Private Tour
Private Half Day Parma Food Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore Parma’s rich culture and fascinating history the best way possible – through its cuisine! Avoid the touristy spots and eat where the locals eat guided by your private local guide. Make 5 stops at the top specialty shops, delis, eateries, pastry and gelato shops, selected for their historical significance or critical acclaim. Discover prized produce from Parma and nearby such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Modena Traditional Balsamic Vinegar and Lambrusco. Learn how to appreciate them under the guidance of an expert Parmigiano Reggiano Taster and Sommelier. Unveil the secrets of Parma Ham, Culatello, and other traditional cured meats, tasting them paired with the finest local wines. Experience a real Italian Sunday Lunch, feasting on homemade pastas, savory pies, freshly made desserts, coffee and gelato. You will leave with a stomach full of traditional food, plus local knowledge and sightseeing tips to enhance the pleasure of your trip, and a mind filled with lasting memories.
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
Minimum drinking age is 18 years.
Please advise of any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
Vegetarian and gluten free options available with prior notice. Please advise when booking.
Not available for vegans.
A moderate amount of walking is involved (3 km).
This is a private tour, run exclusively for you and your family or friends.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Parma
You will discover the old town of Parma and its unexpected and eye-catching glimpses of extraordinary artistic beauty and the most authentic Parmesan and Italian food from our favorite vendors, feeding locals for generations. We will visit a Traditional Prosciutteria, a Fresh Pasta Shop or a Grocery Store, a Tradional Bistrò, an Old Patisserie, a Sandwich Shop and an Artisanal Gelato Shop.
Parma
We will meet in Garibaldi Square, overlooked by beautiful buildings such as the Captain’s Palace, the Town Hall and the Governor’s Palace, and also shops, restaurants and cafes which have earned the town the title of “UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy”.
What‘s Included
Professional local guide
Chopping board of cold cuts: Prosciutto di Parma, Culatello di Zibello, Coppa, Salame, Spalla
5 Food and Wine Stops
Bottled water
Traditional Sandwich or Focaccia or Savory Pie
Traditional Fresh Homemade Pasta (2 types)
Traditional Cakes/Pastries
Coffee and/or Tea
Artisanal Gelato
Vertical Tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar
2 Glasses of DOC Parma Hills Wine
Option 2 doesn’t include tasting costs
Options
Food and Wine Tasting Included
5 Food and Wine Stops: Join an immersive food and wine experience led by a local expert in the historical center of Parma.
Professional local guide: Rely on the professionalism of a Licensed Tour Leader/Tourist Guide who isn't just a local "buddy" or "amateur guide".
Take an in-depth experience: Explore Parma's great contribution to Italian cuisine guided by a Certified Parmigiano Reggiano Taster or Wine Sommelier.
Elevate your experience: Trust a Traditional Balsamic Vinegar expert, learn how to appreciate its characteristics through sensory analysis.
Choose authenticity: Experience Parmesan lifestyle with a local food expert. Discover hidden gems, places locals go to, avoiding tourist traps.
Relax with a private tour: Receive the undivided attention of your personal guide who can customize the experience based on your specific needs.
Tasting to be paid on site
Tasting to be paid on site: Tasting is not included in the price. You choose your own food and pay for it directly.
Option designed for: people who have food intolerances or dietary restrictions but want to learn about Parma’s rich culinary history and culture.
Professional local guide: Rely on the professionalism of a Licensed Tour Leader/Tourist Guide who isn't just a local "buddy" or "amateur guide".
Take an in-depth experience: Explore Parma's great contribution to Italian cuisine guided by a Certified Parmigiano Reggiano Taster or Wine Sommelier.
Elevate your experience: Trust a Traditional Balsamic Vinegar expert, learn how to appreciate its characteristics through sensory analysis.
Choose authenticity: Experience Parmesan lifestyle with a local food expert. Discover hidden gems, places locals go to, avoiding tourist traps.
Relax with a private tour: Receive the undivided attention of your personal guide who can customize the experience based on your specific needs.
Reviews
568 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Roberta was an amazing...
Ellen D,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Roberta was an amazing tour guide! We had the most delicious cheese, meat, pasta, pastries, and gelato. She gave us lots of history on the city of Parma and conversation flowed easily. The time passed so quickly I couldn't believe it when the 3hrs was up! I would highly recommend this tour.
Great for personal attention
Rich W,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Roberta was a fabulous guide, knew everything about all the foods we tasted and the processes around making and delivering them. We really enjoyed the experience and there was plenty of delicious food!
Great way to experience what Parma has to offer
Robert W,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Cecilia could not have been nicer, more experienced and helpful guide to give us a (literal) taste of Parma! Be sure to wear your best walking shoes because we covered a lot of ground over 3.5 hours. And if you get full, the restaurants and shops will be happy to pack your leftovers in takeaway boxes, great for a late-night snack!
Let Lisa show you around!
Gregory S,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lisa was our tour guide. She is a local and has deep knowledge of the local food and wine. She took us to several locations within the historical city center to try different charcuterie, cheese, pasta, wine, gelato, etc. Our group was two 19 year olds, my wife and I and her father. The walking part is quite easy and you will get to see a bit of the city. My family meanders a bit so our tour ran about 45 minutes longer than usual but Lisa seemed to be enjoying herself with us. I think this is a wonderful tour and Lisa is an amazing ambassador for Parma. I would absolutely recommend this tour.
Must-do if you’re visiting Parma
Ryan O,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I first did this tour in 2024 and it was so good we had to come back and do it again with our family the next time we visited. This is a must-do for anyone visiting Parma, a great way to learn about the city’s rich food culture and history. The guides are super knowledgeable and bring you to delis/restaurants/gelato shops and more around the city. Make sure you come hungry because you will eat very well on this tour. I would recommend it to anyone visiting Parma!
Even better the second time around!
A5921JBmariac,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I did this food tour back in October of 2024 and had such a good time we decided to bring our parents and come back and do it again! It’s a great way to get the lay of the city and learn about Parma’s rich history and culture. The food was absolutely amazing, and I loved learning about how much care and attention goes into preparing the prosciutto, the parmigiano reggiano, and the balsamic! I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting the beautiful city of Parma!
A Must Do Food Tour in Parma
susanhCPA,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow! We had an outstanding experience discovering the Parmesan food scene. Michele is a very nice lady and has a wealth of experience. And not only about where to sample the best local food. She explains the history and culture behind the food products in an easy to understand manner. Her passion is contagious. She inspired us to learn more and savor the experience. One of the best tours! It’s a must do in Parma.
A Deliciously Wonderful Way to Explore Parma
Michelle L,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We absolutely loved this culinary exploration of Parma. It was fantastic to learn about the city and its foodie delights. We not only tasted dishes that Parma and the area is well known for, but also some of its other specialities, so we discovered many new and delicious dishes. Our guide Cecilia was absolutely delightful - very knowledgeable about both the food and history of Parma, and was really kind, going above and beyond to make sure we had a fantastic time. Thank you!
Delicious Parma
Annette C,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Michelle was outstanding. We learned a lot about Parma, we ate very delicious food, and we had an incredible time!
Great Food Tour
Sandra C,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great food tour. The menu was perfect and the information interesting. She went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience!
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Operated by ARTEMILIA Guided Tours