Monferrato is an area that nestles between the provinces of Alessandria and Asti in the northern Italian region of Piedmont. Its breathtaking landscape, renowned for its gentle hillsides and traditional vineyards, is today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This scenic territory is made of different sub-divisions: Upper Monferrato, Monferrato Astigiano, Eastern Monferrato and Lower Monferrato which is bordered by the rivers Po and Tanaro and has as its main urban center Casale Monferrato, a small historic city, with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Lower Monferrato, with its rolling hills, is famous for its vineyards which produce well-known wines such as Barbera and Grignolino. This is the part of Italy which is home to two world-famous special products: truffles and hazelnuts.  Impressive are the many magnificent castles that dominate the nearby hills.

Monferrato landscape | © vpardi/fotolia
 

July 10

The day begins with a morning visit to one of the area’s famous “Infernòts” which are dark underground caverns excavated by hand from a particular type of sandstone known as “pietra da cantoni”, or alternatively from tuff. This will be followed by a visit to the Museum of Stonework, where visitors can learn more about the unique types of stone which locals used as building material. Next on the itinerary is a trip to the ancient village of Ozzano Monferrato, which includes a visit to the “Casa Bonaria”, a rare example of a perfectly preserved 15th century dwelling house, and the local Church of San Salvatore with its magnificent 14th century frescoes. 

Lunch: A Casa di Babette in Rosignano Monferrato

The afternoon is dedicated to visiting Crea, famous for its sanctuary, chapels and natural park. The Sacred Mount here is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the highest hills in Monferrato. 

 

July 11

The morning is dedicated to a visiting a selection of Monferrato’s famous castles. The castle in Giarole which is still owned by the Sannazzaro family that founded it 900 years ago. The castle in Camino is famous for its richly frescoed interiors and its garden with centuries-old trees.  The castle in Gabiano is mentioned in 8th century texts.

Lunch: Ca’Dubini Restaurant in Mombello Monferrato

The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the city of Casale Monferrato, the main center of business for the area. The Palaeologus dynasty ruled Monferrato from here before it came under the control of the Mantua-based Gonzaga family. The tour includes a visit to the Cathedral of Saint Evasio, patron saint of the city. Its origins stretch back to the 8th century. As a special exception, the Church of Saint Micheal will be opened for this tour which will then be followed by a visit to Synagogue, one of the most noteworthy examples of a Baroque Synagogue in the Piedmont style. The itinerary concludes with a visit to the richly frescoed palace of the noble Gozzani Treville family, designed in 1711. 

Proposals for Overnight Accommodation:

Locanda dell’Arte (Solonghello Monferrato) – hotel, Restaurant & SPA (breakfast and Spa included)

QUOTATION

Fee per person € 280 (accommodation in double room) MINIMUM 8 PAX
Additional fee for double room as single use: € 20,00

The price includes:

 

• Private coach service from the first to the last day and available for all sightseeing and excursions in the program
• Tax, tolls and parking for the bus
• Service English-speaking guide for all tours and excursions in the program 
• 1 nights in Hotel sharing a twin/double with SPA
• 2 lunches in typical restaurants or farmhouse and 1 dinner
• All excursions in the program
• Our assistance 24h24

The quotation does not include:

 

• Tourist tax to be paid locally EURO 1.50 per person per night.
• Tips, personal expenses and all that is not mentioned at the item “the price includes”. 
• All prices are inclusive of VAT 

 

 

Payment: 30% deposit when the trip is confirmed; settlement 10 days prior to arrival.

IMPORTANT

Registration deadline: June 9th, 2016

Tour will be confirmed only upon reaching of the minimum number of 8 participants

In order to register, send an email to  booking.icomtdm@gmail.com

Cancellation Penalties:

– 40% of the total amount for cancellations received up to 30 days before the clients arrival

-50% of the total amount for cancellations received up to 11 days before arrival

-75% of the total amount for cancellations received up to 3 days before arrival;

-100% of the total amount for cancellations received 3 days and less before arrival

 

Bank details

Name: Trame Territoriali Impresa sociale srl
Iban : IT22O0603049849000035470580
Bic Code : CRFIIT2S417
Reason for payment: “ICOM Trame di Monferrato + PARTICIPANTS’ NAME”