Gastronomic Barolo Walk

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. It’s on to Roddi (the castle here used to house the University of Truffle Dogs!) and Grinzane Cavour with its wonderful megalithic castle with amazing views. Time for a drink on the terrace at our stunning 4 star hotel in the village centre before dinner. (Staying at Casa Pavesi, Breakfast at hotel, dinner at a local restaurant)

Grinzane Cavour is an atmospheric wine village with wine tasting on offer in its UNESCO-recognised castle. Gastronomic capital, Alba, is easily reached from here (you may wish to take a taxi there, then walk back); explore the cobbled crimson squares and bustling porticoed streets. (Staying at Casa Pavesi, Breakfast at hotel,dinner at a local restaurant)

After a short transfer to panoramic hilltop Diano d’Alba you follow lush paths with hawks cruising overhead as you cross the Talloria River. Then it’s a gentle climb through holm oak to reach Serralunga d’Alba, whose C13 castle seems to surge towards the sky – you still need to cross the drawbridge to visit it. A last gentle ascent through vines takes you to the centre of Castiglione Falletto and your welcoming village hotel. (Staying at Hotel Le Torri, Breakfast at hotel, dinner at a local restaurant)

Perhaps follow a circular route today (route notes provided), first visiting tiny Annunziata with its frescoed chapel (and an excellent farmhouse trattoria). Then it’s on through sun-dappled hamlets and delicate swaying vines to reach La Morra, the ’Balcony of the Langhe’, with plenty of wine-tasting opportunities in the bustling centre – even Julius Caesar stopped here to try some! (Staying at Hotel Le Torri, Breakfast at hotel, dinner at a local restaurant)

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. Maybe visit panoramic Novello, a belvedere town built as a summer retreat for the residents of Alba, before continuing through fields ablaze with colourful wild flowers to reach our elegant villa hotel at Monforte d’Alba. (Staying at Villa Beccaris, Breakfast at hotel, dinner at a local restaurant)

Situated in its own scented garden with views across mediaeval Monforte and beyond (even Mont Blanc on a clear day), Villa Beccaris offers a tempting swimming pool and a sun-trap courtyard. Alternatively, explore this pretty town with twisting streets clinging to the hillside. There are also plenty of opportunities for wine tasting. (Staying at Villa Beccaris, Breakfast and dinner at a local restaurant)

Take a lift to lovely Serravalle Langhe, from where you join the Sentiero della Valle Tanaro. First, shaded by hazelnut, oak and poplar trees, you reach Albaretto della Torre dominated by its C13 Duecentesca tower. After lunch the panorama opens out with spectacular views back to Alba and the Tanaro Valley as you descend gently towards Benevello. There’s time for one last swim before dinner. (Staying at Villa d’Amelia, Half Board)