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2
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 2-4 star hotels and agriturismos
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£840GBP

Overview

Trip Code: LBO

Trip highlights


  • Sample incredible local wines, cheeses, sweets and chocolates
  • Try the famous white truffles which this region is renowned for
  • Walk through beautiful vineyards and hazelnut forests
  • Enjoy staying in small, comfortable, family-run accommodation
  • Experience the quiet walking paths of Piedmont

For true connoisseurs of mouth-watering food, truffles and fabulous wines, the Italian region of Piedmont is a foodie's paradise. Situated between the Alps and the Apennine mountains, the Langhe region is naturally blessed with fertile lands that produce the Tuber Magnatum - a prized white truffle - as well as some of Italy's most prestigious red wines: the Barolo and Barbera. This walking trip along the quiet footpaths in Piedmont will allow you to discover a tantalizing array of local specialties including gourmet cheeses, pastries and chocolates that are appreciated the world over. While the food is worth a visit alone, the walking can also be described as mouth-watering. Hike amidst a magnificent landscape of rolling hills dotted with small picturesque villages, elegant castles and feudal towers. On a clear day the views of the snow-capped Alps can be enjoyed while walking through the delightful vineyards and hazelnut forests. Each night you'll stay in small rural villages, where the accommodation is charming and welcoming.

Countries:

Italy

Starting Point:

Alba

Finishing Point:

Cortemilia


Today you will make your own way to the first hotel in Alba. Alba is the heart of Piedmont wine country. It is a captivating medieval city of a “hundred towers” and a treasure trove of flavours and aromas. After checking in, go out for a walk to explore the town and perhaps stop in one of its many pastry shops to treat yourself to the sweet tastes of the region.

Meals:  Nil

This morning you will be transferred to Roddi, where you will start your walk. Today you will cross several hills until you reach the rustic hilltop village of La Morra. En route there are several wine tasting options. On clear days you can see the Alps and Mt Monviso that stays snow-capped until the beginning of summer. In La Morra you can visit the Ratti Museum to learn about the history, tradition and art of the good wine. You can stop at Cantina Comunale (closed on Tuesdays) which has a wide selection of wines to taste and buy, and also a lot of videos on local wines and gastronomy. From La Morra you continue to the hamlet of Vergne. Today's walk can be shortened by about 4km by taking a transfer to Verduno instead of Roddi. Depending on hotel availability you will stay overnight in either Vergne or Barolo. This will be confirmed in your hotel list. Walk: overnight Vergne (4hrs) 15km/9.5mi, +509m/1670ft, -383m /1257ft, or overnight Barolo (3.5hrs) 13km/8 mi, +446m/1463ft, -409m/1341ft.

Meals:  B

On today’s walk from Vergne to Monforte d’Alba you’ll pass by the old village of Novello, with its Middle Aged tower, and the wine capital Barolo. Spend some time exploring the recently opened WiMu Wine Museum located in the Castello dei Marchesi Faletti, and you can stop for lunch at one of the great local trattorias. From here the walk continues through vineyards and forests and leads you to Monforte d’Alba, a nice hilltop village where you will stay overnight. Walk: 12km/7,5mi from Vergne or 8km/5mi from Barolo, +447m/1467ft, -390m/1280ft.

Meals:  B

The landscape today is far more varied than on the previous days as you leave the vineyards behind. As you walk you'll climb through tidy hazelnut forests and wild woods surrounding the ancient hamlet of Serralunga d’Alba. From here a steep climb brings you to Roddino, then a long descent takes you to the final climb up to Cissone. Overnight in Cissone. Walk: 15km/9.3mi, +806m/2644ft, -665m/2181ft.

Meals:  B

Today you can choose to relax in the centre of the village and enjoy a glass or two of local wine from a traditional cantina. Or you can choose to take a short circular walk in the surroundings of Cissone. As you walk you can unwind and admire the splendid views from the farms. The scenery is embroidered with vineyards and dotted with towers and castles. Overnight in Cissone. Walk: 8km/4.9mi, +280m/918ft, -315m/1033ft

Meals:  B

Today you will walk in the spectacular high Langhe area. The landscape of this area around Cissone is characterised by hazelnut forests and oak trees. This is also the area where the most precious of the local treasures can be found - the ‘Tuber Magnatum’, also known as ‘the white truffle of Alba’. If you don’t find any underground, you are sure to find these delicious truffles in a local restaurant. Overnight in Cravanzana. Walk: 20km/12.5mi, +600/1969ft, -665m/21824ft. Option to shorten by 6.5km with a transfer (arranged and payable locally).

Meals:  B

Both the landscape and the walk today are varied. En route you will visit the villages of Torre Bormida and Bergolo. The walk to these villages is through hazelnut plantations and dense chestnut woods, and you'll walk on broad forest paths, small grassy trails and narrow cobbled streets until you reach the town of Cortemilia. Overnight in Cortemilia. Walk: 13km/8mi, +450m/1476ft, -790ft/2592ft.

Meals:  B

The trip concludes this morning in Cortemilia after breakfast. We can assist with a private transfer from Cortemilia to Alba station, or to Turin airport on request, please ask for our rates. Note: buses do not operate from Cortemilia on Sundays and a private transfer is required.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices
  • 7 nights in 2 to 4 star hotels and Agriturismo on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities - hotel tax extra
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and route book
  • Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
  • Private transfer on day 2
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Alba and from Cortemilia
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Wine tastings
  • Tourist Tax - allow €1.50-3 per day - payable directly to each hotel
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

The walking is graded introductory to moderate (2). Daily walks are between 12 and 20km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from vineyard trails, uneven footpaths, mule tracks and small gravel roads (strade bianche). The trails through the vineyards can be slippery, muddy and heavy-going when wet or after it has rained. The trails do not always have markings. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 15 Nov (except August)

Notes

Note:
For a 6 day version of this walk, see trip code LBH for details.
1
A supplement applies from 15 Sep to 15 Nov to start the trip on a Friday or Saturday

Priceper person from

£840GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Supplement for Fri & Sat arrivals 15 Sep-15 Nov - twinshare ppGBP£21
  • Supplement for Fri & Sat arrivals 15 Sep-15 Nov - singleGBP£40
  • Single supplementGBP£280
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£420
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


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