La Spezia is relatively a small port and yet some Cruise Lines have a few of their ships docking there. Royal Caribbean International, Disney Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival, and WindStar Cruises are among these.

For the same reason, vehicles are not allowed close to the ship, unlike in the other ports of call in Italy. Once your ship docks you’ll need to take the shuttle to reach the parking area at the exit of the port, where your driver will be waiting. He will have a sign with your name on to be easily spotted.

Once you have met your driver for the day, you’ll make your way to the neighboring region of Emilia Romagna, considered by many the heart of Northern Italian Food, where you can learn about the making of Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano, two very unique products!

A short journey through the countryside will take you to the production area of Parma Ham in a private factory near the city of Parma. Here, and only here, can genuine Parma Ham that follows the traditional and genuine method for centuries be produced.  You will go on a tour of the making of the ham, learn the four ingredients that are necessary to produce it and visit the magical aging cellar.

Tour the facility to learn about the long and painstaking process which is needed to achieve the meat as sweet-tasting and as supple as possible. The meat is carefully salted and controlled frequently so that the ham absorbs only enough salt to reach the distinctive aroma and flavor of Parma Ham.

During the tour, which will be with a small group since the aging cellars need to be switched off to let people inside and that can’t be done too frequently to avoid spoiling the ham, you will savor samples of this delicious ham prior to the lunch offered by the factory, where you will enjoy three dishes of pasta made with Parma Ham.

After lunch, in the early afternoon, you’ll visit the famous cheese factory of Parmigiano Reggiano, the cheese that is protected by the European Union and can only be produced in a restricted area, including the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena.

Here too, you will learn about the making and aging process which creates this particularly delicious cheese so dear to the Italians. Of course, you’ll also be offered to taste it right where it is produced. From the beginning to the end, this will be a yummy day!

Rome in Limo Tours offers two options to choose from for your on shore tours: you can choose our Private Tour, where the driver and vehicle will be for your family only or choose our Sharing Tour, where your family can share our vehicle and driver with others. This options is indicated for those who have small families, 2 or 3 people, and wish to save money but also for those who wish to make new friends.