Hiking in Piedmont through famous vineyards and medieval villages. Discover Piedmont on foot during this 8-day independent hiking trip from Alba to Cortemilia. Enjoy hiking, wine, white truffles, small-scale accommodations, and stunning views of the Alps.
Piedmont is a hiker’s paradise—especially if you love fine dining, tranquility, and rolling landscapes. We describe this 8-day route, which you can plan on your own or take as part of an organized tour led by a local specialist. Read more about that below.
You’ll travel from village to village through the heart of the Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Barolo wines, hazelnuts, white truffles, and views of the snow-capped Alps.
Along the way, you’ll sample local specialties, stay in charming family-run hotels, and walk along old mule trails, vineyard paths, and quiet strade bianche. The route is easy to moderately challenging and perfect if you want to combine culture and nature.
You’ll arrive in Alba on your own. Take a stroll through the historic center, known for its white truffle market, numerous medieval towers, and charming piazzas. Be sure to stop by one of the many small pastry shops.
Overnight stay in Alba
15 km / 522 meters of climbing / 426 meters of descent
After a short transfer, you’ll hike through vineyards and hills to the famous wine town of Barolo. You’ll cross several hills and pass through the authentic village of Morra. You’ll continue on to the hamlet of Vergne. Along the way, there are several opportunities to taste local wine. On a clear day, you can see the Alps and Mount Monviso. In La Morra, you can visit the Ratti Museum, which offers a wealth of information about Barolo wine and its history. Be sure to also visit the Cantina Comunale (closed on Tuesdays), which offers a wide selection of wines to taste or purchase.
Note: Today’s hike can be shortened by about 4 km by starting in Verduno instead of Roddi.
Depending on where you’re staying, you’ll end the hike in Vergne or Barolo.
Overnight stay in Vergne or Barolo
11 km / 440 meters of climbing / 415 meters of descent
A leisurely hike with stunning views of the Langhe. Monforte is a charming village with a beautiful amphitheater and excellent restaurants. Passing through the old village of Novello with its medieval tower, you’ll reach Barolo, the wine capital where the famous Barolo wine is produced. Take some time to visit the recently opened WiMu Wine Museum, located in the Castello dei Marchesi Faletti. Have lunch at one of the wonderful local trattorias. Afterward, continue your walk through vineyards and forests toward Monforte d’Alba, a beautifully situated hilltop village.
Overnight stay in Monforte d’Alba
15 km / 806 meters of climbing / 665 meters of descent
Today, the landscape becomes much more varied. You’ll leave the vineyards behind and climb through beautiful hazelnut groves and wild forests around the old hamlet of Serralunga d’Alba. A steep climb then takes you to Roddino, followed by a long descent and a final climb to Cissone. Here, an agriturismo with panoramic views and local cuisine awaits you.
Overnight stay in Cissone
8 km / 300 meters of climbing and descending / optional rest day
An optional rest day or a short loop hike in the hills around Cissone. The perfect day to enjoy the view and a good book. Savor a delicious glass of local wine from a cantina in the center of Cissone. After a short walk around the area, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful view from the farm. The landscape is unique: many vineyards, towers, and castles.
Overnight stay in Cissone
17.5 km / 650 meters of climbing / 870 meters of descent
The landscape of the upper Langhe around Cissone is characterized by hazelnut groves and steep slopes covered with oak trees. This is also the area where you can find one of the most prized local treasures: the Tuber Magnatum, also known as the white truffle of Alba. If you don’t find it underground, you’re sure to find it on the menu at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Cravanzana
12 km / 485 meters of climbing / 755 meters of descent
Today, both the hike and the scenery are very varied. You’ll visit the villages of Torre Bormida and Bergolo, which you’ll reach through hazelnut plantations and dense chestnut forests, along wide forest trails, narrow grassy paths, and cobblestone streets. Eventually, you’ll reach the town of Cortemilia, the “hazelnut capital.” On a clear day, the views of the hills and the Alps are once again breathtaking. Round out your trip with a good glass of local wine.
Overnight stay in Cortemilia
Your hiking trip ends after breakfast. From Cortemilia, you can take the bus back to Alba or Asti and continue by train to Turin or Milan. There is no bus service on Sundays, so you’ll need to book a transfer or make other arrangements.
If you take this organized tour, you’ll stay at carefully selected family-run hotels, B&Bs, and agriturismi, all with private bathrooms. Here are a few examples:
Price per person from October 1 to November 15*
* From September through mid-November, you’ll pay an additional €45 per room for the hotel in Alba when staying on the weekend
Not included:
Would you like to book this trip through a local specialist? If so, please fill out the form below. You’ll save a little money compared to booking directly, and we’ll receive a small commission.
Als je een offerte aanvraagt, sturen we deze door naar de lokale partner en bevestigen zij direct aan jou indien akkoord. Verdere afhandeling van de reservering en betaling regel je met de lokale leverancier (met wie wij goed contact en afspraken hebben). Wij blijven altijd beschikbaar voor mogelijke vragen.
"*" geeft vereiste velden aan
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