Country Walkers
United States 800.464.9255
Australia
New Zealand
BrazilUnited States 800.464.9255
RETURN TO TOUR SEARCHDeparture
May 21, 2012
Trip Length
9 Days / 8 Nights
Price (per person)
$3,298
Single Supplement
$855
Internal Airfare
Pricing Notes
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Italy: Vineyards of Piedmont
This landscape of verdant hills, distant Alpine peaks, and ancient hamlets holds the very best of Italy—from world-renowned vineyards and medieval towns to castles and remarkable cuisine. Even so, it’s a less-traveled destination, which means you’ll have more of it to yourself. Starting in Benevello, your maps will guide you to the tiny village of Grinzane Cavour and its medieval castle, and then across the Talloria River to the 13th-century castle at Serralunga d’Alba.
Visit a family farm outside Castiglione Falletto and follow poplar-shaded paths to Barolo, where a 16th-century palace looms over vineyards—and stop for a tour and tasting. In medieval Monforte you’ll find a classic ochre townscape, while rare white truffles are Alba’s claim to fame. Indeed, almost every village has its own gastronomic treats and vintages to sample. Since this self-guided trip unfolds at your own pace, you can stop to feast, sip, or simply take in the splendid scenery whenever the Italian spirit moves you.
Activity Level
GUEST COMMENT
All in all, a most enjoyable holiday and well facilitated!
”Activity Level
This tour is one of our Self-Guided Walking Adventures, rated moderate, with an average of 5-9 miles per day, with shorter and longer options on some days. There are daily ascents and descents, with an average elevation gain of up to 1,800 feet. Most of the hills are gradual, although in places they can be short and steep. The terrain includes some asphalt roads, packed dirt trails and narrow roads, as well as loose gravel in the vineyards. Because the terrain can be uneven and steep in the vineyards, hiking boots are recommended, as well as a walking stick. The tour highlights tranquil forest and vineyard walks that rise to stunning views of hilltop wine villages, some with historic castles and wineries, with views of the Alps in places.
Tour Includes
- Continental breakfast and dinner daily (lunches and beverages are not included)
- All accommodations (with private baths) while on tour
- Arrival and departure transfers (valid only for established transfer times)
- Luggage transfers between the hotels
- Detailed route notes and maps
- Basic travel insurance coverage (see Travel Insurance section that follows)
- 24-hour emergency service
- The exclusive ease of a mobile phone rental with our Cellhire partnership. Receive preferred calling rates, free phone rental, and complimentary shipping of mobile phones
- The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the Country Walkers staff
Meeting Point
Cuneo train station (3:50 pm), Cuneo, Italy
Departure Point
Cuneo train station (8:15 am), Cuneo, Italy
Travel Insurance
Reading List
DAY 1Arrival at Benevello You are met at Cuneo train station and transferred (75 minutes) to your hotel with time to settle in and relax before dinner. DAY 2Benevello to Grinzane Cavour; 10km/7mi/3.5hr After a short transfer this morning, you follow a gentle path alongside the clear waters of the Tanaro river, next to which pheasants and partridges rustle in the oak forest. Next, you continue on to Roddi, whose castle used to house the University of Truffle Hounds! Grinzane Cavour, your ultimate destination, is home to a wonderful megalithic castle with amazing views. Your elegant hotel is located in the center of the village, and there is time for a drink on the terrace before dinner. DAY 3Layover at Grinzane Cavour Perched atop a panoramic hill, Grinzane Cavour is an atmospheric wine town with wine tastings on offer in the village’s imposing castle. Should you wish to venture farther afield today, the gastronomic capital of Alba, formerly known as the “City of 100 Towers,” retains a medieval appearance and is easily reached from Grinzane. One can visit the town’s monuments and explore the cobbled crimson squares and bustling porticoed streets. DAY 4Grinzane Cavour to Castiglione Falletto; 12km/7mi/4hr Following lush paths, with hawks cruising overhead, you cross the Talloria river. A gentle climb through holm oak brings you to Serralunga d’Alba, whose 13th-century castle (and distinctive tower that seems to surge skyward) is easily recognizable from the surrounding villages. A last gentle ascent through vineyards takes you to Valentina’s welcoming inn Serena’s friendly family run hotel in the center village of Castiglione Falletto, another hilltop wine-producing village endowed with a castle with stark undecorated towers, striking in their austere beauty. DAY 5Layover at Castiglione Falletto You may wish to follow a circular route today, first visiting tiny Annunziata with its frescoed chapel (and an excellent farmhouse trattoria!). Continue on through sun-dappled hamlets and delicate swaying vines until you reach La Morra, the “Balcony of the Langhe.” There’s plenty of wine tasting in the bustling center—even Julius Caesar stopped here for a sample. DAY 6Castiglione Falletto to Monforte d’Alba; 8km/5mi/2hr or 11km/7mi/4hr 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. You may wish to visit panoramic Novello, a belvedere town built as a summer retreat for the residents of Alba, before continuing through fields, ablaze with sunflowers, to reach your elegant villa hotel at Monforte d’Alba. DAY 7Layover at Monforte d’Alba Situated in a 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-filled courtyard. However, there are plenty of walking choices if you’re feeling more energetic with way-marked paths leading through verdant countryside to frescoed chapels and charming villages. DAY 8Monforte d’Alba to Benevello; 13km/8mi/5hr A transfer is provided this morning to lovely Serravalle Langhe, from where you join the Tanaro Valley trail (Sentiero della Valle Tanaro). At first shaded by hazelnut, oak, and poplar trees, you reach Albaretto della Torre, dominated by its 13th-century tower. After lunch, the panorama opens up with spectacular views back towards Alba and the Tanaro Valley as you descend gently towards Benevello. Upon arrival at the hotel, there may be time for one last swim before savoring your final dinner. DAY 9Departure from Benevello A transfer is provided to the Cuneo train station bright and early (departing the hotel at 7:00 am) where you make train connections for your trip home or your next destination. |
Itinerary Changes Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience. |
 | Nights 1 & 8Relais Villa d’Amelia |
 | Nights 2 & 3Hotel Casa Pavesi |
 | Nights 4 & 5Le Torri Hotel |
 | Nights 6 & 7Villa Beccaris |
Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours. |
SINGLE SHARE (guided walking and small ship cruising)
If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room, we will make every effort to find you a roommate of the same gender.
Guided Walking: Based on availability, if you reserve a tour at least 91 days prior to the tour start date and wish to share a room, you will not be required to pay the single supplement fee (except where designated), even if we cannot find you a roommate.
Small Ship Cruising: A single supplement will be charged until we are able to confirm a roommate for you. If we are able to match you with a roommate, the single supplement will be refunded.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (guided walking, small ship cruising, and safaris)
You may choose a private room, as a limited number of single rooms are available for an additional fee.
Solo Traveler Supplement (safaris only)
On our CW Safaris, a solo traveler surcharge (above and beyond the single supplement fee) applies to select destinations. Please call for details.
Child Pricing
Child pricing is available on request. Minimum ages apply to select departures including Uganda: Gorillas & Chimps (minimum age 16).
Scheduled Tours
Choose a Scheduled Tour date, and rest assured that your active adventure will coincide with the very best travel conditions.
On Scheduled Walking tours, know that you'll walk with like-minded travelers in a small-group (average 6 to 7 guests per guide—never more than 18 per group) environment. Best of all, your departure is guaranteed to go—no date changes, no cancellations. With over 65 worldwide adventures, we're sure there's one just right for you!
Our Small Ship voyages use vessels from the best fleets in the world, carefully matching each ship with specific regions and destinations. Expedition ships provide unrivaled access to destinations not easily reached by larger vessels. Each ship is equipped with Zodiacs for shore transfers; these jaunts are explored with expert, local guides.
CW Safaris are expertly crafted to create unique, individual travel experiences. Our safaris are offered as independent adventures... journeys you will take with local expert guides, on your choice of select departures dates.
Reserve Your Safari
CW Safaris are expertly crafted to create unique, individual travel experiences. Our safaris are offered as independent adventures... journeys you will take with local expert guides, on your choice of select departures dates. Independent journeys mean you choose the time and place and we bring it all together for you — the destinations, the travel arrangements, the lodgings, the activities. Please allow 24-48 hours to confirm your requested dates.
Private & Custom
Looking for a one-of-a-kind travel experience? Celebrating a special occasion? Planning a family adventure? A Private Departure offers you privacy priced right! You simply select your destination, a tour date, and the number of travelers—the tour price calculates automatically. Our expert tour planners will work closely with you to assure an unforgettable vacation!
Self-guided Tours
Self-Guided Walking and Biking Adventures give you maximum flexibility as you travel at your own pace—setting off whenever you're ready, choosing when and where to stop for lunch, and planning the day around your own personal schedule. We provide comprehensive and up-to-date materials as well as maps, detailed route notes, and great accommodations. All tours are rated for activity level; Self-Guided Biking Adventures are ideal for either beginner or experienced cyclists. We supply quality bikes and panniers on all biking tours. On every Self-Guided Adventure your luggage is transported for you. Take your spirit of adventure even further on a Self-Guided trip.
Single Supplement
On our Self-Guided Adventures, a single supplement applies to all solo travelers for single occupancy of a room.
Solo Traveler Supplement
On our Self-Guided Adventures, a solo traveler surcharge (above and beyond the single supplement fee) applies to select destinations. Please call for details.
Single Supplement
On our Private Adventures, a single supplement applies when two (or more) friends traveling together with to reserve private rooms.
Self-Guided Walking
Our 10 European Self-Guided Walking Adventures celebrate a spirit of adventure. Designed specifically for independent travelers, Self-Guided Walking trips allow you full days of walking at your own pace; each day's itinerary includes both active and cultural options. You adjust the day's schedule and events as your wish. Great accommodations, delightful restaurants boasting authentic fare, detailed route notes and maps, luggage transfers, and support of local staff are hallmarks. All tours are rated by Activity Level to help you choose a trip that best matches your ability and interests.
View all Self-Guided Walking Adventures.
Your Departure is Guaranteed
When you reserve a trip, the last thing you need is to have it cancelled due to low enrollment. With our Guaranteed Departures, you can relax! Every Guided, Self-Guided, and Safari trip is guaranteed to go. No date changes, no cancellations, no disappointments. We do receive inquiries from guests whose tours have been cancelled by other tour operators. This is an important guarantee, alleviating a common worry for many travelers.
Please Choose a Departure Date in the future
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©2012 Country Walkers. All Rights Reserved. 02
All in all, a most enjoyable holiday and well facilitated!
- R. Remnant, Australia