Vineyards of Barolo Walk

General information:

This is a Independent, 8 night, walking holiday.

Rating: 2 boot

Type/Difficulty of walking
This is a good 2-boot walk with some reasonably challenging ascents and descents. Though the distances are reasonably short. 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!

Walking details:

Mainly through vineyards on earthen paths, forest trails and some asphalt sections. Walking boots are essential and poles are recommended for the ascents and desconts through the vineyards which may be uneven underfoot.

Location:

The holiday takes place in the Langhe region of Piedmont. Piedmont itself is in the north-west of Italy, bordered by France and the Italian provinces of Liguria, Lombardy and Val d'Aosta. The Langhe area of Piedmont is just south of Turin and is an area characterised by rolling countryside - the Alps form a natural border and their snow-capped peaks are often visible on the horizon.

It is a verdant area with chestnut and oak forests, hazelnut groves and - most importantly - vineyards! Some of the world's finest wines come from here, including Barbaresco, Moscato, Barolo and Nebbiolo. It is also renowned for its gastronomy - the food is excellent - especially for the very expensive white truffles which are rarely found anywhere else in the world aside from Piedmont.

The walking tour starts in Benevello, which is 10 minutes drive away from Alba, the main town in the area. We then walk to Grinzane Cavour, an atmospheric village. The walk then leads through Barolo vineyards (passing through Barolo itself) to reach Castiglione Falletto - another important wine producing town with a spectacular castle and it is then onto Monforte d'Alba before returning to Benevello.

Who would this holiday appeal to?

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.

Those who want good quality hotels - three of the hotels are of an exceptionally high standard (Villa d'Amelia, Casa Pavesi and Villa Beccaris); Casa Roagna is simple but very comfortable and has lots of wine on offer! Overall a really high standard.

Similar to which other holidays?

This holiday is similar to our Volterra to San Gimignano holiday as it has a similar focus on good wine and good food, although the walking is more challenging in Piedmont. Alternatively the Marvels of Madeira holiday would be comparable.

Possibility of non-standard departures?

Non-standard departures are not available as this is a repped region, but the holiday runs every other day.

Other details:

Meal basis: Buffet breakfast and evening meals throughout. Some evening meals are taken in local restaurants.