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Italy: Piedmont

Gastronomic Barolo Walk

Trip code: W08PD

Average customer rating 4.9 / 5(52 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Walking
8 nights hotel-to-hotel
Moderate
Flights available
CO₂ rating 1/5
Headwater Navigation app

Trip highlights

Superb walking in truly undiscovered, yet highly sophisticated Italy

Imposing Savoy castles, tiny frescoed chapels, sun-drenched hamlets

Atmospheric wine villages and boundless vineyards

Luxury hotels; 4 out of 8 nights, with panoramic swimming pools

Excellent cuisine, prized white truffles, hazelnuts and chocolate!

World-famous wines including the ‘King of Wines’, Barolo

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Trip details

On this self-guided, hotel-to-hotel walking holiday, you’ll explore the beautifully
tranquil Langhe region of Piedmont, a gastronomic gem quietly tucked into Italy’s
north-western corner. Recently recognised by UNESCO, the countryside is a glorious
mix of gently rippling, wave-shaped hills cloaked by layers of vines, sunflowers and
oak forests, crowned with honey-hued hamlets and majestic Savoy castles.

What's included

Included

  • 8 nights in 4-star equivalent and 4-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 4 evening meals
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Walking transfers

Not included

  • Flights
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Travel insurance

Travel options

Flights

Our air prices include standard flights and transfers.

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Arrive at Benevello

Arrive at Benevello

Arrive at your hotel in time for a swim before dinner in Villa d’Amelia’s superb restaurant.

You stay at Relais Villa d’Amelia

Outdoor pool and surrounding countryside at Villa DAmelia
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Relais Villa d’Amelia

Benevello

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Television

The Relais Villa d’Amelia is a luxuriously restored 19th century family villa (and a member of the ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’), just outside the Alta Langa village of Benevello.

The Villa d’Amelia has 37 ensuite rooms including three suites (one of which is located within the old chapel!) decorated in a modern style with neutral paints and dark leather and beech furnishings.

The hotel also boasts a central courtyard with sofas and chairs for relaxing outside, and a stunning lounge area complete with a grand piano!

Facilities at the hotel include a sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath, and lovely outdoor swimming pool.

Day 2 · 14km/8.7miBenevello to Fontanafredda

Benevello to Fontanafredda

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. End the day in Fontanafredda, a gorgeous wine estate nestled amongst rolling vineyard carpeted hills.

Elevation

Benevello to Fontanafredda elevation profile

You stay at Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore

Exterior of Hotel Diffuso le Case dei Conti Mirafiore
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Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore

Fontanafredda

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Nestled amongst verdant vineyards, the Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore is a wine estate come hamlet, which was founded by the son of Italy’s first king. It was originally home to all the 250 people who worked on the estate and many of the buildings still house the staff who work on the vines and in the hotel. Accommodation is over 2 buildings, the Forestiera delle Vigne, where the standard rooms are housed, and the Vigna Magica building, where you’ll find the upgraded rooms.

The hotel has 2 restaurants. the Guido Ristorante and the Osteria Disguido.

There are guided tours of the historic wine cellars here as well as tastings.

Day 3 · —At Fontanafredda

At Fontanafredda

Enjoy wine tasting in the historic wine cellars at your hotel, once owned by Italian royalty, or walk to the wine village of Serralunga d’Alba, with its 13th century
castle that seems to surge towards the sky – you still need to cross the drawbridge to visit it. Gastronomic capital, Alba, is easily reached (you may wish to take a taxi there, then walk back); explore the cobbled crimson squares and bustling porticoed streets.

Elevation

At Fontanafredda elevation profile

You stay at Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore

Exterior of Hotel Diffuso le Case dei Conti Mirafiore
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Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore

Fontanafredda

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Nestled amongst verdant vineyards, the Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore is a wine estate come hamlet, which was founded by the son of Italy’s first king. It was originally home to all the 250 people who worked on the estate and many of the buildings still house the staff who work on the vines and in the hotel. Accommodation is over 2 buildings, the Forestiera delle Vigne, where the standard rooms are housed, and the Vigna Magica building, where you’ll find the upgraded rooms.

The hotel has 2 restaurants. the Guido Ristorante and the Osteria Disguido.

There are guided tours of the historic wine cellars here as well as tastings.

Day 4 · 13km/8.1miFontanafredda to La Morra

Fontanafredda to La Morra

Ascend through vines to hilltop Castiglione Falletto, before continuing to the tiny village of Annunziata with its frescoed chapel and excellent farmhouse trattoria. Then on through sun-dappled hamlets and vines to La Morra, known as the ‘balcony of the Langhe’ for its breathtaking views.

Elevation

Fontanafredda to La Morra elevation profile

You stay at Uve Rooms

Courtyard at Uve Rooms, La Morra
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equivalent

Uve Rooms

La Morra

  • Air conditioning
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television

Uve Rooms is a gorgeous wine bar and laid back restaurant which also comes with beautiful boutique style accommodation. With just 8 bedrooms, it’s a cosy and intimate place to stay, with each individually decorated bedroom either looking over the village or onto the tranquil interior courtyard. The bedrooms showcase modern design and art, and are each named after one of the Piedmont vineyards’ grapes. Uve Rooms is in the heart of La Morra so perfect for a stroll out to explore this lovely village and its many wine cellars and restaurants.

Day 5 · —At La Morra

At La Morra

There are plenty of wine tasting opportunities in La Morra’s bustling centre – even Julius Caesar stopped here to try some! Alternatively, drink in the superb views on one of the circular walks from La Morra’s evocative main piazza.

You stay at Uve Rooms

Courtyard at Uve Rooms, La Morra
Image 1 of 5
equivalent

Uve Rooms

La Morra

  • Air conditioning
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television

Uve Rooms is a gorgeous wine bar and laid back restaurant which also comes with beautiful boutique style accommodation. With just 8 bedrooms, it’s a cosy and intimate place to stay, with each individually decorated bedroom either looking over the village or onto the tranquil interior courtyard. The bedrooms showcase modern design and art, and are each named after one of the Piedmont vineyards’ grapes. Uve Rooms is in the heart of La Morra so perfect for a stroll out to explore this lovely village and its many wine cellars and restaurants.

Day 6 · 14km/8.7mi or 17km/10.6miLa Morra to Monforte d'Alba

La Morra to Monforte d'Alba

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. 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.

Elevation

La Morra to Monforte d'Alba elevation profile

You stay at Villa Beccaris

VILLA BECCARIS- AERIAL
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Villa Beccaris

Monforte d'Alba

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool

Hotel Villa Beccaris is a gorgeous 18th century villa overlooking the beautiful town of Monforte d’Alba.

The Villa has 23 rooms, which are divided into categories; Headwater guests will be allocated classic rooms. All rooms, however, are beautifully furnished in an individual, traditional style often with antique furniture but with modern touches.

The Villa is located within beautiful gardens and has a panoramic swimming pool which overlooks the honey-coloured town, surrounding countryside and mountains beyond.

The hotel also boasts several elegant sitting rooms, its own enoteca and a very charming bar.

Day 7 · —At Monforte d'Alba

At Monforte d'Alba

Situated in its own 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-trap courtyard. Alternatively, explore this pretty town with twisting streets clinging to the hillside. There are also plenty of opportunities for wine tasting.

You stay at Villa Beccaris

VILLA BECCARIS- AERIAL
Image 1 of 5

Villa Beccaris

Monforte d'Alba

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool

Hotel Villa Beccaris is a gorgeous 18th century villa overlooking the beautiful town of Monforte d’Alba.

The Villa has 23 rooms, which are divided into categories; Headwater guests will be allocated classic rooms. All rooms, however, are beautifully furnished in an individual, traditional style often with antique furniture but with modern touches.

The Villa is located within beautiful gardens and has a panoramic swimming pool which overlooks the honey-coloured town, surrounding countryside and mountains beyond.

The hotel also boasts several elegant sitting rooms, its own enoteca and a very charming bar.

Day 8 · 16km/9.9miMonforte d'Alba to Benevello

Monforte d'Alba to Benevello

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 13th century Duecentesca tower. After lunch the panorama opens out with spectacular views back to Alba and the Tanaro Valley as you descend gently towards Benevello and your final gastronomic dinner (included) on the hotel’s terrace.

Elevation

Monforte d'Alba to Benevello elevation profile

You stay at Relais Villa d’Amelia

Outdoor pool and surrounding countryside at Villa DAmelia
Image 1 of 4

Relais Villa d’Amelia

Benevello

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Television

The Relais Villa d’Amelia is a luxuriously restored 19th century family villa (and a member of the ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’), just outside the Alta Langa village of Benevello.

The Villa d’Amelia has 37 ensuite rooms including three suites (one of which is located within the old chapel!) decorated in a modern style with neutral paints and dark leather and beech furnishings.

The hotel also boasts a central courtyard with sofas and chairs for relaxing outside, and a stunning lounge area complete with a grand piano!

Facilities at the hotel include a sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath, and lovely outdoor swimming pool.

Day 9 · —Leave Benevello

Leave Benevello

Extending your holiday

ANDREOLA CENTRAL HOTEL, MILAN (4 STAR)

Andreola Central Hotel

Milan

  • Air conditioning
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Television

The Andreola Hotel in Milan is ideally located for a stopover hotel. It is only 300m from the central station, from where shuttle buses run to Malpensa and Linate airports. The building is in the financial district – it is around a 20 minute walk into the renowned cathedral. The early 1900s building is more impressive inside than out – the marble columns, floors and gilt furniture in the lobby makes the interior very plush and elegant, and the 84 bedrooms are decorated with rich fabrics, paintings and marble en suite bathrooms.

Please contact us for prices.

Elegant sitting rooms at the Grand Hotel Sitea, Turin

Grand Hotel Sitea

Turin

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Shops

Boasting a prime location in Turin’s stunning centro storico, just a short walk from Piazza Castello, the Grand Hotel Sitea certainly lives up to its name, with its elegant entrance hall and opulent yet traditional sitting rooms. Bedrooms are similarly stylish, with marble ensuite bathrooms and all the comforts you’d expect from a 4 star hotel.

The Hotel Sitea has been accommodating travellers for over 90 years and perfectly blends the modern with the traditional. Previous guests at the hotel include the musician, Louis Armstrong.

Unusually for a city centre hotel, the Sitea also benefits from a quiet garden – perfect for a relaxing drink after a day’s sightseeing.

What our travellers say

A fabulous region to walk and appreciate the countryside, weather, people and location of fairytale castles, sumptuous hotels and Michelin food. Service and attention to detail couldn’t be faulted in each hotel and restaurant and knowing the lovely Headwater couple who,looked after us were always on hand if we needed any help.

Mrs Lawson

This holiday far exceeded my expectations. The hotels and restaurants were all first class, the scenery spectacular and the walks enjoyable but not too demanding. The Villa Beccaris is possibly the best hotel we’ve ever stayed in.

Mr Griffiths

My wife and I really enjoyed our first Headwater walking holiday. Italy always delivers wherever we go and being steered towards some seriously good dining experiences was excellent. We had a couple of inclement weather days but not really a problem other than the odd bit of mud. The only slight negative was our meal at Villa d’Amelia on the first night was excellent but eight days later we were a little disappointed the menu was repeated and perhaps not quite as well executed. It was still very good though.
Our reps, Luke and Eleanor, went out of their way to ensure we were enjoying ourselves and seemed to enjoy sharing everyone’s feedback. We met several personalities on the way and as such, have made some very good memories. Thank you Headwater and particularly Luke and Nell 🙂

Mr Purseglove

We had a fabulous week’s walking through vineyards, orchards and hazelnut groves. The scenery is beautiful, the people friendly and welcoming and the food and wine superb. The walking itself was very enjoyable and not too difficult, and there were plenty of places along the way to stop and rest if we wanted to. The walking notes were excellent and our reps, Luke & Eleanor, were brilliant and helpful.

Mr Kerr

This was a most enjoyable holiday. Piedmont is a beautiful area and was especially lovely in May when we visited – all very green and fresh.

Mrs Dick

This holiday is described as ‘gastronomic’ and it certainly delivers. The fine food and top quality wine mean that every meal is a delight, although visitors will need to recognise that Barolo and Barbaresco wines have a hefty price tag.

Mrs Barrowcliffe

Outstanding holiday in a part of Italy we’ve only driven through in the past on the way further south. The walking was not too strenuous, though the temperature and inevitable hill at the end of every day’s walking added to the challenge. The hotels and restaurants were all excellent, and local wines helped remove the pains of the days walking. Very friendly staff in all the hotels and restaurants visited.
The reps – Luke and Eleanor – were excellent; very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, adjusting their schedule to fit in with our changing requirements. I came home totally refreshed, half a stone heavier and already looking forward to returning.

Mr Wright

An excellent opportunity to see areas in depth on walks with very good arrangements and comfortable accommodation.

Mr Ellerington

The arrangements, hotels and restaurants were all excellent, with some meals even better than expected, and everything went without a hitch so we had a terrific time.

Miss Cody

An amazing holiday exploring a hidden gem surrounded by beautiful vineyards and hazelnut groves. The walking routes were easy to follow a bit like being on a daily treasure hunt and we felt extremely rewarded to be greeted by a range of luxury hotels nestled on sun soaked Italian hills. Most days we managed to cool off in a pool usually with hardly a soul in sight. The gastronomic dinners were simply out of this world full of fresh ingredients and plenty of surprises. The wine, although not cheap, was truly exceptional … the best we have ever had. This was quite simply the holiday of a lifetime for those who enjoy the finer things in life.

Mrs Crump
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

18.0

Kg CO₂e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

From£2,219per person