Day 1

Arrive in Saluzzo. A stroll through the heart of the town - a fascinating medieval town at the foot of Monviso, capital of the homonymous marquisate, where time seems to have stopped. The historic centre has remained perfectly intact, and is listed as one of the most beautiful villages of Italy.
Journey through the court of the Marquises among the characteristic streets of the historic centre, the noble residences of the ancient aristocracy, Castiglia - in the past residence of the Marquises, later prison and now museum - Casa Cavassa - once the residence of the General Vicar, today it represents the quintessential noble residence in the 16th century and is home to the local civic museum, where the exhibits include the magnificent Our Lady of Mercy by Hans Clemer - the 15th century Civic Palace and the enchanting Church of San Giovanni - hub of religious power, until you cross the ancient walls to reach the new town which rose around the Cathedral and now social salon of the town.
Dinner based on typical foods of the area in a restaurant of the centre and overnight in hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast in the hotel, transfer to the Varaita Valley for a one-off
experience...
La beato stelo: stories of sun and stars between the villages of an Occitan valley. The experience will enable you to discover the gnomonic heritage of the Bellino Valley (Upper Varaita Valley), visit the Museum of Time and Sundials, ideal point of departure for an itinerary dedicated to the real local time.
Guided tour of the "Bellino solare" circuit in the villages of Celle and Chianale and admission to the Museum of Time and Sundials.
Lunch at leisure.

In the afternoon, guided tour and tasting at an agricultural brewery, a fascinating world within the world of craft breweries, distinguishing themselves for a unique added value: the production of raw materials used to make the beer are grown locally, making it not only a 0-mileage product but also a virtuous example of revitalization of rural areas and local economic development.
Thanks to the direct management of the farming activities, aside from a unique taste, you will find the safe origin of the raw materials: from seed to harvest to
glass.


Before tasting the beer visit the production fields: the barley can be visited from May to early July, the hop from late May to mid-August (maturation of the hop
depends on the weather conditions and could vary). Beer tasting accompanied by a platter of local products!


Dinner in restaurant in Saluzzo with traditional menu and overnight in hotel.

Day 3

After breakfast, transfer by own means to Melle to visit a co-op farm of the Varaita Valley dedicated to the cultivation, drying and transformation of medicinal plants from organic farming, merging the ancient herbal tradition and new production technologies.
Visit the production facility and taste a herbal tea: in the summer months it is possible to visit the Perfume Garden, so-called because it is situated inside the processing facility where more than 90 tonnes of herbs are transformed each year into herbal teas. The drying and processing activities release therapeutic and balsamic perfumes and will follow you during the entire visit. Each day, a different plant is processed releasing a different perfume in the air… you simply have to return!!
Lunch in typical restaurant.


In the afternoon, transfer between the hills of Monferrato and arrive in Nizza, perfect example of a small provincial Savoy town: the via maestra, the artisan shops with the wooden signs, the noble palaces and Foro Boario. Stroll along its streets and discover the Town hall with the "Campanon", Palazzo Crova with the Regional Wine Store, Palazzo del Gusto and the Formica Plaster Cast Gallery, or the story of a genius who invented the most famous preserves in the world. And then Nizza: enjoy a glass with an aperitivo in the square accompanied by cheeses and cured meats. Dinner at leisure and overnight accommodation in b&b/charming apartment in the centre.

Day 4

Discover the Monferrato hills by e-bike. A slow route between the vineyard-clad hills of Nizza, Brachetto and Moscato: Castel Rocchero, Alice Bel Colle as far as Acqui Terme and back. Stop for lunch in the Roman city of Acqui Terme, where the sulfur-rich water gushes out at 75° from La Bollente fountain-temple in the centre. Return to Nizza and visit an agricultural brewery of the area where environmental sustainability and local raw materials find their perfect combination in the craft beers produced, such as the Beer made with the Hunchback cardoon Slow Food presidium. Tasting of 3 beers accompanied by local products.
Dinner at leisure and overnight in Nizza Monferrato.

Day 5

After breakfast, transfer to Ponti. We suggest a scenic route which will take you among the villages of Calamandrana, Cassinasco, Monastero Bormida and its fascinating castle. At the dairy farm you will meet the Chamois goats and taste the Roccaverano DOP a unique product made from their milk. This soft paste cheese is obtained in only 19 municipalities between the provinces of Alessandria and Asti and will surprise you with its herbal aromas and flavors.
Lunch in agriturismo of the dairy with typical menu.