DAY 1
Arrive in Alba
Turin is the closest airport (2h) but Milan Malpensa (3-4h) is served by more flights. Alba is a captivating medieval city of a “hundred towers”. A treasure chest of flavours and aromas located in the heart of Piedmont wine country.
The cobbled streets of Alba are lined with chic bars and boutiques and the restaurant scene is second to none. The Ferrero Rocher factory on the edge of town makes some of the world’s best selling chocolate but for areal treat dive into one of the divine little pastry shops.
Overnight: Hotel Savona**** or Hotel Lange***
Ideally located in the heart of Alba the hotels we use are big on service, style and sumptuous food. A great way to start your trip and serious foodies should consider adding an extra night in Alba to sample a couple more of the outstanding restaurants.
DAY 2
Grinzane Cavour to Vergne-Barolo
A short taxi transfer brings you to the magnificent Castle of Grinzane Cavour. Situated on a commanding hill it houses a wonderful museum dedicated to the white truffle. This is where your walk begins.
The trail meanders over hills and through valleys, passing the rustic hilltop village of La Morra before you reach reach Vergne-Barolo. Leave yourself plenty of time because both the Cantina Comunale di Morra and Vajra winery in Vergne offer wine tastings en route.
Walk 1: 16 km, 6 hrs, 650 ascent, 240m descent
Walk 2: 12 km, 5 hrs, 500 ascent, 200m descent
Overnight: Agriturismo Cà San Ponzio or Hotel Barolo
DAY 3
Vergne-Barolo to Monforte d’Alba
Today is dedicated to the appreciation of Barolo wine. Leaving Vergne you soon reach the beautiful old village of Novello, with its tower dating from the Middle Ages. Shortly thereafter you reach the wine capital of Barolo, where this famous wine is produced. The wonderful Castello dei Marchesi Faletti, complete with museum dedicated to Barolo, is the perfect place to while away a few hours.
Your walk continues through immaculate vineyards and hazelnut forests to the charming hilltop village of Monforte d’Alba. With a square packed with cantinas and restaurants the biggest challenge for the day is deciding where to eat.
Walk 1: 8km, 3 hrs, 300m ascent, 200m descent
Walk 2: 12km, 4 hrs, 350m ascent, 250m descent
Overnight: Hotel Grappolo d’Oro
A comfortable and modern hotel located right on the town square and well known for its excellent restaurant.
DAY 4
Monforte d’Alba to Cissone
Today you can look forward to a thoroughly rewarding walk through the varied landscape of the Langhe hills. The path winds through vineyards, hazelnut plantation and tranquil woods, discovering the ancient hamlet of Serralunga d’Alba along the way.
The afternoon brings a long climb to Roddino, a long descent and then a final short climb to your splendidly located agriturismo in Cissone.
Walk 1: 12km, 5 hrs, 470m ascent, 250m descent
Walk 2: 15km, 4 hrs, 590m ascent, 470m descent
Overnight: Agriturismo Balcone sulle Langhe
Enjoying the most wonderful rural location this beautifully restored farmhouse enjoys wonderful vistas over the Langhe Hills. Offering simple but comfortable accommodation and delicious home cooked meals it is the ideal escape.
DAY 5
Circular walk from Cissone
The landscape surrounding Cissone is a patchwork of vineyards sprinkled with towers and castles. Enjoy a circular walk through this delightful corner of Piedmont, perhaps stopping for a glass of local wine from a traditional cantina in the centre of the village.
Walk: 8km, 3 hrs, 300m ascent, 300m descent
Overnight: Agriturismo Balcone sulle Langhe
DAY 6
Cissone to Cravanzana
You will notice the landscape changing today as you walk into the higher part of the Langhe Hills.
Characterised by hazelnut forests and steep slopes covered with huge oak trees this is where you also find the treasure of the Langhe: the precious ‘Tuber Magnatum’, also known as ‘the white truffle of Alba’. Don’t worry if you don’t find it on your walk because it is sure to feature on the menu this evening.
Walk: 13/18km, 5/7 hrs, 450/550m ascent, 550/650m descent
Overnight: Ristorante Albergo Da Maurizio**
Wonderful food, a wine list of 250 labels and simple rooms. This charming 2* restaurant with rooms has been run by the Robaldo family since 1902. Cheese lovers will particularly appreciate the choice of 25—30 local Piedmont cheeses offered.
DAY 7
Cravanzana to Cortemilia
Today you can look forward to a lovely relaxed walk from Cravanzana to Cortemilia, passing the charming villages of Torre Bormida and Bergolo on the way. The path winds through hazelnut plantations, dense chestnut woods and narrow paved streets. A walk as delightfully varied as the landscape itself.
Walk: 12km, 5 hrs, 380m ascent, 680m descent
Overnight: Villa San Carlo
The three star Hotel Ristorante Villa San Carlo, run by the Zarri family, is located in the heart of Cortemilia. With 21 comfortable rooms, a large garden with swimming pool and the most fabulous restaurant you won’t want to leave.
DAY 8
Depart Cortemilia
Your holiday ends after breakfast. A local bus runs from Cortemilia to Alba daily except on Sundays. You can also book a taxi to take you to Alba.
Additional Nights and Extensions
You can add additional nights at any point along the walk or elsewhere in Italy.
Tailor Made Holidays
We are always more than happy to tailor our standard itineraries to suit. Just let us know what you would like and we will be happy to arrange your tailor made holiday.
Grade & Fitness
This walking tour is graded Easy to Moderate. The walks are through vineyards and along uneven footpaths, mule tracks and small gravel roads (strade bianche). The trails through the vineyards can get slippery, muddy and heavy-going when wet or after it has rained. Daily walks are of 3 to 7 hrs with an average ascent and descent of 300 - 400m. On most days there is an easier option walk in which case the longest day would be five hours and most days 3 to 4.5 hours.
Navigation
Some of the walks on this trip are way marked but many are not and you will need to follow the route notes and maps supplied.
Accommodation
The accommodation on this walk is a combination of charming family run three star hotels in the larger towns and cosy and friendly agriturismo in the countryside. Many are renowned for their excellent cuisine and all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and an authentic experience.
Alternate Accommodation
During high season, or when your stay falls on a closing day, you might be booked into a different accommodation which is not listed in the description. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard as those described.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Solo Walkers
This holiday is available for solo walkers but we would recommend that you are more experienced in walking and navigating alone. If you are travelling solo the holiday is more expensive as some costs are not shared.
Meals
A delicious breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included. Most accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch - this should be requested on arrival. Or you can pick up lunch in the village or stop along the trail. Your route notes have details for each day. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby bars, cafes and restaurants.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
Transfers
A local taxi transfers is included on day 2 from Alba to the start of your walk. We can book a transfer from Cortemilia to Alba for you at additional charge.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful. Don't hesitate to contact one of our Italy specialists if you have any further queries.
How fit do I need to be?
This walking holiday is graded easy to moderate and involves between three and seven hours of walking each day. On the longer days there is always a shorter option available but the minimum daily walk is three hours.
When is the best time of year?
The walking in fabulous from April through November but October to early November is high season for Truffles and the Truffle Festival in Alba over the weekends is a real highpoint.
July and August can be hot so you will have to start early to miss the heat of the day, although the towns and villages are buzzing which is great.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this area is extremely popular. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans so just ask.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc.
Which is the best airport?
Turin is the closest but Milan Linate and Malpensa are served by more flights.
