Monferrato between romanesque art and tamburello experience

Day 1

Arrive late morning to Acqui Terme, ancient Roman City famous for its thermal water which gushes out spontaneously in the city centre at 75°. Visit the city following an archaeological route led by guides/communicators in
historical dress.
The visit is completed by a stop at the Cathedral of the Assumption which is home to the masterpiece of the Spanish painter Bartolomè Bermejo, the triptych of Our Lady of Monserrat. Stop off at the Wine Shop "Terme e Vino" for wine tasting. Followed by visit to Villa Ottolenghi, an historic residence built in the first half of the 20th century on the hills of Acqui Terme, where we will admire the magnificent gardens, winners of the prestigious European Garden Award in 2011, the mausoleum or Temple of Herta, and the private Ottolenghi Museum.
Dinner at leisure and overnight accommodation in the city centre.

Day 2

After breakfast, transfer to Canelli, the most famous town in the world for the production of Italian spumante. Guided tour with tasting in one of the "Underground Cathedrals",
the historic cellars dug into the tufa and which are situated below the hill, up to a depth of 32 metres, on which the town stands. Masterpieces of engineering and UNESCO heritage site the cathedrals were built so that the combination of thousand-year-old land, temperature and constant humidity could allow production of the finest spumante in the world. This is where the first Italian spumante was born in 1865.
Lunch at leisure.
The journey continues towards Coazzolo to discover the Church of the Blessed Virgin of Carmine of Tremlett painted by the famous British artist Tremlett with the colours of the surrounding hills. And in the hills close to the Church, in addition to the breathtaking view of the Alps and Monviso, you can walk among the Vineyards of the Coloured Pencils: a curious artistic installation of giant coloured pencils has replaced the wood poles of the vineyards.
To follow, stop off in Castelnuovo Calcea, to visit the Artistic Park "Orme su La Court" in the estate of Azienda Vitivincola Michele Chiarlo.
The 1 km-route between vineyards and cypress trees, alternates points of meditation and sculptures of contemporary artists. A fable-like route dedicated to the elements of Earth Air Water and Fire by Maestro Emanuele Luzzatin in which the works of international artists such as Ugo Nespolo, Balthasar Brennenstuhl, Rolando Carbone, Dedo Fossati and Chris Bangle blend in harmoniously with the natural surroundings.
Dinner at leisure and accommodation in B&B/agriturismo in Calliano/Portacomaro

Day 3

After breakfast in hotel, visit Asti, the city of the ancient Palio, a horse race which is run in the centrally-located Piazza Alfieri: the historical and commercial value of the city is perceived in the towers, medieval strongholds, and buildings. Visit Palazzo Mazzetti, home to the Civic Gallery which showcases works by Guglielmo Caccia, Genoese artists of the 17th century and others of the 20th and 21st century such as Grosso, Cagli and Guttuso. Not-to-be-missed sites are the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Collegiate of San Secondo.
Lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon, scenic e-bike tour among the Monferrato hills: "The Romanesque Way" a route to discover an architectural heritage of inestimable worth represented by small terracotta and sandstone churches.
Along the way, visitors will appreciate the Romanesque Church of Saints Apostles Peter and Paul in Calliano and the Romanesque Church of St. Peter in Portacomaro.
Stop at "Barot" for an aperitif with local wines.
Dinner at leisure and overnight accommodation in B&B/agriturismo in the area of Calliano / Portacomaro

Day 4

After breakfast transfer to Moncalvo, one of the smallest towns of Italy and first historical "capital" of the Marquisate of Monferrato. In the autumn it is the protagonist of one of the most important Truffle Fairs. Walk in the centre and visit the Civic Museum, a small gem
where you will find the private collection of the ambassador Franco Montanari, donated to the town of Moncalvo a precious art gallery with works by Guttoso, de Chirico, Chagall, Afro, Maccari and many other painters of the twentieth century, as well as works of African art, Japanese art and three masterpieces by Orsola Maddalena Caccia.
Lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon, free time to discover the sculptures of Progetto Terremerse, which brings the sea back to Monferrato. Geological history tells us that this area was covered by water millions of years ago, and this is documented by studies and the continuous finding of fossils. This has given the sculptress Giorgia Sanlorenzo the idea to bring the ancient marine inhabitants back to life among the "waves" of the hills and vineyards. Whales, sharks, seahorses and fish are reproduced using wrought iron installations and identifiable with an interactive map for a route in which art and nature merge to allow the visitor to discover Monferrato. Recommended itinerary: Scurzolengo, Castagnole Monferrato, Casorzo, Vignale: 7 sculptures)
Possibility of renting a Vespa (on request and with a surcharge)
Dinner in characteristic osteria in Calliano with traditional menu and overnight accommodation in B&B/agriturismo in Calliano/Portacomaro

Day 5

After breakfast you will be involved in the symbolic game of Monferrato, tamburello a muro or tambass. More than a game, it is a celebration which brings together entire villages gathered in the courts, the squares under the walls, a game with ancient proud gestures and full of unmistakable sounds. Under the guidance of expert players, you will participate in a lesson on the rules and use of the tamburello, the tricks for hitting the ball and throwing it as far as possible as you hold your breath with your nose up.
Minimum experience 5 people - from March to July every day (excluding Saturday). The lesson venue will be agreed depending on the availability of the courts according to the championship schedule.