From Bologna: Parma, Parmesan, and Prosciutto Tour by 1st Class Train
Marconi, Florence
Reach the Food Valley in maximum comfort with reserved seats in 1st Class High Speed and discover Parma with guided tours, tastings at a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory and a ham factory.
Emilia Food Valley Tour with Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma Ham Tastings
This half-day guided tour departs from Bologna or Parma, ideal for food enthusiasts wanting to explore the Emilia countryside and its culinary traditions.
Highlights
- Round-trip high-speed train journey in first class (if included in the option)
- Guided discovery of the hills of Emilia
- Visit and tasting at a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory
- Visit a traditional Italian ham factory with Prosciutto di Parma PDO tasting
- Experience the Food Valley, combining comfort, taste, culture, and tradition
Description
This exclusive tour offers a stress-free experience exploring the secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma Ham with premium service from departure.
The itinerary begins at Bologna Centrale train station, boarding the Italo high-speed train in first class to Reggio Emilia Mediopadana station (if you select the train option). Upon arrival, you meet the tour leader and transfer privately to the Emilian countryside. For the 'smart' option, the tour starts directly in Parma, meeting at the NH hotel without train tickets included.
Your first stop is a traditional cheese factory. You will walk through large ageing rooms known as the 'cathedrals of cheese,' surrounded by thousands of golden wheels. The 8:30 AM option allows you to witness master cheesemakers extracting hot cheese wheels and performing the 'spinatura,' the breaking of the curd.
The visit ends with a guided tasting to appreciate flavor differences between cheeses aged 12, 24, and 36 months.
The tour continues to the hills around Parma, where you visit a ham factory to learn how Prosciutto di Parma is made using only salt, air, and time. The visit finishes with a tasting of freshly sliced Parma ham highlighting its unique sweetness.
After the visits, a private transfer returns you either to Mediopadana station or Parma central station, depending on your chosen option.
Includes
- Roundtrip Italo high-speed first-class train ticket from Bologna to Reggio Emilia Mediopadana station (if included in chosen option)
- Pick-up at Reggio Emilia Mediopadana station by minivan (if included in chosen option)
- Meet and greet with the tour leader and group at Reggio Emilia Mediopadana station or in Parma (smart option)
- Shared transport by private vehicle
- Guided visit and food tasting at a Parmigiano Reggiano producer
- Guided visit and food tasting at a Parma ham producer
Excludes
- Personal expenses and tips
- Anything not expressly indicated in the inclusions
Important Information
- Arrive at least 10 minutes before the departure time at the meeting point. Late arrivals may not be accommodated and no refunds will be given.
- A staff member will contact you the day before to confirm details.
- If you select the train option, meet the guide at Reggio Emilia Mediopadana station; train journeys are made individually both ways.
- Please inform in advance of any food intolerances, allergies, or special needs. Accommodation will be attempted but cannot be guaranteed.
- No refunds will be provided for train delays if you select the train option. In case of strikes, the operator will notify you promptly and discuss alternatives.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, book the 8:30 AM slot to see the cheese-making process live. Bring comfortable shoes for walking and arrive on time to avoid missing key moments.
