Dreamy Europe Trip Summer 2024 - Part 8 Parma Italy

Those who know us, know that we love Italian food. Which is why when there is an opportunity to go to Parma we could not pass it up. Because you know what is in Parma… the Parma ham! The whole area is full of distinct products, such as Balsamic Vinegar from the nearby Modena and the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese from an area of the same name. Due to our limited time in Parma, we had to choose between a cheese-making tour or a Parma ham tour. We decided on the latter. There are several salumificio that offer factory tour, but based on distance, time, and price, we chose La Perla Salumificio. Before we talk more about this factory tour, let’s backtrack a bit as we drove from Verona to Parma…

I had booked an apartment in Parma for 2 nights via Booking.com. When we reached the apartment, it was already close to dinner time. So we quickly unpack and started walking towards the old town where the restaurant we wanted to have dinner at is located. The Trattoria Corrieri was recommended by our host and it didn’t disappoint. We ordered a few things and had leftovers to take home for the next day’s breakfast.

The following day was the Prosciutto di Parma factory tour at Salumificio La Perla that we had been waiting for! I reserved the tour via their website, it cost 25 Euro per person and that fee included the factory tour, Parma ham, cheese, bread, and a drink for everyone. Not bad at all!

The salumificio was about half an hour away from Parma. That morning it was rainy, so I had to drive slower than usual. Because of that, we were a few minutes late to arrive at the factory when they were just about to start. We were each given a disposable head cover and a robe to wear. After a short briefing session, we walked inside the factory where they processed fresh pork legs and store them to cure. If you’re not familiar with Parma ham, or Prosciutto di Parma, it’s a world-famous delicacy only possible to be made in this area because of their micro climate. Did you know that Parma ham is cured for at least 18 months?

After we finished the tour, we were brought to the dining area and we were each given a plate of sliced 24-months-cured prosciutto. DH got wine while Miss Kiki and I opted for water. They also gave us a bread basket and a plate of 12-months-cured Parmigiana Reggiano (the original Parmesan cheese). We polished our plates, asked for cheese refill, and bought some fancy balsamic vinegar to take home.

12 months cured parmigiana reggiano

24 months cured Parma ham (Prosciutto di Parma)

Variety of Balsamic Vinegar

35-year-old balsamic vinegar

Cute bottle of balsamic vinegar

Field outside the factory

Sunflower field behind the factory

Not too far away from the Salumificio, there is a well-known castle called Torrechiara castle. It is set in top of a hill, and we decided to check it out. We parked at the bottom of the hill and climbed up. It was a short climb, so it wasn’t a problem at all. Unfortunately, when we got there it was almost closing time. So we roamed around the outdoor area and then moved on. Parma actually has several interesting museums in the area but unfortunately they were closed when we were there.

On the way back to Parma, we made a small detour to visit an outlet mall, but it was lame. That was all I had to say about it. Next, we went back to Parma Old Town and explored the shopping area that we didn’t get to cover the day before. We walked through Parco Ducale, located just across the river from the main building in the old town that houses the National Gallery and the National Archaeological Museum.

Fontana del Triannon

Large Magnolia

After roaming around the shopping streets and the old town, we decided on dinner at one of the other places recommended by our host. This time, we didn’t like the food as much, but at least we got to try the 100-month cured Parmigiana Reggiano. It was dry as expected, but we were happy to have tried it :)