Fodors Things to Do in Parma

Sights & Attractions in Emilia-Romagna

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Things to Do in Parma

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August 11, 2012March 20, 2023

The world beyond the Bolognese: the Parma food trail – Paul Lay

PARMA FOOD N WINE, FOOD TOUR, IN PARMA, ITALY VACATION, WINE TASTINGS, Mediterranean diet, Parma Food Tours, Nutrition, Italian Vacation, wine tasting tour, food tours in Parma,

… beyond the Bolognese – a great guided tour of Italy!

Paul Lay – ed FWT

Rocket and Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Salad

12:01AM BST 19 Aug 2006

A Great Italian Trip

For lovers of Italian food and touring Italy, there are countless pleasures to savour along the Italian food trail of the via Emilia, the ancient road that links the great food cities – Parma, Modena and Bologna – of the northern province of Emilia-Romagna.

Now that Ryanair has opened a route to Parma, it’s easier than ever to travel in Italy, explore Italy’s gastronomic heartland, eating in endless trattorias, visiting wineries, an abundance of colourful country markets and, with a car, meandering off the main road to visit some of the region’s hundreds of specialist food producers.

Continue reading “The world beyond the Bolognese: the Parma food trail – Paul Lay”

July 27, 2012June 19, 2019

Delicious Delicious Delicious Italy!! – welcome to Food n Wine tours Balsamico, Parmesan and Parma Ham tours

TRULY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL Parma tour – with Food n Walk Tour bookings manager Nick

Angelo and Nick serve up a great day in the Food Valley

Welcome to real Italy …

Angelo, Parma’s much mooted tour guide will ease you around this beautiful Italian gourmet food tour.

Food n Walk Tours Parma consist of superior quality self drive guided visits, to the production sites of some of Italy’s most famous DOP food products such as Prosciutto di Parma Ham, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese as well as breathtaking strolls through Traditional Balsamic Vinegar studios of Reggio and Modena.

THE BEST PARMIGIANO REGGIANO CHEESE TOUR

Parma FWT Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory visit. Visiting a “Caseificio” is like going back in time. The “King of the cheeses” actually has very old origins and today, like 7 centuries ago, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is still made following the same traditional and genuine methods. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is protected by the European Union and can only be produced in a restricted area, the so called “zona tipica”, which includes the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and a part of Bologna (left of the Reno river) and Mantova (right of the Po river). It takes about 2 hours to see the whole production, preferably early in the morning.

July 23, 2012June 19, 2019

Villino di Porporano – the affordable Luxury Cool B&B country house, Parma

Villino di Porporano – the affordable Luxury B&B country house, Parma

When I first arrived at Villino to collect my clients for our Parma food tour, I was amazed how near it was to town … 8 minutes by car and here I was surrounded by countryside and the aroma of fresh coffee.

Elena arrived at the elegant gates of this wonderful country home.. greeted not only by her immediacy but by two pooches who immediately gave my shins a delightful massage!

”Come in Nick … want a coffee?”

Truth be known I’d just grabbed one but seeing the beautifully poured cappuccini on the cotton clad 17th century walnut table in the dining room I opted for another without a moment’s hesitation… that’s two in the space of half an hour! God help my tourists!

Then followed the most delicious home baked brioche I had ever tasted and I felt completely at home…

”Where are you from Elena?”

”Near Abbruzzo in the centre but my husband is from Parma… I have just finished renovations here…”

”It looks fantastic… I love the style mix…”

Elena responded with a modesty so typical of Italians who really have a wealth of talent… yet decline such flattery.

The place is gorgeous and opens out in many directions into the garden, patios and into the beautiful dining area with rooms a generous extension of this masterclass of comfort casa interior design.

Coming from an interiors background I was and still am impressed.

flowers of the fwt tours Parma food
Villino is the perfect retreat from the charming but zestful Parma whirl and makes a perfect romance or relaxation location with now a new pool – a big tick now for all the boxes.

But what really makes this place special is Elena and her family and in a city where to be honest genuine accommodation is not surprisingly a plenty the Villino is one of a hand full of places we regularly recommend to our clients.

cooking-classes

That aside the food and trimmings are a dream – just look at their Tripadviosr reviews!

Welcome to Parma… it’s a given.

Tortellini pasta FWT food n cook day tours Parma1

TRIPADVISOR EXTRACT for Villino

91 reviews

dianne40

Sterling, Virginia

Reviewer

4 reviews

Reviews in 4 cities

“alittle oasis in Parma”

Reviewed 26 August 2012 NEW

My husband and I had a wonderful experience staying at this B&B. I think what I liked best was the beautiful grounds, Elena and her family, Paula, her assistant, the pool and the fantastic breakfast. Elena makes you feel like family. I was very sad to leave because she made our stay so nice. I loved the location, just outside…More

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ginaminasnooks

darkest somerset

Contributor

17 reviews

Reviews in 9 cities

9 helpful votes

“Elegance and cool in Parmesan countryside”

Reviewed 17 August 2012

This B&B exudes sophistication and effortless charm. The fabric of the building and the rooms is very good, soft brick and linen. Airy public spaces comprise the large salon and loggia for breakfast. This meal was beautiful – with Parma ham (!) and feather light home made cakes, copious fresh orange juice, etc. Also, enjoy the fresh pool! The town…More

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pncostello

West Chester, Pennsylvania

Contributor

11 reviews

Reviews in 7 cities

4 helpful votes

“Beautiful and quiet B&B outside Parma”

Reviewed 29 July 2012

This B&B is in a separate villa building next to the owner’s home. The inside of the building has been completely renovated and the rooms fully decorated. The bathroom is modern and fully equipped. It is all beautiful. Elena the owner is a gracious hostess and a wonderful baker. Her homemade pastry for the breakfast is excellent. Sitting on the…More

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Margaret T

Sydney, Australia

1 review

“A perfect place to stay when visiting Parma”

Reviewed 26 July 2012

I cannot talk highly enough about our stay. My family stayed for 6 magical nights during our recent trip to Europe and I am so glad we decided to stop in Parma and in particular with Elena and Guiseppe at Villino di Porporana. The rooms were of outstanding quality and we loved the way the beautifual building was restored. Paula…

Article Nick Garrett, FWT host and director of tours

Tel. +39 0521 64 22 68
Fax. +39 0521 641083
Mobile. +39 349 41 26 037
E-mail: info@villinodiporporano.com Photos by Davide Gallico, Paolo Pasini and Jacopo Niccoli

July 20, 2012June 19, 2019

NEW Budget Tour – with Profile

Streamline tour! Same places as 3 Kings – simple lunch stop UBuy – lean prices!!!

***COUPLES* BUDGET BEATER TOUR!!! *a new optional*** Food n Walk Tour!

A budget tour taking in Parmigiano Reggiano Parma Ham Balsamico with a picnic lunch atop a mountain vista!!!

84.00 per person!!! SEPTEMBER OFFER (for tours booked after Sept 1 2012) – Couples Only – inc Balsamico tour n taste, Parmigiano tour n tasting, Parma ham tour n picnic…

The Best Pricepoint Food Tour in Parma!

Torrechiara Castle Parma – Photo call in the heart of our Food Valley Golosi tour day

The BB day tour

Profile

1. Parmigiano Reggiano – visit a small family producer
2. Parma ham – one of Parma’s leading Prosciutto makers
3. Balsamico Tradizionale – dropping in on a regal estate and truly artisan maker

Light Lunch is your call – not included in the tour total

Balsamico Vintage tastings 6.00 per person

Scenic Drive n Picnic or Light Lunch (you choose on the day in our langhirano Deli Cafe – )

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PARMIGIANO REGGIANO

Your FWT day starts with an incredible visit to one of the most revered makers of the famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

COOKING
SALTING
AGEING

How they test the cheese

LIFTING THE CHEESE

TASTINGS
You will be amazed when you enter the cooking room to watch behind the scenes, the master and his family, cooking, separating the rich whey and lifting this magnificent DOP product.

Cheese Tour starts 9am (duration 2 hrs)

Food preparation takes place 365 days per annum. Non-slip footwear is advised – thong flip-flops are not suitable as some floor areas are wet.

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PROSCIUTTO DI PARMA

…Langhirano Parma Ham 100% natural, it’s in the air!

SCENIC DRIVE
SALTING
CURING
AGEING
BRANDING ROOMS
RESERVE ROOM

It is the along these Apennine foothills that conspire to create the unique conditions necessary to cure only genuine Parma Ham.

They say just salt, air and time is needed…

Please Note: most days the Prosciutto workshop is a buzz with activity – On weekends this may not be the case. We have access to the factory and will see all the processes for the gourmet Parma Ham.

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PICNIC

Choose from our delicious local quality gastrononia Cafe a selection of food as we head into the hills for our Ham Tour.

If it’s raining or a tad cool, we’ll choose to stay in the cafe.

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Balsamico Tradizionale Tour

SCENIC DRIVE
PHOTO SHOOTS
IN THE LOFTS
3 AGES TASTINGS – 6.00 euros per person
(Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia)

First mentioned in historical writings in 1046 (da Piacenza), Balsamico is a real elixir for all Gourmet lovers, chefs or slow food fans.

Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale it is produced solely from the finest grapes and never from soured wine vinegar like its Modenese industrial counterpart.

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PRICES (in euros) 84.00 per person
Tour Starts
8.45am finishes around 3.00pm

MEETING POINTS – Bar Gianni

We can come to you at your Parma Hotel or meet at the 3 Kings meeting point

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SELF DRIVE PRICES