The 10 Best Literary, Art & Music Tours in Province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna

Two architectural wonders lie in the middle of Parma countryside, a few kilometers distant from each other. The first is Rocca Sanvitale, a fortress standing in the middle of the village of Fontanellato, gradually become a pleasure residence for the ancient family who has owned it for more than six centuries. The latter is the largest labyrinth in the world, dreamed and constructed by Franco Maria Ricci, a publisher and philanthropist whose astonishing art collection is kept in a gallery, at ht heart of the labyrinth itself. A whole day, to find your own path through beauty.

Inclusions: Entrance ticket and private tour of Rocca Sanvitale, Entrance ticket and private tour of the Labyrinth and the inner art collection

Exclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Gratuities

Parma is known as the "foodvalley", but also an elegant city and territory, in the name of architecture and art. You will discover this combination in a complete and private tour, from a visit to an important art collection kept in an elegant villa, surrounded by a lush park, at the entrance to a well-known ham factory, which follows the complete cycle for the production of own cured meats: from breeding to maturing. What better way to end the day than a rich tasting?

Inclusions: Private transportation, Private tourist guide enabled, Entrance ticket to the Magnani Rocca Foundation, Private guided tour of a ham factory, Salami tasting

Exclusions: Tip, Lunch

An unconventional walking tour of the UNESCO Italian Creative city of gastronomy, a perfect match of art and taste. From the ground floor vaults of the Town Hall, still called Corn Porticoes, a "fil rouge" connects to the Cathedral, the Baptistry and to the Church of Santa Maria della Steccata, together with some remarkable "gastronomy boutiques". Parma ham, Anolini and Parmigiano will delight your palate, while the gorgeous frescoes by Correggio and Parmigianino will feed your soul. All mixed up in a unique, immersive experience.

Inclusions: Qualified private guide, Entrance ticket to the Baptistry, Espresso or cappuccino with a home made cannolo, Cold cuts selection with "torta fritta", Parmigiano Reggiano, Aceto Balsamico and sparkling red wine, Take away tasting of "anolini"

Exclusions: Gratuities

A half day tour, closely away from Parma, towards the great river Po, discovering the King of cold cuts: Culatello. The tour will lead you from the magnificent Ducal Palace of Colorno, also known as a small parmesan Versailles, to a cellar where you will enjoy the view and fragrance of more than 7.000 Culatellos, whose seasoning takes advantage of the humid climate of these surroundings. The appetizer will be based on a selection of cold cuts, accompanied by red local wines such as Fortana and Lambrusco, while the lunch will be hosted by an ancient mill, formerly owned by Giuseppe Verdi's family.

Inclusions: Qualified private guide, Private tour in a cellar with cold cuts and wine tasting, Lunch

Exclusions: Tips

There are many virtues in the province of Parma, a territory with a strong identity and rich in traditions. It is a pleasure to meet and discover every aspect of it: a set of emotions that can make you fall in love even after a single glance.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Entrances to the Fortresses

Exclusions:

Franco Maria Ricci, a well-known art publisher and philanthropist, has made his dream come true: the largest labyrinth in the world, entirely made of bamboo plants, stands now in the middle of the sweet countryside of Parma, guarding the art collection he has gathered in more than fifty years. At the heart of this, a gourmet bistrot and gorgeous suites will give you the experience of an unusual, unforgettable overnight stay. A private driver will be at your disposal for transfers and simply to visit the surroundings. Take the chance of getting lost in Beauty.

Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Private transportation, Extra time visit to the Labyrinth, Private guided tour through Franco Maria Ricci's art collection, Entrance ticket to the Labyrinth and the museum

Exclusions: Gratuities

Salsomaggiore Terme, a small city a few kilometers to the west of Parma, is the seat of a wellness tradition that goes back to the half of XIX Century. Then, the first thermal bath was established to exploit the healing properties of local waters, known by the ancient Romans as well. This unique tour will allow you to dive into the unsurpassed Déco splendors of the Congress Palace (formerly Grand Hotel des Thermes) and the "Berzieri" Spa, just before the unforgettable experience of a full day treatment in one of the most ancient and iconic thermal baths in Italy.

Inclusions: Private guided tour and entrance ticket to the Congress Palace, Private guided tour and entrance ticket for a full day treatment to the thermal baths

Exclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Gratuities

Giuseppe Verdi and Arturo Toscanini have made Parma great for opera lovers all around the world. This exclusive tour celebrates the places where this tradition has born and still lives, together with the outstanding pieces of art and architecture that compose the unique harmony of the Small Paris of Emilia.

Inclusions: Entrance tickets and private guide for all the attractions

Exclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Gratuities

The music of Giuseppe Verdi is immortal and has become a cult in Parma and its neighborhoods. Indeed, the legendary composer was born near Busseto, a small village in Parma countryside, where people have gone on in preserving and celebrating the myth. Three small and fascinating museums put on display the objects, the tales and the characters linked to Verdi's life and art. With these enchanting tunes restating in their ears the guests will delight their palate with local specialties such as Culatello, Parmigiano and Lambrusco. A blessing for body and soul.

Inclusions: A gourmet lunch based on cold cuts, Parmigiano, typical sucks and homemade bread, all matched with Lambrusco, the local sparkling red wine, served in the characteristic white ceramic bowl., Private opera concert by two voices and a piano, Entrance tickets to Museums "Casa Barezzi", "Giuseppe Verdi" and "Renata Tebaldi"

Exclusions: Breakfast, Gratuities

The name of Parma is well known all around the world, for both its culinary and art treasures. An exclusive guided tour will allow you to discover them all, in just one day. From Langhirano, seat of the Museum of Parma ham, you will reach a ham factory where you will witness the production process, based on an ancient and unchanging knowledge. After a rich tasting of local delicacies, you will get back to the historical heart of Parma, where a majestic Cathedral and a gorgeous Baptistry dominate the skyline of the small, yet charming capital of taste and beauty.

Inclusions: Selection of local specialties, a first course (ravioli stuffed with fresh cheese and spinach), a glass of local wine, water, Private guided tour across Parma city centre, Entrance ticket to the Baptistry of Parma, Entrance ticket to the Museum of Parma ham and private guided tour

Exclusions: Gratuities, Breakfast