Parma and its food valley is a top choice for all seasons. The city of Parma and its surrounding area offer a kaleidoscope of possibilities and experiences for anyone seeking an alternative to the classic and, perhaps for some, jaded choice between the sea and the mountains.
From the heart of the Food Valley to a treasure trove of artistic wonders an an inexhaustible reservoir of natural and historic itineraries, this area has so much to offer that is different.
Trame d’Italia’s itineraries
Don’t have the time or the inclination to explore independently? Then you can rely on the Trame d'Italia online platform for direct contact with the places, traditions and lesser-known and inaccessible aspects of some of Italy's most fascinating destinations. From nights in a yurt in the Apennines, to discovering the magic of Salsomaggiore Terme or walking along the Via Francigena in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims. You can find them all on www.trameditalia.it
Visit Emilia to plan stays and holidays
Another virtuous container of the area's activities and beauty is Visit Emilia, the tourist promotion agency for the Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia areas that presents the varied uniqueness of a vast area where food, nature and culture meet. Through the site you can plan themed stays and holidays, select a network from Spas & Outdoors, Food & Wine and Culture & Castles, or choose according to the province of your choice and your preferences. (www.visitemilia.com)
Culatello cured Parma ham
Speaking of food and wine at the Antica Corte Pallavicina in Polesine Parmense, Luciano and Massimo Spigaroli have turned an ancient 14th century castle on the floodplain of the river Po into the realm of gastrofluvial cuisine. Prominent on the menu is Culatello, the sweetest and most expensive cut of cured Parma, ham which here also boasts a museum and the world's oldest operating maturing cellars. (www.anticacortepallavicinarelais.it).
Salsomaggiore for castles and concerts
Visit Salsomaggiore (www.visitsalsomaggiore.it) and you will find many opportunities for activities in an area traditionally associated with spas and wellness. On the hills of Salsomaggiore you can visit the Castles of Tabiano, Contignaco and Scipione dei Marchesi Pallavicino, and the Pinko Arena has concerts and shows with famous Italian and international artists scheduled up to September.
Sensory experiences with horses
The Upper Valtaro Valley is one of the province's best-kept naturalistic jewels, with hundreds of mountain trails that stretch to the regional limits and are ideal for mountain bikers, while Elena Galli's Fili d'Erba Farm at the WWF Ghirardi Oasis in Borgotaro is popular for its programme of sensory experiences with horses. (www.turismovaltaro.it).
