Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
16.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
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On this self-guided 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.
Your route starts and ends in Benevello, nestling in the hazelnut-clad Alta Langa hills, from where you follow the limpid Tanaro River before climbing through a string of hamlets to your hotel in Fontanafredda, a renowned wine estate that was once owned by the first king of Italy! It's then on to La Morra, an atmospheric wine village known as the balcony of the Langhe for its stunning panorama over the surrounding rolling landscape. As you approach beautiful Monforte d'Alba, whose ochre-coloured houses seem to cling enchantingly to the hillside, you visit Barolo, home of the revered eponymous wine. This rich and fertile land produces some of Italy's finest food and wine, from robust Barolo and sweet Moscato to aromatic white truffles (exclusive to Alba), crunchy hazelnuts and tangy cheeses.
This is all complemented by our carefully picked hotels, often with pools, and full of character and contrasts, from a gorgeous wine estate that was once owned by Italian royalty in Fontanafredda, to a beautifully restored 19th century family villa, complete with its own converted chapel and superb restaurant in Benevello.
All breakfasts are included on this trip, but we have left evening meals to you, so you are free to dine out at local restaurants and enjoy the delicious cuisine.
The walks are mainly through vineyards on earthen paths, forest trails and some asphalt sections. Walking boots are essential and poles are recommended for the ascents and descents through the vineyards which may be uneven underfoot.
Arrive at your hotel and perhaps enjoy a swim before heading out for dinner. Or you could book a table at the hotel's superb restaurant.
You stay at Relais Villa d’Amelia.
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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.
Room upgrades: Deluxe Room, Junior Suite or Suite.
Deluxe rooms - offer views onto the surrounding hills; some (not all) of the deluxe rooms have a 4 poster bed and are a little larger. Junior Suites - much larger than the other room types. You will also benefit from a sitting area, with sofa, dressing gowns and larger bathrooms. There are just 2 junior suites - one overlooking the courtyard and the overlooking the hills. Please note that as these rooms have 4 poster beds, only double rooms are available.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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.
You stay at Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore.
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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.
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.
You stay at Uve Rooms.
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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.
Room upgrades: Deluxe and suite
Deluxe rooms are larger than superior rooms.
The suites are larger still with a large sitting area.
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.
You stay at Villa Beccaris.
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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.
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 Relais Villa d’Amelia.
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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.
Room upgrades: Deluxe Room, Junior Suite or Suite.
Deluxe rooms - offer views onto the surrounding hills; some (not all) of the deluxe rooms have a 4 poster bed and are a little larger. Junior Suites - much larger than the other room types. You will also benefit from a sitting area, with sofa, dressing gowns and larger bathrooms. There are just 2 junior suites - one overlooking the courtyard and the overlooking the hills. Please note that as these rooms have 4 poster beds, only double rooms are available.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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 your elegant villa hotel at Monforte d'Alba.
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.
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. There's time for one last swim before deciding where to head for dinner.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Andreola Central Hotel, Milan; Grand Hotel Sitea, Turin.
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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.
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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.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £646.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Milan Malpensa airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
16.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
