Gently rolling lands between Gavi and Dolcetto

After km.1,5 (km.3) we turn left onto the Castellone road, a panoramic route between estates and vineyards in the direction of Serravalle Scrivia. At the crossroads (km.6.5) we turn left towards Monterotondo, descending into the woods, we pass in front of the LA RAIA estate, and we climb steeply for about a kilometer up to Monterotondo (km.10 – 315 m asl), site of famous wine houses.

We proceed towards Gavi and after three kilometers of ups and downs we arrive at the plain, seeing the imposing fort at the top on the right, until we cross the provincial road from Serravalle towards Gavi (km.13). We turn right and enter In addition to the fort, the medieval gate and gate are worth a visit. We go out in the direction of San Cristoforo; turning left on the bridge over the Lemme, we see the sanctuary of the Madonna della Guardia high up. 19 – m.300 above sea level).

Before the end of the village, turn right towards Novi Ligure and then immediately left onto the beautiful Rondanino road, along the coast among the vineyards for about 5 kilometers until you meet the road to Francavilla. We turn right and go down quickly; we cross the Lemme, we enter Francavilla Bisio and we take the road that goes up to the Castle and then, in three kilometres, takes us to Tassarolo (km.30).

We go back to the church of San Defendente and we turn right for , onto a dirt road which runs alongside the golf courses and which takes us to the road which, in two bends, goes up to the village, which preserves evidence of the Napoleonic era. On leaving the town, in the direction of Novi, we make a stop at the ancient parish church of San Martino (7th century), drinking at the source (km.35). We continue on the provincial road and in three kilometers we return to Novi Ligure. In all about 40 kilometres.

(By Caludio Pasero and Daniela Pestarino)