This is one of the most amazing itineraries to experience some of the best food and wine experiences in Northern Italy! We took this trip after I had read An American in Italy and have never regretted it. Read the inspiration first!
Milan, known for its fashion and design, is our #1 shopping city in Italy. Remember there are good prices in July!
The city also has a rich food culture. You can try local delicacies such as risotto alla Milanese or cotoletta alla Milanese and visit some of the best wine bars in town.
Parma is just wow!
Parma is known as the hometown of Parma ham and Parmesan cheese, so here you can truly enjoy some of the best dining experiences in Italy. Visit some of the local cheese and ham producers to learn more about their production processes and taste some of their delicious products.
Rapallo and St. Margherita are beautiful coastal towns that are well worth a visit. You can enjoy fresh seafood and beautiful views of the sea, as well as explore the charming old towns in both cities.
Finally, visit Portofino, one of the most iconic destinations along the Italian Riviera. Here you can enjoy some of the best seafood dishes in the region and visit some of the local wineries.
All in all, you will have a wonderful trip that combines some of the best food and wine experiences in Italy with beautiful coastal towns and picturesque landscapes.
A little extra focus on Parma:
Parma is known for its delicious food and especially for its Parma ham and Parmesan cheese. Here are some of the best restaurants in Parma:
Trattoria Corrieri - one of the most famous restaurants in Parma, known for its Parma ham and pasta dishes.
Osteria della Ghiaia - a charming and cozy restaurant that serves local specialties such as tortelli and green noodles.
La Greppia - another popular restaurant serving traditional food with a focus on local ingredients.
Antica Corte Pallavicina - a restaurant known for its excellent cuisine and wine list, located in a charming and historic building.
La Forchetta - a modern restaurant with a menu that combines traditional dishes with innovative flavors and techniques.
Trattoria del Tribunale - an authentic and informal restaurant known for its excellent Parmesan cheese and homemade pasta dishes.
La Filoma - another popular restaurant serving local food in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
All these restaurants offer some of the best flavors in Parma and provide an authentic and memorable dining experience in this wonderful city.
It is perhaps in the smaller cafes and bars that you can enjoy wonderful small dishes with the local cheese and ham delicacies. Here are some of the best places to try:
Bar Enzo - a popular bar serving a wide variety of Parma ham and parmesan, as well as other local specialties such as torta fritta and coppa.
Caffè Teatro - a cozy cafe that offers a selection of small dishes and antipasti with Parma ham and parmesan, as well as a wide selection of local wine and beer.
La Prosciutteria - an authentic Italian prosciutteria specializing in Parma ham and Parmesan cheese, as well as other local products.
Al Sangiovese - a popular bar serving a wide variety of local cheeses and meat dishes, including Parma ham and Parmesan cheese.
Il Caffè dei Marchesi - an elegant cafe serving small dishes with local ingredients, including Parma ham and Parmesan cheese, as well as fresh pastries and cakes.
These places offer an excellent selection of small dishes with Parma ham and Parmesan cheese, giving an authentic taste of Parma and the local cuisine.
Parma is located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, which is known for its excellent wine production. When it comes to local wines that pair well with Parma ham and Parmesan cheese, there are several options to choose from. Here are some of the best local wines in Parma that go perfectly with these delicacies:
Lambrusco - a fresh and fruity red wine that is one of the most popular in Emilia-Romagna. It is known to go well with Parmesan and Parma ham, as it is light and refreshing and does not overwhelm the taste of the food.
Malvasia - a white wine known for its sweetness and aroma of honey and apricot. This wine goes well with Parma ham, especially when served with melon.
Gutturnio - another red wine known to go well with Parma ham. This wine is usually dry and slightly spicy, providing a nice balance to the salty flavor of the ham.
Trebbiano - a dry white wine known for its freshness and citrus aromas. This wine goes well with parmesan cheese, especially when served with fruit or nuts.
Ortrugo - another dry white wine common in Emilia-Romagna. This wine has a subtle fruity flavor and is an excellent match for Parmesan cheese and Parma ham.
When it comes to sparkling local Parma wines that go well with Parma ham and Parmesan cheese, there are some good options to choose from. Here are some of the best sparkling wines from Parma that you can try:
Lambrusco di Sorbara - a fruity and fresh sparkling wine that is known to go well with Parma ham and Parmesan cheese. This wine is light and refreshing, with notes of red berries and flowers.
Malvasia Dolce - a sweet and aromatic sparkling wine made from the Malvasia grape. This wine goes particularly well with Parma ham when served with fruit or sweet desserts.
Gutturnio Frizzante - a light and sparkling red wine made from a blend of Barbera and Bonarda grapes. This wine has a subtle fruity taste and goes well with Parma ham and other local cheeses.
Fortana dell'Emilia - another sparkling red wine made from the Fortana grape. This wine has a subtle sweetness and a spicy aroma that goes well with Parma ham and other local meat dishes.
Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro - another sparkling red wine made from the Lambrusco grape. This wine is fruity and fresh, with a subtle spicy flavor that goes well with parmesan cheese and other local cheeses.
These sparkling wines from Parma are all great alternatives to Parma ham and Parmesan cheese, and will help enhance your taste experience.
Parma offers a wide selection of hotels and accommodation for visitors. Here are some of the best options:
Grand Hotel de La Ville - This is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the heart of Parma. The hotel offers elegant rooms and suites with modern facilities, a well-equipped gym and a relaxing spa.
NH Parma - This is a modern 4-star hotel located in a quiet part of the city, yet close to the center. The hotel offers bright and comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving local and international dishes, and a terrace where you can relax and enjoy the view of the city.
Hotel Button - This is a cozy and charming 3-star hotel located in a historic building in the center of Parma. The hotel offers individually decorated rooms with antique furniture and modern facilities, an elegant restaurant serving local cuisine, and a pleasant courtyard where you can enjoy a drink.
Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati - This is an elegant 4-star hotel located in a historic building next to Parma Cathedral. The hotel offers well-equipped and spacious rooms and suites, a gourmet restaurant with a view of the cathedral, and a terrace with a panoramic view of the city.
Antico Borgo di Tabiano Castello - This is a beautiful 4-star hotel set in a medieval castle in Tabiano Castello, a short drive from Parma. The hotel offers rustic and charming rooms, an excellent restaurant serving local cuisine, and a beautiful garden with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
These hotels and accommodations in Parma will all provide you with a comfortable and enjoyable stay while you explore the city and its surroundings.
Hope this can give you a good opportunity to plan your trip or tour! Remember to read the book!
Nb! Follow the driving regulations in this as in other Italian cities. The fines are coming, you can't run away from them!
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