Barolo & The Langhe Hills – Escorted
Walk through the heart of one of Europe’s finest wine-producing areas... From the scenic Tanaro valley following paths through fertile farmland to the forested Langhe hills, before crossing a ridge, after which the landscape opens up to reveal a wide valley covered with a patchwork of vineyards and hazelnut groves, with views northwards to mountains of the Italian Alps, as you walk down into the famous wine producing area of Barolo.
Castles and characteristic Piedmontese villages punctuate the landscape en route to Alba, a thriving market town and ‘the white truffle capital of the world’, and with comfortable hotels, good restaurants and excellent wines including Barolo and others from adjacent areas of Barbera and Dolcetto as well as delightful white wines from neighbouring Asti, you'll discover a trip of contrasts, with varied walking, great views, distinguished gastronomy, and a unique style of its own.
Duration: 8 days
Trip dates:
30 Apr - 07 May 2026
Itinerary
We travel by road from Turin airport (1.5 hours) to the lovely hilltop town of Mondovì, founded in 1198, overlooking the Maritime and Ligurian Alps, the Langhe Hills and the fertile plains stretching all the way to Turin.
The town is divided into two centres: an upper one, Piazza, on top of the hill, and a lower one, Breo, on the plain. Make your way to Piazza Maggiore at the heart of the upper town and look inside the Jesuit church of San Francesco Saverio. The grand interior is a sight to behold with its red faux-marble columns, pilasters, stucco friezes and spectacular trompe l’oeil painting on the domed ceiling. The printing and ceramics museums, Torre Civica and the Baroque cathedral of San Donato are also worth visiting.
A former ceramics factory, centrally located in Villanova Mondovì
After a brief transfer to Ceva (20 mins), we walk up to a ridge affording superb views of both the Maritime and Ligurian Alps. We pass farmland, mixed woods, fields of lavender and other medicinal herbs, before descending into a valley. An ascent along forest tracks to another ridge takes us past the site of a battle during the French Revolutionary Wars led by Napoleon. We then descend to a secluded valley before another brief ascent to the hamlet of San Luigi (11.1 miles, 6.5 hours).
Igliano is a tiny, tranquil hamlet in the Province of Cuneo, Piedmont, nestled within the scenic Langhe hills of north‑western Italy. Igliano is steeped in ancient history, with Roman era roots suggested by early finds — stones and inscriptions embedded in the 18th Century parish church of San Andrea. A handful of small stone chapels, such as San Sebastiano, dot the landscape, preserving humble frescoes inside and overlooking panoramic Langa vistas.
Newly renovated, family-run hotel
We pass through a remote valley and then ascend along forest tracks to a ridge, and on to the charming medieval village of Murazzano. After exploring the town we continue along another ridge via hazelnut groves, fields and mixed woods, enjoying superb views of the Alte Langhe, before reaching what is locally referred to as the ‘Village of the Roses’, or the ‘Pearl of Le Langhe’, Bossolasco. Then continue on, enjoying wonderful views, to the hamlet of Bossolaschetto (13.9 miles, 7.5-8 hours)
This town was the site of significant Resistance battles between 1943 and 1945. In the period after the war, many politicians, businessmen, writers and poets settled here. Notable sights include the parish church of St John the Baptist and ‘The Angel of the Alta Langa’, an abstract aluminium sculpture of an angel. There are several annual festivals here, including a flower festival in June, and the chestnut festival in October.
Friendly, family-run B&B in lovely setting, with wonderful restaurant
We follow paths across hills, through woodland and meadows (flower-filled in spring). We then emerge amongst vineyards of Nebbiolo (the grape variety used for producing Barolo), before arriving at the small bustling ‘wine town’ of Monforte d’Alba, and an elegant Bourbon villa at the top of the town, where we stay for two nights (10.5 miles, 6 hours).
This charming hilltop town offers scenic views, historic architecture and culinary delights. It is part of the prestigious Barolo wine-producing area and offers an excellent variety lively wine cellars and restaurants, from elegant settings to the more rustic osteria serving seasonal local dishes.
Converted Bourbon villa with outdoor pool, gardens and views of the Alps
Free day in Monforte d’Alba with an optional walk along the crest of the hills behind Monforte affording wide views of the Barolo vineyards, to Castiglione Falletto, where we visit a local wine producer and taste the wines (4.3 miles, 2.5 hours). We continue on foot (or van transfer) into a valley, then ascend through vineyards to Serralunga d’Alba (2.9 miles, 2 hours). Return to Monforte d’Alba on foot (3.2 miles, 2 hours) or by van.
Converted Bourbon villa with outdoor pool, gardens and views of the Alps
A ridge route leads us down into a wide ‘bowl’ in the hills –covered with some of the area’s most renowned vineyards– to the small town of Barolo, which gives the area its name. We visit Barolo’s wine museum and renowned enoteca to enjoy a tasting of the region’s world-famous wines. We continue through vineyards up to La Morra, overlooking much of the area, and noted for its fine Baroque churches and palaces (5.5 miles, 4 hours).
Another picturesque hilltop town, La Morra has a number of fine churches, a belltower and several charming restaurants serving top notch dishes from the local area. Just outside La Morra is the Renato Ratti Museum of Wines of Alba. Housed in a former Benedictine Abbey, it takes you through the history of wine production in the region.
Contemporary conversion of an 18th century convent
La Morra to Alba: Descend through vineyards to picturesque Verduno, and then continue along a ridge to Roddi (5 miles, 2.5 hours). Then, after a brief transfer to Alba (Europe’s white truffle capital!), optional circular walk (6.5 miles, 4 hours) in the surrounding vine-clad hills. Or, time to explore the town.
This ‘City of 100 Towers’ (although only around 20 survive) is the world’s white truffle capital and home to global industries such as Miroglio (textiles) and Ferrero (confectionery). Its cobbled streets are a joy to explore, lined with some of the best delicatessens in the region, some entirely dedicated to selling white truffles.
Elegant palazzo in the heart of the historic centre
Transfer from Alba to Turin airport (1.5 hours).
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Moderate walking. This is an 8-day trip, with walks offered on 6 days. The length of each day varies from 4 to a maximum of 6.5 hours walking. Hours of walking, which may vary from group to group, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas. Long days are compensated for by shorter days.
On certain days our walk takes us into the hills where the paths cross a more rugged terrain – please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. Some of our walks are very weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.
The trip starts in the high wooded hills of the Southern Langhe and moves towards the rolling landscape of Barolo, dotted with vineyards. The walking is over rolling hills: not mountainous, not flat. The paths are varied: strade bianche, woodland tracks, and tarmac lanes. There are no vertiginous walks.
Our support vehicles allow you the flexibility to walk 'as much or as little as you like', with drop-offs and pick-ups appropriate to the given day's itinerary. The Tour Leader will tell you each evening about the following day's walking options.
Walking & Terrain
Moderate walking. This is an 8-day trip, with walks offered on 6 days. The length of each day varies from 4 to a maximum of 6.5 hours walking. Hours of walking, which may vary from group to group, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas. Long days are compensated for by shorter days.
On certain days our walk takes us into the hills where the paths cross a more rugged terrain – please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. Some of our walks are very weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.
The trip starts in the high wooded hills of the Southern Langhe and moves towards the rolling landscape of Barolo, dotted with vineyards. The walking is over rolling hills: not mountainous, not flat. The paths are varied: strade bianche, woodland tracks, and tarmac lanes. There are no vertiginous walks.
Our support vehicles allow you the flexibility to walk 'as much or as little as you like', with drop-offs and pick-ups appropriate to the given day's itinerary. The Tour Leader will tell you each evening about the following day's walking options.
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
Route Book
The ATG Route Book is a detailed, day-to-day guide. The book anticipates your needs with easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plans and other information that will guide you to discover the best that the area has to offer and is the key to the success of an independent holiday with us.
Walking App
Your Route Manager can provide you with a link to download an app to your smartphone. This app provides the GPS track for your route on your phone. You can use this digital support to find your position and navigate the route, even without an internet connection or mobile phone reception.
Accommodation & Meals
The hotels we stay in are characteristic of the area and the towns we visit.
All evening meals are included and are taken either in the hotel or in local restaurants. At dinner, the Tour Manager will tell you about each evening’s menu and if there is anything else that you would prefer, you only have to ask. There are no particular dress requirements in the restaurants we use, although some are obviously smarter than others.
Each day the Tour Manager will meet you with one of ATG’s celebrated picnic lunches. You will be greeted with mineral water and a starter followed by wine and an abundant lunch of local organic produce and specialities. Picnics are colourful, varied and nutritious. Buffet-style, there is a choice of meats, cheeses, substantial salads, bread and fruit…and pudding. If it is cold there will be a hot dish.
Food & Wine
Expect rich flavours and full-bodied wines from the cuisine of Piedmont. Olives do not grow well here so they use more dairy fats in their cooking. You are also more likely to find polenta or risotto rather than pasta. Gamey meats and root vegetables are slow cooked and each town produces its own fermented milk speciality. The quantity and quality of wines produced in this region is exceptional. The Route Book contains a section on the cuisine and wines of the region, and a list of recommended restaurants. The Route Manager will be pleased to help you with any requests or advice.
Flora & Fauna
The Langhe has an extremely rich variety of flora and fauna thanks to the abrupt changes in altitude, resulting in a wide range of environments and microclimates. There are 1,500 species of plants, including 44 species of orchid. A good part of the land is set aside for the region’s world-famous vineyards, but there are still significant patches of undisturbed woodland where wild boar, roe deer, foxes, badgers, weasels and more make their home. Alpine and Mediterranean bird species both thrive here, as well as birds of prey in the dense woodlands and wetland species such as herons and little egrets. Our Route Book provides further detail while apps such as ‘LeafSnap’, ‘Flora Incognita’, ‘ChirpOMatic’ and child-friendly ‘Seek by iNaturalist’ can identify the flora and fauna en route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Escorted trips are accompanied by two of ATG’s fully trained Tour Consultants, from the moment they welcome you at the airport, through to the end-of trip airport transfer. The Tour Manager looks after the practical side of the trip – luggage transport, hotels, food and drink. The Tour Leader will lead each day’s walk, and after dinner each evening will tell you about the following day’s itinerary. Both Tour Consultants will explain their role, and how the trip will run, on the first evening at dinner.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Tour Consultants can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Tour Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently. We will advise you of the group meeting time at the destination airport and return transfer time to the airport at the end of your trip to enable you to book compatible flights.
Yes. All of our escorted trips can be booked privately, you can book a set departure or a date to suit you (subject to availability). In most instances if the group is 13-16 clients we will offer the trip at the published price. For 12 or fewer clients we would provide a bespoke costing.
On escorted trips everything is included (per the published itinerary) apart from items of a personal nature and snacks or drinks outside of the set meals.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
Your Tour Leader will be able to tell you about the ATG Trust project on this route involving the restoration of the small church of La Madonna di Loretta which stands proudly overlooking vineyards outside the little town of La Morra.
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