Vineyards of Barolo Walk

• Spectacular walking in undiscovered Italy; vineyard paths, sun-dappled hamlets and Savoy castles
• Wonderfully varied hotels: an elegant C18 villa, a rural retreat and a stunningly converted village town house
• Panoramic swimming pools 4 nights out of 8
• Excellent cuisine - prepared with passion and pride - and world famous wines
• Visit the beautiful village of Barolo - taste 'the king of wines'

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 Grinzane Cavour - gorgeous balcony views from the hotel terrace! It's then on to Castiglione Falletto, dominated by its distinctive 11C 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 (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 Serena's friendly, family run hotel in the centre of Castiglione Falletto, to a beautifully restored 19C family villa, complete with its own converted chapel. The hotel restaurant in Benevello gained a Michelin star in 2011.