Parmigiano and Culatello Private Tour with Lunch and Farm Visit

Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano and Culatello Experience in Parma

This private tour in Parma offers a deep dive into two of Italy’s most celebrated culinary treasures: Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Culatello of Zibello. Priced at $322.97 per person, it lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, making it a full-day exploration suitable for those eager to understand the craftsmanship behind these iconic delicacies. The tour includes pickup, admission fees, various tastings, and a traditional lunch with local wines, ensuring a comprehensive taste of Parma’s culinary culture.

The experience is designed to be slow-paced, with a dedicated private guide catering exclusively to your group, whether family or friends. The tour is ideal for those who appreciate authentic food experiences and want to learn about traditional production methods in off-limits farm areas and production rooms. A genuine strength is the personalized attention and the chance to see, smell, and taste cheese and cured meats in their natural environment.

Key Points

• Private guided experience focused on Parmigiano Reggiano and Culatello
• Includes farm visits, cheese tastings, and a traditional Italian lunch
• Visits a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, a farm dedicated to old breeds, and historic cellars
• Stops at Roccabianca Castle and Zibello’s Palazzo Pallavicino for photo opportunities
• Cost of $322.97 per person, with optional transportation included
• Perfect for food lovers wanting an in-depth, authentic culinary tour of Parma

Visit a Parmigiano Reggiano Dairy Between Parma and Reggio Emilia

The tour begins at a small Parmigiano Reggiano dairy located between Parma and Reggio Emilia. Here, the production process is fully visible, from feeding the cows to aging the cheese. A private local guide walks your group through each step, explaining how the king of cheeses is made using both traditional tools and modern methods.

You’ll experience the cheesemaker scooping large cheese masses from the kettle, inhaling the distinct scents of the production room, and observing the attention to detail in each phase. The visit concludes with a vertical tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano, allowing your group to analyze the cheese’s sight, smell, and flavor, much like a professional cheese sommelier.

Roccabianca Castle: A Picturesque Photo Stop

After the dairy visit, the tour includes a 15-minute stop at the Castle of Roccabianca. This historic castle offers a scenic backdrop for photos, with its medieval architecture set in the lush Parma Lowlands. While brief, this stop provides a picturesque moment to appreciate the region’s historic landscape before moving on to the next culinary discovery.

Discovering Zibello: The Heart of Culatello Production

The journey continues with a 15-minute photo stop at Palazzo Pallavicino in Zibello, a town famed for its Culatello and traditional cured meats. The elegant palazzo is a recognizable symbol of the area’s rich culinary heritage. This stop emphasizes the region’s blend of history and gastronomy, setting the scene for the upcoming farm visit.

Exploring a Farm Dedicated to Preserving Ancient Breeds

The next highlight is a 3-hour visit to a farm in Polesine Parmense, dedicated to restoring ancient local breeds. Here, you’ll see farm animals, vegetable gardens, and vineyards, gaining insight into the local farming practices. This farm is especially notable as a center for curing meats, including the famous PDO Culatello of Zibello.

The farm visit ends with a tasting of local delicacies including Fiocco, Spalla di San Secondo, Salami, and Strolghino. The highlight is the opportunity to enjoy Culatello in its refined cellars, housed in an early 1300s fortress that has been restored into a fine restaurant. The culinary tasting here is a feast for the senses, featuring local wines, traditional desserts, and fresh pasta.

The Culinary Tasting: Cheese, Cured Meats, and Local Wines

Throughout the tour, your group enjoys a variety of tastings. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is sampled at different maturation stages—12, 24, 30, and 36 months—paired with fresh ricotta. The large selection of cured meats includes Culatello, Coppa, Pancetta, Salami, and Strolghino.

A traditional Italian lunch features fresh egg pasta, focaccia, salad, and desserts, complemented by local wines, bottled water, and coffee or tea. This meal showcases the best of Parma’s culinary tradition, providing a rich taste of the region’s authentic flavors.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Transportation Options

The tour departs from Emily Way Bar, San Prospero, at 7:30 am, with the option for hotel pickup and drop-off within a 15 km radius of Parma’s city center. The private nature of the tour ensures exclusive access and personalized guidance.

Travelers choosing the “self-drive” option will meet at the starting point and provide their own transportation, following the guide in a separate vehicle. The overall group size remains small, ensuring a personal and relaxed experience at each stop.

Why This Tour Stands Out: In-Depth Cultural and Culinary Insight

What makes this Parmigiano and Culatello tour particularly appealing is its behind-the-scenes access to production rooms and farms usually closed to the public. The dedicated private guide adds a layer of personalized storytelling and clarity that enhances the experience.

The quality of tastings is a key strength, with cheese aged up to 36 months and a broad selection of cured meats that truly reflect Parma’s rich culinary tradition. The inclusion of lunch in a refurbished fortress cellar offers a memorable meal paired with local wines.

Who Will Appreciate This Experience Most

This tour is perfect for foodies eager to see how Parmigiano Reggiano and Culatello are made and sample authentic products in their natural environment. It suits those who value personalized guidance, off-the-beaten-path visits, and a comprehensive culinary overview.

Since the tour involves walking through farms and production rooms, it is well-suited for visitors comfortable with moderate walking and outdoor settings. The private format makes it ideal for families or small groups seeking a relaxed, educational day in Parma.

The Sum Up: An Authentic Taste of Parma’s Culinary Heritage

This private Parmigiano Reggiano and Culatello tour offers an intimate and insider’s look into Parma’s most famous foods. The combination of farm visits, cheese tastings, and a traditional lunch creates a well-rounded experience that emphasizes craftsmanship and regional pride.

While it is a full-day experience with a premium price, the personalized guidance and exclusive access justify the investment, especially for culinary connoisseurs and those seeking a deeper understanding of Parma’s gastronomic traditions. The tour’s small-group format guarantees an enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere, making it a memorable way to connect with Italy’s culinary roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the price includes transportation if you select the option with pickup. Meeting points are in Parma, within 15 km of the city center, with options for hotel pickup and drop-off.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, covering multiple stops, tastings, and a traditional lunch.

What kinds of tastings are included?
Guests sample Parmigiano Reggiano aged from 12 to 36 months, fresh ricotta, and a large selection of cured meats, including Culatello, Coppa, and Salami.

Can I drive myself?
Yes, the “self-drive” option allows you to meet the guide at the starting point and provide your own transport.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the private format and relaxed pace make it suitable for families or small groups seeking an educational culinary day.

Are there any limitations I should know?
The tour involves walking through farms and production areas, which may require a moderate level of mobility. It’s best for those comfortable with outdoor activities.

What is the price for this experience?
The cost is $322.97 per person, including all tastings, admission fees, and guide services.