CASTLE OF MANTA AND PORCINI MUSHROOMS – 87 €

Meeting at 8:30 a.m. from Turin Arrival in Saluzzo at 9:30 a.m. and walk through the old town and coffee under the arcades At 10:30 a.m. transfer to Manta Castle and guided tour of the castle. The splendid crown of the Cottian Alps, dominated by the sharp profile of Monviso, frames the imposing bulk of this castle, which stands some 40 kilometers from Turin. Founded in the 13th century as a military outpost, the stronghold underwent a major transformation in the 15th century thanks to Valerano, lord and regent of the Marquisate of Saluzzo, who transformed it into a sumptuous family residence in conjunction with the establishment of the Manta fiefdom. It was he who wanted to enrich the Baronial Hall with the beautiful frescoes that today constitute unique testimonies to the chivalric culture of the time. On the south wall, the myth of eternal youth, inspired by a chivalric novel, the “Roman de Fauvel,” is depicted by the fountain of youth, topped by the god Love. Also worth visiting are the service quarters with the cellars and the large kitchen with a grand barrel vault and a grandiose fireplace, the castle church, commissioned by Valerano and embellished with important frescoes dedicated to the Passion of Christ, and, finally, the spacious and shady park from which there is a lovely view of the charming hills of the Varaita Valley. At 12:30 p.m. transfer to a restaurant for a convivial lunch with a mushroom menu, the menu includes 3 appetizers, a first course, dessert, coffee water and wine Return late afternoon

fee includes:

• transportation by sanitized GT coach
• coffee
• guided tour of the castle of Manta
• porcini mushroom lunch with drinks
• escort
• medical policy.