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A World of Pinot Noir
A tour amid art and sparkling wines
The itinerary includes Certosa, Oltrepò, Torricella Verzate and Stradella.
Meet your guide at Certosa, one of the most beautiful Renaissance monuments in Europe, today home to monks who devote their time to prayer and herb-growing.
After the guided tour of the building and its cloisters, a brief visit to the monastery shop to buy natural remedies, liqueur and perfumes.
Just a few km from Certosa, an aperitif in a modern farmhouse with nibbles of local specialities and tasting of DOC wines.
Transfer to Oltrepò, land of medieval castles, secluded hamlets and quality wines with evocative names, Barbacarlo, Buttafuoco, Sangue di Giuda. The Oltrepò area still retains its simple, provincial charm today, despite being one of the most important areas for the cultivation of Pinot Noir, the grapes from which spumante, the superb Italian sparkling white wine, is produced.
You will then be welcomed to a farmhouse in a splendid panoramic location where lunch will be served. The menu is based on traditional specialities, imaginatively re-created and presented by an expert wine-taster, and accompanied by local wines.
Short drive along the Via Emilia to the Church of Torricella Verzate, Oltrepò's small Holy Mountain, best known for the chapels in the church square containing life-size chalk statues. The Holy Steps leading to the church were built on soil brought over from Palestine. Pilgrims climb the steps on their knees, thus obtaining 9 years indulgence for each step.
Transfer and tour of a traditional winery: a stroll in the vineyard and wine-tasting, with the opportunity to purchase the wine produced there.
Last stop Stradella, with time to wander round the shops in the town centre.
It includes:
- guided tour of Certosa
- aperitif with local specialities
- lunch in a friendly farmhouse in Oltrepò, with a menu based on local specialities and tasting of DOC wines presented by an expert wine-taster
- tour of the Church of Torricella Verzate
- tour of a traditional winery, with a walk in the vineyard and wine tasting
- experienced English, German or French speaking guide
Extras available on request:
- de luxe transfer by private car, coach or minibus to and from Certosa and to and from Oltrepò
- insurance
- traditional music entertainment during lunch
- book of traditional recipes from Pavia
- bottle of DOC wine
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Pavia and surroundings
