At a Glance
Embark on a self-guided walking adventure to the serene and enchanting wine villages of Piedmont, secluded in Italy's Northwest corner. Marvel at unsung gastronomic gems, sunbathed hamlets, savoy castles, and gorgeous countryside with hills carpeted by vines on an 8-day gastronomic Piedmont self-guided walk.
Your adventure begins with an overnight in the charming town of Benevello. Wake up the next day, and transfer to Fontanafredda to see a wine estate sandwiched amongst hills masked in vineyards and a megalithic castle en route. Trek to the village of Serralunga d'Alba, crossing the drawbridge to behold its imposing 13th-century castle, or taste wines at your hotel's cellar. Journey to Annunziata village, through a hilltop and vine region, and proceed to La Morra for its striking views. Immerse into a wine-tasting spree at La ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 8-night accommodation in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis
- All continental breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Route directions and maps provided
- 4 Days walking with an optional walk on day 5
- Walking transfers
Itinerary
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Make your way to Benevello, into the charming and welcoming ambiance of your home for the night at Relais Villa d'Amelia hotel (please note airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost from Turin Airport or Milan Linate Airport to the hotel, at an additional cost, please contact us). The hotel's setting is an immediate draw to every guest and offers insight into how fascinating the experience will be. Lodged on the ridge of a hill in Benevello, flanked by hazelnut groves, flourishing woods, and spectacular views of the Alps to boot, it is the idyllic gateway into the wine sanctuaries of Langhe. Settle into any of its 37 posh rooms replete with essential amenities such as bathtub with showers, WiFi services, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, minibars, outdoor terraces, free toiletries, and writing desks. Before bedtime, indulge recreational amenities like an infinity pool, heated pool, sauna bath, Jacuzzi, spa, and garden to feel euphoric and relaxed as you prepare for the exploration the next day. Dinner is exotic, sumptuous, and exclusive at the Dama restaurant, where Italian culinary classics and Piedmont dishes are the main offerings. The Villa d'Amelia restaurant offers an a la carte menu and opens for lunch and dinner, and meals are served with a glass of local Barolo wine, setting your first foot on the door of a thrilling wine-tasting expedition. |
Villa d'Amelia, Benevello
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Approx. 14 km (8.7 miles), 4.5 hours walking Enjoy a heartwarming a la carte breakfast courtesy of renowned chef Dennis Cesco, and brace for surprises in a day that promises to be exciting. Today, a short transfer takes you to a path along the fringes of the Tanaro River, where the waters are crystal clear and the pheasants scurry in the oak forest. This path brings you close to the sixth-longest river in Italy, the Tanaro River, which rises at the border between Piedmont and Liguria. From here, you proceed to Roddi, an ancient town in Piedmont where Barolo wine is grown. The town is remarkable for its mediaeval castle, with an undeniable presence atop a steep hill in the heart of the village. Pronounced cylindrical towers, thick walls, and small windows are features that make this castle a fortress and an iconic sight. There's also a small museum outside the castle, dedicated to the University of Truffle Dog that was formerly in the castle. The next stop is at Grinzane Cavour town in the same Cuneo province as Roddi, with another mediaeval castle that offers jaw-dropping views of the panoramic langha hills, clothed in greenery. The trek ends in Fontanafredda, a stunning wine estate, and home to the famous Fontanafredda Barolo wine, a red wine made from Nebbiolo. That's not the only catch here however, watch out for the picturesque rolling vineyards overlaying the hills and hold your breath in awe. |
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Tonight's accommodation is at the Hotel Le Case dei Conti Mirafiore, nestled among vine-covered hills. Slump into any of its 14 cosy and luxury rooms, to enjoy warm hospitality and views of the fields from your window. Leverage contemporary amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom with a bidet to refresh, relax, and wake up feeling anew. Savour mouthwatering dishes for dinner in the hotel's main dining venue - restaurant disguido that serves Italian cuisines in an a la carte menu. |
Hotel Le Case dei Conti Mirafiore, Serralunga d’Alba Breakfast |
Enjoy a luscious gourmet breakfast created on the spot by the village's chefs and get set for the magic that awaits. Start your day by tasting wines in the historic wine cellars at your hotel, once owned by Italian royalty. Move to the scenic hilly town of Serranlunga d’Alba, renowned for its 13th-century castle, one of Piedmont's most preserved noble structures. The castle towers into the sky from its hilltop location, serving as a landmark in the enchanting vine landscape of Serranlunga village. Access this castle via a drawbridge, leading you to the impressive architectural masterpiece with two towers and a chapel with adorable frescoes. Wrap up the day’s tour by visiting Alba, one of the main cities in the UNESCO-recognized Vineyard Region of Piedmont, known for its white truffles, chocolates, and wine production. The city is also the gastronomic and gourmet capital of Piedmont, implying that you must taste its vibrant food culture while here. Take a 15-minute taxi drive from Serralunga village to Alba, then trek on your way back or walk to and from. Also known as the city of a hundred towers, you’ll be stunned at the number and magnificence of the 14th and 15th-century towers here. Visit the community hall (Palazzo Comunale), the cobbled crimson square, an archaeology museum, iconic gothic chapels, piazzas (squares), and bustling porticoed streets to immerse in a phenomenal realm. Retreat to your hotel to recharge, refresh, and get set for another exhilarating experience. |
Hotel Le Case dei Conti Mirafiore, Serralunga d’AlbaBreakfast |
Approx. 15 km (9.3 miles), 4.5 hours walking Today, a palatable breakfast is enough to energise you for the wonder that lurks ahead. Begin the day with an ascent through vines to hilltop Castiglione Falletto, another wine village renowned for its quadrangular fortress set on a hill. From here, you move to the small quaint village of Annunziata marked by its superlative farmhouse trattoria and the colourful frescoed Chapel of Barolo. The town is in La Morra already as one of its subdivisions, but you have to proceed through sun-kissed townlets and vines to the main La Morra, known as the balcony of Langhe, where breathtaking views of vineyards are abundant. |
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Tonight’s accommodation is at Uve Rooms and Wine Bar, a chic boutique hotel in the Barolo wine town of La Morra, where your comfort for the night is guaranteed. Check into any of its rooms with stone walls, art interior decors, and other deluxe amenities. Get a full body massage in the hotel’s spa room to relax and sleep better or unwind at the outdoor lounge area and wine bar to enjoy cocktails, gourmet snacks and sample local wines. Visit the on-site local restaurant that features light fare for dinner before calling it a day. |
Uve Rooms and Wine Bar, La MorraBreakfast |
Wake up to a delectable breakfast, admire the jaw-dropping views from your terrace and absorb the morning sunlight before venturing into the town to explore. La Morra town in Langhe area is a scenic beauty on a hill, gazing down at picturesque vineyards. However, the view gets better from the several scenic points in the town that offer the most enchanting views of vineyards and rolling hills in Langhe, especially, the circular walk from its main piazza. You might need a camera to capture these awe-inspiring sights and complement the mental pictures compiled in your head. The town offers a plethora of wine-tasting opportunities from its city centre, which is so famous that Julio Caesar even stopped by to have some wine. If lucky, you could meet a wine festival and wholly immerse into the wine culture here. Explore the Church of San Sebastiano and its iconic tower, the Torre Campanaria di La Morra Tower, and some of the restaurants that dot the landscape to expand your experience. Retire to your hotel land socialise at the bar if you still have the energy. |
Uve Rooms and Wine Bar, La Morra Breakast |
Approx. 14 km (8.7 miles), 4.5 hours walking After breakfast this morning, bid the Uve Rooms farewell and embark on your journey to Monforte d’Alba. Start with a gentle descent to the Talloria Valley, followed by a walk around the stream's poplar-shaded path to Barolo Castle, where the globally-acclaimed wine is made. The Barolo Castle, dating back to the 16th century, stands guard of the world-famous vineyards of Monforte d'Alba, a sight as remarkable as the wines. You can proceed to your chic villa hotel at Monforte d’Alba, passing through fields replete with colourful wildflowers, or make the most of your moments here by visiting the scenic overlook town of Novello initially built to house Alba residents on summer retreat. This small hilly town is quite laid-back and quiet, but more remarkable for offering charming views of two neighbouring valleys, castle-topped hills, and the rolling vineyards of Langhe. |
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Spend the next two nights at the 18th-century Hotel Villa Beccaris, perched on a hilltop, offering exotic vistas of the elegant vineyards and countryside on Monforte d’Alba. While your stay here lasts, plunge into its outdoor pool to renew your youthful vigour with laps. Relax at the inner common areas like the Limonaia, Bar Enoteca, and meeting room to enjoy snacks, wines, and light lunches. |
Villa Beccaris, Monforte Breakfast |
The Villa Beccaris hotel is effortlessly gorgeous in its private scented garden and park, where you can unwind to the sounds of nature and the chilling breeze from the vines. Wake up to brisk sunshine and be spoilt with scintillating views of the vineyard scenery from your terrace, including the ancient Monforte countryside and beyond. On a clear day, you could spot Mont Blanc, the highest alpine mountain at 4,810 metres high. On a second option, you could explore the charming small town with narrow streets hugging the hillside, filled with colourful buildings that are picture-perfect. If you stroll around long enough, you will reach the town's historic centre around the Horszowski Auditorium, a natural amphitheatre and a church. There are also plenty of wine-tasting opportunities as you explore, and the hotel's swimming pool, luxury rooms, and amenities are waiting to reabsorb you when you are done touring. |
Villa Beccaris, MonforteBreakfast |
Approx. 16 km (9.9 miles), 5 hours walking Today, you retreat to Benevello after a special breakfast at the Villa Beccaris. Begin your emotional retreat back to where it all started by taking a lift to the scenic Serravalle Langhe to join the Sentiero della Valle Tanaro. You'll stride past regions shaded by hazelnut, oak, and poplar trees until you get to Albaretto della Torre, distinguished by its 13th-century Duecentesca tower with the same name. The tower sits on a hill between the Alba and Tanaro Valleys, and after lunch, you can enjoy the panoramic view of both valleys as you descend towards Benevello. Back at the Villa d'Amelia Hotel, you can enjoy one last swim and a tantalising dinner at the Dama restaurant before retiring to bed as your mind plunges into a mix of emotions that come with departures. |
Villa d'Amelia, Benevello Breakfast |
This morning, enjoy the views of Benevello and the spectacular ambiance of your hotel for the last time. After a hearty breakfast, pack up and bid farewell to acquaintances and hotel staff as you make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. Airport transfers can be arranged to Turin Airport, Milan Linate Airport or Milan Malpensa Airport. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Benevello
- The nearest airport to Benevello is Cuneo Airport. However, there are better options for getting to Benevello. You can take a train from Nice (NCE) to Benevello via Parc Phoenix, Nice St Augustin, Ventimiglia, Savona, and Spigno in around 5h 55m. Alternatively, FlixBus operates a bus from Bergamo to Alba 4 times a week. Alternatively, another major airport that provides convenient act access is Milan International Airport with a road transfer of approximately 2 hours 10 minutes to Benevello.
- Airport transfers are not included. Your joining location starts in your accommodation in Benevello making your own arrangements there. The journey takes approximately 2 hour 10 minutes hours by drive from Milan International Airport. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. Airport transfers can be arranged from Turin Airport or Milan Linate Airport.
Terrain
The walks are mainly through vineyards on earthen paths, forest trails and some asphalt sections. Walking boots are essential and poles are recommended for the ascents and descents through the vineyards which may be uneven underfoot.
Day 2
14 km / 8.7 miles
Day 4
15 km / 9.3 miles
Day 6
14 km / 8.7 miles
Day 8
16 km / 9.9 miles
The trips run from May through to October. In the early and late departures you will need to be prepared for slightly lower temperatures, with highs of 23 degrees in May and 20 in October. There is more chance of rain in October, but the trip only runs into the early part of the month. In July and August the temperatures are likely to reach highs of 28/9 degrees celcius, there will still be the chance of rain, but it will be reduced. Facilities in some of the hotels such as the pools may not be available for early and late season departures.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 2 Leisurely/Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
This is a self-guided tour, as such there will be no group or tour leader and you are free to complete the walks at your own pace. A local agent is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. Please note, the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
Please bear in mind that although this is a self-guided holiday, the atmosphere in the hotels tends to be quite social and they will sometimes place walkers together at breakfast and dinner.
Distances are reasonably short, leaving plenty of time to try the many regional specialties en route. This rich and fertile land produces some of Italy’s finest food and wine, from robust Barolo and sweet Moscato to aromatic white truffles (exclusive to Alba), crunchy hazelnuts and tangy cheeses.
