Textile Trek
Lunch in a hilltop enoteca lets us begin our tasting of different specialities of the Nizza Monferrato area. The patterns and colours of the vineyards surrounding us as we travel to our hotel emphasize just how important the wine industry is in this area.
The next morning, we'll leisurely explore Alba and its delightful food stores, many of which have products that you can take home. Once stomachs begin to rumble, we'll lunch at family-owned trattoria. We'll then wander over to Pollenza, the United Nations World Heritage site that is home of the Slow Food University's Wine Bank. After our guided tour, we will enjoy a wine tasting at the museum. The rest of the afternoon, you are free to explore the city before we return to our inn.
The Textile Trek then leads us to Italy's "wool valley" in the region of Biella. Dozens of fabric and yarn manufacturers are still based along the rivers streaming down from the mountains toward the Po River.
We will visit several factory outlet stores specializing in cashmire, wool and home furnishing materials. We'll stop by the post office for any packages that don't fit in your bags.
After lunch, we will head to Castello di Masino (Masino Castle). Overlooking the valley below, the Castle itself has several centuries of beauty on its walls. There are beautiful frescoes and a stunning ballroom, as well as a spring garden. Your imagination may lead you to another time as you stroll through the walled gardens, protected by the Castle walls.
The future calls us the next morning, as our motorcoach returns us to Malpensa airport, and everyone heads on to their next adventures.
Your tour includes:
- seven nights lodging, continental breakfasts, and either lunch or dinner each day,
- transfers to and from Malpensa airport, & group transportation,
- Lake Como ferry day pass,
- wine tasting, entrance to all museums and attractions,
- workshops and information,
- travel insurance (click here for details),
- Tactile Travel Journal.
Itinerary schedule may vary from order described.
The Tactile Travel staff is happy to help you plan additional itineraries in Italy before or after your Textile Trek.
