Vineyards of Barolo Walk, Italy

On this independent hotel-to-hotel walking holiday you explore the beautifully tranquil Langhe region of Piedmont – a gastronomic gem quietly tucked into Italy’s north-western corner. Undiscovered by most tourists, the countryside is a glorious mix of gently rippling, wave-shaped hills cloaked by layers of vines, sunflowers and oak forests, crowned with honey-hued hamlets and imposing Savoy castles.

Your route starts and ends in Benevello, nestling in the hazelnut-clad Alta Langa hills, from where you follow the limpid Tanaro river before climbing through a string of hamlets to Diano d’Alba, an atmospheric village with balcony views. It’s then on to Castiglione Falletto, dominated by its distinctive 11th century castle. As you approach beautiful Monforte d’Alba, whose ochre-coloured houses seem to cling enchantingly to the hillside, you visit Barolo, home of the revered eponymous wine.

Distances are reasonably short, leaving plenty of time to try the many regional specialities en-route. This rich and fertile land produces some of Italy’s finest foods and wine – from robust Barolo and sweet Moscato to aromatic white truffles, crunchy hazelnuts and tangy cheeses.

This is all complemented by our carefully picked hotels, most with pools, and full of contrasts – from Luca’s rural agriturismo, surrounded by vines from which his family have made wine for over 100 years, to Stefania’s charming hotel from where views stretch from the terrace as far as the snow-dusted Alps making dining here unforgettable.