Private Half Day Tour to Parma the City of Perfume
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Parma the City of Perfume is an exclusive opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the city and discover, through an olfactory journey, the tradition of perfume and the protagonists of its supply chain in Parma from 1816 till today.
The greenhouses of the Ducal Park introduce us to the discovery of the famous Violetta di Parma. Numerous traces of Maria Luigia of Austria’s predilection for the violet can be found inside the Glauco Lombardi Museum. The visit to Violetta di Parma 1930 shop allows us to retrace the life of Ludovico Borsari and the birth of the perfume that later became a symbol of the city and the Duchess. We will visit an Acqua di Parma store to get to know the brand from its origins to new variations and discover the history of the companies of the Parma perfume supply chain, which arose many years ago in small laboratories, to grow to the point to have become some of the major references worldwide for perfumery packaging, bottles, caps and labels.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A moderate amount of walking is involved (2 km).
What To Expect
Parco Ducale
The greenhouses of the Ducal Park introduce to the discovery of the botanical characteristics of the famous “Violetta di Parma”, already present within the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza in the second half of the Eighteenth Century.
Palazzo della Pilotta
We will visit the exterior of the Palazzo della Pilotta, built in the early Seventeenth Century by the Farnese as an imposing container for the court's services. We will retrace the dynastic passages that followed the extinction of the Farnese dynasty.
Options
Private Half Day Tour to Parma the City of Perfume
What‘s Included
Professional local guide
Entrance to an Acqua di Parma store
Entrance to one of the historic perfumeries in the city center
Entrance to Glauco Lomabardi Museum or San Filippo Neri Antique Pharmacy and Oratory of San Tiburzio
Eventual purchase of products at the shops and perfumeries
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A fascinating, one-of-a-kind Parma tour with Michelle — history, perfume, and hidden gems!”
Stefanie B,Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our private tour of Parma with Michelle was absolutely outstanding! She is extremely knowledgeable about both the history of Parma and its fascinating perfume heritage, and she made the city’s story come alive in such an engaging way. A real highlight was visiting the San Filippo Neri Antique Pharmacy, which is not normally open to the public. Seeing the beautifully preserved apothecary with Michelle’s explanations gave us such a unique perspective on how perfumes and remedies were once crafted. Another unforgettable stop was at the charming Violetta di Parma 1930 store, where the owner himself welcomed us. He not only shared the rich history of the famous perfume but also showed us his incredible collection of vintage perfume bottles. His passion and hospitality made the visit truly special — his shop is a must-stop for any visitor to Parma. Michelle tied all these experiences together seamlessly, weaving Parma’s history, perfume tradition, and cultural charm into a memorable and deeply enjoyable half-day. We highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to discover Parma in a unique and personal way!
Guide well prepared and unforgettable visit
danielabI6685ZH,May 17, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Michelle was very knowledgeable and knowledgeable, passionate and in love with the history of the city. He made us discover very interesting details and visit unknown places even to residents. The visit lasted even longer than expected because of his passion for illustrating monuments and explaining all the details. All participants enjoyed both the tour and the guide very much.
Best hotels in Parma
Lucia G,Oct 23, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Visiting the city with a trained and kind guide like Mrs. Michelle was really a wonderful experience. We will definitely come back and take advantage of your expertise again. Thank you for the beautiful day
Excellent preparation
751vivianao,Sep 27, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I organized a trip to Parma with 10 friends, from Verona. Michelle, our guide, was delightful. A professional really prepared on any aspect that related to the city, its history, its tradition, its unique flavors. I recommend contacting this agency 100%.
Perfect experience
LUME 16,Jun 29, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed in total three tours with Artemilia (1) Antica Farmacia San Filippo Neri e Oratorio di San Tiburzio, (2) Scopri l’Oltretorrente and (3) Parma, la Città del Profumo and all of them were a really great experience and we can recommend them wholeheartedly to others. Our guide Michelle was a great expert on her field and she talked about all the three topics with great knowledge and passion. If you are looking forward to dive into Parma, embrace it and get to know the city like a local, this is the tour that suits for you. Grazie mille Michelle, a presto … a Parma!
Professionalism and sympathy
silviazE5843NC,Jun 23, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.004 friends. We met the guide Michelle: in addition to the amazing preparation, sympathy and his passion infected us. Thank you, Michelle. Good job.... at last. Silvia
The treasures of Parma
Gretamauri01,Jun 2, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Michel! You made us spend an unforgettable afternoon making us know with so much competence and passion the great artistic beauties of this jewel that is Parma!
Parma cultural
agenzia viaggi m,May 2, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A beautiful day to discover the Italian Capital of Culture. The difference was to visit it with you! The group of Romagna travel agency Myricae thanks for making us passionate about this amazing city with your professionalism and friendliness. As an organizer I must say that your help, even in the preparation of the itinerary was fundamental to the success of this Sunday in the name of culture. We will be back soon! Thank you.
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Operated by ARTEMILIA Guided Tours