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
560 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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!
Wonderful 1/2 Day Food Tour - Parma
B8006CMallisond,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful day we had in Parma! Michelle! She was so informative about the food but also the history and how it all came together! We had some dietary restrictions and it wasn't an issue at all. Truly a wonderful experience! Thank you Michelle!
Amazing, well worth it!
julietT2347IU,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lisa was a fabulous host and tour guide! She was super friendly, very knowledgeable about the area of Parma and its rich food and wine culture. She took us to places the locals attend and every stop was sensational. There was plenty of food and wine and we were happily full by the end of the tour. Thank you Lisa!
Can't Miss Food Tour
CAZ,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00By far the best food tour I've taken across the world. Our guide was Lisa, and we booked the private tour, and it was November - noting this because they're all factors that may have lent to our incredible experience. Our party of three was welcomed by every shop we visited. It was clear Lisa had built personal relationships with each shop AND each shop we visited had historical significance and/or critical acclaim. We weren't just visiting a salumeria, we were visiting THE salumeria of Parma. Same with the gelato shop, the pasticceria, etc. Every stop was better than the last. Lisa included quick stops at points of interest along the walk and gave us recommendations along the way. I didn't think there was a pasta preparation I hadn't heard of, and then we were introduced to agnolotti en brodo - incredible comfort food. This food tour was a top five highlight of our ten days across Lombardy, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna.
Time well spent
Kathleena M,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was fun and very knowledgeable. It was a very enjoyable way to learn about the food and culture. The food we ate was very good! A great way to learn about Parma and the surrounding region.
Private food tour Parma
Gerard M,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun and educational tour. Lisa was an excellent guide. The food selections were perfect to show off cuisine of Parma. Great way to explore the regional food!
Michelle was a wonderful...
Cindy R,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Michelle was a wonderful tour guide!!! She is knowledgeable, friendly, and a Parma local - which is highly valuable when booking a food walking tour. We specifically enjoyed all the food and history that surrounds the delicious cuisine in this region. My family had a great time and can’t wait to return to Parma. Highly recommend!
Wonderful city!
liturri liliana,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Parma beautiful, elegant, magical... You must at least walk through the historic center, be amazed by the interiors of the cathedral and the baptistery and the majesty of the Pilotta complex; and taste ham, Parmesan cheese, anolini...
Super gastronomic tour through the streets of Parma
MartaFra89,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recommend this tour through the streets of downtown Parma with the super guide Michelle. A passionate art historian of her city who will make you discover the historical monuments, but above all the hidden curiosities of the city. He will masterfully explain everything you will taste on this sweet and savoury food tour. A tip, do not have breakfast if the tour is in the morning 😄
Related Experiences
Operated by ARTEMILIA Guided Tours