Top 3 Itineraries in Parma

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By Erica Firpo

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Introduction

Discover the best Parma itineraries for a maximized trip! In this article, we will guide you through the top 3 itineraries in Parma, with options for every timeframe, budget, and travel preference.

Crafting a memorable trip to Parma starts with a few easy choices, and we're here to guide the way. To save you time and effort, we have reviewed the largest selection of travel packages in Parma and handpicked the top 3 itineraries for you.

Every visit to Parma feels like a new adventure. From savoring a cup of coffee in a quaint café and navigating lively markets to exploring popular attractions or relaxing at one of the best places to stay in Parma, you’ll find that each moment brings a new layer to your vacation.

So, if you're ready to uncover the perfect trip, simply scroll down and let the best Parma itinerary find you!

Popular Types of Trips to Parma

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Parma.

If you only have a few days, Parma weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Parma offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Parma are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Parma’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Parma offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Italy's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Parma truly unforgettable!

Find Trips to Parma

If you’re as convinced as we are that Parma belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Parma are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Parma and start planning your next trip!

The Top 3 Best Parma Travel Itineraries

Discover the perfect Parma itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Parma for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Parma without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Parma!

3. The Ultimate 13-Day Road Trip Itinerary Through Parma and Beyond

View of Palazzo Ducale in Parma, Italy.

A scenic 13-day road trip through Firenze, Milano, Rimini, Loreto, and Teramo is one of the best ways to experience Italy. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 13-day itinerary means that Parma can easily be combined with other top destinations in Italy without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Firenze, Milano, Rimini, Loreto, and Teramo by public transport, renting a car in Italy opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 13 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Rimini

  • Arrival city: Rimini
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Rimini, e.g., Yes Hotel Touring
  • Sightseeing: Piazza Tre Martiri
Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Rimini. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Rimini and Viserbella

  • Destinations: Rimini and Viserbella
  • Driving distance: 17 km, approx. 39 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Rimini, e.g., Yes Hotel Touring
  • Sightseeing: Fountain of the four horses, Parco Federico Fellini, and Italia in Miniatura
Set out on a day of discovery and visit Fountain of the four horses, Parco Federico Fellini, and Italia in Miniatura. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Rimini and Viserbella, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Bologna

  • Destinations: Bologna
  • Driving distance: 332.36 km, approx. 4 hours and 8 minutes
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Milan, e.g., 21 House of Stories Città Studi
  • Sightseeing: International Museum and Library of Music, Two Towers, and Piazza Maggiore
Spend the day exploring International Museum and Library of Music, Two Towers, and Piazza Maggiore. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Milan.

Day 4: Experience Milano

  • Destinations: Milano
  • Driving distance: 128.26 km, approx. 2 hours and 9 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in Parma, e.g., Piumaviola
  • Sightseeing: Duomo di Milano, Sforzesco Castle, Teatro alla Scala, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Parco Sempione
Continue your journey through Milano, where you can explore Duomo di Milano, Sforzesco Castle, Teatro alla Scala, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Parco Sempione. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Parma.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Pisa

  • Destinations: Pisa
  • Driving distance: 271.55 km, approx. 3 hours and 49 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Florence, e.g., 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino
  • Sightseeing: Angelo Caduto, Piazza del Duomo, Cattedrale di Pisa, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Camposanto
Drive through Pisa, stopping to visit Angelo Caduto, Piazza del Duomo, Cattedrale di Pisa, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Camposanto. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Florence.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Firenze

  • Destinations: Firenze
  • Driving distance: 3.69 km, approx. 49 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Florence, e.g., 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino
  • Sightseeing: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Accademia Gallery, Central Market, and Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
Spend time discovering Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Accademia Gallery, Central Market, and Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Firenze

  • Destinations: Firenze
  • Driving distance: 71.92 km, approx. 1 hour and 43 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in Siena, e.g., Il Giardino di Pantaneto
  • Sightseeing: Uffizi Gallery, Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, Piazza della Signoria, Piazzale Michelangelo, and Ponte Vecchio
Explore Uffizi Gallery, Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, Piazza della Signoria, Piazzale Michelangelo, and Ponte Vecchio at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Siena.

Day 8: Explore Civitas Vaticana - Città del Vaticano

  • Destinations: Civitas Vaticana - Città del Vaticano
  • Driving distance: 240.56 km, approx. 3 hours and 25 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in Rome, e.g., The RomeHello
  • Sightseeing: Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and Saint Peter's Square
Continue your road trip through Civitas Vaticana - Città del Vaticano, enjoying the flexibility to explore Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and Saint Peter's Square and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Rome.

Day 9: Wander Through Roma

  • Destinations: Roma
  • Driving distance: 7.77 km, approx. 59 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in Rome, e.g., The RomeHello
  • Sightseeing: Castel Sant'Angelo, Roman Forum, Campo de' Fiori, Piazza Navona, and Colosseum
Visit Castel Sant'Angelo, Roman Forum, Campo de' Fiori, Piazza Navona, and Colosseum as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye.

Day 10: Uncover Roma

  • Destinations: Roma
  • Driving distance: 8.25 km, approx. 47 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in Rome, e.g., The RomeHello
  • Sightseeing: Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, Altar of the Fatherland, Largo di Torre Argentina, Pantheon, and Circus Maximus
Continue your exploration of Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, Altar of the Fatherland, Largo di Torre Argentina, Pantheon, and Circus Maximus, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure.

Day 11: Journey Through Roma

  • Destinations: Roma
  • Driving distance: 121.27 km, approx. 2 hours and 13 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in L'aquila, e.g., Charme in Perillis
  • Sightseeing: Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna, Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, and Villa Borghese
Take in the highlights of Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna, Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, and Villa Borghese, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of L'aquila.

Day 12: Travel Through Loreto and Teramo

  • Destinations: Loreto and Teramo
  • Driving distance: 301.8 km, approx. 3 hours and 50 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Rimini, e.g., Yes Hotel Touring
  • Sightseeing: Santuario Madonna Delle Grazie, Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto, Roman Theatre of Teramo, and Fontana dei Due Leoni
Take the opportunity to explore Santuario Madonna Delle Grazie, Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto, Roman Theatre of Teramo, and Fontana dei Due Leoni, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature. After a day of adventures, check into another conveniently located hotel in Rimini.

Day 13: Bid Farewell to Rimini

  • Departure city: Rimini
  • Driving distance: 690 metres, approx. 9 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Arco di Augusto
Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Rimini. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1697 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Parma.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Parma for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

2. The Top Recommended 4-Day Parma City Itinerary

castles of parma montechiarugolo and torrechiara ancient medieval fortresses parma italy europe

Enjoy a 4-day city break in Parma with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 4-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Parma without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Parma

Arrive in Parma and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Cittadella Park.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Bar Bistrò Pub L'alchemist is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Parma's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Parma by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Palazzo Pigorini, Cattedrale di Parma, Palazzo Ducale di Parma, and San Giovanni Evangelista.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Parma in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Savor Your Final Moments in Parma

Spend your last few hours in Parma soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Parma in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Parma, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Parma travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

1. The Perfect 4-Day Parma Weekend Itinerary

Sunrise over Palazzo della Pilotta in Parma, Italy.

A 4-day weekend getaway in Parma offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Parma itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 4 days to spend, this is the perfect Parma weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Parma

Arrive in Parma around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.
  • Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
  • Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Cittadella Park, and soak in the surroundings.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Parma’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Parma with sightseeing, food, and drinks.
  • Morning: Visit Palazzo Pigorini early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Palazzo Ducale di Parma, stopping by Cattedrale di Parma for a break and some photos.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Parma

No itinerary in Parma is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.
  • Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument.
  • Afternoon: Explore Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata and Teatro Regio, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
  • Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
  • Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Parma and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Italy.

Day 4 - Depart from Parma

Make the most of your last few hours in Parma before your departure.
  • Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
  • Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Parma. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Parma itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

What To Discover Next in Parma

As you explore Parma, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Parma for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Parma in a way that feels truly unforgettable!

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