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Barolo & the Langhe Hills

Day 1 • Arrive in Mondovì

Founded in 1198, Mondovì overlooks the Maritime and Ligurian Alps, the Langhe Hills and the fertile plains stretching all the way to Turin

HH Albergo dell’Academia (std & sup rooms)

Day 2 • Ceva to Igliano (San Luigi)

Travel by train to Ceva (15 mins) and walk up to a ridge affording superb views of both the Maritime and Ligurian Alps Pass far mland and mixed woods before descending into a valley Ascend along forest tracks to another ridge, the site of an important battle during the French Revolutionary Wars Pass through fertile fields, then descend to a secluded valley (11 1 miles, 6 5 hrs)

HHHH Le Piemontesine (std & sup rooms)

Day 3 • Igliano to Bossolaschetto

(Day 1 – Arrive Bossolaschetto)*

Pass through a remote valley, then ascend along forest tracks to a ridge, and on to the char ming medieval village of Murazzano. Then follow a ridge, enjoying superb views of the Alte Langhe, before reaching the ‘Pearl of Le Langhe’, Bossolasco Continue to the hamlet of Bossolaschetto (13.9 miles, 7.5–8 hrs).

HHH Da Fabiana (std & sup rooms)

Day 4 (2) • Bossolascchetto to Monforte d’Alba

Follow paths across hills, through woodland and meadows, flower-filled in spring and early summer Emerge amongst vineyards of Nebbiolo (grape variety used for producing Barolo), before arriving at the small bustling ‘wine town’ of Monforte d’Alba (8 2 miles, 4 hrs)

HHH Grappolo d’Oro (std) HHHH Villa Beccaris (sup)

Day 5 • Free day in Monforte d'Alba

Optional walk along the crest of the hills behind Monforte affording wide views of the Barolo vineyards, to Castiglione Falletto Continue on to Serralunga d’Alba (or up through a scenic valley), before returning to Monforte (9 9, 8 4 or 7 3 miles, 6, 5 or 4 5 hrs)

HHH Grappolo d’Oro (std) HHHH Villa Beccaris (sup)

Day 6 (3) • Monforte d’Alba to La Morra

A ridge route leads down into a wide ‘bowl’ in the hills –covered with some of the area ’ s most renowned vineyards – to the small town of Barolo, with its wine museum and renowned enoteca Continue through vineyards up to La Morra, noted for its fine Baroque churches and palaces (5 5 miles, 3 5 hrs)

Blueberry Rooms gue st ho use (std)

HHHH Corte Gondina (sup)

Day 7 (4) • La Morra to Alba

Descend through vineyards to picturesque Verduno, then continue along a ridge to Roddi (5 miles, 2.5 hrs). Then, after a brief transfer to Alba (Europe’s white truffle capital!), optional circular walk (6 5 miles, 4 hrs) in the surrounding vine-clad hills.

HH Albergo San Lorenzo (std)

HHH Casa Dellatorre PrIVate gue st hou se (sup)

Day 8 (5) • Departure day

*Days in brackets refer to 5-day itinerary

Route open: April-Nov

Airports to first hotel: u Turin (70 miles)

Train/bus: 2 5 hrs - €16

Taxi: 1 hr 15 - ~€200 u Milan (138 miles)

Train/bus: 4 hrs - €30

Taxi: 2 5 hrs - ~€350

Route Manager: ATG-trained, lives locally and speaks fluent English, Italian and Serbo-Croatian.

Route Book: 148 pages – detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information

Walking: Moderate (Grade 3) See p 8

Terrain: Gentle, rolling hills, with occasional challenging ascents following well-made dirt roads; paths through vineyards; far m and woodland tracks