Parma

Emilia Romagna might be the best region of Italy for culinary exploration. Visit a prosciutto producer like Salumificio Conti — one of the local family-run ham factories producing the mythical Prosciutto di Parma PDO. Spend some time with the makers of Parmigiano Reggiano, who have kept the traditional methods alive since the Benedictine monks invented the process 10 centuries ago. Curdling into the typical copper heaters, salting and the final ageing in the so-called wheel cathedrals. Taste the savoury masterpiece in the end, of course. Make your trip longer and learn the secrets of the best balsamic vinegar at Tenuta Medici Ermete. Parma is the gateway to Italy's culinary heritage. With many tours, you can choose to drive yourself or get a driver for a more sit-back experience.

If you are not a fan of bus or car tours, take a leisurely bike tour from Parma city centre to a cheese factory to see how the city’s eponymous delicacy is made. Explore the variety of this classic cheese by sampling three agings of Parmesan: 12, 24 and 36 months. Follow your friendly guide through small, quiet roads and stop at a local osteria — a small restaurant that serves wine and simple, honest food, including Parma ham.

Driving and wine tasting don’t mix — you are going to need a chauffeur. One that works with your schedule, picks you up straight from your hotel and takes you through the vineyards of Emilia-Romagna. Explore an authentic local winery and enjoy three signature wines, like Malvasia, Lambrusco and Trebbiano. Of course, a selection of delicacies will complement the wine, as will the sweeping country views.

A half-day walking tour puts the spotlight on Parma's famous cuisine with stops at the locals’ favourite eateries and shops. Explore the city's main attractions and make stops for small bites and interesting stories from food vendors. Start with a visit to a traditional Prosciutteria and try Culatello di Zibello, Salame Felino, Coppa, Culaccia and Spalla Cruda. Next, explore the selection at a fresh pasta shop and taste different ageings of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese at a deli. Explore traditional bistros for a glass of exquisite wine. Try some street food from an old sandwich shop. Get a flakey dessert at a patisserie and finish with a refreshingly cool and creamy artisanal gelato.

Heading to a local food market in a country where you don't speak the language, don't know the prices and don't know the haggling etiquette — can be quite stressful. Get a little help from a friendly local and visit a vibrant market, followed by an immersive private dining experience later in the day. There's nothing like exploring Italy's culinary heritage through a 4-course meal cooked and served by a local in their own home. Beats any restaurant. Plus, you support small businesses and connect with the locals.

Arguably, the most authentic dishes come not from a professional chef, but from people who cook for their families every day, right in their home kitchen. Learn to whip up three of the Parma's finest dishes from scratch in the home of a local cooking enthusiast. Of course, you get to enjoy your delicious creations with excellent wine. As a souvenir, you will get an apron and, of course, new cooking skills. Prepare to impress your friends back home.

Numerous small and big companies offer guided tours that focus on the savoury and salty richness of Parmigiano cheese and Parma ham. Most operators will bring you to a cheese factory tour just outside the city, let you try differently aged samples (most likely 1, 2 and 3-year cheeses). Similarly, don't miss a chance to see a Parma ham factory and taste the thinnest melt-in-your-mouth slices. Pick a tour that best matches your budget, interests and time frame. The most important variable in choosing the best tour is traveller reviews.