Welcome to Hooked on Walking Holiday and our walking holiday in the Piemonte region of northwest Italy. This particular hiking vacation in Italy we have named the Langhe gastronomic delight as this region is so famous for its food along with Truffles. This walking holiday is available as a seven night self guided walking tour. The Langhe, set between the Alps and the Apennine mountains, is blessed with rich and fertile lands that produce the ‘King of truffles’: the Tuber magnatum! and some of the world’s best wines such as Barolo and Barbera. You also find an infinite variety of cheese, preserved meats, refined pastries and chocolates that are exported the world over. Thus, gastronomy plays a major part in this tour and you will have the opportunity to try the different specialties, choosing among the many gourmet restaurants, wine cellars and pastry shops you will find along the trip.  From the tops of the hills, you see, small picturesque villages, large, elegant castles, vineyards, oak and hazelnut forests and on clear days the stunning, often snowcapped mountains of the Alps dominating the horizon. That’s why we offer you the possibility to choose your own restaurant and favorite dish after each day of walking.

Available from daily 15th April to 30th November NOT ON MONDAYS
Level 2 - 3 self guided tour

Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Alba
Arrival in Alba the medieval city of ‘100 towers’, where you can start your gastronomic experience.

Day 2 Vergne or Barolo
A taxi transfer takes you to the start of the walk that is in Marengo then on to Castiglione Faletto and La Morra, two beautiful villages where it is worth while spending some time visiting. Along the route there are various wine cellars open to the public where you can do some wine tasting like at Marrone in Annunziata or the Cantina of La Morra. From the hilltops you have beautiful views even towards the Alps. 8.75 miles 14 km, up 590m, down 525m,  5.5 hours

Day 3 Monforte d’Alba
Todays walk passing Pezzole and Ciocchini to the village of Novello. Descending down the orchards of Barolo to the valley and climbing up again through shaded woods to the citadel of Monforte. In Barolo you might want to visit the Castello dei Marchesi Falletti, the local Regional wine museum. 7.5 miles , 12 km, up 500m, down  395m,   5 hours

Day 4 Cissone
Today’s stretch takes you through the fields to Perno. Before arriving you descend into the long stretched valley of Serralunga d’Alba southwards. You’ll pass the village of Rodina, beautifully built on top of a hill. On the next hill you’ll find the friendly owners of the agriturismo where you stay for two nights. The large number of castles and villas that are scattered here along the countryside shows the rich history of this region.10.3 miles 17 km, up 690m, down  525m,  6.5 hours

Day 5 Cissone
Today is an easy, relaxing day. A short circular walk in the neighbourhood of Cissone leaves you plenty of time to relax and appreciate your host’s warm hospitality and the splendid views from the agriturismo. 4.4 miles 7 km,  up 250m, down 250m,   3 hours

Day 6 Cravanzana
The landscape is changing. On higher altitudes of the Langhe you’ll find large fields full of hazelnut trees. When the slopes are too steep for cultivation, large stretches of oak forests remain. In their shades the precious Tuber Magnatum, the white truffle of Alba is found. 9.4 miles 15 km, up 650m, down  670m,   6 hours

Day 7 Cortemilia
Today’s walk is short and easy. Passing the villages of Torre Bormida and Bergolo with continuous views of the Alps you end the town of Cortemilia. 6.9 miles11 km, up 310m, down 620m,   4 hours

Day 8
Your holiday is complete after breakfast. There is a local bus that goes to Alba every day except Sundays.

best travel season
At the beginning and the end of the season the terrain can become heavier and more strenuous for walking, especially after it has rained. July and August are not as hot as other areas of Italy and in late October, November you have to book very early because of the world famous truffle exhibition.

level of walking
In general the walks are easy to moderate with some more demanding sections Stamina and a moderate to good physical condition are required. The walks are along uneven footpaths, mule tracks and strade bianche, (small gravel roads).

climate
Throughout the hill country in Italy you can expect temperatures between 10 - 25 °C in spring and autumn that can reach 35°C in July and August. Mornings can be chilly and misty but it warm up as the day goes by. Showers are common in spring and autumn, although not every day and they tend to be either short and intense or prolonged but light.

Accommodation
Selected 3 star hotels are used in the larger towns, while in the villages and countryside we use cosy and friendly agriturismo and Inns, some very well known for their cuisine. Accommodation is based on double rooms occupancy and all rooms have private en-suite facilities. Throughout the trip there are plenty of opportunities to taste not only the excellent local food but also the many famous wines of the region.

2010 Prices

How to get there
Turin international airport is served by regular and low cost carriers. Milan Linate and Milan Malpensa are further away but are served by many more flights. There are several trains per day from Turin to Alba. It is possible to book a transfer from Turin and Milan to Alba or vice versa.
On arrival the approx cost by bus and train is 12€ ( £9 ) per person and around the same cost on the return journey.

Travel extension
You can extend your trip by booking extra nights at any of the accommodations on the route. We reccommend Alba , Vergne and Cortemilia . You can also combine your trip with a stay in other towns and cities in the Langhe, Monferrato or the high mountain.

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