A day with the shepherd milking sheeps and making cheese in the National Park of Abruzzo

About this tour

Spend ten hours working alongside Abruzzo shepherds in Italy's protected national park, helping move flocks to pasture, hand-milk sheep, and craft fresh cheese from scratch. The day includes a hearty lunch of local specialities, then shifts to exploring the hilltop village of Castel del Monte and the dramatically sited Rocca Calascio fortress (backdrop for Ladyhawke and various films). Weather permitting, you'll also visit the Stiffe caves. Private transport with a driver-guide collects you from your Rome accommodation and returns you at day's end.

Highlights

• Work with shepherds moving and milking sheep in daily routine
• Make cheese by hand using traditional Abruzzo methods
• Lunch featuring regional produce, wine, and local drinks
• Castel del Monte village with views across the Apennines
• Rocca Calascio fortress on a remote mountain ridge
• Stiffe caves system if conditions allow access

What to expect

You'll start early with the shepherd's working day, learning how flocks are moved to grazing land and understanding the rhythm of pastoral life. Hands-on cheese-making follows—expect to get properly involved, not just observe. The morning culminates in a proper sit-down lunch of genuine local fare with wine. Afternoon touring takes you to two medieval settlements: Castel del Monte is compact and atmospheric; Rocca Calascio sits dramatically on a remote peak and requires a short walk uphill. The caves (if visited) involve careful ground and low passages. Throughout, your guide provides context on landscape, history, and local culture.

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