Walking the Wine Villages of Piedmont

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.
Profile
— 8 Nights, hotel-to-hotel — 4 Days walking with an optional walk on day 5 — Departs on selected Wednesdays and Fridays — Route directions and maps provided — Luggage transfers between hotels — Walking transfers — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
At a Glance
— 8 Nights, hotel-to-hotel — 4 Days walking with an optional walk on day 5 — Departs on selected Wednesdays and Fridays — Route directions and maps provided — Luggage transfers between hotels — Walking transfers — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Trip For You
Activity level: Leisurely/Moderate This is a self-guided tour, as such there will be no group or tour leader and you are free to complete the walks at your own pace. Please bear in mind that although this is a self-guided holiday, the atmosphere in the hotels tends to be quite social and they will sometimes place walkers together at breakfast and dinner. We have suggested that 8yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. 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.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local agent is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. 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. 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. Themost famous are the wines of the Langhe, which produces Barolo,Barbaresco, Dolcetto, Barbera as well as whites such as Asti andMoscato.
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 begins at the start hotel in Benevello on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary.
Transfer Details
Air prices include our standard flights/transfers Out: British Airways Heathrow to Milan Malpensa then transfer to hotel 2 hours 10 minutes Return: Transfer to airport 2 hours 10 minutes British Airways Milan Malpensa to Heathrow Business/club/first class seats are available on request. Airport transfers are available at a supplement for land only bookings.
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