Piedmont: Land of Barolo and Barbera

piedmont: land of barolo and barbera

A UTracks active holiday is all about exploring Europe your way. It’s about walking or cycling the incredible trails of Europe and becoming completing immersed in your travel experience. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has been the leader in active European holidays. Our itineraries have always been creative, rewarding, and very affordable. With over 450 active trips across the continent, UTracks offers unique opportunities explore europe your way to discover an untrodden Europe that spans postcard‑perfect landscapes, centuries‑old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting gastronomic delights. You can choose to set your own pace on a flexible self guided journey or enjoy the benefits of an experienced local guide on a small group tour. We cater to all fitness abilities with our honest graded system that defines our trips from introductory to challenging. Plus we offer exceptional value with many inclusions on all our trips, allowing you more freedom to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders of Europe. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2‑star or 4‑star, small group or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks helps you explore Europe exactly the way you want.

TRIP COST TRIP NAME: PIEDMONT: LAND OF Joining Alba from : $1400 BAROLO AND BARBERA Italy Trip Concludes: Cortemilia TRIP CODE: LBO Alba All prices are per person TRIP DURATION: 8 DAYS Barolo Cortemilia OPTIONS & GRADE: INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE ‑ 2 SUPPLEMENTS France discount for 6 day trip (twinshare pp): $-188 ACTIVITY: SELF GUIDED WALK

Single Supplement: $400 ACCOMMODATION: 7 NIGHTS IN 2‑4 STAR HOTELS AND AGRITURISMOS Single Traveller Surcharge: $420 DATE DETAILS: DAILY FROM 1 APR TO 15 NOV (EXCEPT AUGUST)

As the trip price is based on twinshare, a single supplement is payable if you are not sharing with a friend / highlights family member ‑ or a single traveller supplement if you are travelling solo*. Sample incredible local wines, cheeses, sweets and chocolates Please refer to the price options for Try the famous white truffles which this region is renowned for costs or ask our office for details. Note regarding single rooms ‑ The Walk through beautiful vineyards and hazelnut forests single supplement guarantees the Enjoy staying in small, comfortable, family‑run accommodation privacy of your own room, however, rooms can at times be small and in Experience the quiet walking paths of Piedmont some places may not enjoy the same facilities as double/twin rooms. *The single traveller surcharge is only the trip available on trips deemed suitable for solo travellers. It is usually more For true connoisseurs of mouth‑watering food, truffles and fabulous wines, the Italian region of expensive than the single supplement Piedmont is a foodie’s paradise. Situated between the Alps and the Apennine mountains, the Langhe due to the extra cost for luggage transfers and organisation. region is naturally blessed with fertile lands that produce the Tuber Magnatum ‑ a prized white truffle ‑ as well as some of Italy’s most prestigious red wines: the Barolo and Barbera. This walking trip IMPORTANT NOTES along the quiet footpaths in Piedmont will allow you to discover a tantalizing array of local specialties DN1 - For a 6 day version of this walk, see trip notes for details. including gourmet cheeses, pastries and chocolates that are appreciated the world over. While the food is worth a visit alone, the walking can also be described as mouth‑watering. Hike amidst a magnificent landscape of rolling hills dotted with small picturesque villages, elegant castles and feudal towers. On a clear day the views of the snow‑capped Alps can be enjoyed while walking through the delightful vineyards and hazelnut forests. Each night you’ll stay in small rural villages, where the accommodation is charming and welcoming.

itinerary at a glance Day 1 Arrive Alba Day 2 Transfer to Roddi, walk to Vergne enjoying wine tastings along the way (4 or 3.5hrs) Day 3 Walk to Monforte d’Alba via the wine capital of Barolo (4 or 3hrs) Day 4 Ascend through hazelnut forests to Cissone (5-6hrs) Day 5 Short walk around Cissone (3hrs) Day 6 Walk from Cissone to Cravanzana (5 or 6hrs) Day 7 Walk through the home of the white truffle to Cortemilia (5hrs) Day 8 Trip concludes

detailed itinerary DAY 1 Arrive Alba Today you will make your own way to the first hotel in Alba. Alba is the heart of Piedmont wine country. It is a captivating medieval city of a “hundred towers” and a treasure trove of flavours and aromas. After checking in, go out for a walk to explore the town and perhaps stop in one of its many divine pastry shops to treat yourself to the sweet tastes of Italy. meals: NIL DAY 2 Transfer to Roddi, walk to Vergne enjoying wine tastings along the way (4 or 3.5hrs) This morning you will be transferred to Roddi, where you will start your walk. Today you will walk across several hills until you reach the rustic hilltop village of La Morra. En route there are several wine tasting options. On clear days you can see the Alps and Mt Monviso that stay snow-capped until the beginning of summer. In La Morra you can visit the Ratti Museum to learn about the history, tradition and the art of the good wine. You can stop at Cantina Comunale (closed on Tuesdays) which has a wide selection of wines to taste and buy, and also a lot of videos on local wines and gastronomy. From La Morra you continue to the hamlet of Vergne. Today’s walk can be shortened by about 4km by taking a transfer to Verduno instead of Roddi. Depending on hotel availability you will stay overnight in either Vergne or Barolo. This will be confirmed in your hotel list. Walk: 15 or 13km/9.5 or 8 mi, 4 or 3.5hrs. Ascent: 509 or 446m/1670 or 1463ft. Descent: 383 or 409m/1257 or 1341ft. meals: B DAY 3 Walk to Monforte d’Alba via the wine capital of Barolo (4 or 3hrs) On today’s walk you’ll pass by the old village of Novello, with its Middle Ages tower. Soon after you will reach the wine capital of Barolo, where Italy’s famous wine is produced. Spend some time exploring the recently opened WiMu Wine Museum located in the Castello dei Marchesi Faletti, and you can stop for lunch at one of the great local trattorias. From here the walk continues through vineyards and forests and leads you to Monforte d’Alba, a nice hill top village where you will stay overnight. Walk: 12 or 8km/7.5 or 5mi, 4 or 3hrs. Ascent: 447m/1467ft. Descent: 390m/1280ft. meals: B

DAY 4 Ascend through hazelnut forests to Cissone (5-6hrs) The landscape today is far more varied than on the previous days as you leave the vineyards behind. As you walk you’ll climb through tidy hazelnut forests and wild woods surrounding the ancient hamlet of Serralunga d’Alba. From here a steep climb brings you to Roddino, then a long descent takes you to the final climb up to Cissone. Overnight in Cissone. Walk: 17km/10.5mi, 5hrs. Ascent: 680m/2231ft. Descent: 565m/1854ft. meals: B DAY 5 Short walk around Cissone (3hrs) Today you can choose to relax in the centre of the village and enjoy a glass or two of local wine from a traditional cantina. Or you can choose to take a short circular walk in the surroundings of Cissone. As you walk you can unwind and admire the splendid views from the farms. The scenery is embroidered with vineyards and dotted with towers and castles. Overnight in Cissone. Walk: 8.5km/5mi, 3hrs. Ascent: 307m/1007ft. Descent: 307m/1007ft. meals: B DAY 6 Walk from Cissone to Cravanzana (5 or 6hrs) Today you will walk in the spectacular high Langhe area. The landscape of this area around Cissone is characterised by hazelnut forests and oak trees. This is also the area where the most precious of the local treasures can be found - the ‘Tuber Magnatum’, also known as ‘the white truffle of Alba’. If you don’t find it underground, you are sure to find these delicious truffles in a local restaurant. Overnight in Cravanzana. Walk: 20 or 13km/12.5 or 8mi. Ascent: 600 or 370m/1969 or 1214ft. Descent: 665 or 550m/2182 or 1804ft. meals: B DAY 7 Walk through the home of the white truffle to Cortemilia (5hrs) Both the landscape and the walk today are varied. En route you will visit the villages of Torre Bormida and Bergolo. The walk to these villages is through hazelnut plantations and dense chestnut woods, and you’ll walk on broad forest paths, small grassy trails and narrow cobbled streets until you reach the town of Cortemilia. Overnight in Cortemilia. Walk: 13km/8mi, 5hrs. Ascent: 450m/1476ft. Descent: 790ft/2592ft. meals: B DAY 8 Trip concludes The trip concludes this morning in Cortemilia. The arrangements conclude after breakfast. We can assist with a private transfer from Cortemilia to Alba station, or to Turin airport on request, please ask for our rates. Note: buses do not operate from Cortemilia on Sundays and a private transfer is required. meals: B itinerary at a glance – 6 Day Itinerary (2) Day 1 Arrive Alba Day 2 Transfer to Roddi, walk to Vergne enjoying wine tastings along the way (4 or 3.5hrs) Day 3 Walk to Monforte d’Alba via the wine capital of Barolo (4 or 3hrs) Day 4 Ascend through hazelnut forests to Cissone (5hrs) Day 5 Walk from Cissone to Cravanzana (5 or 6hrs) Day 6 Trip concludes Note:

detailed itinerary: 6 Day Itinerary (2) DAY 1 Arrive Alba Today you will make your own way to the first hotel in Alba. Alba is the heart of Piedmont wine country, and is 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. meals: NIL DAY 2 Transfer to Roddi, walk to Vergne enjoying wine tastings along the way (4 or 3.5hrs) This morning you will be transferred to Roddi, where you will start your walk. Today you will walk across several hills until you reach the rustic hilltop village of La Morra. From there you continue to the hamlet of Vergne. En route you have several wine tasting options. On clear days you can see the Alps and Mt. Monviso that stay snow-capped until the beginning of summer. In La Morra you can visit the Ratti Museum to learn about the history, tradition and the art of the good wine. You can stop at Cantina Comunale (closed on Tuesdays) which has a wide selection of wines to taste and buy, and also a lot of videos on local wines and gastronomy. Today’s walk can be shortened by about 4km by taking a transfer to Verduno instead of Roddi. Depending on hotel availability you will stay overnight in either Vergne or Baroli. This will be confirmed in your hotel list. Walk: 15 or 13km/9.5 or 8 mi, 4 or 3.5hrs. Ascent: 509 or 446m/1670 or 1463ft. Descent: 383 or 409m/1257 or 1341ft. meals: B DAY 3 Walk to Monforte d’Alba via the wine capital of Barolo (4 or 3hrs) On today’s walk to Monforte d’Alba you’ll pass by the old village of Novello, with its Middle Aged tower. Soon after you will reach the wine capital of Barolo, where the famous wine is produced. Spend some time exploring the recently opened WiMu Wine Museum located in the Castello dei Marchesi Faletti. You can stop for lunch at one of the great local trattorias. From here on the walk continues through vineyards and forests and leads you to Monforte d’Alba, a nice hill top village where you will overnight. Walk: 12 or 8km/7.5 or 5mi, 4 or 3hrs. Ascent: 447m/1467ft. Descent: 390m/1280ft. meals: B DAY 4 Ascend through hazelnut forests to Cissone (5hrs) The landscape for today is far more varied than on the previous days as you leave the vineyards behind. As you walk you’ll climb through tidy hazelnut forests and wild woods surrounding the ancient hamlet of Serralunga d’Alba. From here a steep climb brings you to Roddino, then a long descent takes you to the final climb up to Cissone. Overnight in Cissone. Walk: 17km/10.5mi, 5hrs. Ascent: 680m/2231ft. Descent: 565m/1854ft. meals: B DAY 5 Walk from Cissone to Cravanzana (5 or 6hrs) Today you will walk in the spectacular high Langhe area. The landscape of this area around Cissone is characterised by hazelnut forests and oak trees. This is also the area where the most precious of the local treasures can be found - the ‘Tuber Magnatum’, also known as ‘the white truffle of Alba’. If you don’t find it underground, you are sure to find these delicious truffles in a local restaurant. Overnight Cravanzana. Walk: 20 or 13km/12.5 or 8mi. Ascent: 600 or 370m/1969 or 1214ft. Descent: 665 or 550m/2182 or 1804ft. meals: B

DAY 6 Trip concludes The trip concludes this morning in Cravanzana. The arrangements end after breakfast. meals: B

inclusions 7 breakfasts: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices 7 nights in 2 to 4 star hotels and Agriturismo on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities ‑ hotel tax extra Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked Private transfer on day 2 Luggage transfers Emergency hotline *If you are booked on the 6 day itinerary only 5 nights of accommodation and 5 breakfasts are included. All other inclusions remain the same. items not included Travel to Alba and from Cortemilia or Cravanzana Lunch, dinner and drinks daily. Allow approx EUR15‑20 for each dinner and EUR5 for a picnic lunch Items of a personal nature including drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet and laundry etc. Entrance fees (museums, galleries etc.) Wine tastings Guide ‑ this is a self guided tour Travel insurance ‑ mandatory Tourist Tax ‑ allow €1‑2 per day ‑ payable directly to each hotel getting there BY CAR Driving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin. com BY TRAIN Rail services operate from Milan and Turin via Cavallermaggiore to Alba, or from Genova via Bra to Alba. See www.trenitalia.com or ask your reservations consultant for assistance. BY AIR The nearest airports are Milan, Turin and Genoa. From these airports you will then need to take the train to Alba, as above. If flying to Turin it is also possible to catch the bus. BY BUS Buses operate from Turin to Alba see www.buscompany.it and the ATO Trasporti link there. The trip concludes after breakfast in Cortemilia on day 8. The 6 day trip finishes in Cravanzana after breakfast. Geloso buses depart to eg, Alba (takes about 55 minutes) and Asti (takes about 1.5 hours), see http://www.gelosobus.it/Orari_linee.aspx ‑ except on Sundays. Tickets can be bought on board the bus. From Cravanzana you need to change buses at Ponte Belbo to reach Alba. From Alba or Asti you can reach Turin or Milan TRANSFER SERVICE At the end of the trip we can arrange a private transfer to Alba, Cuneo, Turin or Acqui Terme – please ask for our rates. trip grading - introductory to moderate The walking is graded introductory to moderate (2). Daily walks are between 12 and 20km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from vineyard trails, uneven footpaths, mule tracks and small gravel roads (strade bianche). The trails through the vineyards can be slippery, muddy and heavy‑going when wet or after it has rained. The trails do not always have markings. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.

a note on our self guided adventures Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. On self guided cycling tours it is expected that you will know how to repair punctures and make minor adjustments to gears, handlebars and seats. For anything more serious, our local partner will be able to assist. 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 it 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 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. Using directions and maps can be more difficult for solo travellers as often two heads are better than one when it comes to finding your way. 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.

joining instructions Around three weeks prior to your departure you will receive your final documents. These will include the details of your hotel, along with your route notes and maps. accommodation DURING TOUR During the trip selected 3 and 4* star hotels are used in the larger towns, while in the villages and countryside we use cosy, friendly ‘agriturismo’ (farmhouses) and inns, some which are quite renowned for their cuisine. In all the accommodation the rooms have private bathrooms and a good Italian breakfast is included each morning. Throughout the trip there are plenty of opportunities to taste both the outstanding local cuisine and a wide array of prestigious regional wines.

fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED Italy VISAS Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen‑visa‑countries‑list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending

most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements. CLIMATE The trip runs between April and November, during the European spring, summer & autumn. The summer months are usually dry and hot with temperatures ranging between 20 ‑ 30 degree Celsius in the plains and sometimes higher. If you are walking in July we recommend you leave early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. Piedmont is characterised by three types of climate, however, as it is not subject to maritime influences, the climate is generally considered continental, with pronounced thermal ranges. Winters are cold and dry, summers are cool in the hills and rather hot down in the plain. For further information, consult the website www.arpa.piemonte.it MIN GROUP SIZE 1 MOBILITY REQUIREMENT This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIRED Wet weather gear, sunscreen, good walking boots / shoes, sun hat and walking poles (not essential but recommended). A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre‑departure information provided on booking. how to book Booking a UTracks holiday is simple. You can book online, via our secure payment facility, at your own convenience. Alternatively, fill out our booking form ‑ which can be found at the back of our brochure, on our website or we can email you a copy ‑ then scan/email, fax or post the form to your nearest UTracks or World Expeditions office, or travel agent, with the relevant deposit by cheque or credit card (note: surcharges may apply for credit card payments if full payment is made). UTracks has access to competitive airfares to Europe. Contact us, or your travel agent, for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation.

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slide shows UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website – www.utracks.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.utracks. com or contact our office.

IMPORTANT NOTE THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY,AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE.

talk to us If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office.

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