"Those who come to the Langhe (...) are seduced and sometimes irrevocably won by the beauty of its landscape, the ancient grace of its towns and the modus vivendi of its people, firmly determined, yet ever ready to grasp the flower of happiness with an unexpectedly gentle hand." Danilo Manera
Join us on this distinctive walking tour of the Langhe region of Piemonte (a.k.a. Piedmont), universally recognized as one of the most beautiful places in Italy and recently enlisted as a candidate to become part of UNESCO http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5001. This is a magical land of vast horizons, where ancient castles and hilltop towns crown the gentle slopes of vineyards. A region that played a major role during the Italian Resistance, and is the setting for famous novels of local writers such as Beppe Fenoglio and Cesare Pavese. Here one can still appreciate the authentic Italian flavor, exceptional gourmet food, extraordinary wines, and the heartfelt traditions and culture. Walking on hilly terrain and on a combination of quiet paved country roads, farm paths, and tractor tracks through vineyards, we wander from one village to another, enjoying splendid panoramas over the Alps and the Italian Riviera. Visits to medieval castles, fortresses, and enchanting stone hamlets introduce us to a rich and complex history. We'll savor the simple, mouth-watering regional gastronomy at family-run restaurants or osterias, recognized by the SlowFood (www.slowmovement.com) movement for their commitment to sustainable farming and agriculture. We'll have an exclusive visit to a family-run hazelnut farm. Although this is not a wine tour, we'll have opportunities to drink celebrated wines such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera in boutique cantinas and renowned wine cellars. We conclude the tour in Torino, home to the 2006 Olympic games, cradle of the Italian Risorgimento and first capital of Italy.
With the exception of Torino, where we stay in a new 4-star hotel, we will overnight in fine boutique hotels and B&Bs, obtained from the clever renovations of traditional farmhouse. Elaborate picnics will celebrate artisanally-made cheeses and meats, as well as locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Sit-down lunches and dinners will consist of three-course meals, à-la-carte, giving you more choices and flexibility. To allow private down time or a break from this enogastronomic experience, three meals are not included.
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Itinerary Outline
Day 1 • Milano – Barbaresco - La Morra
From Milan Malpensa International Airport we transfer by private vehicle to Barbaresco, and have a light lunch at a traditional restaurant overlooking the Langhe. We will then walk through the quaint and charming town and its historical buildings, visit the regional wine cellar and taste some of the renown local wines. We continue by private vehicle to La Morra, the highest hilltop town in the heart of wine country with splendid views of the Langhe valley and the Alps. Optional afternoon hike.
Day 2 • Vergne - Novello - Barolo
We walk to Vergne, whose houses are decorated with murals made by local artists, and where a local welcomes us in her home for a refreshing drink. Continuing through wheat fields, hazelnut orchards, and vineyards we reach Novello, a quaint village perched at the edge of a hill, founded by the Romans in the first century B.C. A light lunch accompanied by some local wine has been prepared for us. Another hour of walking brings us to Barolo where we'll take a guided tour of a historical wine cellar followed by a wine tasting. We will hike back to La Morra.
Day 3 • Monforte d'Alba - Serralunga
We visit Monforte d'Alba, a small town of ancient origins and the protagonist, in 1028, of the fierce campaign against the Cathars', a religious group whose origins and faith are yet to be determined for certain. We then walk to Serralunga d'Alba, an exquisite medieval hamlet hugged around its slender castle, the most well-preserved in Piemonte. Hiking along the eastern hills of the Langhe and through pristine and peaceful countryside, will admire the colorful array of wild orchids.
Day 4 • Cherasco - Pollenzo
An exclusive, private guided tour of Cherasco introduces us to the fascinating history and the hidden secrets of this beautiful medieval town, displaying exquisite architecture and famous for its artisanal chocolate shops. After lunch at an extraordinary restaurant, we visit Pollenzo, of Roman origins and of extreme archaeological and historical interest. Located near the Slow Food movement's headquarters, it is the home to the University of Gastronomic Sciences and the Wine Bank, which we will visit.
Day 5, 6 • Alta Langa
Two memorable days in Alta Langa (high langa), also known as Langa of the Valleys, due to the three deep valleys that form its territory. We'll explore each valley, walking through hazelnut orchards and forests, with formidable balcony views over deep valleys, the Maritime Alps and the Italian Riviera. This pristine area, which played a major role during the Italian Resistance in World War II, and was the setting for several famous local literary pieces, has maintained its true and authentic characteristics. We walk throught stone villages that seem suspended in time, to the formidable 10th century fortress of Prunetto Alta Langa is home to the "Tonda e Gentile" (round and gentle), the famous and respected hazelnut of Piemonte, and the infredient par excellence in most of the local desserts. Between mid-August and early September, we’ll witness the hubbub of the hazelnut harvest, a truly unique experience. A pleasant evening "passeggiata" (a stroll) will introduce us to the historical center of Alba, capital of the Langhe and of the white truffle.
Day 7 • Torino
We transfer to Torino, first capital of Italy during the ruling of the Savoy, and an exquisite baroque city. After lunch on your own, we set out for a private, guided tour of Torino's most important historical sites. After the tour, you can explore on your own more of the city's architecture, shops or historical cafès. Many outstanding museums, including the largest Egyptian museum outside of Cairo, or the Museum of Italian Cinema, are well worth a visit.
Day 8 • Departure
Typically, trip participants leave for various destinations at the end of the tour. For this reason, there is no official group transfer from Torino. If you are returning to Milano Malpensa International Airport or to Torino Caselle Airport, public buses leave regularly from the center of town. You may also connect to the train of your choice from Torino's main train station. We'd be happy to set up a provate transfer for you.
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| Country |
Italy |
Trip Length |
8 days |
| Season |
May - Oct |
| 2012 Dates |
June 3 - 10
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Trip Price |
| From Euros 2150 p/p
Prices are based on dbl occupancy |
Trip Rating |
Easy to moderate
see explanation |
Trip Activity |
Walking, hiking, culture, history |
Accommodations |
6 nights 3-star boutique hotels/B&B
1 nights 4-star hotel |
What is Included |
English-speaking local guide for duration of the trip, 6 nights in 3-star hotels, 1 night in superior 4-star hotel, all breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, water and coffee/tea with group meals at restaurants, private vehicle transfers throughout the trip as per itinerary, wine tasting as per itinerary, luggage transfer, licensed guide private guided tours of Cherasco and Torino, visits to castles, museums and other points of interest as specified in the itinerary
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What is not Included |
Air travel, any transfer at the end of the trip, insurance of any kind, gratuities, 1 lunch, 2 dinners, personal expenses (laundry, sodas or alcoholic beverages, phone calls etc.).
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