Piedmont Wine & Walking
As Italy’s second-largest region, the wine-growing Piedmont region is nothing short of a gourmand’s paradise. The landscape is stunning; think deep valleys and rolling countryside dotted with medieval villages, vineyards, farmhouses, and hazelnut groves. Highlights include walking along river paths and ancient trails, visiting the foodie town of Alba, discovering the Barolo vineyards, and sampling exquisite food paired with well-known wines.
What you’ll love
- Enjoying views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa on a clear day
- Exploring Italy’s second-largest region of Piedmont on foot
- Visiting medieval hilltop villages full of character and charm
- Sampling local wines with your evening meal
- Learning more about Italy’s Slow Food Movement
What’s included
- Return flights from London Gatwick, including baggage and transfers
- A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
- HF Holidays Tour Manager
- 7 nights' accommodation in Montelupo
- 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
- All in-destination transport
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
Gallery
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Welcome to Hotel Ca'Del Lupo in Montelupo. Unpack and settle in.
These introductory walks will explore the area close to the hotel and include a visit to Montelupo village.
Option 1 - The Wolf's Trail from Montelupo
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 650 feet (200m)
In summary: We start our week with a walk into the village of Montelupo's main square. Our route then heads north through vineyards and woodland to the lovely isolated chapel of Capella Torretta. From here we make our way back towards Montelupo through hazelnut orchards for a further exploration of the village.
Highlight: Excellent views down to the neighbouring village of Rodello and the Langhe Hills from Montelupo's main square.
Option 2 - Strada Romantica and The Wolf's Trail
Distance: 8½ miles (14km)
Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Our walk today begins by heading towards Brantegna, via the Strada Romatica, then continues on to the Chapel of the Madonna del Oriolo and finally follows a section of the local Wolf's Trail.
Highlight: The fantastic viewpoint on the Strada Romantica.
Today we head to the west of Montelupo to walk in the Barolo vineyards, the most famous in the area. Barolo wine is very well regarded and renowned for its rich flavour and aroma. The wine is made from the Nebbiolo grape, which ripens quite late, towards the end of October, with bunches that have an intense blue colour.
Option 1 - Barolo vineyards
Distance: 6½ miles (10½km)
Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In summary: Starting in Barolo, sitting low in the valley, our route heads south through this beautiful wine growing region to the village of Monforte d’Alba with its 18th century palace. We will have time to admire the palace before heading west to take a different route back to Barolo.
Highlight: Monforte d'Alba, a historic hilltop village, built around a castle, with narrow cobbled streets.
Option 2 - Barolo villages
Distance: 8½ miles (13½km)
Total ascent: 1,300 feet (390m)
In summary: Our route today is linear. Starting in La Morra with excellent views to the south we make our way to Barolo. From Castiglione Falletto, the walk descends into the valley before ascending to Serralunga D’Alba for a well-earned drink.
Highlight: Visiting three important winemaking hilltop villages in one day.
The day starts with a journey to the historic town of Alba, where we have a short time to explore. Both walks take in nearby Barbaresco, a beautiful village and major wine producing centre, and walk through vineyards, small hamlets, and woodland. Alba is the largest town in the region and has a very good reputation for gastronomy, wine and chocolate (Ferrero Rocher). Its river, the Tanaro, is one of the main tributaries of the river Po and is 175 miles long
Option 1 - Along the Tanaro River
Distance: 5½ miles (9km)
Total ascent: 650 feet (200m)
In summary: Having spent a little time in Alba, we make our way downhill towards the charming village of Barbaresco, an important wine-producing centre, dominated by a 120ft tower. After some gentle woodland walking close to the Tanaro river, we enjoy the beautiful rolling countryside of vineyards, small hamlets, and woodland to reach Barbaresco.
Highlight: Barbaresco and its historic tower and fortress.
Option 2 - Along and Above the Tanaro River
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Total ascent: 950 feet (300m)
In summary: This walk starts in Alba and we begin by walking to Barbaresco, on undulating tracks and minor roads passing through vineyards and isolated farms, following the route of the easier walk through the beautiful countryside. After late elevenses or early lunch in Barbaresco, we head on to the walled hilltop town of Neive. We walk along undulating tracks and minor roads and pass through vineyards and isolated farms, with wide ranging views of the surrounding area.
Highlight: The largest town in the area, Alba is a gastronomy hub.
Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Some options for your free day may include:
Local: Walk to nearby picturesque Rodello village (approx 20 mins walk) for a relaxing lunch in a café. Bike hire: Hire a bike from the hotel and explore the pretty country roads, visiting local villages.
Alba: A little further afield, Alba is an attractive town with a medieval centre and most famous for being the truffle capital of Italy . It offers excellent shopping and a wide selection of restaurants. Travel would be by taxi or minibus.
Grinzane Cavour: Visit the Museo delle Langhe. Only 20 mins from Montelupo, this elegant castle has an interesting exhibition of local history and an Enoteca Regionale Piedmont selling local food and wine.
Monticello d’Alba: set in the delightful Roero district of Piedmont, the medieval town of Monticello d’Alba has an impressive, beautifully preserved medieval castle and parkland set on a hill above the town. Travel would be by taxi or minibus.
Serralunga d’Alba: dating back to 1224 and surrounded by the hills of the Barolo vineyards, Serralunga d’Alba is a small, peaceful Langhe gem in which to spend a few hours. The unusually shaped Castello with courtyard drawbridge is well worth exploring on a guided tour. (Requires booking.) Travel would be by taxi or minibus.
The Bormida river flows through the heart of the Langhe Hills and our walks today follow the wooded ridge on its western side that separates the main valley from that of the river Uzzone. Walks end in the small town of Cortemilia, one of the most attractive in the area. The river divides the town into two villages: San Michele on the west bank and San Pantaleo on the east. The 12th century church is well worth a visit, being one of the most interesting examples in the Langhe.
Option 1 - Above Prunetto
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: Minimal
Total descent: 1,300 feet (390m)
In summary: Our day will start in Prunetto, a small hilltop town with a proud standing 12th century sandstone castle. Here we will have a chance to visit the sights before re-boarding our coach to Bergolo. From here we will make our way down through wooded hillside to Cortemilia and our transport home.
Highlight: Visit the chapel in Prunetto and the local church Santa Maria in Cortemilia.
Option 2 - Prunetto to Cortemilia
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Total ascent: 500 feet (160m)
Total descent: 1,950 feet (600m)
In summary: The harder walk starts from Prunetto where we take a gentle ascent towards the summit of Bocca delle Forche. From here we head through the woods and descend into Bergolo, where the easier walk started and follow the same route to Cortemilia.
Highlight: Visit the chapel in Prunetto
Both groups visit the pretty village of Bossolasco (so called Village of the Roses) for a village trail.
Option 1 - The Tanaro valley
Distance: 4 miles (7km)
Total ascent: 700 ft (200m)
In summary: We are then taken by coach to Serravalle delle Langhe where the walk starts and progresses to the small villlage of Albaretto della Torre where we can celebrate a great week of walking.
Highlight: The view of the Alps from the village of Serravalle.
Option 2 - The Village of Roses
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Total ascent: 1,100 ft (340m)
In summary: We start our walk outside Bossolasco and walk to Serravalle delle Langhe to take in the lovely views. This walk then largely follow the route of the easier group, finishing and joining the celebratory drinks in Albaretto.
Highlight: Wide ranging views all day and a fitting finale to the week.
We hope to see you again soon.
Hotel Ca’del Lupo - Piedmont
The 4-star Hotel Ca’del Lupo is highly regarded by our guests and regularly top in our Customer Surveys. The hotel is owned and run by two brothers, Savio and Stefano Drocco. The brothers reputation for outstanding food and service has become well established over the last 18 years. The hotel enjoys peaceful surroundings and has been purpose built and designed so that all rooms look out over vineyards towards the hill-top villages of Rodello and Montelupo.
Rooms
Hotel Ca'del Lupo has 29 en-suite bedrooms, each with their own private terrace. The rooms are spacious and light with ample storage and large bathrooms.
All bedrooms have a:
- Flat screen TV
- Mini-bar
- Electronic safe
- Hairdryer
- Central heating
- Air conditioning
- Internet access
About your stay
There is an open-plan breakfast room and bar area, doors opening onto a large terrace.
The hotel is terraced down to the ground floor where there is an outdoor swimming pool with seating and grassed areas; a pleasant area to relax in on your free day or after a day's walk.
The hotel has a boot storage area in the cellar, and offers a laundry service in 48 hours.
Food & drink
Our holidays at Hotel Ca'del Lupo are on a half-board basis and include breakfast and evening meal.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a continental buffet breakfast, with an amazing selection of breads, cakes and pastries, homemade in the wood-fired oven.
Lunch (payable locally)
Picnic lunches can be ordered from the hotel; these should be ordered the night before. Alternatively, on some days ingredients for your picnic lunch can be bought from shops in the villages you will visit and on certain days it may be possible to eat in a café; your leaders will advise you of the options.
Evening meal
Dinner at Hotel Ca'del Lupo is taken in their well established restaurant. Very popular with locals, you will experience a four-course meal of regional specialities. The restaurant is next door to the hotel and is set in its own garden.
Drinks
Every evening meal you have the opportunity to sample the wine grown in the area which you have walked through that day, this is included in the price of your holiday. The origins and qualities will be explained to you by the somelier.
Your evenings
The friendly atmosphere of our Guided Walking holidays continues into the evening.
Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer before hearing about the next day's walk. The main focus of your evening will be a leisurely meal.
Your leader will check for any local events going on nearby, or you may like to relax on the terrace or in the bar, with a drink and chat with your fellow guests.
Essential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
If you choose land only, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements, including your flights and airport transfers at your destination. Any flights booked independently will also not be covered by our ATOL license.
Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
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2025 | ||||||||
21 Apr - 28 Apr 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,689 Double from £1,499 pp |
from £1,499 pp |
from £1,689 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
28 Apr - 05 May 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,689 Double from £1,499 pp |
from £1,499 pp |
from £1,689 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
05 May - 12 May 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,739 Double from £1,549 pp |
from £1,549 pp |
from £1,739 |
Trip Notes
|
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12 May - 19 May 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
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19 May - 26 May 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,549 pp |
from £1,549 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
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26 May - 02 Jun 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,739 Double from £1,549 pp |
from £1,549 pp |
from £1,739 |
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|
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02 Jun - 09 Jun 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,739 Double from £1,549 pp |
from £1,549 pp |
from £1,739 |
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09 Jun - 16 Jun 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,549 pp |
from £1,549 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
16 Jun - 23 Jun 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,739 Double from £1,549 pp |
from £1,549 pp |
from £1,739 |
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01 Sep - 08 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,739 Double from £1,549 pp |
from £1,549 pp |
from £1,739 |
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08 Sep - 15 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,739 Double from £1,549 pp |
from £1,549 pp |
from £1,739 |
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15 Sep - 22 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,739 £1,628 Double from £1,549 £1,438 pp |
from £1,549 £1,438 pp |
from £1,739 £1,628 |
Save £111 pp Birthday Offer |
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22 Sep - 29 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,739 Double from £1,549 pp |
from £1,549 pp |
from £1,739 |
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29 Sep - 06 Oct 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,739 £1,628 Double from £1,549 £1,438 pp |
from £1,549 £1,438 pp |
from £1,739 £1,628 |
Save £111 pp Birthday Offer |
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06 Oct - 13 Oct 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,689 Double from £1,499 pp |
from £1,499 pp |
from £1,689 |
Trip Notes
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Book Now |
Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 | ||||||||
21 Apr - 28 Apr 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,589 Double from £1,399 pp |
from £1,399 pp |
from £1,589 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
28 Apr - 05 May 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,589 Double from £1,399 pp |
from £1,399 pp |
from £1,589 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
05 May - 12 May 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,639 Double from £1,449 pp |
from £1,449 pp |
from £1,639 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
12 May - 19 May 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
19 May - 26 May 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,449 pp |
from £1,449 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
26 May - 02 Jun 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,639 Double from £1,449 pp |
from £1,449 pp |
from £1,639 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
02 Jun - 09 Jun 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,639 Double from £1,449 pp |
from £1,449 pp |
from £1,639 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
09 Jun - 16 Jun 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,399 pp |
from £1,399 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
16 Jun - 23 Jun 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,589 Double from £1,399 pp |
from £1,399 pp |
from £1,589 |
Trip Notes
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01 Sep - 08 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,589 Double from £1,399 pp |
from £1,399 pp |
from £1,589 |
Trip Notes
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Book Now | |||
08 Sep - 15 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,589 Double from £1,399 pp |
from £1,399 pp |
from £1,589 |
Trip Notes
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15 Sep - 22 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,589 £1,478 Double from £1,399 £1,288 pp |
from £1,399 £1,288 pp |
from £1,589 £1,478 |
Save £111 pp Birthday Offer |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
22 Sep - 29 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,589 Double from £1,399 pp |
from £1,399 pp |
from £1,589 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
29 Sep - 06 Oct 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,589 £1,478 Double from £1,399 £1,288 pp |
from £1,399 £1,288 pp |
from £1,589 £1,478 |
Save £111 pp Birthday Offer |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
06 Oct - 13 Oct 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,589 Double from £1,399 pp |
from £1,399 pp |
from £1,589 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now |
Important information
- With flights holidays: Price includes return flights to Turin Airport, hold baggage and airport transfers
- Independent travellers can join our transfer from Turin Airport - please contact us for prices
*If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, please ensure you’ve selected a land-only option before proceeding to book.
7 nights
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£1,399pp
£1,288pp
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