Milan Monferrato Area Turin The Langhe Asti Turin Courmayeur Aosta Milan

4days - Tour from Milan to Monferrato Area Turin The Langhe Asti Turin Courmayeur Aosta Milan
DAY 1 MILAN MONFERRATO AREA TURIN
Leaving at 8:30 am from Starhotel Ritz, in Milan. Departure to the hilly area of Monferrato, in the south-eastern part of the Piedmont region. Arrival at Acqui Terme, an old city founded by the Romans, which is famous for its ancient aqueduct. In the old town, you can admire “La Bollente”, a lovely white stone structure built to house the amazing hot spring which has water at 75° C/ 167° F. After a brief stroll through the old town, you will leave for Casale Monferrato, capital of the former Dukedom of Monferrato. The old town features several lovely buildings in different architectural styles, such as the the cathedral, Fortress and the Civic Tower. Here, you will get free time for lunch before leaving in the afternoon for Turin, capital of the region, crossing the north of Monferrato with brief stops in Moncalvo, a charming village located above several vineyards, and Crea, where you can visit the local Monastery which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arrival in Turin, overnight hotel stay.
DAY 2 TURIN
Breakfast at your hotel. Entire day dedicated to exploring the city. Turin is a city of Roman origin and the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy, home of FIAT, the famous car manufacturer and a cultural and university centre. It is now the fourth biggest city in the country by number of inhabitants and the third with regard to industrial development. The famous Savoy Route is on the agenda for the morning, including the Royal Palace in Venaria, the most famous home of the Italy's royal family. This impressive palace inspired French architects during the project for the renovation of the Palace of Versailles, near Paris. It was constructed in the second half of the 15th century on the orders of Duke Charles Emmanuel of Savoy who gave it as a gift to his wife. The palace features a central building as well as the biggest park in the region. Superga is your next stop, the second highest hill in the region. Here, you can visit the basilica, built at the beginning of the 18th century on the orders of the King of Sardinia, Victor Amadeus II and dedicated to the Virgin in order to celebrate the victory of the army of Piedmont over France and Spain. Most of the family's graves and the unique masterpiece of the popes' portraits, painted on cloth, are housed inside. Free time to enjoy lunch, then return to the city centre. After lunch, visit the city centre, including Piazza Castello, Palazzo Madama, the old Roman gate, the residence of the royal family and ending with the Art Museum and the Royal Palace. The Mole Antonelliana, the city's major landmark built by the architect Alessandro Antonelli in 1873 and dedicated to King Victor Emmanuel II, houses the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, the National Museum of Film. The cathedral, which is home of the famous Shroud of Turin, a linen cloth bearing the image of a man who appears to have been injured in a manner consistent with crucifixion, believed to be Jesus, according to Catholic tradition. Piazza San Carlo is your next stop, with its galleries in typical Piedmontese style. The tour includes a walk along Via Roma and Garibaldi with free time to enjoy the hustle and bustle of this surprising city. Overnight stay at your hotel.
DAY 3 TURIN & THE LANGHE ASTI TURIN
Breakfast at your hotel. Departure for La Morra, a little medieaval village. Its wealth is derived from the so-called “Red gold”, Barolo wine.
Visit to a typical wine cellar for a tasting of the region's best wines. Grinzane Cavour is the next port of call, home to the eponymous castle and some of the area's main wine bars. It was here that Italy's first Prime Minister, Camillo Cavour created the legend that is Barolo. A breathtaking tour through hills and vineyards, until you arrive in Alba, a town considered to be the capital of the Langhe, a hilly area with a strong tradition of wine production, also known as the regional leader in the buying and selling of truffles and chocolates (Ferrero, the multinational company that sends tea, chocolates and biscuits all over the world). Founded before the Roman era, Alba played an important role during the Middle Ages. You will visit the cathedral and the old town centre Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, Piazza Roma with the monument to Italy, the Red Tower, of the Roman age, the baroque palaces and the Middle Age towers. Back to Turin. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 4 TURIN COURMAYEUR AOSTA MILAN
Breakfast at the hotel; departure to Fenis to look up to the castle, built in the XII century, located in the highest valley of the region. Built by command of the family Challant because of a reason of prestige, now it represents one of the most charming masterpieces of that age in all Northern Italy. Then, departure to Courmayeur, a small village located at the bottom of the Mont Blanc, the last Italian place before the frontier with France. Entered in the collective imaginary due to its 11 km long tunnel between Italy and France under the Mont Blanc, it presents a unique and wonderful landscape among the best and most fascinating peaks of the Western Alps. Free time in the beautiful old town. Continuation to Aosta, capital of the autonomous region of Aosta Valley, the smallest region of our country, located in the middle of the highest mountains of the Alps. Old town, founded before Christ and partially built by the Romans according to the typical style of a Roman camp (core and parallel streets). Still today Roman tracks are extremely evident: Arch of Augustus, the Praetorian gates, the old entrances of the city and the modern district with the modern works, as the Cathedral and Piazza Chanoux with the City Hall. Free time for lunch and then, way back to Milan.
Notes
• Barolo wine and truffle cream tasting!
• All prices are per person
• City tax not included (it shall be paid directly at the hotel)