Parma isn’t just about stunning architecture and charming streets — it’s a food lover’s paradise. The city is famous for its Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar, making it an ideal place to explore Italy’s culinary traditions firsthand. Whether you’re a serious foodie or just looking to taste your way through Italy, Parma offers tours that showcase its authentic flavors. We especially love the Parmigiano Reggiano dairy and Parma ham tour for its immersive experience and tastings, or the Private Half Day Parma Food Walking Tour for a personal look at local eateries. These experiences give you a true taste of Parma’s food culture—both literally and figuratively.
Quick Overview
Parma is a city rich with culinary experiences that range from factory tours to private tastings and hands-on cooking classes. You can visit cheese factories or prosciutto producers, explore artisan shops, or enjoy private guides tailored for foodies. Some tours are full-day adventures, while others focus on specific products like Parmigiano Reggiano or balsamic vinegar. Ready to explore? Below are the best tours in Parma, with detailed insights to help you pick the right one for your trip.
1. Tour Parmigiano Reggiano dairy and Parma ham
At number 1, this tour combines two of Parma’s most famous products: Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham. The 4 to 5-hour experience takes you inside a traditional cheese dairy to see how this iconic cheese is made, from fresh milk to aged wheels. Then, you’ll visit a Parma ham factory to understand why Prosciutto di Parma is so highly regarded, finishing with tastings paired with local wines. Tour guide Loris, praised in reviews for his knowledge and personable approach, makes this tour extra special. It’s a fantastic choice for foodies wanting an in-depth look at Parma’s culinary craftsmanship. The small-group size ensures personalized attention, and the included tastings of cheese, ham, and wine make it good value for money at $129.76 per person. This tour is perfect if you want a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes experience in a beautiful countryside setting.
Bottom line: Hands-on, all about tradition, and packed with tastings—this is a top pick for serious food lovers.
2. Private Half Day Parma Food Walking Tour
Number 2 on our list is just the ticket for those who prefer a more intimate, flexible experience. This private walking tour explores Parma’s old town, visiting local favorites like prosciutterie, pastry shops, and gelato parlors. You choose whether to focus on tastings or just learn about the city’s culinary roots, making it adaptable to your appetite. With a knowledgeable guide like Cecilia or Julia, you’ll discover Parma’s authentic flavors from insider vendors. Guests love how personalized and relaxed this tour is—three hours fly by as you sample Parma ham, Lambrusco wine, and regional specialties. It’s ideal for travelers who want a taste of the city without the long bus rides or large groups, with prices starting at $103.11.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a flexible, personal introduction to Parma’s food scene.
3. Guided group tour TastyBus: Parmesan Cheese and Parma Ham
Number 3 offers a full or half-day guided experience with a focus on Parmesan cheese and Parma ham. The TastyBus picks you up in Parma and takes you to the production sites, with an optional upgrade for a traditional lunch and balsamic vinegar tasting. For just $161.04, you get round-trip transport, visits to cheese and ham producers, and tastings. Reviewers praise the “knowledgeable guides” and the “incredible product tastings.” It’s a great option for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience with the convenience of transportation and plenty of food. It’s suited for those who enjoy a bit of everything in one day and don’t mind larger groups.
Bottom line: All-in-one guided experience with transport, ideal for those wanting a hassle-free day of tasting.
4. Tasting and Biking Parma
Number 4 combines cycling with food in a fun, active way. This 4-hour tour takes you from Parma city to a cheese factory, then back through low-traffic rural roads while enjoying local cured meats and wine at a cozy osteria. Bikes (including e-bikes) are included, making it accessible for most fitness levels. Reviewers highlight the “fun and knowledgeable” guide Davide, who makes the history and process of cheese making engaging. The balance of a scenic bike ride and tastings makes this tour ideal for those who like a bit of exercise with their food. The $103.04 price offers good value, especially for active travelers.
Bottom line: Great for active food lovers wanting a taste of Parma’s countryside combined with a city stroll.
5. Discover Parma foods with Laura
This private tour offers a personalized deep dive into Parma’s flagship products. Over six hours, Laura takes you behind the scenes at farms producing Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar, ending with a full lunch paired with local wines. Reviewers mention Laura’s “knowledgeable and friendly” approach, making this a memorable, in-depth experience. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a private, all-access pass to artisans and small producers, and the €438.42 reflects the premium, tailored experience.
Bottom line: For serious gourmets seeking exclusivity and in-depth knowledge in Parma’s food production, this is hard to beat.
6. Parmigiano Cheese, Parma Ham and Balsamic
Next, the small-group tour at number 6 offers visits to cheese, ham, and vinegar producers over 4-6 hours. The cap of just eight people guarantees an intimate experience. The itinerary features traditional cheese and ham farms, with tastings of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, plus insights into balsamic vinegar. For $186.06, this tour provides a thorough exploration of Emilia-Romagna’s culinary staples in a cozy setting. Reviewers appreciate the “knowledgeable guides” and the chance to see production close-up. It’s excellent for foodies who want a detailed, small-group experience with lots of tastings.
Bottom line: An intimate, well-rounded food tour perfect for those who want to sample across multiple key products.
7. Parma Food Valley Gourmet Private Tour Easy
Number 7 is a private, half-day trip focusing on Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma. Your guide will take you to local dairies and ham factories while offering stunning views at Torrechiara castle. For $186.06, the personalized tour allows you to choose transportation and spend roughly four hours immersed in Parma’s food-making. Travelers praise the “seamless experience” and “beautiful scenery,” making it suitable for those who want a relaxed, private day out.
Bottom line: A personalized, scenic tour ideal for quiet, in-depth exploration of Parma’s signature foods.
8. Private Full Day Parma Food Tour: Parmesan Cheese, Parma Ham, Lunch, Vinegar
This all-day private adventure includes visits to cheese, ham, and balsamic vinegar producers, with a traditional lunch and wine. For $383.75, it’s a comprehensive way to really understand Parma’s culinary excellence. Reviews highlight the “knowledgeable guides” and “excellent tastings,” with some guests emphasizing the value of seeing multiple products in one day. It’s suited for travelers with full days to dedicate to food exploration and who want a private, personalized experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for serious food travelers seeking an immersive, all-encompassing day.
9. From Parma: Parmigiano Reggiano Farm Tour & Tasting with Transfer
Number 9 offers a 2.5-hour behind-the-scenes visit to a cheese farm outside Parma. It includes Parmigiano Reggiano production and a tasting with local wine and honey. The reviews describe it as a “fascinating” experience with “true pride in the region’s cheese.” Perfect for those wanting a shorter, focused visit with easy hotel pickup. It’s priced at $85.92 and ideal if you’re short on time but want an authentic look into cheese-making.
Bottom line: Compact yet insightful, well-suited for a quick but authentic cheese experience.
10. Parmigiano Reggiano & Balsamic Vinegar Private Tour and Tasting
Number 10 offers a private, 4.5-hour visit to a cheese and vinegar producer. You sample various Parmigiano Reggiano ages and balsamic vinegars from 12 to 25 years old. Reviewers emphasize the “expertise and passion” of the guides, who walk you through production and tasting. It’s ideal for those who want a personalized, gourmet experience of Italy’s most celebrated condiments. The $135.08 price makes it quite reasonable for the quality and intimacy.
Bottom line: Perfect for serious connoisseurs wanting a customized tasting of cheese and vinegar.
11. Exclusive Cooking Class: Pasta, Truffle, and Wine tasting
Number 11 is a hands-on cooking class in the medieval village of Calestano. For around $91.73, you’ll learn to make tagliatelle and ravioli, then enjoy your creations with local wines. The setting offers an authentic, relaxed atmosphere, and reviews mention Virginia’s excellent instruction. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to learn a new skill and enjoy a meal made by their own hands. The small group size ensures personalized attention.
Bottom line: An interactive, culinary experience ideal for those who want to take home a new skill and authentic flavors.
12. Half Day Private Emilia Foodie Experience
This private tour combines visits to a cheese dairy and Prosciutto di Parma plant, with tastings of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma. You’ll also stop at Torrechiara Castle for photos. For $167.10, it’s a relaxed, personalized experience for those wanting insight into Parma’s production processes. Guests praise the “detailed knowledge” and “friendly guide.” It’s suitable for travelers who want to combine food tasting with some sightseeing in a manageable half-day format.
Bottom line: A balanced mix of culinary and cultural exploration, perfect for a shorter trip.
13. Taste Parma: A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better
Number 13 offers a 3.5-hour walking tour focusing on Parma’s most famed dishes. Stroll through city streets, tasting prosciutto, tortelli, and gelato at top local spots. With an engaging guide, you’ll learn about Parma’s culinary traditions while eating your way through the city. Reviews highlight the “amazing food” and “informative guide.” It’s a great choice for travelers who want a relaxed, food-focused walk that also covers some history. The $103.34 price reflects good value for a full meal and city exploration.
Bottom line: Ideal for foodies who want a comprehensive taste of Parma’s cuisine in a casual setting.
14. Parma Food Tour with Taste Bologna – Max 8 people
This small-group experience (max 8 people) is a 3.5-hour tour that combines Parma and Bologna’s culinary highlights. You visit local markets, taste cured meats, pasta, desserts, and sip wines and espresso. Guests love the personal touch, and reviews praise the guide’s friendliness and the variety of tastings. At $131.84 per person, it offers an intimate, well-rounded food journey in a short time—perfect for travelers wanting diversity without a full-day commitment.
Bottom line: Excellent for those wanting a multi-city gastronomic experience in a small group.
15. Private Half Day Parma Food Tour: Parmesan Cheese, Parma Ham, Lunch
Finally, number 15 is a private tour including Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and a three-course local lunch. Spend about six hours exploring and tasting, with options for your own car or a guide and driver. The reviews highlight the “knowledgeable guides” and “delicious food,” making it suitable for travelers seeking an in-depth, personalized culinary journey. The $342.52 price makes it a premium experience, ideal for those wanting maximum comfort and exclusivity.
Bottom line: For a comprehensive, luxury food experience, this private tour hits all the high notes.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Parma
When selecting your Parma tour, consider your interests: Are you most excited about cheese, ham, or vinegar? Do you prefer guided group experiences or private, tailored visits? For a hands-on experience, try the Cooking Class or the Parmigiano Reggiano dairy tour. If you’re short on time and want a quick but authentic taste, the Farm Tour & Tasting offers a focused visit. For those who love exploring hidden food gems with a personal touch, the Private Food Experiences or Half-Day Private tours are excellent options. Budget-wise, tours range from about $103 to over $438—think about what fits your style and appetite.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular private and small-group tours. Parma’s culinary treasures are best enjoyed with a little planning, ensuring you get the most authentic experience.
Parma offers a fantastic variety of food-focused tours for all types of travelers—from those wanting comprehensive behind-the-scenes looks, to relaxed tastings and interactive cooking classes. For a truly memorable trip, pick a tour that matches your interests and schedule. Whether you choose a guided day exploring cheese and ham factories, or a private experience with local producers, Parma’s flavors won’t disappoint. Start planning early and get ready to enjoy Italy’s Food Valley at its best.