MONFERRATO LAVENDER EXPERIENCE

15/05/2024 - 31/07/2024
Castelletto d'Erro

The beginning of summer is a magical time of the year to discover the province of Alessandria: walking among the rows of blooming lavender, in a blaze of blue/purple colors, soaking up the fragrance of this medicinal herb is a unique and moving experience.
Blooming depends on the climatic conditions, but the best period is usually from mid-June to late July. The view and the scenery will make for breathtaking photographs and the itineraries will allow you to discover the most authentic territory.

3 options to discover lavender in the province of Alessandria

- Lavender in Valle Bormida and Southern Monferrato
The journey begins in Castelletto d’Erro: from the very small hamlet, specifically from Torre Quadrata or from the small Church of Sant’Anna, visitors can enjoy an enchanting view of the blooming hills with Monviso and the Ligurian Apennines in the background. Visit to a lavender processing company, where essential oils and scented water are produced for cosmetic
use.
The tour continues to Spigno Monferrato on the borders with Liguria: the medieval five-arch San Rocco bridge with pebble floor, once important junction of the valley, is a must-see site. It takes to the Via Aemilia Scauri and the Abbey of San Quintino, founded by the son of Aleramo first Marquis of Monferrato.
Enjoy lunch in a nearby agriturismo which specializes in the cultivation of organic medicinal herbs and saffron.
Short transfer among the gullies of Valle Bormida and stop at Mombaldone for a stroll through the medieval village.
The day will end at a farm in Ponti to discover Roccaverano DOP, a soft cheese made with 100% goat milk. It has won many prizes and is a true specialty of the area.

Aperitif in their agriturismo with tasting of cheeses and cured meats.

- Lavender in Northern Monferrato
The itinerary starts in the hills of Quargnento, home to one of the largest lavender fields of the area. The herb is transformed into essential oil (one 10 ml bottle requires two kilos of lavender, equal to five square meters of crop) through extraction in steam current. It is partly dried and collected in small bunches, the buds are then manually removed and enclosed in hand-crafted sachets made with fabrics that better enhance its fragrance. In the gazebo it will be possible to buy cosmetics and taste a delicious lavender ice cream, thanks to edible lavender produced by the company. Followed by a short transfer to Fubine for lunch
in a trattoria which serves a traditional menu of the area. Before bidding farewell, visit the private infernot of the restaurant, a beautiful example of typical underground cavities of the area, a UNESCO heritage site. Possible guided tour of the municipal infernots of Fubine.
The journey to discover the blue lavender fields continues in Cuccaro.
Stop at big bench number 99, painted purple and surrounded by lavender fields. Sit and admire the surrounding hilly landscape and take souvenir photos, especially
at sunset.

The itinerary will end with a visit to a well-known winery to taste and discover the local wines.

- Lavender in Val Borbera and Tortona area
The itinerary starts from Val Borbera: the valley set among the four regions, is an enchanting location and unspoiled by the outstanding natural beauty.
Depart from Pertuso with the scenic gullies, a river gorge of exceptional natural value of the Borbera torrent, a canyon between the steep walls and the emerald waters with breakfast in the equipped area of Boscopiano.
Continue towards Vendersi, the village of Scarecrows. Thanks to the ingenious work of some residents, these mannequins made with recycled materials and accessories make the atmosphere joyful and magical. There are more than 70 scarecrows scattered around the village, each with its own name and background, inspired by the former residents. At the top of the village, you will be welcomed by a fragrant lavender field made even more spectacular by its natural setting. Possibility to purchase soaps and products made with the lavender grown here.
Short transfer to the Castle of Borgo Adorno: at the foot of Monte Giarolo, strategically positioned in the unspoiled Val Borbera, it towers above and controls the ancient connecting road between the aforementioned valley and the neighboring Val Curone towards the area of Tortona.
Lunch in agriturismo on a scenic terrace. After lunch, passing through Dernice, arrive to the medieval village of Garbagna, one of the most beautiful villages of Italy and renowned for the bella di Garbagna cherry which is a slow food presidium. Stroll through the town and possibility to purchase other specialties of the area such as salame nobile of Giarolo. The itinerary continues, crossing the hills of Valle Grue as far as Viguzzolo, to the gates of the ancient Roman city of Tortona. The Church of Santa Maria dating to the year 1000 and the spectacular lavender fields grown by an expert gardener are both must-see sites.
The day will come to an end in a wine bar of Tortona to enjoy an aperitif with a glass of Derthona Timorasso Colli Tortonesi DOC, the area’s main grape variety.

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