BETWEEN PAST AND PRESENT: NATURE AND THE MIDDLE AGES IN THE BORMIDA VALLEY

01/05/2025 - 15/11/2025
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Osiglia
Bike&Train

Description

A journey through a territory between two regions (Piedmont and Liguria) and 4 provinces (Savona Cuneo Asti and Alessandria): a paradise for nature lovers to discover slowly, in search of small gems such as frescoed churches and chapels, enjoying wine, hazelnuts and unique cheeses, accompanied by the scent of the sea.

Enthusiasts can also complete the tour by bike & train on the Savona/Alessandria line: the railway line is a way to travel the longer distances and a comfortable "tube" with bikes in tow to become acquainted with authentic locations and communities - baggage transport service on request


Schedule

Day 1

Arrive in Cairo Montenotte: walk through the historical centre of the village, an important crossroads of trade between Liguria and Piedmont since Roman times along the Via Emilia Scauri.
Visit Palazzo Scarampi of the Ferrania Film Museum, dedicated to the film factory which changed the history of photography and cinema. Transfer to Osiglia and relax in an agriturismo on the banks of the lake for walks in the magnificent 6-hectare park or make use of the wellness area.
For those who wish to continue and discover the area we suggest the rock engravings in Pallare, Mallare strategic village in the Middle Ages, Bormida with a hiking route between century-old beeches and chestnut trees or a visit to the Glass Museum of Altare.
Dinner at leisure and overnight in a facility by Lake Osiglia.

Day 2

After breakfast in Millesimo meet the cycle tour guide and begin tour of the Gothic Way in search of precious works of art such as Santamaria extra Muros and the frescoes of the late fifteenth century, Sant'Agostino in Saliceto and SantaMaria dell'Acqua Dolce in Monesiglio. Gourmet stop along the way and visit the Bicycle Museum of Luciano Berruti in Cosseria. The memorabilia on show range from the velocipede to the modern bicycle, with pieces of rare and most valuable interest, 'feather in the cap' of sporting and social events nationwide.
Return in the afternoon, free time to relax or take a fun canoe ride on the lake or for truffle hunting in the woods.
Dinner at leisure and overnight accommodation.

Day 3

The discovery of the Bormida Valley follows the branch of the River Bormida of Spigno: the first stop-off point is the Regional Park of Piana Crixia where the famous "Fungo" rises, a spectacular rocky structure produced by selective erosion. Continue on to Spigno, to visit the Abbey of San Quintino and Ponte di San Rocco, the humpback bridge over the Bormida. This sandstone bridge connected the abbey to the ancient "via Emilia Scauri" and is topped by two small chapels used as toll-houses.
Lunch in agriturismo to discover the medicinal herbs and saffron. Along the way, we suggest a visit to Mombaldone, the only village in Langa Astigiana still surrounded by the original walls. Walking along its only main street, from which narrow lanes and passageways, archivolts and courtyards depart, is like taking a journey through memory, a trip back in time. Continue to Ponti, to visit a cheese producing factory to taste Roccaverano DOP, a typical soft paste cheese, made from 100% goat milk and produced only in these areas (10 municipalities in the province of Asti and 9 in the province of Alessandria).
Dinner at leisure and overnight in the Monastero Bormida area.

Day 4

In the morning, theatrical tour of the spectacular Castle of Monastero Bormida by the historical re-enactors Custodes Viarum who will narrate the thousand-year-old history of the castle through curious characters.
Originally the castle was a monastery and the current tower was the bell tower. During the 15th century a first defensive structure was added by the Marquises of Carretto which was followed by renovation and expansion work, such as the medieval arch which joins the castle to the tower. To access the boundary wall you cross the beautiful Romanesque humpback bridge. Lunch at leisure in local agriturismo.
In the afternoon, visit the winery which was the first in Italy to produce an organically certified wine. The themes connected to sustainability have always been at the heart of the family production, to respect consumers and the environment; 3 generations of winemakers will tell you the story of the winery and the sustainable philosophy which regulates the business activities.
Strolling among the vineyards you will discover the permanent exhibition of Vignette in Vigna by the artist Roby Giannotti with fun comic-book moments on the theme of wine and vineyards.
Dinner at leisure and overnight in the area of Monastero Bormida.

Day 5

After breakfast stop in Bistagno to visit the Monteverde Plaster Cast Gallery; the works present in the Gallery dedicated to Giulio Monteverde document the important stages of the sculptor's artistic career, from 1870 until his death in 1917. A visit to the Plaster Cast Gallery of Bistagno can be considered the rediscovery of an important sculptor of nineteenth century Italy.
Arrive in Acqui Terme, stroll in the Roman town where the sulfur-rich water gushes out spontaneously at 75°. Must-see sites are the aedicule of the Bollente fountain and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with the triptych of the Annunciation or the Madonna of Monserrat by the Catalan painter Bartolomé Bermejo.
Light lunch at the Regional Wine Shop Terme & Vino with tasting of Brachetto DOCG, the iconic wine of the area.
End of services.

Rates / Supplements

Price per person from:

€ 975,00 (groups of 2 pax)

The price includes:

two nights in b&b by Lake Osiglia in a twin room with breakfast - two nights in agriturismo/b&b in Monastero Bormida in twin room with breakfast - entries to Ferrania Museum and the Bicycle Museum of Cosseria - rental of two e-bikes FD with cycle tour guide - lunch in agriturismo in Spigno - visit cheese factory and taste Roccaverano DOP - HD licensed tour guide and animated visit to Castle of Monastero Bormida - visit winery and tasting in Bubbio - visit Plaster cast gallery of Bistagno - light lunch in Regional Wine Shop Terme & Vino - health insurance

The price does not include:

Transfers - meals not listed - beverages at meals included - extras and anything else not listed under the price includes

Supplements:

Entrance fees and recommended activities are not included in the package.

Other

Holiday formula:

Groups, Individuals

Guided tour:

No, on request (with supplement)

Info