Parma Food Tour

The province of Parma in Emilia-Romagna is famous for some of my favourite foods, including Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano and eggplant Parmigiana.

Selection of salumi, cheese and gnocchi fritti at Trattoria Rigoletto - Parma Food Tour

Smaller than neighbouring Modena and Bologna, Parma is easy to discover on foot (or bicycle) and full of fabulous food and fashion shops as well as impressive cultural landmarks. It’s the first stop on my Italian food and wine tour of Emilia-Romagna and a fabulous introduction to Italy’s food valley. Here are five of the things I love most about Emilia-Romagna’s capital city and enjoy sharing with guests on my gourmet tours of northern Italy.

wisteria growing over building at Palazzo dalla Rosa Prati - Parma Food Tour

Stay in Parma Palazzo dalla Rosa Prati
This 13th-century, sienna-coloured palazzo on cobbled Piazza Duomo is home to the Dalla Rosa Prati Marquises, whose private residence is on the first floor. It’s where we always stay on my Parma food tours. Right outside the door is the sparkling cream and pink Veronese marble of the rare 12th-century baptistery with its stunning frescoed cupola.

Entrance to Trattoria Rigoletto - Parma Food Tour

Eat in Parma Trattoria Rigoletto
I was drawn to this tiny trattoria down a cobbled alley by the quirky photos on the walls (a COVID project to keep the owners sane). Fabrizio is the most welcoming host and his wife Antonella is a wonderful cook, making beautiful fresh pasta daily with love and care. The food is simple, classic and delicious, but the real beauty lies in the warmth of the personalised service. It’s small, so book ahead or join my Parma food tour.

Man pouring sparkling pink wine outside Tabarro wine bar - Parma Food Tour

Drink in Parma Tabarro
This is my kind of wine bar! Sit at a stool around the outside barrels, tell one of the friendly staff what you like and let them choose for you from their awesome range of natural and boutique wines. They always find a wine to match each person’s taste on my Parma tours. It’s ideal for aperacena too (aperitivo that rolls into dinner) with excellent open sandwiches and plates of superior salumi and cheese.

Wooden cherubs hanging from the ceiling at Farnese Theatre - Parma Food Tour

Parma History & Culture Farnese Theatre
Built entirely from wood, Parma’s spectacular 17th century baroque theatre was the prototype for modern playhouse theatres. Largely destroyed by Allied bombing in WWII, and faithfully restored from original plans, its U-shaped rows of bench seating topped with ornate arches is an impressive site.

View of distant hills and guests in vineyard with wine maker Alberto at Podere Pradarolo - Parma Food Tour

Day Trip from Parma Podere Pradarolo
Just 40km from Piazza Duomo are the beautiful hills of the Ceno Valley and this vineyard producing wine as naturally as possible (including Vej, an intriguing sparkling orange wine). Owners Alberto and Claudia love showing visitors their vineyard and cellar (by appointment) and also offer B&B in their charming 17th century villa. The winery tour, cellar tasting and lunch here is a highlight of my Parma food and wine tours.

Updated 04 Nov 2024

Italy Food & Wine Tour Highlights

What Other Travellers Say

Janet (Tamworth, NSW, Australia)
Janet (Tamworth, NSW, Australia)
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Just back from the most amazing trip to Emilia-Romagna with Roberta. Not only the home of Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano & Balsamic Vinegar, but scenery to die for and more quaint and exciting restaurants and cafés than you ever imagined. And Roberta is just the person to help you discover and enjoy them! Her knowledge of the history of the region and its wonderful cuisine know no bounds and all added to the excitement of the trip. It was faultless - well organized and lots of fun!
Deb (Belconnen, ACT, Australia)
Deb (Belconnen, ACT, Australia)
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Wow, what a tour – I learned so much! Awesome fun traveling through Emilia-Romagna experiencing first hand some of the produce I've worked with over the last couple of years cooking with Roberta's recipe kits – the family are reaping the benefits now. If you're thinking of joining Roberta in future years get ready for an amazing experience.
Mark (Elizabeth Bay, NSW, Australia)
Mark (Elizabeth Bay, NSW, Australia)
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My wife and I recently joined Roberta's Emilia-Romagna tour. We enjoyed all the temptations offered and learned a lot about that part of Italy, especially its food and wine culture. What was most impressive was Roberta's local knowledge of people and places. The planning and effort she put into making the whole experience seem effortless was remarkable.
Karen (Bowral, NSW, Australia)
Karen (Bowral, NSW, Australia)
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Our tour with Roberta through Emilia-Romagna was the highlight of the year. Good company, gorgeous palazzi and great food. What more could one ask for? Roberta's enthusiasm and knowledge made this a once in a lifetime experience through an extraordinary, diverse and very special region.
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