the vineyard hills  of barolo valley
the vineyard hills  of barolo valley

Langhe: in Piedmont, Barbera to Barolo

Level
2
Distance
85 km
Duration
8 days | 7 nights
period
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
price from
€ 749
CO2 footprint
119 Kg/person
  1. Italy
  2.  | 
  3. Self-Guided
  4.  | 
  5. Tourcode ITSW030

Piemonte is Italy’s paradise for true connoisseurs of mouth-watering food, truffles and fabulous wines.
The Langhe region is set between the Alps and the Apennine mountains and is blessed with the fertile lands that produce the Tuber Magnatum – a prized white truffle – and some of Italy’s most prestigious red wines: the Barolo and Barbera. Discover a spectacular array of local specialties including gourmet cheeses, pastries and chocolates that are appreciated the world over.
This walking trip takes you amidst a magnificent landscape of rolling hills dotted with small picturesque villages, elegant castles and feudal towers, walking through vineyards and hazelnut forests and staying in small rural villages where the accommodation is charming and welcoming. 

Highlights

  • Try the endless selection of incredible wines, cheeses, truffle, sweets and chocolates to taste along the way
  • Walk through the vineyard and the groomed hazelnut forests
  • Enjoy the spectacular views of the snow capped Alps on clear days
  • Immerse yourself in the peace of the foot paths

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. After checking in, go out for a walk to explore the town and why not stop in one of its many divine pastry shops to tempt your palate. Treat yourself to the sweet tastes of Italy. 

Day 2

From Roddi to Barolo or Vergne, 15 km o 13 km

From Roddi to Barolo or Vergne, 15 km o 13 km

A transfer takes you to Roddi or Verduno (to shorten the walk). Crossing several hills you reach the rustic village of La Morra from where you continue to the hamlet of Vergne and on route you have several wine tasting options. On clear days you can see the Alps and Mt. Monviso that stay snow capped till the beginning of summer. 

Distance: 15 o 13 km

Elevation gain: +509/ -383 m

Day 3

From Barolo to Monforte d’Alba, 12 km o 8 km

From Barolo to Monforte d’Alba, 12 km o 8 km

Passing by the old village of Novello, with its Middle Age tower you reach the wine capital of Barolo, where this famous wine is produced. You can visit the museum in the Castello dei Marchesi Falettiand the Regional wine museum, a must for any wine connoisseur. After a varying walk through the vineyards and forests, you arrive in Monforte d'Alba, a nice hill top village.

Distance: 12 o 8 km

Elevation gain: +447/ -390 m

Day 4

From Monforte d'Alba to Cissone, 15 km

From Monforte d'Alba to Cissone, 15 km

The landscape is far more varied than on the previous days as you leave the vineyards behind and 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 from where a long descent takes you to the final climb up to Cissone

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: +806/ -665 m

Day 5

Cissone round walk, 8 km

Cissone round walk, 8 km

A glass of local wine from a traditional "cantina" in the centre of the village is a lovely way to celebrate this day of relaxing and taking it easy. After a short circular walk in the neighborhood of Cissone, unwind and admire the splendid views from the farm. The scenery is a unique spectacle, embroidered with vineyards and dotted with towers and castles.

Distance: 8 km

Elevation gain: +300/-300 m

Day 6

From Cissone to Cravanzana, 20 km o 13 km

From Cissone to Cravanzana, 20 km o 13 km

The landscape of the high Langhe area around Cissone is characterised by hazelnut forests and those slopes that are too steep to be cultivated are covered by oaks. This is also the area where you find the most precious of the local treasure: the ‘Tuber Magnatum’, also known as ‘the white truffle of Alba’ and, if you don’t find it underground, you are sure to find it at the local restaurant.

Distance: 20 km o 13 km

Elevation gain: +600/-665 m

Day 7

From Cravanzana to Cortemilia, 13 km

From Cravanzana to Cortemilia, 13 km

Today the landscape is as varied as the walk itself. You visit the villages of Torre Bormida and Bergolo that you reach crossing hazelnut plantations and dense chestnut woods using broad forest paths, small grassy trails and narrow cobbled streets until you reach the town of Cortemilia. On clear days the view on the hills and the Alps is breath-taking.

Distance: 13 km

Elevation gain: +450/-790 m

Day 8

Arrivederci Cortemilia!

Arrivederci Cortemilia!

Our services end after breakfast unless you have booked another service 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 double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and agriturismi with breakfast
  • luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
  • transfers as described in the day by day itinerary
  • maps and detailed description of the itinerary in digital form, app
  • Medical and luggage travel insurance
  • 24h phone assistance

What is not included 

  • Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
  • lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
  • 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 Savona Alba
Hotel Calissano - Alba

The 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 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 

Agriturismo Ca' San Ponzio Barolo
Agriturismo Ca' San Ponzio - Barolo

Agriturismo Ca' San Ponzio is a restored farmhouse, surrounded by serenity, peace and nature. Rustic rooms are very comfortable, spacious and well-finished. Every room has a balcony with view on a beautiful landscape on Langhe's hills. Owners are courteous and helpful. Breakfast is very good with home-made products. 

www.casanponzio.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

Villa San Carlo Cortemilia
Villa San Carlo - Cortemilia

Family-run San Carlo is located in the hilly Langhe area and it's overlooking the surrounding woods. Rooms are comfortable, spacious and clean with satellite TV, a kettle and minibar. Free Wi-Fi is available in common areas. It's suggested the restaurant. Breakfast is good. 

www.hotelsancarlo.it

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 autum n and spring, with some big storm during the summerthat 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


There are several daily trains from Turin to Alba and you need to change either in Asti or Cavallermaggiore. Timetables available on www.trenitalia.com

It is possible to book a transfer from Turin and Milan to Alba and vice versa.

On departure from Cortemilia, make your way to either Alba or Asti by bus and them reach the airports by train.

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

 
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Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486

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