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.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive at Benevello
We meet you at Cuneo train station and take you to your hotel (45 mins) in time for a swim before dinner.

Day 2 - Benevello to Grinzane Cavour 10km/7mi/3.5hr
After a short transfer you follow a gentle path alongside the clear waters of the Tanaro River, next to which pheasants and partridges rustle in the oak forest. Onto Roddi (the castle here used to house the University of Truffle Hounds!) and Grinzane Cavour with its wonderful megalithic castle with amazing views. Then it’s time for a drink on the terrace at our welcoming 4 star hotel in the village centre before dinner.

Day 3 - At Grinzane Cavour
Grinzane Cavour is an atmospheric wine town with wine tasting on offer in the village's imposing castle. Gastronomic capital, Alba is easily reached from here; explore the cobbled crimson squares and bustling porticoed streets.

Day 4 - Grinzane Cavour to Castiglione Falletto 12km/7mi/4hr
Following lush paths with hawks cruising overhead you cross the Talloria River. Then a gentle climb through holm oak to reach Serralunga d'Alba, whose 13C castle seems to surge towards the sky - you still need to cross the drawbridge to visit it. A last gentle ascent through vines takes you to Valentina's welcoming hotel in the centre of Castiglione Falletto.

Day 5 - At Castiglione Falletto
Perhaps follow a circular route today, first visiting tiny Annunziata with its frescoed chapel (and an excellent farmhouse trattoria!). Then through sun-dappled hamlets and delicate swaying vines to reach La Morra, the 'Balcony of the Langhe' - plenty of wine tasting in the bustling centre, even Julius Caesar stopped here to try some!

Day 6 - Castiglione Falletto to Monforte d'Alba 8km/5mi/2hr or 11km/7mi/4hr
Descending gently to the Talloria valley, you follow the stream's poplar-shaded path towards the ochrehued C16 castle of Barolo, which stands guard over the village's world-famous vineyards. Maybe visit panoramic Novello, a belvedere town built as a summer retreat for the residents of Alba, before continuing through fields ablaze with sunflowers to reach our elegant villa hotel at Monforte d'Alba.

Day 7 - At Monforte d'Alba
Situated in its own scented garden with views across mediaeval Monforte and beyond (even Mont Blanc on a clear day!), Villa Beccaris offers a tempting swimming pool and a sun-trap courtyard. However, there are plenty of walking choices if you're feeling more energetic with way-marked paths taking in frescoed chapels and verdant countryside.

Day 8 - Monforte d'Alba to Benevello 13km/8mi/5hr
A lift to lovely Serravalle Langhe, from where you join the Sentiero della Valle Tanaro. At first shaded by hazelnut, oak and poplar trees, you reach Albaretto della Torre dominated by its 13C Duecentesca tower. After lunch the panorama opens out with spectacular views back to Alba and the Tanaro valley as you descend gently towards Benevello. Then, it’s time for one last swim before dinner.

Day 9 - Leave Benevello

Is this holiday for you?
This is a good 2-boot walk (see Headwater’s Boot Rating System) though the distances are reasonably short; there are some reasonably challenging ascents and descents. The most challenging areas are particularly relevant when walking through vineyards, as the path is earthen underfoot. Therefore it is essential that people wear walking boots to protect their ankles and if they have weak knees, then poles would certainly be recommended. There is plenty of interest on each day so the walking is very enjoyable!

People who love fine wine and excellent food would be in heaven here! Some of the world's most revered wines come from this region and there are daily opportunities to try them.

Lovers of the Italian countryside who want to visit somewhere a bit different would like it too. The crowds still haven’t made it to Piedmont but it still has a lot to offer visitors.