Emilia-Romagna, the famed gastronomic heart of Italy, beckons with its time-honored culinary traditions. On this private tour, you’ll venture behind the scenes to uncover the secrets behind two of the region’s most iconic delicacies – Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma. From witnessing the meticulous craftsmanship to savoring the flavors, this immersive experience promises to transport you to the very core of Emilia-Romagna‘s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply curious to explore, this half-day adventure is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art of Italian gastronomy.
Key Points
- Discover the secrets behind the production of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma during a private, behind-the-scenes tour.
- Savor a tasting of aged Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh ricotta, and cured Prosciutto di Parma, accompanied by a glass of DOC Parma Hills Wine.
- Gain a deeper appreciation for the rich culinary heritage of the Emilia-Romagna region, renowned as the gastronomic hub of Italy.
- Enjoy hassle-free transport options, including hotel pickup and drop-off, to suit individual preferences.
- Immerse in the intricate cheese-making and ham-curing processes, learning about the strict regulations and centuries-old traditions behind these Italian delicacies.
Tour Overview
Emilia-Romagna is widely renowned as a famous hub of Italian gastronomy, offering visitors a chance to discover the secrets behind iconic regional delicacies like Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma.
On this half-day private tour, guests will go behind the scenes at a cheese dairy and Prosciutto di Parma plant, learning about the meticulous craft and traditions that go into producing these world-famous specialties.
The experience includes tastings of various aged Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses, as well as fresh ricotta and cured Parma hams, paired with a glass of exquisite DOC Parma Hills wine.
It’s a deep dive into the rich culinary heritage of this celebrated gastronomic region.
Inclusions
The tour includes a professional local guide, admission fees to the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese dairy and Parma Ham Plant, and tastings of 12, 24, 30 and 36 months old Parmigiano Reggiano cheese as well as fresh ricotta cheese.
You’ll also get to sample Prosciutto di Parma and other traditional cured meats. To complement the flavors, you’ll enjoy a glass of exquisite DOC Parma Hills Wine. Bottled water is provided throughout the experience.
Whether you choose the transportation option with hotel pickup and drop-off or the self-drive option, you’ll have a hassle-free and immersive foodie adventure in the heart of Italy’s gastronomic region.
Transportation Options
You can choose between two convenient transportation options for this Emilia foodie experience.
The first option includes hotel pickup and drop-off within 15 km of the city center, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to your culinary adventure.
Alternatively, you can opt for the self-drive option and meet the guide at the departure point. This gives you the flexibility to explore the area at your own pace before or after the tour.
Whether you prefer the convenience of door-to-door service or the freedom of self-driving, both options make it easy to learn about the rich gastronomic heritage of Emilia-Romagna.
Meeting and Pickup Details
The tour meets at Emily Way Bar in San Prospero at 8:30 am, and the end point is Torrechiara. Guests will meet their professional local guide at the designated meeting spot to begin their immersive Emilia foodie experience.
From there, the group will embark on their culinary adventure, venturing behind the scenes at a cheese dairy and Parma ham plant.
Participants will have the opportunity to sample a variety of aged Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses, as well as fresh ricotta and cured meats like Prosciutto di Parma.
To complement the flavors, a glass of exquisite DOC Parma Hills Wine will be served.
Throughout the tour, bottled water will be provided to keep guests hydrated.
At the end of the immersive experience, the group will return to the Torrechiara area.
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Dairy
One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese dairy, where participants go behind the scenes to uncover the secrets behind the production of this iconic Italian cheese.
Guests will witness the intricate process of cheese-making, from the moment the fresh milk is delivered to the dairy, to the aging of the wheels in the temperature-controlled cellars. They’ll learn about the strict regulations and centuries-old traditions that govern the production of authentic Parmigiano Reggiano.
After the tour, everyone gets to sample a variety of the cheese at different stages of maturation, from the delicate 12-month aged version to the robust 36-month old masterpiece, savoring the complex flavors that make this cheese a beloved staple of Italian cuisine.
Prosciutto Di Parma Plant
After exploring the secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano, the tour then whisks participants off to a renowned Prosciutto di Parma plant, where they’ll go behind the scenes to uncover the time-honored traditions behind the production of this iconic Italian cured meat.
The expert guide leads the group through the plant, highlighting the artisanal process that transforms fresh pork legs into the rich, savory Parma ham. Visitors get to see the meticulous salt-curing, air-drying, and aging steps that impart the ham’s signature flavor and texture.
They’ll then have the chance to sample a variety of Prosciutto di Parma, complemented by traditional accompaniments like fresh bread and Parma Hills Wine.
Witness the intricate process of Prosciutto di Parma production.
Learn about the centuries-old traditions that define this iconic cured meat.
Savor the rich, complex flavors of Parma ham at its source.
Discover the perfect pairings that accentuate the ham’s unique qualities.
Gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind this Italian culinary treasure.
Tasting of Cheeses and Meats
Amidst the rustic surroundings, guests explore a savory tasting journey, exploring the depth and nuance of Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses ranging from 12 to 36 months in age.
They’ll be captivated by the subtle flavor evolutions, from the younger, milder versions to the deeper, more complex 36-month-old wheels.
Alongside the cheeses, the tour also showcases the pride of Parma – the renowned Prosciutto di Parma. Guests savor the delicate, paper-thin slices of this cured ham, marveling at its unique texture and flavor profile.
These indulgent tastings are complemented by a glass of the exquisite DOC Parma Hills Wine, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that truly encapsulate the essence of Emilia-Romagna’s celebrated gastronomic heritage.
Additional Information
Guests can expect confirmation of their booking upon completing the reservation process.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, catering to a wide range of mobility needs.
While the minimum drinking age is 18 years, the experience accommodates dietary requirements, with the exception of vegan and vegetarian preferences.
On top of that, COVID-19 safety measures have been implemented throughout the tour to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Duration of the Tour?
The tour lasts half a day. It allows participants to explore the secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma, with behind-the-scenes visits, tastings, and an opportunity to sample local wines.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no strict dress code for the tour. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as the tour involves some walking. Casual attire is recommended to ensure maximum comfort during the food-focused activities.
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, you can take photographs during the tour. The tour allows visitors to capture the cheese-making and ham-curing processes, as well as the tasting experiences. Just be mindful not to disrupt the producers’ work.
Are There Any Health or Safety Restrictions?
There are COVID-19 safety measures in place on this tour. Guests must follow any health and safety protocols, like wearing masks when required. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated, except for vegans and vegetarians.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy. Customers can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time and receive a full refund. There are no penalties for last-minute cancellations, making it easy to plan ahead.
Recap
This half-day private tour immerses you in the culinary heritage of Emilia-Romagna.
You’ll witness the time-honored traditions of making iconic Italian delicacies like Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham.
The tasting of these artisanal products, accompanied by local wine, offers a deep dive into the region’s renowned gastronomic legacy that has made it a hub of Italian cuisine.
