A weekend dedicated to discovery of rice, its use in cooking, its flavours … but also to gain knowledge of a production, which is still nowadays one of the most important in Italy. Water is an important element in the growth of this cereal and this is the reason why we included in the program a visit to a magnificent water area: the Lake District of Piedmond: Lake Maggiore and Lake of Orta.

April 28th
Arrival in the afternoon, visit the Museum Casalbeltrame L,civel. This museum is entirely dedicated to rice cultivation … accompanied by "al caminant" you will learn the true story of the campaign of Novara; how people used to live and work. Before leaving this unique land, you have to stop at Materima to admire the  oldest tree on earth, Gingko Biloba sole survivor of the class of Ginkgoinae. This specimen has a circumference of 5.85 meters and is located inside the Materima, a place with a philosophy of art and unique spaces … Definitely worth visiting!

April 29th 
After breakfast, you reach Stresa "pearl of Lake Maggiore" and your day start with a visit of the famous Borromee Islands. By a private boat you will reach Isola Bella with its Palace and gardens, Isola Pescatori the Fishermen's Island, a picturesque stroll and a light lunch, before you proceed  your journey to marvellous Isola Madre. The best way to end this incredible day is a tasty dinner in the charming tiny village of Pella, on the shores of Lake Orta.

April 30th
Today is Rice's day! We finally reach the heart of  "1st National Festival of Italian Risotto".  Event will take place in Gaglianico – Biella –  and the daily programme is divided  in 3 main areas: display and sales area, food area, information area, and conferences. During the show you will be invited to vote your favorite risotto … Every day a different region is represented in this particular cooking way:  today is Novara, on April 28th Biella, Vercelli on April 29th.

On May 1st
End of the festival and declaration of "RE RISOTTO ITALIANO 2012" Last but not least "Discover Lake Orta": the medieval town of Orta, the ancient and spiritual Isola San Giulio  and the Holy Mount "Sacro Monte di Orta".