Borgosesia – Alpe di Mera: Valsesia, the treasure trove at the foot of Mont Rosa
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
Corso Roma 31, Varallo 13019
Description
BORGOSESIA - ALPE DI MERA
Nestled among the peaks of the Pennine Alps and known as “the greenest valley of Italy”, Valsesia is dominated by Mount Rosa, on which rises the famous Capanna Margherita at 4554 metres.
In 2021, Valsesia hosted the 19th stage of the Giro d’Italia with finishing point at Alpe Mera which allowed this difficult climb, with an average gradient of 9%, to become well known. The Valley is also known for its manufactured items still produced using ancient and original techniques recognised as an excellence of Piedmont. The cuisine is based on products from the life of the Alpine and pre-Alpine environment: milk, butter, cheese, polenta, wild vegetables, bread and honey. The recipes are simple and precisely for this reason tasty and unique, many are of the Walser tradition.
Schedule
Day 1
Arrive to Varallo and meet the guide who will welcome us with a delicious Miaccia which for the people of Valsesia
means home, mountain, hearth, tradition. It is a much loved and widespread
preparation
to this day, and most people are able to prepare them at home. To enjoy it
we choose the
scenic background of the Quarters of Varallo, with a walk among the medieval streets, the bridge over the torrent where
we can speak of traditional fishing, the picturesque Collegiate Church of San Gaudenzio, the 19th century villas, the 19th century
railway station and St. Mark's Church. Here you can find the typical artisan shops
of Valsesia
in which to observe, in particular, the Scapin, comfortable footwear; the Puncetto, delicate needle work; examples of traditional
clothes, mostly women's. Climb to the Sacred Mount, a place which is unique in its
kind, symbol and
voice of all Valsesia. The one of Varallo is the oldest of the nine Sacred Mounts built on the Piedmontese and
Lombard Alps. At the top, a rocky spur immersed among the greenery of the woods that surround the elegant
town, considered the capital of Valsesia. Inside the chapels, statues and paintings give
form and voice "here
and now" to the route which narrates the Life, Passion and Death of Jesus, from the Annunciation to the Assumption of Mary.
More than eight hundred life-size wood or terracotta sculptures and more than three thousand frescoes form what
Giovanni Testori, the poet of the Sacred Mount, will call "Gran Teatro Montano". Since 2003, the monumental complex
has been a UNESCO world heritage site.
Visit to a dairy of Mollia where the renowned Toma della Valsesia is made in addition to
milk, yogurt,
butter and ricotta with simply delicious tastes. Brunch based on typical products of the area
Return to Gattinara connected with wine and the practice of wine-growing for several centuries even before the city was
built. Here a nature guide will talk of the legends and we will explore the tales that embrace these lands
of Alto Piemonte, discovering particular and highly interesting curiosities. We will talk and get to know closer up
the environment and nature which are part of this area, observing with a naturalist's eye all the aspects that make this place unique.
Dinner and overnight accommodation with tasting of
local
wines.
Day 2
Cycle-tour to Alagna. 40 km of road of Valsesia where athletes and professionals reach this valley from all over the world, during the year, to practice numerous disciplines, perfectly combined with the peculiar morphology of the landscape. On arrival, lunch in the brewery Z’am Steg at the foot of Monte Rosa. A craft beer, produced with water of the highest glaciers of Europe, best quality, easy to digest and light. Accommodation in reserved rooms and walk in the centre of Alagna where we recommend taking it easy and letting yourself be led, without haste, along a slow route among the ancient hamlets. Dinner in local restaurant and overnight accommodation.
LENGTH 41 KM
DIFFERENCE IN ALTITUDE 1,325 M
MINIMUM ALTITUDE 358 M
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE 1,536 M
BIKES: ROAD/GRAVEL
Day 3
After breakfast, Tour of Gressoney by cable car, to enjoy the magnificent view of Monte Rosa from a different perspective and become acquainted with the valley del Lys. Return to Alagna and places of origin.
Rates / Supplements
Price per person from:
€ 598,00 (groups of 2 pax)
The price includes:
tour guides in Varallo and Mollia, Nature guide in Gattinara. Tastings as
per
programme. Stay in 3* hotel in Gattinara and Alagna – Half-board with beverages (Gattinara tasting of local wines for dinner). Brunch in Mollia, Lunch in Brewery
The price does not include:
transport – entrance to museums - beverages extra - tips - extras of a personal
nature
Other
Holiday formula:
Individuals
Guided tour:
No, on request (with supplement)
Attachments
Info
commerciale@viaeperviaggiare.it
www.viaeperviaggiare.it
B2B RATES: AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Technical organisation and Third-party Liability insurance:
Monferrato Travel by Monferrato to Taste (VAT N°. 03936680044)
Dafne Viaggi (VAT N°. 03463700108)
IC World (VAT N°. 09178850013)
Global Tourist srl (VAT N°. 1363300052)
* Estimates and availability will be verified and confirmed at the moment of the request.