Parma Food Tour: Parmigiano & Culatello

Welcome in Emilia-Romagna:

Emilia-Romagna is known as Italy’s Food Valley, celebrated for its diverse gastronomy and unique products such as Parmigiano Reggiano and Culatello di Zibello. This region is home to over 40 traditional certified foods and follows a farm-to-table philosophy. Additionally, it has been the birthplace of talented artists such as Giuseppe Verdi. On this 8-hour tour, you’ll have the opportunity to meet local producers, sample world-renowned food products, and learn interesting facts about the famous “maestro”.

Meeting point:

Our meeting point is at 8:30 am at Parma’s train station, in Piazza Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa, in front of the station’s main entrance. Parma is easily accessible by train from other major cities in the area, such as Modena, Bologna, and Milan. If you need help finding the best options, please feel free to ask.

Itinerary:

Parmigiano Reggiano Dairy Farm:

Take a tour to uncover the secrets behind the production of the renowned “king of cheese”. At the conclusion of the tour, you will be served a plate of “anolini in brodo”, filled ravioli pasta with Parmigiano Reggiano, served with broth – a signature dish of the Parma province.

Culatello di Zibello production:

Discover the secrets of one of Emilia-Romagna’s most underrated cold cuts, the culatello di Zibello. This delicacy can only be produced in the low-lands of Parma’s province, near the Po River and is carefully crafted during the winter months when thick fogs prevail. A guided tour of the production facility will walk you through the entire process of creating this delicacy, from the raw materials to the curing process.

Culatello tasting at “Osteria Vecchio Mulino Dallatana”:

Join us for a complimentary tasting of Culatello di Zibello and other exquisite delicacies at “Mulino Dallatana”. After the tasting, you can explore the ancient cellars from the 1700s, where culatello is still curated during certain times of the year. Before concluding our tour, you will also have the opportunity to see the birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi, the famous “maestro”, whose works are renowned worldwide and have contributed to the city of Parma’s fame.

Extend your tour with an included lunch and explore some hidden gems in the afternoon. Choose from two options.

Option A: In Verdi’s footsteps

Lunch at the “Osteria Vecchio Mulino Dallatana”:

Enjoy the complimentary lunch at “Mulino Dallatana”. This authentic restaurant, once an ancient mill, is associated with the production of cured meats and offers a taste of traditional cuisine from Parma. The menu includes a starter with various cold cuts, a main course, and a dessert. 

Giuseppe Verdi’s birthplace:

Next to our lunch spot, we’ll find the birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi, who was born in 1813. During the self-guided tour, you’ll delve into the life of the “maestro” and get a glimpse of what life was like back in the 19th century.

Giuseppe Verdi theatre:

Explore this hidden gem for art and music fans together. This small opera theatre from the late 1800s will enchant you with its rich ornaments and history, transporting you back to the elegant atmosphere of the 19th century. The guided tour will introduce you to the history of Giuseppe Garibaldi and the theatre named after him.

Option B: Colorno – the Versailles of Parma

Lunch at the “Osteria Vecchio Mulino Dallatana”:

Enjoy the complimentary lunch at “Mulino Dallatana”. This authentic restaurant, once an ancient mill, is associated with the production of cured meats and offers a taste of traditional cuisine from Parma. The menu includes a starter with various cold cuts, a main course, and a dessert. 

Colorno Ducal Palace:

Let’s explore the splendour and elegance of the 1700s by visiting the Royal Palace of Colorno, considered the Versailles of Parma. Take a one-hour guided tour to uncover the precious interiors of the palace and discover the history of the royal families who lived there. We’ll conclude the tour by walking in the expansive gardens to appreciate and admire the palace from the outside.