Piedmont

Welcome to Alba – a medieval jewel famed for its ‘hundred towers’. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Piedmont’s wine country, Alba is steeped in history and bursting with flavour, making it a haven for anyone who loves fine food, wine, and authentic Italian charm.

Once you’ve settled into your comfortable hotel, take a leisurely stroll along cobbled streets, pop into bustling cafés, and indulge in pastries fresh from artisan bakeries. Climb a historic tower to soak up sweeping views of vineyards and gently rolling hills, or wander through the local market overflowing with truffles, cheeses, and other regional delights.

Meals: Nil

After breakfast, a short transfer takes you to Verduno, the starting point for today’s walk through the rolling vineyards of Piedmont. From Verduno, meander across gentle rises as you make your way to the quaint village of La Morra, where panoramic vistas of the snow-capped Alps and Mt. Monviso await on clear days. The Ratti Museum offers a fascinating insight into the history and tradition behind Piemonte’s finest wines. For a more hands-on experience, visit Cantina Comunale (closed Tuesdays) to sample a wide selection of local wines and watch videos exploring the region’s gastronomy.

Continuing from La Morra to Barolo, the hilly path winds through picturesque vineyards – don’t forget to pause and admire the fine views! You may like to stop at the hamlet of Vergne or visit one of the local wineries along the route.

Perched among some of Italy’s most celebrated vineyards, Barolo is legendary for its eponymous red wines, historic castle, and vibrant food culture. With charming streets and panoramic vineyard views, Barolo is a town where wine heritage is woven into everyday life.

On arrival in Barolo, check into your hotel and if time and energy levels permit you may like to make an optional visit the imposing Wine Museum Castle with its unique displays, before enjoying an included tasting of some of the region’s celebrated wines nearby.

OPTION: For stronger walkers, you can extend the day by starting in Roddi instead of Verduno, adding around 4 km to the walk.

Ascent 520m / descent 425m

Meals: B

Today’s walk takes you from the celebrated wine village of Barolo to the hillside town of Monforte d’Alba along the scenic ‘Bar-to-Bar’ route. Meander through rolling vineyards and picturesque countryside with gentle climbs and descents, pausing at inviting local trattorias or wine bars to savour some of Italy’s finest wines and regional delicacies.

Friendly Novello is the home of the renowned Nascetta white wine and is worth taking some time to discover, with stunning views, nice restaurants and an impressive castle that has now been converted into a hotel.

From Novello, continue onward to Monforte d’Alba—a small medieval town known for its steep, narrow streets, stone houses, striking bell tower, and natural amphitheatre, which still hosts jazz and classical concerts.

440m ascent/200 metres descent

Meals: B

Today’s more rugged walk blends natural beauty with rich agricultural heritage and presents a change of scenery as you leave the vineyards behind and make your way through hazelnut groves and more wild woodland landscapes. 

A short morning transfer takes you to the hamlet of Serralunga d’Alba. From here, a steady climb leads you to the village of Roddino. After taking in the views and perhaps a break for lunch, tackle a long descent before the final climb up to tiny Cissone, your destination for the day. The varied terrain and panoramic vistas make this a particularly rewarding and energetic day of walking.

OPTION: For stronger walkers, you can extend the day by walking the entire way, instead of starting your walk in Serralunga d/Alba adding approx. 4-5 km to the walk (distance approx. 15km with 806m ascent/665m descent)  

630m ascent/400 metres descent 

Meals: B, D

Cissone is a tranquil, charming village on a ridge overlooking Piemonte’s rolling hills, offering fine views and a peaceful retreat. Its quiet streets, traditional stone houses, and friendly locals make it an ideal place to relax, enjoy a regional meal, and to soak up the authentic atmosphere of this beautiful part of rural northern Italy. The sunset views over the surrounding countryside are spectacular.

This morning there is the option to explore the peaceful countryside surrounding the tranquil village of Cissone on an 8km loop walk through hazelnut groves, gently rolling hills, and quiet country lanes. Along the way, discover charming farmhouses, rustic chapels, and the timeless beauty of the Langhe region with panoramic views and plenty of photo opportunities.

This afternoon enjoy an included cooking demonstration class.

300m ascent/300 metres descent

Meals: B

A short morning transfer brings you to Bossolaschetto where you begin your walk. Follow country tracks and quiet winding paths as you descend to the River Balbo. From here, a steep climb takes you up to the opposite ridge, where on clear days you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Alps and Apennine mountains. Continue through shady woodlands and peaceful hazelnut groves past Feisoglio and finally arrive in Cravanzana.

Cravanzana is a peaceful, hillside village nestled in the heart of the Langhe region, with traditional stone houses, quiet lanes, and friendly locals. Take time to unwind and savour local wines, regional cheeses, and freshly baked treats, soaking up the serene atmosphere that makes this part of Piedmont so enchanting.

OPTION: For stronger walkers, you can extend the day by walking the entire way, instead of starting your walk in Bossolaschetto, adding approx. 6km to the walking distance (distance approx. 18km 650m ascent/870m descent

550m ascent/700m descent 

Meals: B

Today you’ll walk through some of the most varied landscapes of Piedmont’s Langhe region. Leaving Cravanzana, traverse hazelnut plantations and dense chestnut woods along a mix of forest paths, grassy trails, and narrow cobbled streets. Pass through the charming villages of Torre Bormida and Bergolo, with its panoramic views. Tiny Bergolo, known as the ‘village of stone,’ is also a unique contemporary open-air art gallery, with murals, sculptures, and art works displayed on building facades and in the squares.

The route continues through rolling hills and shady forested sections, with spectacular views stretching to the snow-capped Alps on clear days, before arriving in Cortemilia. Often called the ‘hazelnut capital,’ Cortemilia sits at the junction of the Uzzone and Bòrmida Rivers, with narrow streets and traditional stone buildings offering a glimpse of local life.

Tonight, savour a special included gastronomic dinner prepared by your host who is a  renowned local restaurateur celebrated worldwide for his promotion of Italian cuisine, Piedmontese specialities, and the Slow Food movement.

 485m ascent/755m descent

Meals: B, D

After a morning transfer from Cortemilia to the hamlet of Benevello, you leave the hazelnut groves behind as you re-enter the Langhe wine country, and reconnect with the ‘Bar to Bar route’. Meander along gently undulating country paths, roads and rural trails while enjoying spectacular views across the UNESCO listed Langhe hills, with the Alps providing a magnificent backdrop on clear days. The hilly landscape is dotted with farmhouses and vineyards producing world-class wines, with occasional forested stretches to add some variety to the endless vines. 

Neive is a charming, historic hilltop village in the heart of the Langhe wine region. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with stone houses, intimate piazzas, and artisan shops that reflect Piedmont’s character and heritage. Neive is renowned for its Barbaresco wines and local cafés, enotecas and fine restaurants offer perfect opportunities to savour regional delicacies while enjoying the many sweeping views. 

 530m ascent/680m descent

Meals: B

Today’s walk from Neive through the picturesque village of Barbaresco and onward to Alba, following quiet country roads and scenic paths, making for a relaxed and enjoyable finale.

The landscape is dominated by well maintained vineyards, offering views across the Langhe hills towards the distant Alps. Take the time to stop in Barbaresco, a historic village celebrated for its exceptional wines, before descending to the River Tanaro and walking through beautiful riparian forest. The combination of rolling hills, charming villages, and vineyard vistas makes this final walk a fitting conclusion to your Piedmont Food, Wine and Walking adventure.

Your walk concludes back in Alba, where you can take a final stroll along the cobbled streets, revisit a favourite café, or pick up some last-minute souvenirs or regional delicacies including truffles, cheeses, and local wines. 

320m ascent and 425m descent

Meals: B

You are free to check out of your hotel any time before 10am. If you would like to explore further you are able to leave your bags with reception.

OPTION: We can add a pre or post extension in Turin on request at the time of booking.

Meals: B

• Accommodation with private bathrooms in approx. 3-3+*star hotels, local B&B’s or agriturismo (farmhouse style stay) 
• Breakfast daily, 2 dinners
• Wine Tasting in Barolo
• Cooking demonstration class in Cissone
• Transfer from Alba to Verduno or Roddi on day 2
• Transfer from Monforte d’Alba to Serralunga d’Alba on day 4
• Transfer from Cissone to Bossolaschetto on day 6
• Transfer from Cortemilia to Benevello on day 8
• Luggage transfers on walking days when changing hotels
• Use of GPS navigation app with PDF walk notes and maps
• 24-hour emergency support in Italy
• Pre-trip planning and guidance

• Single supplement $700
• Solo traveller surcharge (price on request)
• Lunches and dinners, except those mentioned above as included
• Luggage transfers when not changing hotels or on non walking days
• City taxes – to be paid locally in each place
• Flights
• Train tickets – at own arrangements
• Buses, local taxis and/or additional transfers if required
• Optional activity or excursion entrance fees
• Arrival or departure transfers 
• Private transfer from Turin to Alba on Day 1 or vice-versa on Day 10 if required (can be added with supplement payable)
• Travel insurance