Bologna Food Tours From Bologna: Parma Factory Food Tour (Cheese & Ham Tastings)
Parma Cheese ham factory tour

From Bologna: Parma Factory Food Tour (Cheese & Ham Tastings)

Full-day Parma food tour from Bologna by train: Parmigiano-Reggiano dairy visit + wheel-tapping and tasting with wine, Parma ham factory tour + generous prosciutto tasting, round-trip train tickets, local guide and transfers included.

4.8
$ 219 per person
7 hours
547 + bookings
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Overview

Hop on a train from Bologna and step into the heart of Italy’s Food Valley for a private, behind-the-scenes journey into the world of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma.

Meet your local guide at Parma station, then head to a traditional dairy where you’ll watch the live process—from curdling milk to forming massive wheels—and taste two different aged Parmigiano Reggianos paired with local wine. Next, drive into the rolling hills to a family-run prosciuttificio, learning the centuries-old art of curing Parma Ham before savoring thin slices with another glass of wine.

This 8.5-hour round-trip day includes train tickets, private transport from Parma station, a knowledgeable guide, and the tastings that make these products legendary worldwide.

Real talk: expect a full sensory experience—aromas of aging cheese and ham fill the air, and the day moves at a relaxed but steady pace.

Perfect for food lovers; exclusive for your group—book early for peak season.

What's Included

  • Round-trip train tickets Bologna ↔ Parma.
  • Private pickup/drop-off at Parma train station.
  • Experienced local guide (English/Italian).
  • Guided visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy with tasting of two aged cheeses + local wine.
  • Guided visit to a Parma Ham producer with tasting + wine.
  • Private transportation between sites.
  • Lunch (time for a break, but not included).
  • Gratuities for your guide.
  • Additional food/drinks beyond tastings.

Itinerary

  1. Depart Bologna by train (time depends on schedule; ~1 hour ride).
  2. Arrive at Parma train station and meet your private guide.
  3. Drive to a traditional Parmigiano Reggiano dairy.
  4. Watch the full production process live (curdling, forming wheels, aging rooms).
  5. Taste two different aged Parmigiano Reggianos paired with local wine.
  6. Drive into the hills to a family prosciuttificio.
  7. Learn the traditional curing process of Prosciutto di Parma.
  8. Taste fresh-sliced Parma Ham with another glass of wine.
  9. Return to Parma train station.
  10. Catch the train back to Bologna (arrive ~8.5 hours total).

What to Expect from the Tour

Here's practical advice to help your Food Valley day go smoothly, based on common experiences with tastings, transport, and pacing. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.

  • Gear essentials. Comfortable walking shoes, light layers (factories can be cool), and a camera aren't optional. Several guests said the cheese aging rooms are chilly—bring a light jacket. One packed a small bag for souvenirs like small cheese wedges.
  • Tastings and portions. High-quality and generous—two aged Parmigiano samples and fresh Parma Ham slices. Guests loved the wine pairings and found the portions satisfying without spoiling lunch.
  • Factory visits. Live production is fascinating—watch wheels being formed and hams hanging. Guides explain every step; guests appreciated the behind-the-scenes access.
  • Transport. Train and private car are comfortable. Guests said the ride through Emilia-Romagna hills added to the charm.
  • Group setup. Private for your party—exclusive and flexible. Past guests loved the personalized pace and stories.
  • Best time to visit. Year-round, but spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) for mild weather and harvest vibes. Guests early 2026 noted May tours had perfect temperatures and lively markets.
Month/Season Upsides Downsides Recommended Start Time
Apr-Jun (Spring) Mild weather, fresh produce Busier season Morning train
Sep-Oct (Fall) Cooler, harvest season Shorter daylight Morning train
Nov-Mar (Winter) Fewer crowds, cozy factories Colder Morning train
Jul-Aug (Summer) Long days Hotter Early morning train

Common issues. Not wheelchair accessible—factory floors and stairs. Guests found moderate walking but plenty of standing. Weather rarely affects indoor tastings; dress in layers.

FAQ

Do I need food knowledge?

No knowledge needed—guide explains everything from production to tasting. Guests new to Parmigiano and Prosciutto left with a deeper appreciation.

How filling are the tastings?

Generous but not a full meal—perfect for a late lunch in Parma or Bologna. Couples said it satisfied without spoiling appetite.

Suitable for kids?

Yes for older children who enjoy food and walking. Families said teens loved watching production and tasting cheese/ham.

Vegetarian options?

Parmigiano is vegetarian (no rennet alternatives); ham is not. Notify early for cheese-focused adjustments. Guests with restrictions enjoyed it with swaps.

How long on the train?

~1 hour each way—comfortable and scenic. Guests used the time to relax or chat with the guide.

Why this Food Valley tour?

Private, hands-on visits to real producers, tastings with wine, and seamless logistics. Past guests said the authentic access and personal guide made it more special than group or self-guided visits.

Book it today with Bologna Italy Food Tours or simply following this link.

Reviews

4.8 Read more reviews