What to do in Oltrepò Pavese: the 10 best activities

Horseback riding in the Monferrato hills will take you to discover the typical fauna and flora of the Piedmont hills.

The 1-hour walk is suitable for everyone, even those who are getting on a horse for the first time.

The minimum age is 6 years old. Children ages 6 to 14 will be accompanied by a guide who will walk with them the whole way.

At the end of both walks you will have the opportunity to enjoy a typical local lunch (if selected), consisting of 3 appetizers, first course, second course and dessert. Extra courses and drinks are excluded.

This experience is based on the search for truffles in the Langhe, followed by a tasting of truffles, cheeses, wines and other local foods.

Initially there will be an explanation of the history and characteristics of the truffle with its types. Next, you will go out hunting with the trifulau, followed by his dogs Esterina and Lizzy, searching for truffles underground. The dogs have a trained sense of smell to smell truffles and recognize where they grow.

We will then move on to a tour of the Trifulau House where we will see the objects, pictures and mementos handed down by the Trifulau.

At the conclusion of the visit, a truffle aperitif with accompanying tasting will be served.

Calendar of visits

•    October - January: Fine white truffle
•    February - September : Summer and winter black truffle

Some visits may be conducted in English.

In the summer period June-August truffle hunting and aperitif in the Langhe can only be booked in the morning.

Horseback riding among the Langhe vineyards is ideal for those who love hilly views and vineyards. The trip is scheduled to start from San Marzano Oliveto. The excursion crosses the hills of Monferrato and proceeds mostly on dirt trails, beautiful to ride on horseback.

The stable is close (less than an hour's drive) to Asti, Alessandria and is just over an hour from Cuneo and Turin.

Group horseback riding is ideal for friends or even families with children; in fact, from age 8 and up, you can ride the pony. The age of the child should be communicated by phone to the guide once the confirmation of the reservation request has been received.

Walk with aperitif:
From San Marzano Oliveto, in the province of Asti, you will stroll through scenic vineyards and breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by the majestic backdrop of the Alps. There will be a chance to visit an agritourism in the area, where an aperitif will be served with two glasses of wine per person and mixed platters of cured meats and cold cuts.

Recommended attire for horseback riding tours includes closed shoes and long pants.

The horseback ride is suitable for beginners and first-time riders, professional equestrian guides will accompany you on this wonderful adventure.

This experience is not suitable for pregnant women.

If you have any mobility issues, please notify the facility once your booking is confirmed.

The ride lasts about 2 hours and ends with the return to the riding stables.

The tasting and visit to the Infernot wineries in Monferrato takes place in Cella Monte, which joined the Borghi più Belli d’Italia since 2018 and includes: a visit to the historic winery and infernot, followed by a tasting of 4 wines.

For those who like it, you can add a small board with cold cuts, cheeses, bruschettine.

The infernot are underground caves dug by hand, which allowed the Monferrato territory to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Langhe and Roero territories in 2014.

The visit concludes with a tasting of 4 wines produced by the winery accompanied, for those who wish, by a small cutting board of local products and breadsticks (+5€). For the cutting board it is possible to request a vegetarian version.

During the tasting you will taste:

•    Mariulin (Piedmont DOC Chardonnay, Sparkling Brut Martinotti Method)
•    Dedalo (Monferrato DOC White from Arneis grapes)
•    Solista (Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese DOC)
•    Carisa (Piedmont DOC Barbera)

For the visit of the wineries in Monferrato we recommend clothing appropriate for the low temperatures and high humidity; present in the premises.

For minors or non-tasters the rate includes:

•    1 drink
•    1 small cutting board

This winery tour with wine tasting in the hills of Monferrato will introduce you to the production and aging techniques of the classic Piedmont wines produced by the winery, located between Asti and Alessandria. At the end of the visit you will be able to taste several glasses of local wines overlooking the hills of Vignale Monferrato.

The 1-hour activity begins with a guided tour of the winery, where you will be shown the aging and processing rooms of traditional Piedmontese wines, including the well-known "Barbera d'Asti" and "Barbera del Monferrato."

At the end of the visit you will taste 3 wines from the winery, paired with a shared platter of cured meats and cheeses.

The visit with tasting in Monferrato is a unique opportunity to learn about Piedmont's winemaking tradition and taste its wines in company and as a couple.

Couples picnic in the hills of Monferrato, with a basket composed of typical local products. To make the picnic perfect, each couple will receive everything they need to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, including a tablecloth to spread out on and two wine glasses to enjoy the wine.

The bottle of wine of the couple's choice will be carefully chosen from among the best wines they produce, so as to provide an authentic and high-quality experience.

To complete the gastronomic experience, a basic menu of Monferrato products, such as local cured meats and cheeses and freshly baked bread, will also be provided. In this way, each couple will be able to savor the best of local cuisine and enjoy the unique landscape that only the vineyards of the Monferrato region can offer.

Picnicking in the vineyards is an experience that combines the beauty of nature, the quality of local food and wine, and the relaxing and romantic atmosphere that only a setting like vineyards can offer.

A visit to the winery will introduce you to the history of wine production at one of the most historic wineries in the Langhe region and immerse you in the picturesque Piedmont region near Alba and Barolo.

Following the tour of the winery and the estate vineyards, you can choose from 2 lunch menus offered by the winery.

The experience lasts from 2 to 3 hours and is suitable for everyone. Minors are not allowed to taste.

Gluttonous Menu (2 hours 30 minutes)

The menu includes an assortment of cold and hot appetizers from our traditional farmhouse, a homemade first course of your choice, and a delicious dessert to end the experience.

This menu includes a tasting of 3 wines.

Delicious Menu (3 hours)

This menu includes cold and hot hors d'oeuvres from the peasant tradition, followed by a homemade first course of your choice, a second course and a dessert to end the experience.

The delicious menu includes a tasting of 5 wines.

For children, there is a menu that includes pasta, schnitzel and potatoes and a final dessert so they too can enjoy this fun experience.

A sweatshirt is recommended for the winery visit.

The scenic hot air balloon flight over the Langhe is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to fly over the picturesque landscapes that characterize the hills of Piedmont.

The duration of the activity is about 3 hours including balloon inflation, flight of about 1 hour, recovery, balloon packing, aperitif and return to the meeting point.

It starts from Barolo and the flight path is variable depending on the wind. The pilot controls the altitude by taking advantage of the currents for landing.

Once you land before returning to the meeting point you will be offered an aperitif with wine, cold cuts and cheese.

Required clothing to participate is seasonally appropriate sportswear with long pants and closed shoes without heels.

Walking with alpacas in nature on the Cascina "Cassotti Balbo" educational farm just minutes from downtown Turin.

Live an experience suitable for everyone in South Mirafiori Park. During the walk, accompanied by an experienced guide, you can lead sweet alpacas on a leash along a path through trees, vegetable gardens and meadows, learning about their language, habits and behaviors.

It is a relaxing and surprising activity, perfect for those who want an authentic contact with nature and animals, but also for those who simply want to unplug and breathe fresh air without leaving the city.

The experience begins with a brief introduction to the farm. After choosing your walking companion, the nature walk will start, at a slow and leisurely pace, in an atmosphere of calm and silence, interrupted only by the rustling of leaves and the curious cries of alpacas.

The activity is suitable for everyone, requires no special physical skills and is conducted in small groups, to ensure a serene and safe experience, with full respect for the animals. Closed shoes and comfortable clothing are recommended.

The visit is available in three languages: Italian, English and French.

Educational farm for children and adults to learn how to make cheese and then taste it with a glass of wine.

The experience begins with a gentle walk in the woods, a pristine corner where goats live free and happy, surrounded by the beauty of a natural environment that welcomes and protects them.

Here, you will have the opportunity to milk the goats with your own hands, collecting fresh and genuine milk, ready to be turned into delicacies. An experience that will allow you to come into direct contact with the work of the land, rediscovering the value of healthy and authentic food.

Next, you will move to a charming country "ciabot," where Paolo, with his experience and passion, will guide you in the art of cheesemaking. With the help of a rural kitchen, you will learn how to make delicious cheese, step by step. The rustic and cozy atmosphere of the "ciabot" will allow you to fully understand the artisanal process and respect for traditional methods.

In the meantime, while the milk is being transformed into cheese, you can delight your palate with a fine tasting of artisanal cheeses, both goat and cow, accompanied by a selection of typical local products, such as cured meats, honey and homemade jams, all while sipping a good glass of local wine, perhaps a Roero Arneis or a Roero Rosso, which enhance the authentic flavors of the hills.

This experience is based on the search for truffles in the Langhe, followed by a tasting of truffles, cheeses, wines and other local foods.

Initially there will be an explanation of the history and characteristics of the truffle with its types. Next, you will go out hunting with the trifulau, followed by his dogs Esterina and Lizzy, searching for truffles underground. The dogs have a trained sense of smell to smell truffles and recognize where they grow.

We will then move on to a tour of the Trifulau House where we will see the objects, pictures and mementos handed down by the Trifulau.

At the conclusion of the visit, a truffle aperitif with accompanying tasting will be served.

Calendar of visits

•    October - January: Fine white truffle
•    February - September : Summer and winter black truffle

Some visits may be conducted in English.

In the summer period June-August truffle hunting and aperitif in the Langhe can only be booked in the morning.

Truffle hunting among the hills of Alba, in the Langhe region, is a perfect experience to experience firsthand a special moment: the search for this mysterious and fascinating ingredient.

You will have the opportunity to see live a secret and complex craft: that between the trifulau and his dog is a close relationship made of trust and mutual respect, which comes only after many years of experience. 

Few people have the opportunity to participate firsthand in this search: trifulau are in fact used to roam alone, sometimes at night, away from prying eyes. 

Although this is an “actual search” with a professional trifulau and his “tabui” (favorite dog), the one you will participate in è a ’simulated activity.  

However, since the search takes place in a natural truffle ground, è it is possible that truffles not artificially buried, but spontaneously grown on the spot, may also be found!

You can choose to have this experience exclusively with a private tour or do it on a shared basis.

For the activity to run smoothly, you will need to be self-driven as you will be expected to move between the meeting point and the forest where the experience takes place. We also recommend outdoor sportswear.

In case of mud or light rain, the activity is guaranteed and you will be provided with rubber chaps and capes. The activity will be moved or cancelled with a refund in case of heavy rains.

The La Contea del Vignolo Fiorito farmhouse è ready to welcome you for a farmhouse lunch as a couple, with friends or family.

You can enjoy excellent dishes of the local culinary culture in an environment far from the city chaos and in contact with nature.

Menù light

•    House appetizer
•    1 first course of your choice
•    House dessert

Menù complete

•    House appetizer
•    1 first course of your choice
•    1 second course of your choice
•    House dessert

The menuù changes daily and is determined at the’beginning of the week based on the farm’s fresh produce, in fact every course è strictly homegrown.

Lunch starts at 12:45 p.m. and the service è unique.

In case of food allergies or intolerances please contact the facility.

A visit to the Calatroni Vini winery in Santa Maria della Versa will allow you to discover the wines that characterize the Oltrepò Pavese territory.

Program

The activity starts with a walk through the vineyard, then you will continue with a guided tour in the winemaking cellar and the Metodo Classico aging room where they will explain details about the products.

To conclude the experience, you will have the opportunity to have a tasting of 4 wines represented by the winery (including organic) accompanied by small samples (vegetable flan, cheese and tart).

Take part in an exotic parrot walk in the countryside of Verrua Po, in Oltrepò Pavese.

Guided by an expert, you will learn about different species, including Ararauna, Chloroptera, Amazons, Parakeets and Calopsitte, learning biological and behavioral notions.

During the approximately 1.5-kilometer walk you will interact with the birds, which will fly free and perch on your shoulders for unforgettable souvenir photos.

The activity, lasting about 2 hours, will end with a snack of homemade cakes, sandwiches or chips depending on the availability of the day.

Wine tasting with a visit to the vineyards and winery in the Oltrepò Pavese is an authentic experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in the wine culture and traditions of the area.

Accompanied by expert guides, you will have the opportunity to explore the vineyards and winery, discovering secrets, curiosities and anecdotes related to the art of local winemaking.

Following this, you will experience a fine tasting of 4 selected wines, all produced locally:

•    Dosaggio Zero (Classic Method sparkling wine from pinot noir grapes)
•    Riesling Filare 52 (still white wine from Rhine Riesling grapes)
•    Bonarda Ăchillius (sparkling red)
•    Sangue di Giuda Il Traditore (sweet sparkling red)

In case of food allergies or intolerances, you can contact the facility after booking for any specific needs.

Discover the ancient art of Falconry: an exciting experience in the midst of nature that allows you to interact with a majestic bird of prey.

The falconry class is a perfect adventure to get close to the world of falcons and other birds of prey, where you can learn the secrets of an ancient art and become, for a day, real falconers.

This experience is suitable for everyone: ideal for enthusiasts, families, team building or those looking for an out-of-the-ordinary activity. When booking you can choose between the option suitable only for adults and the experience for younger children.

For adults

This experience will allow you to be in direct contact with majestic raptors: you can hold a hawk, owl or buzzard on your fist.

You will experience an interactive and engaging adventure: you will actively participate in the flight, calls, and care of these animals.

Class includes:

•    Theoretical introduction: biology, behavior and training techniques of raptors
•    Flight demonstration
•    Hands-on experience: you will try to call a raptor on your glove and guide it in flight under the supervision of an experienced falconer
•    Photography sessions

For children

Younger children (ages 4 and up) can experience the thrill of calling a raptor on their glove, observe it up close and learn the secrets of these fascinating birds.

The Baptism of the Glove is the perfect experience to introduce children to the world of raptors in an easy and fun way.

Your children will have direct contact with docile birds: trained owls, buzzards or hawks. The whole thing will be immortalized with a souvenir photo.

The falconer will show the raptor and explain how to gently approach it. Next, the child will put on a falconer's glove and, with the expert's help, call the raptor on his or her hand.

At the end, each child will receive a symbolic certificate to remember the experience.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Lunch in Oltrepò Pavese, at Calatroni Vini, to taste typical dishes and enjoy some excellent locally produced wine together.

Program

The experience begins at 12 noon with a guided tour to discover the organic vineyards, crossed by the historic Via di San Colombano.

The second part of the visit takes you to the winemaking cellar and the aging cellar to explore the world of wine.

The third moment is dedicated to flavors, both on the plate and in the glass: a set menu lunch that includes.

•    3 courses that vary according to the seasonality of the products
•    4 glasses of wine paired with each course
•    Water
•    Coffee
•    Cover charge

To personalize the experience you can choose 2 wine pairing options:

•    Basic wines: basic wines will be served with each course
•    Classic method sparkling wines: classic method sparkling wines will be served with each course

Reduced menu for children includes salami or cheese, main course and dessert.

In case of food allergies, please notify the facility following the reservation

Visit to the chocolate factory and chocolate tasting in Milan ideal for spending a culinary day among the many flavors of chocolate.

There are 3 different tours within the experience:

.

Base

At the beginning of the activity you will observe, using the 3D viewer, the harvesting and production stages of cocoa beans on a Perù plantation. Afterwardsè you will pass by the "Cioccoteca", the roasting room and the processing laboratory to find out all about artisanal production. The visità will end with a tasting of 3 different types of chocolate.

Media

At the beginning of the activity you will observe, using the 3D viewer, the harvesting and production stages of cocoa beans on a Perù plantation. Afterwardsè you will pass by the "Cioccoteca", the roasting room and the processing laboratory to find out all about artisanal production. The visità will end with a tasting of 5 different types of chocolate.

Premium

At the beginning of the activity, you will be able to observe, using the 3D viewer, the harvesting and production stages of cocoa beans on a Perù plantation. Afterwardsè you will pass by the "Cioccoteca", the roasting room and the processing laboratory to find out all about artisanal production. The visità will end with a tasting of 5 different types of chocolate accompanied by a glass of sweet wine.

The maximum limit who canò participate in a single visitanè of 8 people, also each tour lasts about 1 hour.

Learn all the secrets about wine making and create your own unique blend with this workshop at the Urban Winery in Milan.

Program

As soon as you arrive, you will be served a welcome glass that you can taste while touring the winery's production area with a brief introduction to the project. After that you will taste 3 wine bases, learning to recognize the differences related to production methods. Then, depending on your taste, you can create your own custom blend.

To conclude you will be able to unleash your imagination by decorating the label of your wine bottle.

At the end of the experience you will be given a bottle of your wine to take home with you.

A visit to the canine nursery is an educational experience dedicated to those who wish to discover firsthand the most delicate stages of canine motherhood.

Accompanied by an expert, you will be able to observe and learn more about the main moments of puppy growth, from birth to weaning, understanding the role of the mother and the importance of early socialization.

On some occasions it will be possible to witness, in a respectful and safe manner, significant moments such as nursing or caring for the young.

The experience concludes with an outdoor encounter, during which puppies over three months old will be able to move freely in a green area while visitors enjoy an aperitif or a snack surrounded by nature. This moment allows to observe the social behavior of the young dogs and to better understand their evolution in the growth path.

The activity is educational in nature and is not part of Animal Assisted Interventions (IAA). Adherence to the directions provided by the Biopark guide is required for everyone's safety.

Comfortable and easily washable clothing is recommended.

With this horseback ride in the Ticino Nature Park you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the horses, brush them and prepare the necessary equipment for an enjoyable ride.

The experience begins with a short introductory lesson that will help you learn how to tame your horse.

During the horseback ride, which will have an effective duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, you will ride through the forest and spring areas, rich in waterways and vegetation. If lucky, you may see storks, herons and other migratory species.

There is also an opportunity to picnic on horseback.

Wine tasting with a visit to the Urban Winery in Milan to spend a wine day without leaving the city.

Basic Tour

During this tour you will have the opportunity to taste 3 glasses of wine.

Classic Tour

This option includes a welcome glass, a visit to the winery's production area, an explanation of the winemaking process and, finally, the tasting of 3 glasses accompanied by a food tasting.

Wine Lovers Tour

This tour begins with a welcome glass, continues with a visit to the winery and explanation of the winemaking process, and then concludes with a tasting of 5 glasses accompanied by a sampling of gastronomic products.

Wine tasting and brunch in Milan to spend an encological and culinary day with groups of friends, families and couples.

Program

During this tour you will have the opportunity to visit the winery with an introduction to the project and explanation of the production process. After that you will have a tasting of 4 glasses of wine accompanied by a sampling of gastronomic products, including a cutting board, toast, hummus and beef meatballs. To finish sweet wine and dessert.