Destination
Your next adventure is just around the corner
The foodie hotspot
It’s not known as Italy’s ‘food valley’ for nothing. Parma is a mecca of foodie delights, and the best way to sample it all is through a dedicated tour.
Try the ‘Parma Hillside Gourmet Tour’, which stops off at local factories and includes a breath-taking drive along Parma’s hillside. You’ll sample the region’s best-known specialities, Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, as well as other cold cuts, tortelli di Parma and homemade cakes – all washed down with locally produced wines such as Lambrusco and Malvasia.
Most in-demand bar
Nothing says ‘exclusive’ quite like a bar hidden in a labyrinth, especially not when it’s the largest bamboo labyrinth in the world. If you can handle the navigation side, the Al Bambù Cocktail Bar – housed inside Parma’s Labirinto della Masone – is a must-visit for anyone wanting an intimate atmosphere and delicious cocktails.
Take a seat on chic sofas in the long shadows of bamboo stems, and sip exotic cocktails crafted by master mixologists. Just don’t attempt the maze after a few drinks…
Wellness spot
You don’t need to exercise to achieve that summer glow. Make like the Italians and head to Parma’s ‘Thermae di Salsomaggiore’ for a new-season boost without the effort. Since its creation, this magnificent, Art Deco-style spa has welcomed royals and celebrities alike from all over Europe, each one indulging in its natural beauty treatments.
Take your pick of massages, mud baths and detox treatments – all the while surrounded by enchanting murals and gold-adorned staircases.
The must-see museum
Not your usual museum, the Violin Museum in Cremona – about 40 minutes from Fidenza Village – houses a unique collection of string instruments, some of which once belonged to very famous owners – violins from the likes of Antonio Stradivari are among the selection!
Plus, at the end of the tour you’ll receive a private violin performance.
For your weekend wander
Want to truly holiday like a local? Book a weekend in Lugagnano Val d'Arda, a comune in the Emilia-Romagna region. There, you’ll tour the vineyards producing Vin Santo di Vigoleno and explore the town of Castell’Arquato – one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the area.
If that’s not enough to tempt a visit, you can even spend the night in a castle. Now excuse us while we dig out our tiara…
The best summer views
You’ll have to tackle a few stairs for this, but we promise the views at the top will be worth it. Head to the city of Piacenza where it’s possible to climb the inside of the cathedral and marvel at the huge artworks inside. Painted by the likes of Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli and Guercino, the murals, or frescoes, cover the dome ceilings and are something to behold.
From the top, you’ll also be able to glimpse unrivalled views over the city as you dine al fresco on various speciality dishes.
Plus, for a summer style update, don’t forget a visit to Fidenza Village.
