S-cape travel

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Savour the flavour

Let your taste buds soar on this trip through Italy's hidden paradise for true connoisseurs of mouthwatering truffles and fabulous wines. The Langhe region is set between the Alps and the Apennine Mountains and is blessed with the fertile lands that produce the Tube Magnatum  a prized white truffle  and one of Italy's most prestigious red wines: the Barolo. Discover a spectacular array of local specialties including gourmet cheeses, pastries and chocolates that are appreciated the world over. Set amidst the magnificent landscape of rolling hills dotted with picturesque villages, elegant castles and feudal towers, you will experience Italian cloud nine.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Alba

Arrive in Alba, captivating medieval city of "hundred towers" and treasure chest of flavors and aromas, in the heart of the Piedmont wine country. After checking in to your hotel, explore Alba by stopping in one of its divine pastry shops to tempt your palette. Then try the exceptional local chocolate. Treat yourself to the sweet taste of Italy.

Challenge: Travel to Alba

Villages along the way: Alba

Day 2: Transfer to Marengo and walk to Barolo

After a taxi transfer you start the walk from the Castle of Grinzane Cavour, which is situated on top of a hill. Crossing several hills and valleys and passing the rustic hilltop village of La Morra you reach Vergne. On the way you can taste wine at the cantina of la Morra and Vajra winery in Vergne. If the day is clear, from the tops of the hills you can see the Alps, snow-covered till late in spring.

Challenge: 12-16 km, 500-650m ascent, 200-240m descent, 4.5-6.0 hours

Villages along the way: Barolo

Day 3: Walk from Barolo to Monforte d'Alba

Passing by the old village of Novello, with its Middle Age tower you reach the wine capital of Barolo, where this famous wine is produced. You can visit the museum in the Castello dei Marchesi Falettiand the Regional wine museum, a must for any wine connoisseur. After a varying walk through the vineyards and forests, you arrive in Monforte d'Alba, a nice hill top village.

Challenge: 8-11.5 km, 300-350m ascent, 200-250m descent, 3-4 hours

Villages along the way: Novello, Barolo, Monforte d'Alba

Day 4: Walk from Monforte d'Alba to Cissone

You walk through vineyards, hazelnut plantation and woods, discovering the ancient hamlet of Serralunga d'Alba. You pass many valleys with brooks. After a steep climb you reach the gorgeous village of Roddino built with ingenious Italian architectural tradition atop a hill. Then there is a long descent untill finally you climb up to Cissone. The landscape is much more various then the previous days.

Challenge: 12-16 km, 470-590m ascent, 250-470m descent, 5 hours

Villages along the way: Serralunga d'Alba, Roddino, Cissone

Day 5: Cissone round walk

A glass of local wine from a traditional "cantina" in the centre of the village is a lovely way to celebrate this day of relaxing and taking it easy. After a short circular walk in the neighborhood of Cissone, unwind and admire the splendid views from the farm. The scenery is a unique spectacle, embroidered with vineyards and dotted with towers and castles.

Challenge: 8.5 km, 300m ascent, 300m descent, 3 hours

Villages along the way: Cissone

Day 6: Walk from Cissone to Cravanzana

Pass through hazelnut fields and oak forests to reach the "Alta Langa", the highlands where the precious Tuber Magnatum  the cherished white truffle of Alba  grows. Your instinct will lead you in a search for this cookery delight. But if you dont find it underground, don't worry because you are sure to find it in Cravanzana for dinner.

Challenge: 15 km, 650m ascent, 670m descent, 6 hours

Villages along the way: Cravanzana

Day 7: Walk from Cravanzana to Cortemilia

Today's walk is short and sweet, a pleasant stroll through the incredible woodlands and pastures of the Langhe hills. Follow a path through Torre Bormida as you marvel at the awe-inspiring panorama of the Alps ahead. Then head towards Bergolo and finally arrive in the lovely town of Cortemilia.

Challenge: 12.5 km, 380m ascent, 680m descent, 3 hours

Villages along the way: Bergolo, Cortemilia

Day 8: Arrivederci Cortemilia!

The trip and our services end after breakfast. There is a local bus that goes from Cortemilia to Alba every day except on Sundays. You can also book a taxi to take you to Alba.

Villages along the way: Cortemilia