8 days self-guided walking holiday

8 days self-guided walking holiday
Piedmont is Italy’s heaven for genuine gastronomes of mouth-watering food, truffles and impressive wines. The Langhe region is set between the Alps and the Apennines mountains and is blessed with the fertile lands that produce the Tuber Magnatum – a prized white truffle – and some of Italy’s most prestigious red wines: the Barolo and Barbera. Discover a spectacular array of local specialties including gourmet cheeses, pastries and chocolates that are appreciated the world over. This walking trip takes you amidst a magnificent landscape of rolling hills dotted with small picturesque villages, elegant castles and feudal towers, walking through vineyards and hazelnut forests and staying in small rural villages where the accommodation is charming and welcoming.
Day 1: Arrival in Alba
Arrive in Alba, the heart of Piedmont wine country, a captivating medieval city of a “hundred towers” and a treasure chest of flavours and aromas. After checking in, go out for a walk to explore the town and why not stop in one of its many divine pastry shops to tempt your palette. Treat yourself to the sweet tastes of Italy.
The walks are along vineyards, uneven footpaths, mule tracks and small gravel roads (strade bianche). The trails through the vineyards can get slippery, muddy and heavy-going when wet or after it has rained. The Bar to Bar route is well marked, while alternative trails do not always have markings.
Trip grading: Introductory to Moderate – grade 2 :This is a self-guided walk with average daily stages of 3 to 5 hours. The paths are clearly visible and well-marked; there are some sections of the trail which
Luggage transfer: Luggage transfer is included and is provided by the accommodation itself or a local taxi company.
Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of if as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7 day service hotline in the event of any problems. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips; however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.
Fitness preparation: The concept behind most of our trips is active holidays and the fitter you are the more easily you will adjust and enjoy yourself. We expect participants to take responsibility for their fitness and preparations on a consistent basis prior to departure, and INCREASE the regular weekly training schedule in the two months leading up to departure. That way, when you start walking, you will feel relaxed and comfortable and strong, having done more than sufficient preparation for the trip. You will also have more energy to enjoy the views, take photos and explore the sights in your spare time, rather than just make it to the next hotel. During the day is when the most interesting features of interest will be found, and being fit allows you to optimize every situation you encounter. As a minimum, we recommend 40 minutes of aerobic type exercise; running, swimming, biking, hill walking, or gym work two to three times a week for two to six months leading up to your walk. Note the best training is the activity that you are actually going to be doing; walking up and down hill, and cross-country. Practice this as much as possible. Training should be stepped up as you get closer to departure, to an amount you feel appropriate (you don’t want to cause yourself an injury!). Using your gear before departure (boots, day pack, clothing, etc.) gives familiarity and comfort whilst on the walk. It makes sense to know that all your gear ‘works for you’ BEFORE departure, rather than discovering how things work or fit (or don’t!) on the trip you have invested so much in. Use the philosophy of ‘getting fit to go walking’, rather than ‘going on a walk to get fit’, to avoid problems.
Departure dates: Every day from 01 April to 15 November 2020 (ref IT30)
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Price per person (min 2 people twin share): A$1250
Cost per person
Accommodation and Meals:
This tour offers accommodation in pretty B&B and 3* hotels. All rooms are en-suited.
Hotel Savona (Alba)
Hotel Savona is centrally located in Alba, Langhe’s capital. Rooms are comfortable and cozy with a dated furniture. Staff are welcoming and helpful. Breakfast is good. In common areas there is free Wi-Fi.
Agriturismo Ca´ San Ponzio (Barolo)
Agritourism Ca’ San Ponzio is a restored farmhouse, surrounded by serenity, peace and nature. Rustic rooms are very comfortable, spacious and well-finished. Every room has a balcony with view on a beautiful landscape on Langhe’s hills. Owners are courteous and helpful. Breakfast is very good with home-made products.
Hotel Grappolo d’Oro (Monforte D’Alba)
Il Grappolo D’Oro is in Piazza Umberto I, the main square in Monforte D’Alba. Rooms and apartments have a traditional design with tiled floors and wooden furniture. Services are free Wi-Fi, TV and private bathroom. Breakfast is good. It’s suggested the restaurant.
Agriturismo Balcone sulle Langhe (Cissone)
Agritourism Balcone sulle Langhe is in a quiet location. Rustic rooms are comfortable, spacious and well-furnished. It’s suggested the restaurant that offers traditional dishes with local products. Rooms have a balcony, fridge, kitchenette, air conditioned/heating, TV, telephone.
Hotel Da Maurizio (Cravanzana)
Albergo Da Maurizio is set in its spacious garden surrounded by the Langhe Hills and offers rooms decorated in a classic style with balcony. Some of these are fitted with tiled floors and some have parquet floors. The hotel restaurant is very good and very appreciated.
Hotel Villa San Carlo (Cortemilia)
A nice hotel restaurant located in Cortemilia. Family run hotel with welcoming staff and comfortable rooms. It also offers an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant with some of the local delicacies.
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