Italy: Vineyards of Piedmont

Self-Guided Walking Tour, Italy: Vineyards of PiedmontSelf-Guided Walking Tour, Italy: Vineyards of Piedmont

Italy

Vineyards of Piedmont

overview

This landscape of verdant hills, distant Alpine peaks, and ancient hamlets holds the very best of Italy—from world-renowned vineyards and medieval towns to castles and remarkable cuisine. Even so, it’s a less-traveled destination, which means you’ll have more of it to yourself. Starting in Benevello, your maps will guide you to the tiny village of Grinzane Cavour and its medieval castle, and then across the Talloria River to the 13th-century castle at Serralunga d’Alba. Visit a family farm outside Castiglione Falletto and follow poplar-shaded paths to Barolo, where a 16th-century palace looms over vineyards—and stop for a tour and tasting. In medieval Monforte you’ll find a classic ochre townscape, while rare white truffles are Alba’s claim to fame. Indeed, almost every village has its own gastronomic treats and vintages to sample. Since this self-guided trip unfolds at your own pace, you can stop to feast, sip, or simply take in the splendid scenery whenever the Italian spirit moves you.
 

tour includes

  • Continental breakfast and dinner daily (lunches and beverages are not included)
  • All accommodations (with private bathrooms) while on tour
  • Local transfers as noted in the itinerary
  • Luggage transfers between the hotels
  • Detailed route notes and maps
  • Basic travel insurance coverage
  • 24-hour emergency service
  • The exclusive ease of a mobile phone rental with our Cellhire partnership. Receive preferred calling rates, free phone rental, and complimentary shipping of mobile phones
  • The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the CW staff

Details

Self-Guided Walking
Length
9 days, 8 nights
Activity Level
Moderate; 5-9 miles daily
Meet and Depart
Turin, Italy
Reading List
Printable Itinerary

gallery

Itinerary and Accommodations

Days
Destination
1
Benevello
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2
Grinzane Cavour
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3
Grinzane Cavour
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4
Castiglione Falletto
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5
Castiglione Falletto
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6
Monforte d’Alba
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7
Monforte d’Alba
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8
Benevello
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9
Benevello
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Day 1

Benevello

Arrival at Benevello

You are met at the Turin airport and transferred (approximately 1¼ hours) to your hotel with time to settle in and relax before dinner.

Relais Villa d’Amelia

Benevello, Italy

A restored 19th-century villa (and a member of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World”), just outside the village of Benevello. Guestrooms in this luxurious hotel are contemporary in design, with neutral colors, beech, and leather furnishings. Situated on a ridge among lush woods and Langa hazelnut groves over 2,000 feet in elevation, the site offers breathtaking views of the imposing Monviso Alps, and the nearby hamlet of Manera has several shops and restaurants.

Day 2

Grinzane Cavour

Benevello to Grinzane Cavour; 9.8km/6mi/4hr

After a short transfer this morning, you follow a gentle path alongside the clear waters of the Tanaro river, next to which pheasants and partridges rustle in the oak forest. Next, you continue on to Roddi, whose castle used to house the University of Truffle Hounds! Grinzane Cavour, your ultimate destination, is home to a wonderful megalithic castle with amazing views. Your elegant hotel is located in the center of the village, and there is time for a drink on the terrace before dinner.

Hotel Casa Pavesi

Grinzane Cavour, Italy

An elegantly restored four-star hotel located in the center of the hamlet of Grinzane Cavour. Individually decorated rooms are spacious and opulent. Two exposed-beam reading rooms have comfy inviting couches and a bar, and an outdoor terrace has broad views of the surrounding countryside. Grinzane Cavour is dominated by its elegant 11th-century castle, once the home of 19th-century politician Camillo Cavour and now Piedmont’s first regional wine cellar; tours and wine purchases are available.

Day 3

Grinzane Cavour

Layover day at Grinzane Cavour

Perched atop a panoramic hill, Grinzane Cavour is an atmospheric wine town with wine tastings on offer in the village’s imposing castle. Should you wish to venture farther afield today, the gastronomic capital of Alba, formerly known as the “City of 100 Towers,” retains a medieval appearance and is easily reached from Grinzane. One can visit the town’s monuments and explore the cobbled crimson squares and bustling porticoed streets.

Hotel Casa Pavesi

Grinzane Cavour, Italy

An elegantly restored four-star hotel located in the center of the hamlet of Grinzane Cavour. Individually decorated rooms are spacious and opulent. Two exposed-beam reading rooms have comfy inviting couches and a bar, and an outdoor terrace has broad views of the surrounding countryside. Grinzane Cavour is dominated by its elegant 11th-century castle, once the home of 19th-century politician Camillo Cavour and now Piedmont’s first regional wine cellar; tours and wine purchases are available.

Day 4

Castiglione Falletto

Grinzane Cavour to Castiglione Falletto; 11.7km/7.3mi/4hr

Following lush paths, with hawks cruising overhead, you cross the Talloria river. A gentle climb through Holm oak brings you to Serralunga d’Alba, whose 13th-century castle (and distinctive tower that seems to surge skyward) is easily recognizable from the surrounding villages. A last gentle ascent through vineyards takes you to Serena’s friendly, family-run hotel in the center village of Castiglione Falletto, another hilltop wine-producing village endowed with a castle with stark undecorated towers, striking in their austere beauty.

Le Torri Hotel

Falletto, Italy

This family-run hotel is ideally situated in the center of this hilltop village. Recent refurbishments have brought modern amenities and simple, linear design alongside traditional features such as the ancient washtub stones in the hotel garden. With a degree from the Slow Food University in Pollenzo, the owner Serena only brings the best local and organic ingredients to the breakfast table. The village has a distinctive castle with a cylindrical tower, a neo-Gothic church, and communal wine cellar where you can learn about and buy the famous Barolo wine.

Day 5

Castiglione Falletto

Layover at Castiglione Falletto; optional 6km/3.7mi or 17km/10.5mi

You may wish to follow a circular route today, first visiting tiny Annunziata with its frescoed chapel (and an excellent farmhouse trattoria!). Continue on through sun-dappled hamlets and delicate swaying vines until you reach La Morra, the “Balcony of the Langhe.” There’s plenty of wine tasting in the bustling center—even Julius Caesar stopped here for a sample.

Le Torri Hotel

Falletto, Italy

This family-run hotel is ideally situated in the center of this hilltop village. Recent refurbishments have brought modern amenities and simple, linear design alongside traditional features such as the ancient washtub stones in the hotel garden. With a degree from the Slow Food University in Pollenzo, the owner Serena only brings the best local and organic ingredients to the breakfast table. The village has a distinctive castle with a cylindrical tower, a neo-Gothic church, and communal wine cellar where you can learn about and buy the famous Barolo wine.

Day 6

Monforte d’Alba

Castiglione Falletto to Monforte d’Alba; 7.8km/4.8mi/3hr or 10.5km/6.5mi/4hr

Descending gently to the Talloria valley, you follow the stream’s poplar-shaded path towards the ochre-hued 16th-century castle of Barolo, which stands guard over the village’s world-famous vineyards. You may wish to visit panoramic Novello, a belvedere town built as a summer retreat for the residents of Alba, before continuing through fields, ablaze with sunflowers, to reach your elegant villa hotel at Monforte d’Alba.

Villa Beccaris

Monforte d’Alba, Italy

With views over the villages of the Barolo region, this restored villa perched above the charming village of Monforte offers elegantly decorated rooms, a manicured park and gardens, and a sun-filled conservatory.

Day 7

Monforte d’Alba

Layover at Monforte d’Alba

Situated in a scented garden with views across medieval Monforte and beyond (even Mont Blanc on a clear day!), Villa Beccaris offers a tempting swimming pool and a sun-filled courtyard. However, there are plenty of walking choices if you’re feeling more energetic with way-marked paths leading through verdant countryside to frescoed chapels and charming villages

Villa Beccaris

Monforte d’Alba, Italy

With views over the villages of the Barolo region, this restored villa perched above the charming village of Monforte offers elegantly decorated rooms, a manicured park and gardens, and a sun-filled conservatory.

Day 8

Benevello

Monforte d’Alba to Benevello; 13km/8mi/5hr

A transfer is provided this morning to lovely Serravalle Langhe, from where you join the Tanaro Valley trail (Sentiero della Valle Tanaro). At first shaded by hazelnut, oak, and poplar trees, you reach Albaretto della Torre, dominated by its 13th-century tower. After lunch, the panorama opens up with spectacular views back towards Alba and the Tanaro Valley as you descend gently towards Benevello. Upon arrival at the hotel, there may be time for one last swim before savoring your final dinner.

Relais Villa d’Amelia

Benevello, Italy

A restored 19th-century villa (and a member of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World”), just outside the village of Benevello. Guestrooms in this luxurious hotel are contemporary in design, with neutral colors, beech, and leather furnishings. Situated on a ridge among lush woods and Langa hazelnut groves over 2,000 feet in elevation, the site offers breathtaking views of the imposing Monviso Alps, and the nearby hamlet of Manera has several shops and restaurants.

Day 9

Benevello

Departure from Benevello

A transfer is provided to the Turin airport, where you make connections for your trip home or your next destination.

Itinerary Disclaimer

Bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience. If you are currently booked on a CW adventure, an itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call CW at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact itinerary or hotels selected for any of our tours.

Guest Comments

C. Meyners, Missouri, June 2012

Great combination of good walks and good food and wine. We really felt like we were off the beaten track while walking an area that seemed like a mini Tuscany.