Panoramic view of Monforte d'Alba  in the Langhe
Panoramic view of Monforte d'Alba  in the Langhe

Langhe, Barolo to Barbaresco

Level
2
Distance
82 km
Duration
8 days | 7 nights
period
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
price from
€ 844
CO2 footprint
161 Kg/person
  1. Italy
  2.  | 
  3. Self-Guided
  4.  | 
  5. Tourcode ITSW290

Known as a food and wine paradise for its distinctive white truffles, gourmet cheeses, the best hazelnuts in Italy and prestigious wines, Piedmont has many delicious reasons to merit this title. In fact, the entire region is a true paradise, but perhaps the Langhe and Barolo are its most delightful destinations: tucked between the Alps and the Apennines, these areas are pilgrimage destinations for food and wine lovers all over the globe. But we invite you to explore them on foot: walking among the undulating hills covered with rows of vineyards, dotted with villages, castles, and feudal towers makes the landscape even more captivating.

This journey follows the path of the Bar to Bar, connecting two of the finest wine places par excellence through enchanting landscapes, welcoming villages and endless labels to taste: our journey begins in Alba, the city of truffles, and takes us through hilltop villages, old taverns, farmhouses and vineyards, passing by the charming villages of Barolo and Barbaresco and the wines that have made their names famous throughout the world.

Highlights

  • Try the infinite selection of incredible wines, cheese, sweets and chocolates to taste along the way;
  • Walk through vineyards and groomed hazelnut forests;
  • Treat yourself with a truffle meal;
  • On clear days admire the spectacular views of the snow capped alps.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Alba

Arrive in Alba

Arrive in Alba, the heart of Piedmont wine country, a captivating medieval city of a “hundred towers” and a treasure chest of flavours and aromas. You can wander through the cobbled streets, climb up a tower to admire the beautiful view or just tempt your sweet tooth in a pastry shop.

Day 2

From Barolo to Monforte via Novelli, 8 km

From Barolo to Monforte via Novelli, 8 km

A morning transfer brings you to Barolo, where you should not miss a visit to the wine museum in the imposing castle. From Barolo here you pick up the official Bar to Bar route and following a short and easy walk takes you to the village of Novello. Continues on to the picturesque town of Monforte set on a hillside with narrow winding streets lined with stone houses and several great places to eat and taste some of Italy’s best wines.

Distance: 8 km

Elevation gain: +440/-200 m

Day 3

From Monforte to Cissone via Roddino, 15 km

From Monforte to Cissone via Roddino, 15 km

The first section of today’s walk brings you to the typical hamlet of Serralunga d’Alba offering great views of the typical undulating clay hill landscape covered in orderly vineyards. Continue on to Roddino for a panoramic lunch of local specialties that energise you for the final climb to the farm in Cissone.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: +806/-666 m

Day 4

From Cissone/Bossolaschetto to Cravanzana, 20 km

From Cissone/Bossolaschetto to Cravanzana, 20 km

A transfer to Bossolaschetto shortens today’s walk by 6.5km as you spend the day in pure nature. Follow country tracks and paths gradually descend to the River Balbo, from where a steep climb takes you to the opposite ridge with imposing views of the Alps and Apennine mountains on clear days. It is then through the woods till Feisoglio and finally Cravanzana. Along the way you cross the typical village of Serravalle Langhe.

Distance: 20 km

Elevation gain: +600/-665 m

Day 5

From Cravanzana to Benevello, 13,5 km

From Cravanzana to Benevello, 13,5 km

A generally easy day walk. From Cravanzana you gradually descend towards the river Belbo, to then climb back to the side of the hill leading to Montemarino. You can admire outstanding views of the Lower Langa, the Alps to the northwest and the Apennine to the southeast.

Distance: 13,5 km

Elevation gain: +550/-510 m

Day 6

From Benevello to Neive, 17 km

From Benevello to Neive, 17 km

From the Hamlet of Benevello you head back to the Bar to Bar route that runs along lovely undulating country roads and paths with no significant uphills. Large farmhouses dot the landscape producing world-class wines. Here and there, sections of forest give a change of colour to the expanse of vineyards and throughout the day, you see the Langhe area at your feet and the Alps as a backdrop. 

Distance: 17 km

Elevation gain: +250/-550 m

Day 7

From Neive to Alba, 14 km

From Neive to Alba, 14 km

This walk is once more on quiet country roads and paths, with no significant climbs. The landscape dominated by manicured vineyards, offers open views on the Langhe area and the Alps. On the way pass by the village of Barbaresco, home to great wines. From where you descend to the River Tanaro, walking through beautiful riparian forest.

Distance: 14 km

Elevation gain: +325/-225 m

Day 8

Arrivederci Alba!

Arrivederci Alba!

The trip and our services end after breakfast and depart for the airport with public transport unless you have pre-booked a private transfer with us.

Details

Is this for me?


This trip is perfect for walking in the beautiful Langhe and Barolo landscape, with the chance of tasting different wines every day of the week. Hotel rooms are comfortable, and the little villages are charming and quaint. The hikes are not too challenging and you can choose between longer or shorter options, making this trip suitable for all levels. 

Included


What is included

  • 7 Nights in hotels, B&B and agriturismi with breakfast
  • luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
  • Transfer from Alba to Barolo
  • maps and detailed description of the itinerary in digital form, app
  • Telephone support 24 hours

What is not included

  • Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
  • lunches and dinners
  • visits and entrance fees - tips
  • personal expense
  • possible sojourn taxes
  • everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

  • Single room supplement
  • cancellation insurance
  • Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.
  • travel documentation in printed form (maps and detailed description of the itinerary), shipped to the first hotel

Accommodation


Hotel Calissano Alba
Hotel Calissano - Alba

The new Calissano Hotel is located near the central Piazza M. Ferrero, one of the most beautiful squares in Piedmont, known as “the drawing-room of Alba” because it is a meeting place for people from the town and surrounds.
Each year thousands of connoisseurs and tourists are attracted to this town of Roman and medieval origins by its great Wines and excellent cuisine, and the heady aroma of the White Truffle of Alba.

www.hotelcalissano.com

Hotel Grappolo d'Oro Monforte d'Alba
Hotel Grappolo d'Oro - Monforte d'Alba

Il Grappolo D'Oro is located in Piazza Umberto I, the main square in Monforte D'Alba. Rooms and apartments have a traditional design with tiled floors and wooden furniture. Services are free Wifi, TV and private bathroom. Breakfast is good. It's suggested the restaurant. 

www.grappolodoro.net

Agriturismo Balcone sulle Langhe Cissone
Agriturismo Balcone sulle Langhe - Cissone

Agriturismo Balcone sulle Langhe is located in a quiet location. Rustic rooms are comfortable, spacious and well-furnished. It's suggested the restaurant that offers traditional dishes with local products. Rooms have a balcony, fridge, kitchenette, air conditioned/heating, TV, telephone. 

balconesullelanghe.com

Hotel Da Maurizio Cravanzana
Hotel Da Maurizio - Cravanzana

Albergo Da Maurizio is set in its spacious garden surrounded by the Langhe Hills and offers rooms decorated in a classic style with balcony. Some of these are fitted with tiled floors and some have parquet floors.The hotel restaurant is very good and very appreciated. 

www.ristorantedamaurizio.net

Relais Montemarino Borgomale
Relais Montemarino - Borgomale

In an oasis of charm, few kilometers far from Alba, Relais Montemarino was crafted out of the painstaking renovation of an old nineteenth-century farmhouse. It is surrounded by Langhe's hills and it offers rooms with rustic style. All of these are well-finished, clean and welcoming with free Wifi, TV, telephone, private bathroom, heating and minibar. Breakfast is rich and various. 

www.relaismontemarino.it

Hotel Villa Lauri Neive
Hotel Villa Lauri - Neive

Villa Lauri is situated in a very good position, 10 minutes by walk from Neive's centre. It offers an external swimming pool for the summer season and a terrace overlooking vineyards surrounding. Rooms are comfortable and clean with free Wifi, air conditioning/heating, telephone, TV and private bathroom. Breakfast is very good. Staff is attentive and helpful.

www.hotelvillalauri.com

When to travel


The Langhe area has a continental temperate climate; this climate is well suited for wine-cultivation. In fact, the feature of this climatic zone in Italy is a marked temperature range, high in summer often going up to 30°C and winter minimum temperatures that usually drop below freezing. Rainfall is not very abundant, more frequently in autumn and spring, with some big storm during the summer that tends to be relatively dry. In winter the snow can make its appearance at low altitudes. There are frequent fogs and temperature inversions. The grapes used to produce top quality wines are even named after the common weather situation: moist and hazy, “nebbiolo”. The valleys are moist while the air above is clear, giving mysterious vista.

What to bring


Clothing and other items
You will need your regular walking/cycling gear, including some sort of reflective garment. For the evenings, smart outdoor style trousers (or shorts) are invaluable, as are quick-dry t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town.

Take as little as possible to avoid potentially lugging a heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs at the end of the day. Please be aware that laundromats (“Laverie”) are not common in rural areas, so plan to do handwashing of small items.

Lightweight walking shoes/ trainers
For wearing around towns & villages. They can also be a back-up pair.

Socks & underwear
Take only good quality socks with quick-dry and insulating qualities. Road test them before you go on the trip. Take a suitable quantity of underwear as washing facilities are limited.

Warm jacket, hat, gloves
Bring a fleece, Polartec or warm layers for the evenings especially in spring or autumn; be sure it is totally suitable for your needs.
A fleece jacket which blocks the wind (Wind-stopper) is the most preferable. In the summer months a lightweight jacket is suitable for evenings.
If you are cycling/walking in mountainous or coastal areas, even in the height of summer, the weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly and you should be prepared for fog, mist, rain, snow or hail at any time. Always take an extra layer with you, as well as a warm hat and gloves.

Waterproof jacket & trousers
If you are caught in heavy rain, with good waterproof clothing you should remain dry. Remember that most garments will lose their properties over time. Few will remain waterproof for more than five years and many deteriorate in three years or less. We recommend a rain jacket with a good hood and collar and waterproof or thermal walking/cycling trousers or tights.

Dress code
In general, you should wear suitable clothing when entering a church (in many places, it is considered unacceptable to go inside wearing shorts or a tank-top). We suggest that women carry a shawl to cover up bear shoulders or low-cut tops. It also comes in handy when your shoulders get sunburned!

It is considered inappropriate for men to go without a shirt / T-shirt (other than at the beach).

Trekking poles (adjustable)
Highly recommended. A pair works best, depending on what you are comfortable with. If you suffer from back or knee pain this should be considered essential. Remember to practise walking with your pole(s) on different types of terrain in the months preceding your trip.

Walking boots
The importance of good footwear cannot be stressed enough. Your boots should be sturdy and of good enough quality to handle all types of terrain. Lightweight boots, (cordura/leather boots) which have Gore-Tex or sympatex water-proofing are most suitable for this trip. They should provide good ankle protection and be well broken in. Waxing leather boots regularly prolongs their life.

Walking tops & trousers
We recommend walking trousers and shorts and quick-dry wicking t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town. Wicking T-shirts are fast drying, keep moisture away from your skin and are available at outdoor stores. You should also bring one pair of loose-fitting trousers to wear in cities and for evenings out, etc. Shorts or zip-off trousers are useful in warmer weather.

Practical info

How to arrive


You can reach Alba by train from both Turin (direct) and Milan (not direct).

Check timetables on www.trenitalia.com.

Mobile App


Use the SloWays APP for iOS and Android smart phones in combination with the written documentation provided.

The App has the detailed tracks and maps that you can use offline and without roaming. Thanks to the phone’s internal GPS, you can check your exact position on the map, so you always know exactly where you are. It also helps you self-navigate you way while travelling. More information on how to use the App inside the roadbook documents.

The navigation features include:

  • Offline navigation. Mobile data not required after initial download
  • Accurate GPS tracks
  • Autorotation of the maps
  • Daily route summary and elevation chart
  • Panorama of the track and at street level
  • Alarm and vibration that alerts you in case you go off track.
  • Emergency SMS button with position coordinates
  • Possibility to record and take georeferenced photos of problems on route alerting fellow travelers
  • Hotel information
  • Points of interest along the way
  • Historical background

Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
Wanderlust
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
© 2024 SloWays. All rights reserved.
Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486

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