Discover Parma and its enchanting surroundings on a journey through art, history, and flavors. From the charm of the ducal city to majestic medieval fortresses, and through the birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi, every day is a true immersion in the heart of Emilia. A tour designed for those who enjoy slow travel, surrounded by artistic masterpieces, breathtaking landscapes, and Emilia’s legendary hospitality.
Validity: all year round.
Day 1: Arrival in Parma
- arrival in Parma and check-in at the hotel (Check-in available after 3:00 p.m.)
- meet your local guide in Parma and start a private walking tour to discover the beauties of Parma, named Italian Capital of Culture in 2020+2021. With your guide, you will visit the Parma Cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece featuring the famous frescoed dome by Correggio. External visit of the Baptistery of Parma (entrance not included), a monument in pink Verona marble and one of the highest expressions of medieval art. Visit of the Church of the Steccata (free entrance) and stroll through the historic center among shopping streets and artisan boutiques.
- End of the guided tour.
- Free time and dinner at leisure.
- Overnight stay.
Day 2: Torrechiara (Abbey + Castle) and Rocca of Sala Baganza
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Meet your private local guide at the hotel and departure with your own car toward Torrechiara – about 25-minute drive from Parma.
- Visit of the Abbey of Santa Maria della Neve, founded in 1471 by Pier Maria Rossi, once home to a Benedictine monastic community.
- Guided visit of the Castle of Torrechiara, a majestic medieval fortress with Renaissance frescoes, famous for the “Golden Chamber” and its stunning views over the Val Parma.
- End of the visit and free time for lunch in Torrechiara. In Torrechiara, you’ll find several options for lunch: traditional trattorias serving Parma specialties or quick tastings of local salami and cheeses in the small shops of the village.
- Departure with your own car to Sala Baganza – about 20-minute drive.
- Private guided tour of the Rocca Sanvitale of Sala Baganza, a fascinating example of fortified architecture where history and art blend into an evocative itinerary through elegant frescoed halls, ancient underground areas, and rooms telling the stories of noble ducal families.
- End of the visit and return to Parma – about 30-minute drive.
- Arrival in Parma and end of the guided tour.
- Free evening and dinner at leisure.
- Overnight stay.
Day 3: Rocca Sanvitale of Fontanellato, Verdi’s Homeland and Rocca of Soragna
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Meet your private local guide at the hotel and depart with your own car to Fontanellato – about 30-minute drive from Parma.
- Visit to the Rocca Sanvitale of Fontanellato. A charming fortress surrounded by a water-filled moat, famous for the Parmigianino frescoes and a truly fairytale atmosphere.
- End of the visit and departure by car with the guide to Roncole Verdi – about 15-minute drive.
- Visit of Giuseppe Verdi’s birthplace, a place full of charm and history where the great composer was born on October 10, 1813. The house retains the simple atmosphere of that era.
- Free time for lunch in the area. Optional lunch available in a historic Salsamenteria in the heart of Busseto (available with supplement). Suggested menu: selection of salami and cheeses with homemade vegetable sauces, walnuts, local desserts (typically a mix of cakes), water and local wine (1 bottle per 4 people), digestifs.
- Departure with your own car to Soragna – about 15-minute drive from Busseto.
- Private guided tour of the Rocca of Soragna (a princely residence with original furnishings). An elegant noble residence still inhabited by the Meli Lupi Princes, with finely decorated rooms and valuable works of art.
- End of the visit and return to Parma – about 45-minute drive.
- Arrival in Parma and end of the guided tour.
- Free evening and dinner at leisure.
- Overnight stay.
Day 4: Departure
- Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
- Departure
The package includes: accommodation in a 4* hotel in Parma for 3 nights, with breakfast included; licensed local tourist guide for a walking tour in Parma (max 2h30); licensed local tourist guide for a private tour of Torrechiara and Sala Baganza (max 6h30); licensed local tourist guide for a private tour of Fontanellato, Roncole Verdi, and Soragna (max 7h00); booking of time slots for all visits as per program; pre-tour phone call with the tour leader to go over the itinerary; telephone assistance by Parma Incoming during the entire stay.
The package does NOT include: parking, transfers, tourist tax, insurance (travel assistance, medical expenses, luggage and cancellation), entrance fees to monuments, tips, any personal extras, meals and drinks, and anything not explicitly listed under “The package includes”.
Price: starting from 625.00 € per person (minimum 2 participants – private guided services shared only within the same booking)
