RIVER ROAD (FEAT. FOOD AND WINE ROAD OF GRAN MONFERRATO)
2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
Alessandria
Description
Living in an area between rivers is different than living close to torrents, mountain waters or canals. You have to imagine these areas and, consequently, the Road which winds between them, between plain and low hills, a little like a lady with a few years under her belt who has seen centuries of history pass her by with the mostly apparent slowness of the flowing of the big rivers but also experienced its fury and unpredictability. This Road has a decisive and ancient character, it is difficult for anything to surprise it, also because it knows the wonder that lies behind the corner here, where each village conceals some amazing secret, under a
quiet surface.
Program
Day 1
Along the Road, attentive observers will not fail to go in search of the lavender-coloured big bench among the many coloured benches with the shades of the wine that dominate the vineyards where it is also possible to try and harvest the grapes like a true farmer. They will look for those castles hidden among the vegetation which do not dominate the high ground silhouetted against the horizon, get to know the traditional sports such as tamburello because, casually walking, they will encounter a "sferisterio" (court where the game is played) and become curious, find secret corners with small museums, galleries and artistic craft workshops. The traveller more attentive to eco-sustainability cannot fail to try and create their own hazelnut and cocoa cream, like the famous one, at 0- mileage. Then, pay attention as legend has it that Aleramo gave way to Monferrato and the same legend tells that Santa Giustina of Sezzadio is the birthplace of Aleramo.. and this is where everything begins!
Our package for two people: one night in accommodation facility along the River Road, a visit with tasting in one of the wineries of the Food and Wine Road (stradagranmonferrato.it) - one experience of your choice among those
listed
Possibility to add other experiences or additional nights
Day 2
• Winemakers for a day. Armed with baskets and scissors, you'll take part in the grape harvest ritual to reap the fruits of a year's hard work. Grape picking and traditional foot pressing provide a complete multisensory experience. A winery tour and light lunch with tasting are included.
(Castagnole M.to / Portacomaro)
• Truffle Hunting: A hike through the woods and truffle fields with our expert trifolau and his "tabui" (truffle hunter) in search of the most precious king of the table. Truffle hunting and extraction are part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, underscoring the value of this traditional practice and its role in protecting the environment and biodiversity. In October, the Regional Truffle Fair in Bergamo is unmissable.
(Bergamasco)
• Play with history: a journey into the past. The Via Aemilia Scauri, the ancient Roman road that for over two thousand years has marked the territory from Piacenza to the French Riviera, becomes the thread to follow to experience the history and nature of the area in an engaging game that combines an immersive walk with theater and art to discover the legend of the birth of Monferrato (Sezzadio).
• Tamburello Experience The tradition of Monferrato is encapsulated in the game of tambourine a muro, or tambass in Piedmontese: games played in the sferisteri, the squares beneath the ramparts, make this specialty a unique opportunity to discover the history and art of this area. Tambass is more than just a simple game; it's a celebration that unites entire villages; a game is played with ancient and proud gestures and filled with unmistakable sounds. Under the guidance of expert players, you'll participate in a lesson on the rules and use of the tambourine, including tricks for hitting the ball and hitting it back as far as possible while holding your breath with your nose up. (Montemagno)
• Hazelnut workshop. The Piedmont IGP hazelnut is the pride of our region, a unique product of the highest quality that finds its highest expression as a raw material in pastry making. A delicious journey into the world of hazelnuts, where you can prepare "your own" hazelnut cream, complete with a personalized label. (Portacomaro)
• All aboard a Vespa!! A day aboard the world's most famous Italian scooter, up and down the hills, along quiet secondary roads, admiring castles and villages, and stopping at local wineries. An incredible adventure to capture with a helmet-mounted action cam or share as a couple or with friends...even four-legged friends with the convenient basket to carry them along (Grana Monferrato)
• Ruchè Experience Wine Tour by Off-Road Vehicle. An unusual experience to discover Ruchè, one of the rarest native grape varieties of Monferrato. Learn about a parish priest and his vineyards, the production municipalities, and the secrets of Ruchè while traveling by Land Rover among the rows of vines accompanied by our winemaker. A wild wine tour in the Grana hills! Naturally, with a final tasting in the cellar or a picnic among the rows (Grana Monferrato)
• Among stills and spirits. A journey among stills, barriques, and magic along the hills of Monferrato: the area's extensive wine production means that the pomace becomes a precious ingredient for the artisans (somewhat alchemists) of distilled spirits. Visit an ancient distillery to discover the production processes and its spectacular barrel cellar, followed by a tasting in the wine shop/shop featuring grappa, spirits, liqueurs, and fruit in liqueur. Enjoy a unique sensory experience in the adjoining restaurant, featuring a tasting tour pairing food and spirits in a play of scents and aromas.
(Altavilla Monferrato)
• "Il Giro delle Fonti" Trek. One of the most popular itineraries in Monferrato, it winds in a loop around the town of Fubine, passing by the old water fountains. During the walk, you'll admire the Bricherasio Chapel and the town's spectacular infernot. A delicious stop at an artisan chocolate workshop is included (Fubine Monferrato).
• Trekking from the Tanaro River to the hills. Our guide will lead you on a circular tour offering pleasant panoramic views of the Tanaro River and the rolling hills surrounding the village of Masio, dominated by its 1230 tower. Inside, the "The Tower and the River" Museum offers a vertical journey that tells the story of the Masio tower and the surrounding medieval towers, culminating at its summit, where you can admire the river, the Monferrato hills, and the Alessandria plain (Masio).
• Food and wine tour by e-bike. An original e-bike tour to discover and taste the area's most unusual, delicious, and mouth-watering products. For example, are you familiar with the "finocchini" (fennel) of Refrancore? Did you know that Scurzolengo produces a De.Co cooked salami, and Portacomaro produces Grignolino Laudato in honor of Pope Francis? And there's more: cheese, honey, and hazelnuts... but how will we be able to take home some delicious souvenirs? No problem, we'll deliver everything directly to your home! (Refrancore)
• Lavender Experience: In June and July, the hills of Basso Monferrato explode with blue and purple as the lavender blooms. Visit the lavender field during the blooms and enjoy a picnic with a tasting of local products and lavender ice cream. And finally, a stop at Big Bench #99 in Cuccaro...naturally lavender purple! (Cuccaro)
• The soul of the earth, finding yourself among the lavender fields. Here, where time slows down and the color purple dances with the light, begins a journey that extends not only through the fields, but within yourself.
The grounding and sensory meditation program invites you to let go of your thoughts, breathe deeply, and feel the living breath of nature under your feet. Contact with the earth becomes an embrace, the scent a call, the sounds a silent dialogue with our surroundings. (Alessandria)
• The Ruchè Museum. Discover the story of a native grape variety, abandoned and rediscovered by a stubborn priest, which has become a wine that is becoming popular worldwide, with a production of one million bottles. The new museum, featuring modern multimedia and a tour of the historic tuff cellar, will immerse you in this story and accompany you through the final tasting. Don't miss the Big Bench #51 Rosso Ruchè, nestled in the vineyards and offering breathtaking views of Montemagno and Grana (Castagnole Monferrato).
• Horseback riding through nature. A horseback ride through the hills and vineyards, a fully immersive experience in nature to relax and slowly discover the area. Ideal for couples, groups of friends, and even families, with the option of a first ride. Itineraries along the Tanaro and Bormida rivers up to the gentle slopes where crops alternate with vineyards and woods. Just you, in symbiosis with your horse and the sounds of nature. (Carentino)
• All about honey. A day to become a beekeeper for a day: You'll be able to observe the magic of the hive up close (safely wearing a protective suit) and learn the roles of the foragers, the guards, and, of course, the queen. Visit the honey extraction laboratory and enjoy a honey tasting. Complete the experience with a snack among the company's fruit trees (Montemagno).
• Borsalino Experience: Borsalino is a global ambassador of Made in Italy. Its name immediately evokes the hat worn in famous films and by movie and entertainment stars. Who doesn't remember the farewell scene in Casablanca with the love couple Bergman and Bogart, or Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo in the film of the same name? The company, founded on April 4, 1857, in Alessandria, continues to produce hats today using the techniques and craftsmanship of the past. A visit to the factory will reveal how 52 processes are required to make a Borsalino hat by skilled craftsmen: all the steps are carried out just as they were 166 years ago, with no mass-produced molds, just passion and high professionalism. The journey continues at the Museum: here, using modern multimedia, you'll retrace the history of the Borsalino family and its inextricable ties to the city of Alessandria. Visit the factory (fixed dates agreed upon by the company or by reservation) and visit the Borsalino Museum.
(Alessandria)
• Local cooking lessons. In the heart of the Monferrato UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll take a cooking lesson, participating directly in the preparation of traditional recipes in a home restaurant. Under the guidance of an expert chef, within the walls of her welcoming home, you'll learn, for example, the secrets of perfect tagliolini or other local dishes. Then, after removing your "commis" apron, you'll savor the dishes expertly prepared for you in company.
(Scurzolengo)
• Yoga in the vineyard or in the barrel cellar. Early in the morning, among the vines to regenerate body and mind in contact with nature, or in an exclusive location like a barrel cellar made of selected French woods where the great wines of the area rest. Yoga classes will be led by qualified instructors and require a minimum number of participants (exclusive classes are possible). (Castagnole Monferrato)
• Adventure at the biopark, among nature and the stars. An experience that will thrill the little ones (and adults too): a small oasis of biodiversity with a lake and 100 plant species home to ibises, peacocks, turtles, horses, donkeys, alpacas, rabbits... a little Noah's Ark. Between spring and autumn, qualified biologists organize educational workshops for children and astronomical observations of the moon, sun, and planets. Picnics in the equipped area with the option of a fun barbecue with family or friends. (Felizzano)
Rates / Supplements
Price per person from:
€ 130,00 (groups of 2 pax)
Other
Holiday formula:
Families, Groups, Individuals
Guided tour:
No, on request (with supplement)
Info
commerciale@viaeperviaggiare.it
www.viaeperviaggiare.it
B2B RATES: AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Technical Directors and Third-party liability insurance:
Monferrato Travel by Monferrato to Taste (VAT N°. 03936680044)
Dafne Viaggi (VAT N°. 03463700108)
IC World (VAT N°. 09178850013)
* Estimates and availability will be verified and confirmed at the time of the request.