Monferrato is, among Italian areas, one of the most famous for its thousand year old history. The important role which it has played Italy’s turbulent past is demonstrated by its artistic treasures, medieval castles and romanesque, gothic and renaissance churches, its baroque monuments and the works of indigenous poets and painters. This land also boasts a gastronomy that is rich and decisive in its tastes and flavours, worthy of comparison with that of nearby France. Roero (the name is derived from a noble family which exercised control over these lands) still displays an environment that has been largely uncontaminated: a landscape of connoisseurs, perfectly conceived for those who want to get away from all the hustle and bustle, and are looking for a closer relationship with nature. The scenery is varied: it embraces, within the radius of a few kilometres, the wild beauty of rocky landscapes, exhibiting all the phenomena of erosion, majestic chestnut woods, red expanses of strawberry fields and vineyards, interspersed with typical fruit and vegetable farming. Scattered villages, perched on hills, with their castles, towers, churches, chapels, a nucleus of houses which have remained “just the way they used to be”: traces of a past that is just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.

An important aspect of these lands is represented by its culinary culture, which great connoisseurs define as enogastronomy. To mention all the dishes is impossible, so rich is the cuisine of the Langhe, Monferrato and Roero, albeit expressed through the distinctive simplicity which has its origins in the farmhouse. It is a gastronomy born of the modest economic conditions in the area during past centuries, which was then further developed, while preserving all the ingredients and natural components of local origin: spotless trattorias alternate with elegant restaurants, offering a genuine cuisine, accompanied by excellent wines.  Lands of great vintages therefore, together with the famous Alba White Truffle, an essential protagonist in the autumnal cuisine, which has always, starting from the capital of the Langhe, been transported to the tables of the world. Alba hosts the most important world market for White Truffles, a true showcase, held in the autumn by tens of truffle-hunters who display, each  week-end, the “diamonds” they have unearthed during the night. Visitors can also take part in the most secret phase: the search itself. Alongside the “trifolao”, always accompanied by his faithful dog, listening to the tales of great adventures on dark and foggy nights: an experience that encapsulates all the fascination of an extraordinary world. A territory to be tasted from all points of view, taking your time, starting with the main cities and going further afield, exploring the hundreds of villages that have inspired the prose and poetry of Cesare Pavese and Beppe Fenoglio.  Here then, are a number of proposals for some interesting holidays, during which you will be able to experience moments of profound emotion as you discover delightful residences and superb countryside, dotted with castles and wine cellars. Intense holidays, relaxing, under the aegis of nature, romantic, culturally rich and exceptionally tasty, for all those who are looking for a perfect symbiosis between nature, outdoor sports, history and the culinary art.