Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Parma, Italy with a tour that delves into the making of two iconic Italian delicacies – Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham. Enjoy the time-honored traditions and artisanal production processes that have made these delicacies world-renowned. From the aging of the cheese to the curing of the ham, this curated experience offers a tantalizing glimpse into the craftsmanship behind these beloved specialties. Complemented by regional wines and balsamic vinegar, the tasting and exploration promises to elevate your understanding and appreciation of these gastronomic treasures. Get ready to embark on a journey that’ll leave your taste buds craving for more.
Key Points
- Immersive tour through Parma, Italy, exploring the production processes of renowned Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham.
- Guided visits to Parmigiano Reggiano dairy and Parma ham factories with tastings of 12-36 month aged cheese and 24 month cured ham.
- Curated tasting experience showcasing the artistry and traditions of these Italian culinary specialties.
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with complimentary Wi-Fi, operated rain or shine.
- Confirmation and full refund available up to 24 hours before departure, with no need to worry about luggage.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
Guests on this tour will experience an immersive journey through the heart of Parma, Italy, exploring the renowned Parmigiano Reggiano dairy and Parma ham factories. They’ll tour these iconic facilities in a small group setting, with private transportation and a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
Visitors will get an exclusive look at the cheese and ham production processes, witnessing the time-honored traditions and techniques that make these delicacies so special.
The tour also includes tastings of the finished products, allowing guests to savor the flavors of 12-24-36 month aged Parmigiano Reggiano and 24 month cured Parma ham, paired with local wines and balsamic vinegar.
It’s a must-do experience for any foodie or lover of Italian culinary heritage.
Key Details
This tour boasts an impressive 333 reviews, earning it a Badge of Excellence. It typically lasts around 2 hours and provides complimentary Wi-Fi onboard, allowing guests to stay connected throughout the experience.
The tour operates rain or shine, ensuring participants can enjoy the fascinating cheese and ham production processes regardless of the weather.
Some key details include:
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Guided visits to Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma ham factories
- Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma ham tastings
- No need to worry about luggage or large bags as they’re not allowed on the tour
- Confirmation provided at the time of booking, and a full refund is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Tasting Menu
The tasting menu on this tour features a delightful showcase of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham, allowing visitors to savor the flavors that have made these regional delicacies world-renowned.
Guests can sample Parmigiano Reggiano at varying ages, from 12 to 36 months, paired with the perfect accompaniments of balsamic vinegar and Fortana red wine.
The Parma ham, aged for 24 months, is served with local bread and the tangy, fizzy Lambrusco wine.
This curated tasting experience provides an immersive look into the artistry and traditions behind these iconic Italian products, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the care and expertise that goes into their production.
Inclusions
This tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle to whisk participants between the Parmigiano Reggiano dairy and Parma ham factories. Guided visits at each location provide an insider’s look at the production processes, where the group can observe the skilled artisans at work.
The tour also includes:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- Confirmation provided at time of booking
- Cancellation policy with full refund up to 24 hours in advance
- No luggage or large bags allowed
- Private transportation to and from the designated meeting point in Langhirano.
Of course, the tour wouldn’t be complete without generous tastings of the final products – savory Parmigiano Reggiano aged to perfection, and the renowned Parma ham, all expertly paired with local wines and breads to complement the flavors.
Pickup and Logistics
Participants will be picked up from the designated meeting point in Langhirano, where they’ll board the air-conditioned vehicle for the tour.
No luggage or large bags are allowed on the excursion, as the focus is on the immersive experience of exploring the Parmigiano Reggiano dairy and Parma ham factories.
Once the group is assembled, the tour will commence, taking visitors on a guided journey through the cheese and ham production processes.
Confirmation of the booking is provided at the time of reservation.
If plans change, a full refund is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
The tour operates rain or shine, ensuring guests can enjoy the culinary wonders of Parma regardless of the weather.
Cheese Production Process
Entering the Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, visitors witness the intricate process of crafting this iconic Italian cheese, from the carefully selected ingredients to the meticulous techniques that have been honed over centuries.
The cheesemakers begin by heating raw cow’s milk and adding rennet, a natural coagulating agent. The resulting curds are expertly cut, cooked, and formed into large wheels.
These wheels are then aged for a minimum of 12 months, with the best examples matured for up to 36 months. Throughout this time, the wheels are regularly inspected, turned, and brushed to ensure the perfect texture and flavor.
This dedication to quality is what sets Parmigiano Reggiano apart as a true masterpiece of Italian gastronomy.
Ham Production Process
After exploring the meticulous process of crafting Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, the tour moves on to the equally impressive production of Parma ham. Visitors step into the Parma ham factory, where experts meticulously cure and age the finest cuts of pork using traditional methods perfected over centuries.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Pork Selection | Only the highest quality pork legs are selected, sourced from specific regions in Italy. |
| Salting | The legs are carefully salted by hand, a process that can take up to 3 weeks. |
| Aging | The salted legs are left to age in temperature and humidity-controlled rooms for 24 months or more. |
| Inspection | Master curators routinely inspect the hams, ensuring the perfect texture, color, and flavor development. |
The dedication and expertise of the Parma ham producers are palpable as visitors witness the art of transforming simple pork into the coveted Prosciutto di Parma.
Tour Highlights and Tastings
The tour culminates in a delightful tasting experience, where visitors savor the distinct flavors of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham.
The tasting menu includes:
- Parmigiano Reggiano cheese aged 12-24-36 months, paired with balsamic vinegar and Fortana red wine
- Parma Ham aged for 24 months, accompanied by local bread and Lambrusco wine
This sensory journey allows guests to fully appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind these celebrated Italian delicacies.
The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the production processes, while the complimentary Wi-Fi on board ensures visitors can share their experiences in real-time.
Whether a seasoned foodie or a curious novice, this tour offers an unforgettable taste of Parma’s culinary heritage.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Purchase Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Parma Ham On-Site?
Based on the details provided, visitors can purchase Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham during the tour. The tour includes tastings of these specialty products, so it’s likely visitors can purchase them on-site to take home.
Are Vegetarian/Vegan Tasting Options Available?
The tour doesn’t offer vegetarian or vegan tasting options, as it focuses on showcasing the traditional production processes for Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham. Participants who require alternative dietary accommodations should contact the tour operator in advance.
Can I Take Photographs During the Factory Visits?
Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs during the factory visits, though they may need to follow some basic guidelines to ensure the safety and privacy of the facilities. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions.
How Long Has the Tour Company Been Operating?
The tour company has been operating for an impressive number of years, showcasing its expertise and experience in providing visitors with an immersive experience. However, the exact duration of their operations is not explicitly stated in the provided information.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?
No special equipment or clothing is needed for the tour. Casual, comfortable attire and walking shoes are recommended. The tour company will provide any necessary protective gear at the dairy and ham factory.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Parmigiano and Prosciutto Food Tour
- Private Parmigiano Balsamic Parma Ham and Wine Tasting Tour
- Private Emilia Romagna Food Tour Half Day
- Entrance to the Torrazzo + Baptistery + Official Diocesan Museum
- Parmigiano Reggiano & Balsamic Vinegar Private Tour and Tasting
- Parma 2 Hour Guided Group Walking Tour
- Parma Food Tour
- Slow Parma Food Experience Half Day Private Tour and Tasting
- Parma Classic Walking Tour
- Cesarine: Small Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class in Parma
- Parma Parmigiano + Ham & Wine Private Tours. Including Tastings!
- Guided Tour at the Cheese and Ham Factory in Parma
- Parmigiano-Reggiano and Parma Ham Small Group Tour
- Pasta Class With Truffle and Cocktails or Wine Pairing
- Laura’s Private Parma Food Tour With Pick-up
Recap
The Tour of Parmigiano Reggiano Dairy and Parma Ham offers a delectable journey through the culinary heritage of Parma, Italy.
Visitors can enjoy the production processes, time-honored traditions, and artisanal craftsmanship behind these iconic Italian delicacies.
With tastings of aged Parmigiano Reggiano, cured Parma ham, and complementary balsamic vinegar, Fortana red wine, and Lambrusco, this curated experience showcases the depth and complexity of Parma’s renowned gastronomic offerings.
