’s food culture with a 3.5-hour guided tour.

Discover a pastry lab usually closed to the public, where you can taste handmade pasta, aged Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and Culatello, paired with Lambrusco.

Small-group tours depart at 10:30 am from Piazza Duomo.

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PARMA'S SWEET SECRETS

A fascinating old pastry shop in Parma is the stage for tasting desserts from a glorious past.
Sneak inside the kitchen, closed to the public, and taste local desserts paired with a cappuccino

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MEET ENRICO, PARMA'S PASTA MASTERCHEF

Anolini or Tortelli?
Follow Enrico's behind-the-scenes and learn his tips to make the most delicious pasta in Parma and taste heaven inside hot meat broth

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SAY CHEEEESE...TO PARMIGIANO

Have you heard that Parmigiano Reggiano is called the king of cheese?
Enjoy a guided tasting of different ages and textures, and learn how this world-famous cheese is made in Parma

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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

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.

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PRICE

€99 per person, plus tax
€49 for children aged 4-10 years.

Admission is free for children under 4 years old.

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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

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LENGTH

3.5 hours

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TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday to Saturday

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MAXIMUM CAPACITY

Limited to 8 people

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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

WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING

Lisa led our Parma food tour and she far exceeded our expectations! We got a behind the scenes experience from a knowledgeable local guide. Every bite was delicious and it felt very authentic. I would book Taste Bologna in every city.
- Mike on Google - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amazing, delicious experience. Samantha our guide was very pleasant, knowledgeable and helpful. We were treated to food locations we would never have known on our own. Small group of 5 meant we had a more personalized experience. I would definitely recommend this tour.
- HelenM on Tripadvisor - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I can only recommend the food tour in Parma. Trying local food, looking behind the scenes, learning about the history of it all – it had everything I could wish for. Shoutout to our guide Lisa who did an outstanding job.
- Benjamin on Google - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We went on 3 different food tours in the Emilia-Romagnole region and this tour with Lisa in Parma was by far the best. She deftly intertwined food tasting with history, and the behind the scenes visits to experience food preparation was fascinating. All of her chosen stops were a delight. Her tour was one of the reasons why Parma was one of our favorite towns in our two week tour.
- 906fm on Tripadvisor - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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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 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.