From Bologna, Parma Cheese & Ham Factory Tours and Tastings

Discover the culinary delights of Parma on a train journey from Bologna. Sample Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Parma ham during this gastronomic adventure. Enjoy a wine pairing experience as you savor these artisanal products.

Our guided tour of Parmesan excellence commences from the Bologna train station, where our dedicated team will arrange travel arrangements from Bologna to Parma and vice versa. Upon arrival in Parma, our staff will greet you upon exiting the train station and facilitate transportation via our minibus or van. Our first destination will be the renowned producer of Parmigiano Reggiano, allowing direct observation of its production process.

Upon reaching this location, we shall proceed through the dairy area, where the milk undergoes a special cooking process known as "caldere," leading to the extraction of Parmigiano Reggiano wheels. Subsequently, we will venture into the brine room and the maturing warehouse, where expert members of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium will demonstrate how they meticulously "beat" the cheese during its maturation period.

Following the completion of these stages, we will embark on a sampling session of Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses of various ages, paired with traditional mustard and locally sourced red wine. Following this, we shall move on to the Ham Factory, where the birthplace of Parma ham is explored.

Starting from the initial processing areas, where only the finest leg cuts are utilized, we will journey through the maturing cells. Here, we will learn about the "sugnatura," an essential aspect of Parma ham development, before being invited to experience firsthand the unique aroma and quality of each ham.

Concluding our exploration, we will engage in a tasting of both the ham and wines produced from the surrounding hills, followed by our return to the heart of the city.