Day 1

03:00 pm – Arrival in Castrignano, in the very heart of an area comprised in the UNESCO’s world network for Men and Biosphere. Check-in at Rocca di Castrignano, a once-upon-a-time but ultra-comfortable country-chic B&B nestled into a series of rural buildings dating back to the 1400s and 1700s. As a partner of the high-end touristic network called Castles of the Duchy, this ancient housing complex has been recently renovated upon the state-of-the-art guidelines given by the State Department for Fine Arts and provided with the most sustainable and non-invasive service standards.

Guided visit of the Rocca’s private spaces within an overview description of its strategic importance along the medieval trades & pilgrims’ route called Via Francigena.

To follow – Meeting with our expert licensed environmental tour guide and head on to a second historic residence of the area (own car or via a 90-min medium intensity hiking path).

05:30 pm – Arrival at Palazzo Scaroni, another peculiar noble dwelling in rural style dating back to the 1700s. Together with the guide – who is also the owner, by the way! – you will take a look to the ancient rooms with original furniture, the annexed porticoes, the beautiful garden on the back… and the secret cellars hiding the family’s own production of Balsamic Vinegar! Final tasting at the end upon the typical Italian merenda style.

07:00 pm – Back to the B&B.

Dinner – At own care and charge (see among the available supplements).

Day 2

Breakfast – Rich breakfast with farm-to-table ingredients and check-out.

08:00 am – Meeting with the owner – another licensed tour guide herself! – and head on to visit their own private family-run Parmigiano-Reggiano dairy with annexed cow stables: as a matter of fact, you will be a privileged witness of almost all the steps of production of this out-and-out food icon, from the breeding to the making and the final ageing into the glorious “wheel cathedrals”. Tasting of 2 different ageings at the end, paired to a glass of local wine.

10:30 am – End of activities and head on to your next destination.

Options – Check among the supplements and contact us to arrange some extra activities, such as a guided tour of the Torrechiara Castle and a final lunch before leaving the Food Valley!