CASALE MONFERRATO AND THE UNESCO TERRITORY

Day 1

Arrive to Casale Monferrato late morning and spend the day visiting the city. Start from Piazza Castello and the imposing Paleologi Castle, home to the Gonzaga until the second half of the 16th century, which later became a fortress. Casale is one of the gateways to Monferrato, between the Po Valley and the hills of the territory which is now a UNESCO heritage site. The Gonzaga made it one of the most prestigious centres of Europe and this is clear during the visit to the centre, rich in architectural treasures, civil and religious buildings. From Piazza Castello, continue along Via Saffi, rich in small botteghe, shops and dominated by the civic tower of the 11th, century one of the symbols of the city. Lunch at leisure with the possibility to purchase the typical Krumiri biscuits (have you ever tried them with hot zabaione?) The visit continues with the Church of San Domenico and the Cathedral of Sant'Evasio and not to be missed the Synagogue built in 1595 extraordinary example of late baroque architecture, with stuccoes, gold and precious wooden furnishings. Another important stop off point is the Civic Museum and Plaster cast gallery Bistolfi now home to important art collections, from Guglielmo Caccia to Angelo Morbelli, as well as works of the sculptor Leonardo Bistolfi from Casale. Inside, you will find the permanent exhibition dedicated to the explorer Carlo Vidua, with a collection of finds from his journeys all over the world. Don't miss out on a visit to the Synagogue built in 1595, extraordinary example of late baroque architecture, with stuccoes, gold and precious wooden furnishings and to the Lights Museum (by appointment every morning except Saturday) Before leaving the city, visit and tasting in the historic Magnoberta 1918 distillery. Transfer to Vignale Monferrato, dinner in osteria and overnight accommodation in B&B.

Day 2

After breakfast, arrive to Fubine. The visit starts with the Bricherasio Chapel, built by Cav. Luigi di Bricherasio in a small and picturesque clearing, which is home to one of the most beautiful works of the great sculptor Leonardo Bistolfi. To follow, Palazzo Bricherasio, the castle with a hanging garden from which it is possible to admire breathtaking landscapes and the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta. With a walk along the Spalto, one of the most picturesque spots of the village, where the ancient walls remain as witness to the defensive walls, you start the route of the infernot. These are underground rooms dug out of the typical sandstone of the area, the ‘pietra da cantoni’: thanks to the special geological characteristics of this soil of marine origin, the infernot keep the temperature and humidity constant and, consequently, were used to preserve the food, an additional space to the cellars. They are the precious inheritance of the rural tradition, small hidden treasures, recognised as world heritage site.
To follow, visit and tasting of typical wines of Monferrato in a winery in Vignale Monferrato.
In the afternoon, visit to infernot lookout point and free time for a delightful walk through the village or to try the emotional experience of a ride through the hills by quad (the outing is not included in the package - suited to any age). Dinner at leisure - overnight accommodation

Day 3

After breakfast, we suggest stopping off in Serralunga, at the Holy Mountain of Crea, UNESCO heritage site, where the homonymous Marian Shrine is present on the highest hill of Monferrato. Along a spectacular nature trail among ash and oak, passing 23 votive chapels and 5 hermitages, at which the Mysteries of the Rosary are contemplated, you reach Paradise Chapel.