Parma is one of Italy’s gastronomic capitals, and a weekend here is enough to discover why. Between the historic center and the surrounding countryside, the region preserves some of the world's most famous food excellences. Here is a two-day itinerary featuring culture, history, and authentic flavors.
Day 1: The historic center of Parma
Piazza Duomo and the Baptistery
Start in the medieval heart of the city: the Parma Cathedral and the Baptistery, masterpieces of Romanesque architecture, are among the city's most recognizable symbols.
Stroll through the center and a gourmet break
Parma's historic center is perfect for exploring on foot, among historic shops and establishments where you can taste typical products: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and Culatello, often served together on a single platter.
Parma has been named a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy, a recognition that confirms the deep bond between the city and its food tradition.
Day 2: The countryside and the dairies
Visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy
The second day deserves to be dedicated to the countryside, where Parmigiano Reggiano truly originates. In Gainago di Torrile, just a few minutes from Parma, is our Valserena dairy: you can visit the shop, see the wheels up close, and taste the different aging periods before choosing what to take home.
"Seeing a whole wheel of Parmigiano, even before tasting it, completely changes your perception of this product."
Torrile and the Bassa Parmense
The area around Torrile is characterized by the typical Bassa Parmense countryside: green expanses, historic farmhouses, and the authentic atmosphere of the Po Valley, far from the city's pace.
Why it's worth including a visit to a dairy
A food and wine itinerary in Parma is incomplete without seeing where the products you taste in the city really come from. A visit to a dairy allows you to understand the bond between the territory, the animals, and the finished product — an experience that is different from and complementary to a simple tasting at a restaurant.
In brief
- Day 1: Historic center of Parma, Cathedral and Baptistery
- Day 2: Countryside and visit to a producing dairy
- The Valserena shop in Gainago di Torrile can be reached in a few minutes from Parma
- Possibility of direct tasting of different ages
Include a stop at the Valserena shop in your itinerary.
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