Parmigiano, Parma Ham and Torrechiara Castle Tour from Parma

The tour begins with a visit to the renowned Parmigiano Reggiano factory, where a guide will provide a brief historical overview of this iconic cheese. Your journey starts at the casello, the heart of the production, where milk is cooked in traditional caldere to create the Parmigiano Reggiano. During the visit, you’ll explore the brine room and aging room, where you’ll have the rare opportunity to beat the cheese just like experts at the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium. The experience concludes with a delightful tasting of three different ages of Parmigiano Reggiano, paired with local red wine and other traditional Parmesan products, allowing you to savor the rich, complex flavors that develop over time.

Next, the tour continues to the Parma Ham factory, where you’ll learn about the meticulous process behind crafting the world famous Prosciutto di Parma. The guide will offer insights into the history and traditions of this delicacy before taking you through the cold stage, where the finest fresh meats are selected for processing. You’ll observe the salting machines and refrigeration cells, which ensure the hams are prepared to perfection. The tour proceeds to the seasoning rooms, where you’ll be enveloped by the enticing aroma of the aging hams. You’ll also witness the spillatura process, where the hams are branded with the iconic Corona di Parma, a mark of excellence. The Parma Ham experience concludes with a tasting of the finest prosciutto, accompanied by a glass of local Malvasia wine, enhancing the flavors of this exquisite delicacy.

To cap off the tour, you’ll visit the stunning Torrechiara Castle, one of northern Italy’s most beautiful castles, offering breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history and architecture. This combination of culinary delights and cultural heritage makes for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Parma.