+39 3346063368
info@iviaggidellorigano.com
“Being in the country is like being in a dream – one doesn’t quite know who one is. There is an anonymity to it all – that strange human creature that is me, one among all.”
Stop. Be quiet. Listen. An unique experience is about to be lived with us! Sack your suitcase and immerse yourself in the rural backcountry of Molise, the land where genuineness embraces your soul, involves your senses, leaves a long-lasting memory. If you love good food and outdoors, Molise is the best place to combine both in one unique travel experience that will take you to the discovery of an unspoiled and rich land, full of heritage and ancient traditions. I Viaggi dell’Origano invites you to live the real rural emotions in the Shepherds and Truffle Hunters Tour to explore and learn the secrets of the rural life and enjoy its unmistakable flavour.
Castropignano (CB)
17:00 PM
Arrival of the participants to Colle D’Anchise, in the province of Campobasso. Check-in and accomodation in the guest rooms.
Located in the heart of Molisan backcountry, the spread-out hotel of Colle D’Anchise rises from an ancient water mill of the rural village, where the stones and the Biferno River give a touch of elegance and witness the identity of local culture. Participants can enjoy the peaceful and relaxing surroundings of the river park, visit the ancient mill and disused hydroelectric power station as well as walking trhough the narrow alleys of the small village of Colle D’Anchise. Dinner of local dishes is served in the hotel’s restaurant. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, our day is ready to begin! We will immerse in the peaceful atmosphere of the Molisan backcountry. Here, in Castropignano Mario and his family will welcome us in his family-run farm where the Borraro’s live on artisan cheeses production, meat processing and preserving and sheep-farming. We spend quality-time with them, learing the secrets of the authenitic rural life and walking on the green pastures where the animal are bred in the wild, to protect their well-being and preserve the high quality of diary products. We then take part in the milk processing and assist to the handmade production of cheese. The participants will enjoy a freshly curdled cheese tasting listening to the stories of the shepherd, gifted player of zampogna. Lunch at the local restaurant, were participants will taste and enjoy products at 0 km. After lunch we head to the small village of Castropignano where the participants will have free time for individual activities such as the visit to the Evoli Castle, small rural churches and the narrow alleys of the picturesque village. Return to the spread-out hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the spread-out hotel.
After breakfast, another adventure in Molise awaits our guests. A relaxing drive will take us to the little village of Busso where Vincenzo, son of three generation of truffle pickers and seller, will welcome us in his family-run farm. The passion for nature and obviously for truffles, encouraged the owner to always persevere through the time to find the best mushroom with care, patience and of course a bit of luck. Here, in Busso all the products transformed by Vincenzo’s family are homemade and packaged to be served in the most famous kitchen in the world. But what are the secrets for a successful harvesting? In this day we will go truffle hunting with the owners and their trusty dogs, hopefully for a good picking! The Di Iorio family has another ace in the hole… Not only do they pick truffles, but also use them in cooking. The gourmands and local cuisine lovers will enjoy a mouthwatering lunch/brunch (depending on the season) of local dishes while sipping Tintilia wine of Molise. Free time for shopping and individual activities. End of our services.
There’s a part of Molise where small and delightful medieval villages are abounding; in here, we can find a tiny gem called La Piana dei Mulini. Located in the Biferno valley at the foothills of the Matese Mountains, this albergo diffuso – or scattered hotel, where rooms and amenities could be located in more than one building – is a historical residence with twelve rooms and a refined restaurant. It is a magnificent structure built in the 18th century entirely in stone; today, it continues to boast the splendour of its past due to a restoration project that has not only recovered the material resources of Molise, but also the traditional values that are at the roots of this territory.
Authenticity, love for the earth and its products, simplicity, pure feelings… these are all part of the treasure that is Piana dei Mulini, not to mention the precious cultural, historical, architectural and scenic riches that surround it. Certainly, their culinary project is inspired out of the gratitude and respect towards mother earth, putting at its core the Molisan identity. This is clearly evidenced in their unique food mesh composed of people, hands, sweat, and culture, all in harmony with nature. In carefully maintained and comfortable rooms furnished with arte povera decorations of simple, yet elegant designs, a luscious breakfast prepared with home-made products is served every morning. In the main room, under beautiful stone vaults, the residence’s restaurant is located; their cuisine is refined, with meals prepared with seasonal products, considering the region’s biodiversity. An emporium of artisanal products made by local farmers and shepherds offers high-quality shopping for those guests who wish to take home a top-grade, exquisite souvenir. When shopping in the emporium, the local economy is reinforced, encouraging a small-scale production that is not mechanized nor industrialized, but nonetheless very active and sustainable. The friends of I Viaggi dell’Origano can find in La Piana dei Mulini a mix of the essences of this small but flourishing area of Molise that is absolutely worth a visit.
