Piedmont: Land of Barolo and Barbera
Piedmont: Land of Barolo and Barbera
Tour Overview
Discover the enchanting region of Piedmont, Italy, renowned for its exquisite Barolo and Barbera wines. This self-guided walking tour invites you to savor local wines, cheeses, sweets, and the famous white truffles. Wander through picturesque vineyards and hazelnut forests, and enjoy the tranquility of Piedmont's serene walking paths. Stay in charming, family-run accommodations, including 2-4 star hotels and agriturismos, where you can relish the region's outstanding cuisine. The journey begins in the medieval city of Alba and concludes in the quaint town of Cortemilia, offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, and gastronomy. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Alba
Location: Alba
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Alba
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will make your own way to the first hotel in Alba. Alba is the heart of Piedmont wine country. It is a captivating medieval city of a “hundred towers” and a treasure trove of flavours and aromas. After checking in, go out for a walk to explore the town and perhaps stop in one of its many pastry shops to treat yourself to the sweet tastes of the region. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Transfer To Roddi, Walk To Vergne Enjoying Wine Tastings Along The Way (4 Or 3.5Hrs)
Location: La Morra
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Vergne or Barolo
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will be transferred to Roddi, where you will start your walk. Today you will cross several hills until you reach the rustic hilltop village of La Morra. En route there are several wine tasting options. On clear days you can see the Alps and Mt Monviso that stays snow-capped until the beginning of summer. In La Morra you can visit the Ratti Museum to learn about the history, tradition and art of the good wine. You can stop at Cantina Comunale (closed on Tuesdays) which has a wide selection of wines to taste and buy, and also a lot of videos on local wines and gastronomy. From La Morra you continue to the hamlet of Vergne.
Today's walk can be shortened by about 4km by taking a transfer to Verduno instead of Roddi. Depending on hotel availability you will stay overnight in either Vergne or Barolo. This will be confirmed in your hotel list.
Walk: overnight Vergne (4hrs) 15km/9.5mi, +509m/1670ft, -383m /1257ft, or overnight Barolo (3.5hrs) 13km/8 mi, +446m/1463ft, -409m/1341ft.
Day 3 : Walk To Monforte D'alba Via The Wine Capital Of Barolo (4 Or 3Hrs)
Location: Monforte d'Alba
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Monforte d'Alba
Meals Included: Breakfast
On today’s walk from Vergne to Monforte d’Alba you’ll pass by the old village of Novello, with its Middle Aged tower, and the wine capital Barolo. Spend some time exploring the recently opened WiMu Wine Museum located in the Castello dei Marchesi Faletti, and you can stop for lunch at one of the great local trattorias. From here the walk continues through vineyards and forests and leads you to Monforte d’Alba, a nice hilltop village where you will stay overnight.
Walk: 12km/7,5mi from Vergne or 8km/5mi from Barolo, +447m/1467ft, -390m/1280ft.
Day 4 : Ascend Through Hazelnut Forests To Cissone (5Hrs)
Location: Cissone
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Cissone
Meals Included: Breakfast
The landscape today is far more varied than on the previous days as you leave the vineyards behind. As you walk you'll climb through tidy hazelnut forests and wild woods surrounding the ancient hamlet of Serralunga d’Alba. From here a steep climb brings you to Roddino, then a long descent takes you to the final climb up to Cissone. Overnight in Cissone.
Walk: 15km/9.3mi, +806m/2644ft, -665m/2181ft.
Day 5 : Short Loop Walk Around Cissone (3Hrs)
Location: Cissone
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Cissone
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you can choose to relax in the centre of the village and enjoy a glass or two of local wine from a traditional cantina. Or you can choose to take a short circular walk in the surroundings of Cissone. As you walk you can unwind and admire the splendid views from the farms. The scenery is embroidered with vineyards and dotted with towers and castles. Overnight in Cissone.
Walk: 8km/4.9mi, +280m/918ft, -315m/1033ft
Day 6 : Walk From Cissone To Cravanzana (5-6Hrs)
Location: Langhe
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Cravanzana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will walk in the spectacular high Langhe area. The landscape of this area around Cissone is characterised by hazelnut forests and oak trees. This is also the area where the most precious of the local treasures can be found - the ‘Tuber Magnatum’, also known as ‘the white truffle of Alba’. If you don’t find any underground, you are sure to find these delicious truffles in a local restaurant. Overnight in Cravanzana.
Walk: 20km/12.5mi, +600/1969ft, -665m/21824ft.
Option to shorten by 6.5km with a transfer (arranged and payable locally).
Day 7 : Walk Through The Home Of The White Truffle To Cortemilia (5Hrs)
Location: Cortemilia
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Cortemilia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Both the landscape and the walk today are varied. En route you will visit the villages of Torre Bormida and Bergolo. The walk to these villages is through hazelnut plantations and dense chestnut woods, and you'll walk on broad forest paths, small grassy trails and narrow cobbled streets until you reach the town of Cortemilia. Overnight in Cortemilia.
Walk: 13km/8mi, +450m/1476ft, -790ft/2592ft.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Location: Cortemilia
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes this morning in Cortemilia after breakfast. We can assist with a private transfer from Cortemilia to Alba station, or to Turin airport on request, please ask for our rates.
Note: buses do not operate from Cortemilia on Sundays and a private transfer is required.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 2-4 star hotels and agriturismos -
7 breakfasts: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices
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7 nights in 2 to 4 star hotels and Agriturismo on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities - hotel tax extra
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Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and route book
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Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
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Private transfer on day 2
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Emergency hotline
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Travel to Alba and from Cortemilia
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
What's Not Included
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Items of a personal nature including drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet and laundry etc.
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Lunch, dinner and drinks daily. Allow approx EUR15-20 for each dinner and EUR5 for a picnic lunch
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Entrance fees (museums, galleries etc.)
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Guide - this is a self guided tour
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Tourist Tax - allow €1-2 per day - payable directly to each hotel
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Lunch, dinner and drinks daily. Allow approx EUR25-35 for each dinner and EUR10 for a picnic lunch
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Entrance fees
Accommodation
7 nights in 2-4 star hotels and agriturismos. During the trip selected 2 to 4* star hotels are used in the larger towns, while in the villages and countryside we use cosy, friendly ‘agriturismo’ (farmhouses) and inns, some which are quite renowned for their cuisine. In all the accommodation the rooms have private bathrooms and a good Italian breakfast is included each morning. Throughout the trip there are plenty of opportunities to taste both the outstanding local cuisine and a wide array of prestigious regional wines. ...more ...less
Grading
The walking is graded introductory to moderate (2). Daily walks are between 12 and 20km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from vineyard trails, uneven footpaths, mule tracks and small gravel roads (strade bianche). The trails through the vineyards can be slippery, muddy and heavy-going when wet or after it has rained. The trails do not always have markings. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. ...more ...less
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.
Mode of Transport
Travel to Alba and from Cortemilia. Private transfer on day 2. Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage. A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in 2 to 4-star hotels and agriturismos. In larger towns, selected 2 to 4-star hotels are used, while in villages and the countryside, cosy, friendly 'agriturismo' (farmhouses) and inns are provided. All accommodations have private bathrooms and include a good Italian breakfast each morning. ...more ...less
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Are there any wine tasting opportunities during the tour?
Yes, there are several wine tasting opportunities throughout the tour. For example, on Day 2, you can enjoy wine tastings along the walk from Roddi to Vergne. Additionally, in La Morra, you can visit the Cantina Comunale, which offers a wide selection of wines to taste and buy. ...more ...less
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, which are usually continental and include breads, tea, coffee, and juices. Other meals such as lunch and dinner are not included, and you should allow approximately EUR15-20 for each dinner and EUR5 for a picnic lunch.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided walking holiday. You will receive a digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps and a route book to help you navigate.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, a water bottle, lunch supplies, a mobile phone, and sun protection.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
The walking is graded as introductory to moderate (2). Daily walks range between 12 and 20km on well-marked trails over diverse terrain, including vineyard trails, uneven footpaths, mule tracks, and small gravel roads. The trails can be slippery and muddy when wet, and they do not always have markings.
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What happens if I need to skip a stage of the walk?
If you need to skip a stage, transfers by taxi or public transport are available, although these are not included in the tour price and will need to be arranged and paid for locally.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, there are several additional costs to be aware of, including travel insurance (mandatory), tourist tax (allow €1.50-3 per day, payable directly to each hotel), entrance fees not listed as included, and any items of a personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet, and laundry.
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What is the landscape like during the walks?
The landscape varies throughout the tour. You will walk through beautiful vineyards, hazelnut forests, and oak tree areas. The scenery includes tidy hazelnut forests, wild woods, and dense chestnut woods. You will also pass through rustic hilltop villages and towns with medieval architecture.
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What happens on the last day of the tour?
The trip concludes in Cortemilia after breakfast on the last day. You can request assistance for a private transfer from Cortemilia to Alba station or to Turin airport, but please note that buses do not operate from Cortemilia on Sundays, so a private transfer will be required.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Piedmont: Land of Barolo and Barbera
8 Days Starting in Alba, Italy and ending in Cortemilia, Italy
Visiting: Alba, La Morra, Monforte d'Alba, Cissone, Langhe, Cortemilia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LBO
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided