Leisure Activities – Cascina Emanuele Hunting Estate – Grondona

As you leave the plains behind you the land rises sharply in rolling hills as far as the mountains and then on to the sea. The Alto Oltrepò area is, in fact, a small area which is accessed at the end of the Staffora valley which the Ardivestra and Nizza valleys join. The landscape is hilly and dotted with attractive medieval villages, castles, fortresses and patrician residences but its natural environment also invites you to walk through its forests.

A journey through the Alto Oltrepò is a journey through the gourmet flavours of a fertile rural countryside: agnolotti alla vogherese, ravioli alla varzese, braised beef, charcuterie (Varzi salame, bacon, coppa, cotechino, sanguinacci), mushrooms, truffles, honey, hard almond cakes, ‘ossa dei morti’, doll shaped biscuits (Büsélâ) and – obviously – wine.

Here, as Cesare Angelini wrote, the air is suffused with the sweetness of grapes and must.

Two of the area’s towns are part of the Borghi più Belli d’Italia – most beautiful towns in Italy – club: Zavattarello and Porana (part of Pizzale).

A guided tour to the most picturesque valleys and villages in Italy and their fine wines.

The aim of this itinerary is primarily to take you on a journey through the Oltrepò Valleys whose wines are so famous worldwide.

Valle Versa: famous for excellent red and white wines. From Stradella, the town of the accordion to Montecalvo Versiggia, international capital of the Pinot Noir and site of a corckscrew museums to Canevino on the historic San Colombano footpath.

Valle Scuropasso: in the midst of the Versa and Coppa valleys, it emerges from the oak forests and false acacia which cling to the bastions of the Ligurian Appennines before descending towards the Rocca de’ Giorgi, Montecalvo Versiggia, Montalto Pavese and Pietra de Giorgi vineyards.

Valle Coppa: the main town is Casteggio, theatre of the famous 222 BC battle in which Roman consul Marcus Claudius Marcellus defeated the Celts. In 218 BC after Hannibal had taken control, it was razed to the ground by the Romans. The valley boasts a charming village Fortunago, one of the most attractive village in Italy.

Farmhouse is a winery, an accommodation with a pool, a restaurant and small shop of typical products. Here is a splendid view towards the Alps and Monviso mountain.

Increase your knowledges of the local “cuisine” with a cooking class of the Langa recipes with final tasting. The ingredients are typical, fresh, organic and high quality, like those that come from vegetable garden, seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs.

Prepare 4 courses with the chefs: starter, first course, second course and dessert. Following the lunch with the prepared dishes with a local wine.

A great historic and architectural tour through the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

This itinerary will lead you first of all through the sights of Pavia, capital of the Longobard Kingdom, starting with the rediscovery of their art through the utilization of their monumental materials in later historical periods.

Pavia is truly a city of secrets, with an elusive, discreet, concealed charm that is only revealed to those who are prepared to search for it and to learn where to find the city’s hidden treasures. Leaving the city, our path leads us through the beautiful Pavia countryside, to the splendors of the Certosa, a magnificent, monumental monastery complex, built by the Visconti family. Then on to Santa Cristina, to the princely castles of Belgioioso and Chignolo Po, and to the ancient hot water springs of the Miradolo Terme spa, the royal palaces of Corteolona, San Zenone and Arena Po, and the riverside communities so dear to Giovanni Brera, to discover nature and history with every step.

Discover all the charm of the old town of Genoa through the largest historic centre in Europe, replete with curiosities and endless mysteries.

The Tour winds its way through Genoa’s narrow “caruggi” (alleyways) and ancient squares. Some of the main points of interest include the Cathedral, Palazzo Ducale and the Carlo Felice Opera House, and the tour ends with a visit to the “Strada Nuova” (Via Garibaldi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The town of Portofino is an enchanted spot and no doubt one of the most exclusive harbor and resort in Italy: its houses, facing onto the picturesque port, are colorful and charming.

It is located on a promontory which juts out into the Mediterranean and which is covered with olive trees, pines, cypresses and palms.

Elegant shops and characteristic boutiques line the charming piazzetta while delightful restaurants and open air cafes offer the perfect spot to enjoy the local specialties and the excellent wines.

The tour starts from the main square of Portofino, where the guide gives some general information to the guests.

Leaving the square, the tour passes through the narrow streets surrounded by beautiful villas with gardens full of tropical plants and Mediterranean olive trees.

The tour then goes up to the church of St. George where from it proceeds to Castle Brown and the “Faro” (lighthouse) at the far end of the promontory. From the “Faro” the tour returns to Portofino, where guests are free to walk around and do some shopping.