Travel into the heart of Piedmont wine country and arrive in Alba, a captivating medieval city of a ‘hundred towers’ and treasure trove of aromas and flavours. Settle in at your hotel then venture out to explore the town. Dip into divine pastry shops, give in to temptation and treat your palate to the sweet taste of Italy.

Start off with a transfer to Roddi then hike gentle slopes to the rustic hilltop village of La Morra and minsicule hamlet of Vergne. Stop en route for a bit of wine-tasting, marvelling at snowy peaks like Mt. Monviso on clear days. Peek in at the Ratti Museum to learn about local history, tradition and the art of making fine wines. Pause at Cantina Comunale (closed on Tuesdays) to taste and purchase wine. Todays’ route can be shortened by 4 km if you choose to start in Verduno and the walk ends either in Vergne or Barolo, at your accommodation for tonight.

Challenge: 13-15 km, 445 m ascent / 410 m descent OR 510 m ascent / 380 m descent

Trek to ancient Novello with its tower dating back to the Middle Ages on your way to the wine capital of Barolo, where renowned reds are produced. Take time to inspect the newly-opened WiMu Wine Museum at Castello dei Marchesi Faletti, then enjoy lunch at a great local trattoria. Continuing among vineyards and forests, your route ends in yet another gorgeous hilltop village: Monforte d’Alba.

Challenge: 8-12 km, 440 m ascent / 200 m descent OR 445 m ascent / 390 m descent

Thrill to varied landscapes, as you leave the vineyards behind and climb up through pretty hazelnut groves into wild woodlands in the ancient Serralunga d’Alba. Push your legs on the steep ascent up to Roddino, then laze along on a long downhill section before the final climb to Cissone and a well-earned cappuccino.

Challenge: 17-19 km, 680 m ascent, 565 m descent

Meander off on a short loop walk from the village, then take the rest of the day to relax. And trade coffee for other local brews! Unwind as you savour a glass of local wine at a traditional cantina in Cissone and enjoy splendid views of unique scenery, an embroidered tapestry of vineyards dotted with castles and towers.

Challenge: 8.5 km, 305 m ascent / descent

The High Langhe landscapes are clothed in hazelnut groves and some oak-covered slopes are simply too steep to be farmed. These pretty surroundings guard a precious local treasure, the fragrant ‘Tuber Magnatum’ also known as ‘the white truffle of Alba’. If you don’t find any while searching underground, you are sure to come upon some at the local restaurant.

Challenge: 13-20 km, 370 m ascent / 550 m descent OR 600 m ascent / 665 m descent

An ever-changing route through ever-changing scenery with stops in Torre Bormida and Bergolo. Strike off on wide woodland tracks, narrow grassy footpaths and cobbled lanes, traversing hazelnut plantations and chestnut woods on your way to Cortemilia. On clear days, the views toward the Alps are absolutely breath-taking.

Challenge: 13 km, 450 m ascent, 790 m descent

Your self-guided walking holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Travel to Alba or Asti then get the train to the airport in Turin or Milan.