Hidden treasures in Valceno, close to Parma

Just 50 kilometers south of Parma, you will experience a journey back in time, to the Middle Ages. In the heart of the enchanting Ceno valley lies the small but characteristic village of Bardi, dominated by a perfectly preserved fortress. The historical and natural wonders will be accompanied by the gastronomic excellence of the area : Parmigiano, whose production process and unmistakable taste will be the subject of extensive explanations, during the visit to a local dairy. At the end of the visit you will taste different ages of the precious cheese, with local wines and, then, you will be ready to reach a very small restaurant inside a micro-farm, for a delicious lunch with traditional dishes.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   2 hours

   An exclusive guided tour will touch on the different stages of production of Parmigiano, in a company that combines modern technology and traditional knowledge. You will start from the green pastures around the stables, then enter the production rooms, with their copper boilers in the shape of an inverted bell and the brine tanks, ending in the maturing area. At the end, a tasting of Parmigiano and homemade bread will be offered.

2. 2

   Castello di Bardi

   2 hours

   A professional qualified guide will lead the private tour of the amazing Bardi fortress, a medieval castle which belonged for more than four centuries to the noble Landi family from Piacenza. Starting from the formidable defensive apparatus, the tour will touch the ice house, the stables and the cellar, reaching at the end the Residence of the Princes. Its rooms are decorated with frescoes, which celebrate the marriage union of the Landi with the Grimaldis of Monaco. Through the walkways of the keep, guests will follow the traces of Cavalier Moroello, whose ghost is believed to still haunt these places.

3. 3

   Bardi

   2 hours

   At the end of the visit you will taste different ages of the precious cheese, with local wines and, then, you will be ready to reach a very small restaurant inside a micro-farm, for a delicious lunch with traditional dishes.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.