Magic Piedmont

a week among castles, museums, history, esoterism and the flavours of typical products and wines in Turin, Monferrato and Langa

1st day: Meeting with the guide and transfer to Vidracco to plunge in the Chiusella Valley, in the magic world of Damanhur among esoterism, past and modern craftsmanship laboratories, art and above all the fascinating, underground Temple of humankind, created by followers of the community,  with memories of the ancient civilizations that are projected to present and future days.  Light lunch with biological products of Damanhur’s estates, in  a country-inn. Short visit to Royal Venaria and Savoy’s Royal Palace, recently restored, between baroque halls and wonderful Italian gardens. Transfer to Turin for hotel accommodation and welcome dinner.

2nd Day: After the continental breakfast, transfer to the magic Turin to enjoy the Egyptian Museum – the second most important in the world – rich in remains, mummies , jewel case of esoteric knowledge and involving legends; free lunch and afternoon walking in the city through baroque and Renaissance palaces, looking for  the Movie Museum into the Mole Antonelliana, symbol of the town – from which it’ll be possible to admire the roman structure of the town. Traditional dinner at a renowned restaurant in the Quadrilatero.

3rd Day: Transfer to Barolo, through the vineyards hills of Roero and Langa, to visit the wine estate Marchesi di Barolo and its underground wine cellars, to admire a unique collection of bottles in Italy, that represent their ancient history and tradition; tasting. Following departure for La Morra to admire from a panoramic view, the surrounding vineyards expanse; traveller lunch in a wine-bar and in the afternoon transfer to Barbaresco, visit of a cellar with wine tasting and little explanation about the Langa wines’ making methods;  Transfer to Asti for hotel accommodation. Monferrato dinner with a typical seasonal menu.

4th Day: Walk in the historical centre of Asti to discover its roman and medieval buildings; visit of the Arazzeria Scassa to admire the Tapestries Museum and learn the ancient working techniques of the only example in Italy of this ancient craftsmanship; lunch on your own and following departure for Costigliole and visit of the Casa del Tartufaio (Truffle hunter’s house) to meet the “tartufaio” and his dog; short introduction into the world of the white truffle and following truffle hunt with the “tartufaio and his dog” looking for the precious tuber; evening departure for Aramengo to attend a cooking lesson where it will be possible to learn the preparation of a seasonal truffle menu with tasting of the learned dishes together with local wines.

5th Day: Departure for Canelli to admire its historical cellars, the famous underground cathedrals where still and sparkling wines continue to be aged today with the classic Italian method champenois. Tasting. Following excursion to Roccaverano sheep and goat pastures to learn the production of the famous DOP cheese Robiola di Roccaverano.  Typical Langa lunch in a country-inn and following relaxing walk towards the Romanesque Bridge in Monastero Bormida. En-route stop at Bubbio to visit an original Arabian wild horses stud-farm and to admire the stone mill used to grind  the typical old mais “otto file”  (old Piedmont cultiver). Return to the hotel and free time for dinner.

6th Day: Departure for Valenza, one of the most famous goldsmith town in Italy to meet a master goldsmith in its workshop and learn the sophisticated techniques of the production of the typical exclusive jewellery. Following visit of a producer of the DOCG wine Gavi – one of the best and oldest white wine in Piedmont – in Gavi. Wine tasting and country lunch with typical appetizers, salami and cheese. After lunch, excursion to the near town of Serravalle Ligure for exclusive shopping in the famous Italian outlet, the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, the biggest and most important Italian and European Outlet with its more than 180 shops of the most renowned Italian brands. Return to the hotel and goodbye dinner with a comparison menu, during which both recipes of the ancient and country tradition and the nobler cuisine will be served together. During dinner, all the guests will receive a diploma for their participation at the Truffle Hunt, the cooking courses and wine tasting together with a typical artisan present as piedmonteese souvenir.

7th Day: in town for shopping of typical products or souvenirs; visit of Sant’Anastasio Crypt and tasting of goodbye cocktail and traveller lunch in a wine-bar before the transfer to the airport or motorway for departure.