RIVER ROAD (Feat. Food and Wine Road of Gran Monferrato)

01 October 2024 - 31 December 2025
2 days - 1 night

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.

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. Equipped with baskets and scissors you will take part in the "rite" of the grape harvest to pick the fruits of a year's hard work. Grape-picking and traditional crushing with the feet for a comprehensive multi-sensory experience. Visit to winery included and light tasting lunch.
(Castagnole M.to / Portacomaro)
• Truffle hunting: hike in the woods and in the truffle ground with our expert truffle hunter and his dog, in search of the precious king of the table. Truffle hunting and extraction is now inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage to emphasize the value of this traditional practice and its role for the protection of the environment and biodiversity. In October don't miss out on the Regional Truffle Fair in Bergamasco. (Bergamasco)
• Play with history: a journey into the past. The Via Aemilia Scauri, the ancient Roman road which has marked the area from Piacenza to the Côte d'Azur for more than two thousand years, becomes the thread to follow to experience the history and nature of the area in an engaging game which merges an immersive walk with theater and art to discover the legend of the birth of Monferrato (Sezzadio)
• Tamburello Experience: this tradition in Monferrato is encapsulated in the game of tamburello a muro, or tambass, in Piedmontese: the matches played in the 'sferisteri', the squares under the walls, make this specialty a one-off opportunity to discover the history and art of this area. The tambass is not just a game, but also a celebration which many villages share, a match is played with ancient proud gestures, full of unmistakable sounds. Under the guidance of expert players you will take part in a lesson on the rules and use of the tamburello, the tricks for hitting the ball and throwing it away as far as possible, as you hold your breath and look towards the sky (Montemagno)
• Hazelnut workshop. The IGP Piemonte hazelnut is one of the outstanding products of our region, a unique product of the highest quality which is best as an ingredient in patisserie. A mouth-watering journey into the hazelnut world where you can prepare "your very own hazelnut cream" and even make your own personalized label. Followed by "fagotto" picnic among the hazelnut groves. (Portacomaro)
• Everyone on a Vespa!! A day spent on the world's most famous Italian scooter up and down the hills, along secondary roads with little traffic, admiring castles and villages, stopping-off at the wineries of the area. An exciting adventure to immortalize with the action cam installed on the helmet to share as a couple or with friends ..you can also take your four-legged friend along in a comfortable basket (Grana Monferrato)
• Ruchè Experience Wine Tour by jeep. An unusual experience to discover Ruchè, one of the rare native wines of Monferrato. The story of a parish priest and his vineyards, the municipalities where it is produced and the secrets of Ruchè as you travel by Land Rover between the rows of vines accompanied by our wine grower. A wild wine tour on the hills of Grana! Finish the experience with tasting in winery or picnic in the vineyards (Grana Monferrato)
•Between alembics and spirits. A journey between alembics, barriques and magic in the Monferrato hills: the developed wine production of the area ensures that the grape-marc becomes precious ingredient for the craftsmen (a little like alchemists) of spirits. Visit to the ancient distillery to discover the production phases, its spectacular barrique room and then tasting in the Wine bar/shop of grappa, spirits, liquors, and fruit in liquor. Unique sensory experience in the annexed restaurant, a tasting route combining food and spirits in a game of perfumes and aromas.
(Altavilla Monferrato)
• Trekking “Il Giro delle Fonti”. One of the most appreciated itineraries of Monferrato which unfolds in a ring shape around the village of Fubine passing by the old fountains which supplied water. During the walk you will admire the Bricherasio Chapel and the spectacular infernot of the village. Mouth-watering stop in an artisan chocolate workshop also included (Fubine Monferrato )
• Wine E-bike park. An e-bike route in the gently rolling hills as far as the Castle of Poggio, a natural amphitheater which is home to the oldest vineyards of Piedmont planted with Barbera and Grignolino. Travel 100 hectares of vineyards accompanied by our expert guide in total safety. On the way back, helmet off and enjoy a well-deserved tasting in winery or old barot. (San Desiderio)
• Trekking from Tanaro to the hills. Our guide will take you on a tourist ring route which offers delightful scenic views over the River Tanaro and the gently rolling hills which surround the village of Masio, dominated by a tower that dates back to 1230. The tower is home to a museum "La Torre e il Fiume" a vertical route which tells the story of the medieval towers of Masio. It reaches as far as the top of the tower from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of 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 enjoy the most curious, tasty and mouth-watering products of the area. For example, do you know the "finocchini" of Refrancore? Do you know that a De.Co. cooked salami is made in Scurzolengo and that a wine called Grignolino Laudato in honor of the Pope Francis is made in Portacomaro? The cheese, honey and hazelnuts also deserve attention…..but how can we take a few mouth-watering memories home with us? No problem.. we will send everything directly to your home! (Refrancore)
• Lavender experience. In June and July the hills of Northern Monferrato explode in blue/purple for the lavender bloom. Visit the lavender field during the flowering period and enjoy a picnic full of local products and lavender ice cream. To finish, stop off at Big Bench #99 of Cuccaro….which is, of course, a purple lavender color! (Cuccaro)
• The Ruchè Museum. Discover the history of a native vine which was abandoned and rediscovered by a stubborn priest and is becoming very popular worldwide, producing one million bottles. The new museum with modern multimedia tools and visit to the historical tufo cellar will catapult you into this story and take you to the final tasting. Big Bench # 51, in Ruchè Red, is a must-see site. Immersed in the vineyards, from here you can enjoy a breathtaking view over Montemagno and Grana (Castagnole Monferrato)
• Horse ride in nature: A horse ride in the hills and vineyards, a full immersion in nature to relax and slowly discover the territory. Ideal for couples, groups of friends but also families with possibility of experiencing your first pony ride. Itineraries along the Rivers Tanaro and Bormida to the gentle slopes where crops alternate with vineyards and forests. Just you in perfect harmony with the horse and the sounds of nature. (Carentino)
• Honey day. A day to become beekeepers: Close up and wearing a protective overall you will observe the magic of the beehive and learn the roles of the foragers, the guardians and naturally of the queen. Visit to the workshop and honey tasting. Complete the experience with a snack among the fruit trees of the farm (Montemagno)
• Borsalino Experience: Borsalino is ambassador of Made in Italy in the world. The name immediately evokes the hat worn in famous films or by stars of the cinema and showbusiness. We all remember the farewell scene in Casablanca with Bergman and Bogart or Alain Delon and Jean Paul Belmondo in the film by the same name? The factory, founded on 4 April 1857 in Alessandria, carries on hat production using the techniques and craftsmanship of the past. The visit to the factory will make you discover how a Borsalino hat takes 52 skilled work phases: all the steps have been carried out the same way for 166 years; no standard mold, just passion and a high level of professionalism. The journey continues at the Museum where modern multimedia supports will take you back over the history of the Borsalino family and its inextricable link with the town of Alessandria. Visit the factory (fixed dates agreed with the company or by appointment) and visit the Borsalino Museum.
(Alessandria)
• Cookery lessons. In the heart of Monferrato Unesco you will take part in a cooking lesson to prepare traditional recipes at a home restaurant: under the guidance of an expert cook, between the walls of her welcoming home, you will learn the secrets of perfect tagliolini or of other local dishes. Then, having removed your “commis” apron, you will taste the dishes which have been skillfully prepared for you.
(Scurzolengo)
• Yoga in the vineyard or barrique cellar. Early in the morning, among the vineyards to regenerate body and mind in contact with nature, or in an exclusive location like a barrique cellar of selected French woods which are home to the great wines of the area. The yoga lessons will be held by qualified teachers and with a minimum number of participants (exclusive lessons also possible). Castagnole Monferrato)
• Adventure at the bio park, between nature and stars. An experience which will drive the younger ones crazy with joy (and the older ones too): a small haven of biodiversity with a lake and 100 species of plants which ibises, peacocks, turtles, horses, donkeys, alpacas and rabbits call home ….a small Noah's Ark. Between spring and autumn, educational workshops for children and astronomical observations of the moon, sun and planets are held by qualified biologists. Picnic in the recreation area with possibility to enjoy a BBQ with family or friends. (Felizzano)

Holiday formula:
Individuals, Groups, Families

Guided tour:
No, on request (with supplement)

Direzione Tecnica ViA(E) per Viaggiare
commerciale@viaeperviaggiare.it
www.viaeperviaggiare.it
 

CONFIDENTIAL & B2B RATES: on demand

Technical Directors
Monferrato Travel by Monferrato to Taste (P.IVA 03936680044)
Dafne Viaggi (P.IVA 03463700108)
IC World (P.IVA 09178850013)

* Estimates and availability will be verified and confirmed at the moment of the request.