Walking in Piemonte (trip)
Walking in Piemonte
- Milano Barbaresco La Morra
- Active & Adventure
| from €2,090* per person | 8 Days | May, July-October |
| Boutique accommodations | Exertion level: 4 | |
| Operator: Alps and Beyond | 14 people max | |
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. We'll 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, first capital of Italy, and celebrating this year the 150th anniversary of the Italian Unification.
With the exception of Torino, where we stay in a new 4-star hotel, we will overnight in exquisite 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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Locations visited/nearby
Italy
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, Alps and Beyond:
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Reviewer: K. Davis
located in
Chicago,
IL
USA
Touring with Alps and Beyond has been one of the best and most satisfying experiences of my life. From my very first hiking trip around the beautiful northern Italian lakes to my magical last (but not final) walking trip of the wine and hazelnut region in Piemonte's Langhe of Italy. This company and its fine tour guides have introduced me to some of the most spectacular locations I have ever seen and because of their impeccable pre-planning and their highly knowledgeable tour guides I am always guaranteed gorgeous accomodations, personalized care, and a vacation full of memories and new friends that i will cherish for years to come. When touring Italy or Switzerland, I will only ever go through Alps and Beyond. For quality, service and trips beyond the 'tour-esty' there is no one who does it better.
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Reviewer: Donna
located in
San Francisco,
CA
USA
Alps and Beyond is an amazing company. Our trip was handled with lots of TLC and much expertise. The group relaxed and enjoyed the amazing scenery and hikes knowing that all the other details were very capable hands. Our guides, Anna and Bruno, made sure we all got up and over the mountain and had lots of fun at the same time. This remains one of our most memorable trips. Pure enjoyment. Our guides and Alps and Beyond are quite simply the best!
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Reviewer: Rosanne
located in
Chicago,
IL
USA
I was introduced to Alps and Beyond by a friend. I decided to attend their group trip to the Piedmonte Region of Italy, where the wine is plentiful and the food is amazing. They have such amazing connections to the logding and restaurants, that the trip far exceeded my expectations. If we saw something while riding in our Bus, Anna would make sure there was time to stop and seek out additional adventure. I cannot really put into words the details and care that is put into every day of the trip. A MUST!!
Itinerary
Day 1 • Milano – Barbaresco - La MorraFrom 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.
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 along the eastern hills of the Langhe and through pristine and peaceful countryside. After a picnic lunch, we visit the beautiful 13th century castle, restored in the 1950s maintaining its medieval characteristics.
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; we visit a family-run farm, where we learn about the cultivation ad process of the famous hazelnuts of Piemonte, and taste their home-made desserts accompanied by some Moscato, a sweet wine produced just a few minutes away. Between mid-August and early September, we'll enjoy 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 truffl.
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. For the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification, Torino and Piemonte are holding nine months of informative events about the process of unification. For more information visit http://eng.italia150.it
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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