The Vercelli plain—a world of water and reflections, a canvas of colors that shift through the seasons from silver to green to gold.
A silent world, at times seemingly still, yet capable of surprising visitors with places and stories of extraordinary emotional impact.
On this tour, we’ll guide you through its history—a story of hard work, ingenuity, and an unbreakable bond with the land and nature.
- A Unique Historical Site – We’ll begin our tour by visiting the Antico Mulino San Giovanni, the only rice mill in the entire Vercelli area powered exclusively by water.
Built more than 700 years ago, it has weathered the centuries through changes, destruction, reconstruction, and above all, innovation, to become the only example of a water-turbine-powered facility still in operation today. - In the Heart of the Rice Fields – We’ll continue our journey to the Grangia di Pobietto to visit the estate, its intricate complex of buildings, and the Museum of Rural Life and Rice Cultivation housed within it.
The visit will provide firsthand insight into the changes that have taken place over the centuries in terms of land management and labor practices, right up to the present day, and will be rounded out by a traditional lunch that will immerse us in the region’s authentic flavors. - A Tasting Break – Along the way, we’ll stop in the picturesque village of Asigliano, where we can immerse ourselves in the enchanting atmosphere of its rural park, sample a local dish, and relive the excitement and adrenaline of the traditional Corsa dei Buoi by visiting the museum dedicated to it.
- A Thrilling View – The day will continue with a stop at the Abbey of Santa Maria di Lucedio, known as the cradle of rice cultivation due to the central role it played in the area’s farming and governance, where we’ll have exclusive access to climb the complex’s bell tower.
From our privileged vantage point, we’ll be able to fully enjoy the evocative panorama of the “checkered sea” tinged with gold and the Bosco della Partecipanza Natural Park. - A Journey Down Memory Lane – The grand finale of the tour will take us to the Colombara Estate to visit the Ecomuseum of the Terre d’Acqua, another site of immense importance in preserving the region’s heritage.
The museum recreates the organization and daily routines of life on farms of the past, reconstructing domestic spaces, workshops, and laboratories, right down to the school for the youngest children.
An absolute must-see is the visit to the Mondines’ Dormitory, a remarkable testament to a slice of life for thousands of women who flocked to the “rice triangle” from all over northern Italy.
At the end of the tour, the day will conclude with free time to continue exploring the city center on your own, which is coming alive with Risò—the International Rice Festival—its Village, its pavilions, and its events.
Transportation: GT buses from Vercelli, Turin, and Milan
Time and meeting point:
- Vercelli: 10:00 a.m. – in front of the train station
- Turin: 8:30 a.m. – Corso Bolzano
- Milan: 8:30 a.m. – Lampugnano Bus Terminal (MM1 Red Line), Via G. Natta
Scheduled return: For Turin and Milan, departure from Vercelli at 7:00 p.m.
Includes:
- GT bus
- Licensed guide
- Rice tasting
- Admission fees