Parma Heritage: Parmigiano, Prosciutto & Art

Culinary immersion and cultural insight of Parma

Morning: Parmigiano Reggiano Experience
The journey from Parma to Parmesan producer will already allow you to understand why  the Parmigiano cheese is "the gold of Parma". You will pass through fields of corn, wheat (depending on the season), alfalfa and fodder for cattle breeding, essential for the production of Parmigiano Reggiano. Once you arrive at the Caseificio (cheese producer), you will be able to observe the production process of Parmigiano Reggiano, from the formation of the curd to the final cooking phase.

Afterwards, you will be introduced to the geography of Parmigiano Reggiano (PDO) and the history of the organic dairy. This will be followed by detailed explanations of the various production phases and a visit to our maturing warehouse. The visit ends with the birth of a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano.

At the end of the tour, you will enjoy a vertical tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano, accompanied by butter with seasonal organic jam, fresh ricotta with parsley peasant sauce and Parmesan mousse. The tasting will be accompanied by bread, water, wine and ice cream.

Mid-Day: Prosciutto di Parma in Langhirano 
Journey to the hills of Langhirano, the prosciutto capital of Italy, where the unique microclimate creates perfect conditions for naturally curing hams. Visit a family-operated prosciuttificio to learn how just four ingredients (Italian pork, salt, air, and time) create this world-renowned delicacy.
Your producer guide explains the selection of legs, salting process, and the crucial aging period of at least 14 months. Observe professional ham testers using their horse-bone needles to check quality.
Visit the tasting room just minutes from the factory. Enjoy a generous selection of freshly sliced prosciutto of various ages, along with some traditional cured meats, all paired with a fine wine and a warm torta fritta, among other regional delicacies.

Afternoon: Walking tour in Parma
The tour begins from the beating heart of the city, Piazza Duomo, a Romanesque masterpiece that houses the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and where the Baptistery is also located, an octagonal marvel in pink Verona marble.

Not far away is the large Piazza Garibaldi, the ancient site of the Roman forum and today the lively center of city life, surrounded by historic buildings such as the Governor's Palace. Continuing towards the historic heart, you come across the Teatro Regio, a sumptuous symbol of the duchy of Maria Luigia of Austria, who with her presence enriched Parma with cultural and artistic splendor. Adjacent stands the imposing Pilotta Complex, a vast residence of the Farnese dynasty, guardian of priceless treasures such as the elegant Teatro Farnese, entirely in wood, the rich Palatina Library and the prestigious National Gallery, which exhibits works by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Parmigianino.

At the end of the tour with the guide, return to the hotel with the driver.