I will be in Bologna for 3 nights and would like to do a day trip to Parma by train. Is it possible to visit factories that produce parmiggiano reggiano and parma di prosciutto on your own? Without a car?
Thanks
This will be difficult. When we did a tour like that we had a car. We visited a few different Agritusimi who take you through their production areas, explain the processes, etc but they were all pretty remote. I think you would waste hours and hours trying to get to and from even just one one of them. I would recommend a rental car, even just for a day or two. Or even a hired car and driver, they usually go for 30 euro per hour and up.
Here's what I found from www.parmagolosa.it
Parmagolosa can offer you excellent tours with visits to local producers of Parmesan cheese, Parma ham and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar (TBV).
Plants open every day, you can decide it.
Prices are FOR THE TOUR (a group up to four people), NOT PER PERSON.
Any one of Parmesan cheese, Parma ham or Traditional Balsamic Vinegar (TBV) :
Euro 100.00. The visits last 1 - 2 hours depending on which one you choose.
Any two of the above (Parmesan cheese and Parma ham, Parmesan cheese and TBV, or Parma ham and TBV) : Euro 135.00. This tour lasts about 4 hours.
All three Parmesan cheese, Parma ham and TBV : Euro 160.00.This takes about 6 hours and normally finishes by 2.30 pm.
The tours will be done in English.
Tastings (extra cost) :
TBV Tasting (Red Label from 12 to 20 years old, Silver Label 20-25 years old, Gold Label more than 25 years old) –Euro 6.00 per person