Gastronomic Barolo Self-Guided Walk

Experience Overview

On this self-guided, hotel-to-hotel walking holiday, you'll explore the beautifully tranquil Langhe region of Piedmont, a gastronomic gem quietly tucked into Italy's north-western corner. Recently recognised by UNESCO, 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 majestic 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 your hotel in Fontanafredda, a renowned wine estate that was once owned by the first king of Italy! It's then on to La Morra, an atmospheric wine village known as the balcony of the Langhe for its stunning panorama over the surrounding rolling landscape. 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. This rich and fertile land produces some of Italy's finest food and wine, from robust Barolo and sweet Moscato to aromatic white truffles (exclusive to Alba), crunchy hazelnuts and tangy cheeses. This is all complemented by our carefully picked hotels, often with pools, and full of character and contrasts, from a gorgeous wine estate that was once owned by Italian royalty in Fontanafredda, to a beautifully restored 19th century family villa, complete with its own converted chapel and superb restaurant in Benevello.
Trip For You
This self-guided walking holiday is ideal for independent travellers who enjoy exploring at their own pace, with the reassurance of pre-arranged accommodation, route guidance and local support. Activity Level: 3 (Moderate) For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us. Route: 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 Grinzane Cavour where you'll enjoy gorgeous balcony views from the hotel terrace! It's then on to Castiglione Falletto, dominated by its distinctive C11 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 food and wine, from robust Barolo and sweet Moscato to aromatic white truffles (exclusive to Alba), crunchy hazelnuts and tangy cheeses. Navigation: Headwater Navigation App How Your Self-Guided Holiday Works This self-guided trip is operated by our sister company, Headwater. You’ll travel independently and at your own pace using the Headwater Navigation App, which provides expertly curated routes and directions, along with a 24-hour emergency assistance number should you need support. As there is no tour leader or organised group, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to travel at your own pace while following the planned itinerary. Headwater are specialists in self-guided active holidays with more than 40 years of experience.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader.  Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts and 4 gastronomic evening meals. Italian food is one of the country’s most revered exports and Piedmont is a region that won’t disappoint gastronomes! The cuisine is a fusion of the best of Italian and French food. However, the region’s rural nature means that dishes are predominantly simple but use exceptional quality and flavoursome ingredients. Piedmont’s wine is famous throughout the world, and justifiably so. The most famous are the wines of the Langhe, which produces Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, Barbera as well as whites such as Asti and Moscato.
Transportation
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you. Transfers will be in a taxi or minibus. There are private transfers after breakfast on days 2 and 8.
Joining Instructions
The tour itself normally begins at the start hotel in Benevello on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Please speak to your sales representative to discuss flight times and routes, as there are several options into Milano Malpensa or Turin followed by a transfer of around two hours. It is possible to add arrival and departure airport transfers tailored to your flight times at a supplement, or upgrade to business class seats. Your sales representative will be happy to discuss all of the details with you.
Weather Information
The trips run from May through to October. In the early and late departures you will need to be prepared for slightly lower temperatures, with highs of 23 degrees in May and 20 in October. There is more chance of rain in October, but the trip only runs into the early part of the month. In July and August the temperatures are likely to reach highs of 28/9 degrees celcius, there will still be the chance of rain, but it will be reduced. Facilities in some of the hotels such as the pools may not be available for early and late season departures.
Spending Money
You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per day. On the days where lunch or dinner is not included expect to spend €10-€15 for lunch and €15-€35 for dinner.

Highlights