dossier

Vineyards of Barolo Walk

Day 1: Arrive at Benevello
We meet you at Asti train station and take you to your hotel (45 mins) in time for a swim before dinner.

Day 2: Benevello to Diano d’Alba  13km/8mi/5hr
After a short transfer you follow a gentle path alongside the clear waters of the Tanaro river, next to which pheasants and partridges rustle in the oak forest. Onto Roddi (the castle here used to house the University of Truffle Hounds!) and Grinzane Cavour through verdant landscapes, silent apart from the occasional vintner working in the fields, before gently climbing through Dolcetto vines to Diano d’Alba - time for a swim before dinner on the breathtaking terrace.  

Day 4: At Diano d’Alba
Perched atop a panoramic ridge, Diano is an atmospheric town with a pretty piazza, named after Diana the goddess of hunting. Alba is easily reached from here; explore the cobbled crimson squares and bustling porticoed streets. A gastronome’s paradise, Alba is the capital of white truffles and hazelnuts – as well as Ferrero chocolate, which delicately scents the town!  

Day 4: Diano d’Alba to Castiglione Falletto  10km/6mi/4hr
Following lush paths with hawks cruising overhead you cross the Talloria river. Then a gentle climb through holm oak to reach Serralunga d’Alba, whose 13C castle seems to surge towards the sky – you still need to cross the drawbridge to visit it. A last gentle ascent through Luca’s vines takes you to his family’s welcoming farmhouse just below Castiglione Falletto.  

Day 5: At Castiglione Falletto
Perhaps follow a circular route today, first visiting tiny Annunziata with its frescoed chapel (and an excellent farmhouse trattoria!). Then through sun-dappled hamlets and delicate swaying vines to reach La Morra, the “Balcony of the Langhe” - plenty of wine tasting in the bustling centre, even Julius Caesar stopped here to try some!

Day 6: Castiglione Falletto to Monforte d’Alba  10km/6mi/4hr
Descending gently to the Talloria valley, you follow the stream’s poplar-shaded path towards the ochre-hued C16 castle of Barolo, which stands guard over the village’s world-famous vineyards and now houses an enoteca dedicated to the “king of wines”. Maybe visit panoramic Novello, a belvederetown built as a summer retreat for the residents of Alba, before continuing through fields ablaze with sunflowers to reach our elegant villa hotel at Monforte d’Alba.

Day 7: At Monforte d’Alba
Villa Beccaris is perfect for a relaxing day – situated in its own scented garden with views across mediaeval Monforte and beyond, a tempting swimming pool and a sun-trap courtyard. However, there are plenty of walking choices if you’re feeling more energetic with way-marked paths taking in frescoed chapels and verdant countryside.

Day 8: Monforte d’Alba to Benevello  13km/8mi/5hr
A lift to lovely Serravalle Langhe, from where you join the Sentiero della Valle Tanaro.At first shaded by hazelnut, oak and poplar trees, you reach Albaretto della Torre dominated by its 13C Duecentesca tower. After lunch the panorama opens out with spectacular views back to Alba and the Tanaro valley as you descend gently towards Benevello. Time for one last swim before dinner.

Day 9: Leave Benevello