-
CONTACT US if you have any problems registering for the forums.
Parma
- Thread starter Penn251
- Start date
Parma is nice and the food I amazing! We were there 8-9 years ago, so forgive me if I don't remember the specifics, because we did many side trips in the area. Althought it is not in Parma, I would highly recommend a day trip to Modena. I would also HIGHLY suggest you go to a place where they make balsamic vinegar, of course! We went to Aceitaia di Giorgio and had the most amazing experience! It's a family affair and they take great pride in their production of balsamic vinegar. When we arrived, we were taken to the terrasse and offered some refreshments before starting the tour. The tour is fun and very informative and you get to sample amazing vinegars (some of them quite old).
www.acetaiadigiorgio.it
Tour to Acetaia di Giorgio – Acetaia di Giorgio
www.acetaiadigiorgio.it
Spent 4 days in Parma in October last year and loved it. If you like coffee/pastry, Bar Pasticceria 61 was great. Very small and local. Parma was a wonderful place to walk around. Going into the Duomo at different times of the day, with changing light, was magical. In previous years I had stayed in Bologna, I forget how long on the train it is to Bologna and Modena, but if not too long, they would be good daytrips.
Camille
New Member
We were based in Parma for 5 nights a couple of years ago, and enjoyed it. We had a car and traveled to small towns and hiking trails. There's not enough to do in Parma to fill 7 days, so I assume you will be taking day trips. Modena is a good choice, don't miss the market. Castell'Arquato is a small historic town in the hills.
Near Modena is a cheese factory with excellent tours in English, and tastings of Parmigiano Reggiano. I don't know if there is public transport to there, but it was worth a trip if you can find a way to get there.
Caseficio 4 Madonne
We enjoyed this restaurant in Parma:
Officina Alimentare Dedicata
And this cafe for enjoying appetizers/drinks on the piazza:
Gran Caffè Cavour
Near Modena is a cheese factory with excellent tours in English, and tastings of Parmigiano Reggiano. I don't know if there is public transport to there, but it was worth a trip if you can find a way to get there.
Caseficio 4 Madonne
We enjoyed this restaurant in Parma:
Officina Alimentare Dedicata
Home - Officina Alimentare Dedicata Parma
www.officinaalimentarededicata.it
And this cafe for enjoying appetizers/drinks on the piazza:
Gran Caffè Cavour
NoSpin
100+ Posts
I forget the name as it was years ago, but we went to the parma ham museum. It was disappointing. It was very small with only a few exhibits on the process.
Edit: I just looked it up https://prosciuttodiparma.museidelcibo.it/en/photogallery/
Take a look at their site. It might interest you. It wasn't bad, I just had higher expectations, hence the disappoinment.
Edit: I just looked it up https://prosciuttodiparma.museidelcibo.it/en/photogallery/
Take a look at their site. It might interest you. It wasn't bad, I just had higher expectations, hence the disappoinment.
Last edited:
Alpinista
100+ Posts
Cheese manufacture in Reggio Emelia and Balsamic vinegar in Modena. Both less than an hour's drive from Parma and about an hour or so to visit; good things on sale in the shops.
| Latteria Sociale Grande, 9:00 Via Case Melli, 80 Castelnovo di Sotto |
| Acetaia Villa San Donnino, 2:00 Strada Medicina, 25 Modena |
Valerie
100+ Posts
Parma is beautiful and so much to see and do. You'll find great places to dine no matter what part of town you're in.
Here is an article https://internationalliving.com/food-you-must-try-in-parma-italy/
Also this one that I wrote (geared towards retiring but has other info in there) such as Via Farini is THE place for aperitivi, and more.
Food Valley Travel does a great job of day trips to food producers and more. We booked to drive a Ferrari south of the city with them. It was fabulous! Driving amidst the castles on an open road, it was worth every centessimo!
Also, if you can get there, south of Parma is a hidden-away house of treasures called the Villa dei Capolavori (also known as Fondazione Magnani-Rocca.) It holds priceless masterpieces by Titian, Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Canova, and many more. Plus special exhibits. And so few people know about it that we found ourselves alone in some of the rooms! Outside are peacocks and a garden, and there is a restaurant. https://www.magnanirocca.it/la-villa-dei-capolavori/
I know some people arrived by bus from Parma. Or could arrange to visit it if you do a tour with Food Valley, as they could add it in to your day if you go to the prosciutterie or other local tour.
Here is an article https://internationalliving.com/food-you-must-try-in-parma-italy/
Also this one that I wrote (geared towards retiring but has other info in there) such as Via Farini is THE place for aperitivi, and more.
Food Valley Travel does a great job of day trips to food producers and more. We booked to drive a Ferrari south of the city with them. It was fabulous! Driving amidst the castles on an open road, it was worth every centessimo!
Also, if you can get there, south of Parma is a hidden-away house of treasures called the Villa dei Capolavori (also known as Fondazione Magnani-Rocca.) It holds priceless masterpieces by Titian, Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Canova, and many more. Plus special exhibits. And so few people know about it that we found ourselves alone in some of the rooms! Outside are peacocks and a garden, and there is a restaurant. https://www.magnanirocca.it/la-villa-dei-capolavori/
I know some people arrived by bus from Parma. Or could arrange to visit it if you do a tour with Food Valley, as they could add it in to your day if you go to the prosciutterie or other local tour.
Fedina
10+ Posts
I have family near Parma, so I love this area. You'll have to check on seasonal open time and days if you plan to visit any of the things I'm listing. You'll need a car, or there may be public transport. Lots of history in this area. When we are not staying with family in this area, we have stayed several times at Podere Prasiano, near Modena, which has much to see.
www.podereprasiano.com
Castel'd Arquato is a good spot, but it may be closed for repair. Check first. https://castellarquatoturismo.it/
Vogoleno, a small castle perched on a hilltop near Piacenza is fun. There are ouutdoor concerts and operas in summer.
https://visitvigoleno.it/?lang=en
Fontenellato with it's moat and interesting museum, and which used to have wonderfully fun markets on the weekend is an interesting take. Fontenellato is fairly close and very interesting historically. It was used as a prison during WWII by the Nazi's.
https://www.fontanellato.org/ .
Another interesting spot to visit is Sabbioneta, 20 miles from Parma, and not too far from Mantua. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabbioneta
Enjoy your trip!
Podere Prasiano | Agriturismo near Modena with Pool
Agriturismo Podere Prasiano is an organic estate near Modena producing wine and balsamic winegar with guests rooms, infinity pool and stunning view.
www.podereprasiano.com
Castel'd Arquato is a good spot, but it may be closed for repair. Check first. https://castellarquatoturismo.it/
Vogoleno, a small castle perched on a hilltop near Piacenza is fun. There are ouutdoor concerts and operas in summer.
https://visitvigoleno.it/?lang=en
Fontenellato with it's moat and interesting museum, and which used to have wonderfully fun markets on the weekend is an interesting take. Fontenellato is fairly close and very interesting historically. It was used as a prison during WWII by the Nazi's.
https://www.fontanellato.org/ .
Another interesting spot to visit is Sabbioneta, 20 miles from Parma, and not too far from Mantua. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabbioneta
Enjoy your trip!
Penn251
100+ Posts
Thanks Valerie, There was no link to your article though,