Fodors
Sights & Attractions in Parma Emilia-Romagna – Things to Do Parma
Things to Do Parma
Wow Tripadvisor review Awesome! – Parma? It was surely an awesome day!!!
Thank you all for your great 10 years of
Reviews
Tripadvisor is important to us. We value your feedback so let us know what takes yr fancy… and what doesn’t. We’ll be sure to fine tune your day.
Small stuff??… it’s what counts most and what we try hardest at.
CHECK TRIPADVISOR OUT –
When I checked Food n walk tours I just felt there was that extra connection… that it wasn’t just an tour with a guide… I was right!
Recent Client quote during tour… it is about the most common observation shared with us.
It’s not just about volume of reviews with TA but other the other creative things, including our hidden gems and passion.
RECENT QUOTE….
His relationship with the people there is what really separates Nick as every one he works with, he has a real connection to. By the special treatment and abundant extra samples given, I’m 100% certain they treated us far better than the other tours that go through there.
But what are our reviewers really talking about?
TA RECOGNISE REAL QUALITY AND CARE
Our reviews talk about the sense of real quality, relaxation (never rushed) and richness of the day.
Not just that either – Tripadvisor regularly rank us 1 or 2 in Parma on the basis of what they determine as depth of service and quality.
Health and hygiene are prime considerations that leave us out there in clear blue…
CLIENT CARE – ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Client Care is the Holy Grail for us – we are passionate about it.
Even when we worked with Parma Golosa we took our clients on the road like they were our very own – we took them to extra destinations that would have freaked the management out!
Why? Because it is so important (to us) that every client feels this trip is the highlight of their vacation or even more. We still do go the extra miles – we add in unlisted specials so that the competition can’t emulate us.
And we reflect that genuine energy and passion in everything we do for you. To the moment we say goodbye.
COMPARING US WITH OTHERS
We know all the companies on the Google search for Food Tours in Parma. We know the cheap and the cheerful too.
With us of course we could claim to have better destinations. A better cheese maker with wider range of tastings than any other tour…
– A better pristine ‘food safe’ Parma Ham maker with all the rooms open (health and your big vacation dream day are a huge responsibility we take completely on-board for you). And the best tastings onsite… not many agencies offer that special treat.
A paradise Modena Balsamico loft that is genuinely 300 years old and spotless.
A selection of truly fantastic Gourmet lunch destinations and choices, tops our best in Parma roster. Smorg tastes, massed cold cuts and mixed fresh Porcini and black truffle pastas or tortelli for less than 26.00 per person all inc.
CUTTING CORNERS? NOT FWT
CHECK OUT DRIVING ISSUES
In the past 18 months Parma Police have stopped guides illegally transporting clients in-car. The day is ruined and the fines are enormous… it’s not an option.
Our advice is to hire a car and we’ll take you on safe country roads for an easy drive around tour. We can help you hire a car for as little as 60.00 euros.
We do not charge extra fees for driven tours for special circumstance clients.
For elderly clients we can port between destinations FOC.
WE’LL GUIDE YOU THROUGH A BEAUTIFUL DAY
Truth is no one else has anything quite like our collection of destinations.
That’s why with 22 reviews Tripadvisor recognise us for what we are.
We’ll do you proud. It’s your amazing Italian food day, after all.
FWT
“A Day In Paradise” TAdvisor LINK
From the moment Nick came to ‘collect us’ -because we got lost, we knew we had the right guy! He brought us to watch and learn about the birth of Parmesan cheese. I wish that I could include the smells in this review! We ended the cheese tour in the shop dipping Parmesan in Balsamic and honey-stop drooling because it only gets better!
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Beyond Bolognese: Parma food trail – Paul Lay
… 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.
Bolognese: Parma food trail
Continue reading “Beyond Bolognese: Parma food trail – Paul Lay”
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.
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.
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.
That aside the food and trimmings are a dream – just look at their Tripadviosr reviews!
Welcome to Parma… it’s a given.
TRIPADVISOR EXTRACT for Villino
91 reviews
dianne40
Sterling, Virginia
Reviewer
4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities
Reviewed 26 August 2012 NEWMy 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 votesReviewed 17 August 2012This 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 votesReviewed 29 July 2012This 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
Reviewed 26 July 2012I 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
Fax. +39 0521 641083
Mobile. +39 349 41 26 037
E-mail: info@villinodiporporano.com Photos by Davide Gallico, Paolo Pasini and Jacopo Niccoli
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
89.00 euros per person min 2 ppl
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TASTING OPTIONS
Balsamico 3 ages tastings – Red, Silver and Gold vintages
6.00 euro per person
Special diet requirements can be catered for… Just let us know prior to booking.
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LUXURY DRIVING OPTIONS
4 people 280.00
Mini bus 360.00
For special tour request please just ask.
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FWT Links – Click image for magical food days article
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