Most people have never heard of the Langhe, let alone the Piemonte region of Italy—which makes it, in our book, a perfect destination for exploring! The Langhe, a pristine area nestled in the southern corner of Piemonte, is a land of vast horizons and breathtaking panoramic vistas, where ancient castles and hilltop towns stand guard over gentle slopes of vineyards that generously yield sumptuous Italian wines (including the noble Barolo!). Explorations on foot allow you to absorb the atmosphere and colors of the glorious landscape, while visits to medieval castles, fortresses, and enchanting villages immerse you in a rich culture and complex history. You’ll taste award-winning wines in boutique cantinas and renowned wine cellars, and savor the local gastronomy at family-run restaurants or locandas because, as everywhere in Langa, good cuisine is the “rule.” We top off the trip with a visit to Torino, an elegant and beautiful baroque city with a celebrated café life (and the chocolate capital of Italy!).

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the fertile vineyards, medieval castles, and hilltop towns of Piemonte’s Langhe region, still undiscovered by tourists
• Taste outstanding celebrated wines (Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Nebbiolo!)
• Sample the Langhe’s extraordinary cuisine, with such specialties as Tajerin or Ravioli del Plin (fresh home-made pasta)

DAY 1 ~ Meet in Milan – Barbaresco – to La Morra

Your tour leader will meet you at 10:00 a.m. in front of Exit 2 (inside) on the Arrivals floor of Terminal 1 of Malpensa International Airport. Note—Many international flights arrive after our recommended meeting time on Day 1. Depending on your arrangements, we suggest you arrive one day early. Transfer by private vehicle to Barbaresco, in Langhe (approximately 1_ hours) where we will visit the regional wine cellars before lunch at a family-run restaurant. We will then continue to La Morra, one of the renowned capitals of Barolo. Conveniently located in the heart of wine country, at about 1500 feet in altitude, La Morra is the highest hilltop town in the area, and it enjoys a splendid panorama. After checking in at Hotel Corte Gondina, your base for the next few days, you are free to walk around and explore the town on your own. We will meet again for a briefing in the early evening, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in La Morra.

Lunch, Dinner...Hotel Corte Gondina

DAY 2 ~ La Morra – Vergne – Barolo

Today we start hiking from the hotel for about 1_ hour to Vergne, a small village where many houses are decorated with paintings made by local artists. We will walk on a combination of country roads and trails, along the ridge and through vineyards, enjoying all along panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the Alps in the background. We continue about 1 hour to Barolo, home to the production of the prestigious and renowned Barolo wine. We will have lunch at a local restaurant in the historic center of town, where we will savor more of the local specialties. After lunch we will take a guided tour of the Castle, dominating the town and immersed among the hills, followed by a tour and wine tasting at one of the most famous wine cellars of Barolo. We will return by private transport to La Morra, stopping along the way to admire the Chapel of Barolo, standing as a solitary guard over the vineyards. The chapel was colorfully restored by the two American artists, Sol LeWitt and David Tremlett, in exchange for a sizeable amount of Barolo wine. Total hiking time is about 2_ hours. Dinner and overnight in La Morra.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner...Hotel Corte Gondina

DAY 3 ~ Alta Langa

Today our excursion takes us into Alta Langa (High Langa), stretching further to the south at the border with the Appennini Liguri and home to the "Tonda e Gentile," the famous and respected hazelnut of Piemonte. Here, the bare ridges, burned by the sun and lashed by the winds, become formidable balconies overlooking the deep valleys framed by the majestic profile of the Alps. We will start with a 45-minute transfer from La Morra to Alta Langa (the local guide will determine today which hike to do). We will spend the morning hiking through hazelnut orchards, over panoramic ridges, and along streams. We will stop for lunch at a typical local restaurant before we continue to a factory for the processing of the hazelnut and the production of nougat candy, where we will visit their facilities. We will then transfer back to La Morra, where you will have dinner on your own. Total hiking time today will be about 3 hours.

Breakfast, Lunch...Hotel Corte Gondina

DAY 4 ~ Monforte – Serralunga d'Alba – Grinzane di Cavour

After breakfast, we transfer about 30 minutes to Monforte d'Alba where we begin our 3-hour hike to Serralunga d'Alba. Our hike through the eastern hills of the Langhe takes us through pristine and peaceful countryside. Along the way we'll be surrounded by the constant unbroken panorama, dotted with the hilltop towns and the castles. In the distance Serralunga will stand out in its magnificence. The slender contour of the castle, with its towers of different heights, is visible from any of the surrounding hills and the hamlet seems to cling to its side. Once in Serralunga, we will enjoy a delicious lunch on the panoramic balcony of a local restaurant and wine producing facility. After lunch we will take a guided tour of the castle before we transfer 15-20 minutes to Grinzane di Cavour. Here we will visit the famous 14th-century castle, the home of Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, statesman and major of Grinzane from 1832 till 1849. The castle today is a museum with an exhibit area and one of the oldest regional wine cellars of Piemonte. It is also the seat of the prestigious literary award "Premio Grinzane Cavour." After the guided tour, we will transfer back to la Morra. Dinner and overnight in La Morra.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner...Hotel Corte Gondina

DAY 5 ~ Verduno – Roddi – Torino

Today is our final day in the Langhe and we will start with a 1-hour hike from the hotel to the beautiful and quaint hamlet of Verduno. All around us are the "nebbiolo" vineyards, the main grape used in the production of regional wines, and the vineyards of the Pelaverga, a less known grape and wine that is gaining more recognition on the wine market. In the heart of the hamlet is the 18th-century castle, now a hotel. We will visit its cellars, which gave birth to one of the first Barolo wines in history. We will then continue our hike for about 1 hour to Roddi, passing the hill of Monvigliero, a historical vineyard of Verduno owned by the Burlotto family. In fact, in 1900 its Barolo wine reached the Arctic during the North Pole expedition of the Duke of Abruzzi. Roddi overlooks the fertile plains of the Tanaro River and is dominated by its medieval castle dating back to the 11th century. After lunch at a local restaurant, we transfer about 1_ hours to Torino. Once in Torino, we will check in at our hotel and then the rest of the afternoon is yours to wander about and explore this beautiful baroque city, its historical cafés, and its shops. The city is also home to several outstanding museums, among which the Egyptian Museum and the Museo del Cinema, housed in the Mole Antonelliana. We will meet again for dinner at a local restaurant before bidding farewell.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner...Hotel Victoria

DAY 6 ~ Depart

The trip ends in Torino. Those of you traveling to other destinations in Italy or elsewhere in Europe can connect with the train of your choice at the main train station in Torino. If you are returning to Milan's Malpensa International Airport, you can take a bus from Turin at 7:00 am, 9:00 am, and 3:00 pm. Because the ride takes 2 hours, please make sure that you schedule your departure flight accordingly (for intercontinental flights, you need to check in at least two hours prior to departure time).

Breakfast…

Stay a Little Longer

Prefer a Group Adventure?
This trip is also available as a group departure. Check out our Europe , our Tuscany In Season Private Adventure, or other independent travel on your own.

Arrival & Departure Information

You will be met at Milan's Malpensa International Airport on Day 1 and transferred to La Morra. The trip ends in La Morra on Day 6.

Air Travel

Airfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. For air reservations, we recommend you contact the airlines directly, either by phone or the Internet. In addition, many travelers elect to use their "frequent flyer" miles when traveling with us. But please check with our staff before purchasing or obtaining your tickets, so we may verify your arrival and departure schedule.

Activity Level

On a scale from 1 to 5, we rate this trip as a 2 (easy to moderate in nature). It's an excellent trip for those who are looking for moderate hikes combined with a cultural experience. Most days you'll be hiking about three to four hours on hilly terrain. Depending on weather conditions, we may hike on paths through vineyards, dirt, gravel or paved roads. If wet, the paths can be slippery due to the clay content of the earth and present a challenge for some people. Since there is a support van, you'll be walking with only a light daypack.

If you are not optimally conditioned, we recommend that you start a training program at least three months before departure, gradually increasing the intensity and duration. If your health is questionable or your physical stamina is limited, please discuss other trip options with us.

Your Guide

Besides ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch, your guide will provide a unique perspective on the local life and culture as only a native can. Their close familiarity with the local geography, history, culture and traditions are the key to a superb, informative experience—one you just can't get on your own. In their friendly company, you will truly learn, enjoy, and share their passion for the country they call home. You'll be in good hands with them every step of the way. Guide assignments will be confirmed in the Final Bulletin sent to you three weeks prior to departure.

What's Included

• expert leadership
• accommodations
• airport transfer on Day 1
• sightseeing arrangements as noted in the itinerary
• ground transportation
• basic medical and evacuation insurance

What's Not

International airfare to Milan and return; airport transfer on Day 6; optional tips to local guide; insurance other than basic medical and evacuation insurance noted above (we strongly recommend you purchase the supplementary trip insurance offered by Mountain Travel Sobek, which includes trip cancellation insurance); excess baggage charges; airport taxes (if any); cost of medical immunizations; and items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.). Unused transportation to/during the tour will not be reimbursed.

Payment & Cancellation Policy

(This differs from regular Mountain Travel Sobek trips.)

I. Payment
At time of reservation: $800
120 days prior to departure: 25% of Land Cost ($747.50)
90 days prior to departure: Balance of Land Cost

II. Cancellation
If written notice of cancellation is received:
Cancellation Fee will be:
From time of reservation until
90 days prior to departure $800
89 to 60 days prior to departure 50% of Land Cost ($1495)
59 days or fewer prior to departure 100% of Land Cost

Note on Itinerary

This itinerary has been carefully designed for optimal value. You may wish to combine this tour with another or add extensions at the beginning or end of your trip. However, if you wish to customize this tour, other terms and conditions apply (ask us about information on customized adventures). Travel Agent commissions or any type of other discounts do not apply to this tour.

Although we will do our best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed, it is subject to change. Please read the Limitation of Liability and Booking Conditions in the four-page Participant Information Form. You can find all this information on our website.

Limitation of Liability

“Mountain Travel Sobek” is defined to include its owners, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives and affiliates (collectively “Mountain Travel”). Except for the Alaska Discovery Inn, some small craft and some vans in Alaska, Mountain Travel does not own or operate any entity that provides goods or services for your trip including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airline, vessel, bus, van or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Mountain Travel is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any other third party. Without limitation, Mountain Travel Sobek is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely, dangers associated with animals, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rafting, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of, access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Mountain Travel. In addition, participants release Mountain Travel from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof. On advancement of deposit to Mountain Travel, the depositor therefore agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions. These are partial conditions. Your participation is contingent on your signature on the full list of terms specified in the four-page Participant Information Form, which you can find on our website (or call us at 1-888-687-6235 and request a copy).

Arbitration

Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to these Terms and Conditions, to any literature concerning this trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in San Francisco, California, according to the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive California law without regard to the California Arbitration Act.

Conditions of Participation

Your participation on a Mountain Travel Sobek trip is subject to the conditions stated in the four-page Participant Information Form, which includes the Agreement and Release from Liability and the Booking Conditions. Specific information on payment and cancellation policies is also contained within this document, as well as in our current catalog and on our website. We urge you to read this information carefully, and to call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) if you have any questions.

Why Mountain Travel Sobek is Your First Choice for Adventure

Mountain Travel Sobek is the pioneer in active adventure travel. No other adventure travel company can lay claim to that title. We were the first to take Americans trekking in Nepal, raft the wild rivers of Africa, and open up many previously inaccessible corners of the world to curious travelers. We set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Since we are the leading adventure company, we have a lot to live up to, so we make sure we provide safe, quality trips and the best customer service to our passengers.

References

Don't take our word for how great our trips are. We'll be happy to provide you with references of satisfied past travelers. Just give us a call at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235).

Questions?

Feel free to call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) if you still have any questions or concerns. We're here to help you.

Note on Itinerary

Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed, it is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. Please read the Limitations of Liability and Booking Conditions in the four-page Participant Information Form.

This itinerary has been carefully designed for optimal value. You may wish to combine this tour with another or add extensions at the beginning or end of your trip. However, if you wish to customize this tour, other terms and conditions apply (ask us about information on customized adventures). Travel Agent commissions or any type of other discounts do not apply to this tour.

Conditions of Participation

Your participation on a Mountain Travel Sobek trip is subject to the conditions stated in the four-page Participant Information Form, which includes the Agreement and Release from Liability and the Booking Conditions. We urge you to read this information carefully, and to call us if you have any questions.

Note on Services

We often use local suppliers who provide services that may include transportation, equipment, logistic support, and other services (hotels, restaurants, etc.). We do not own or operate these independent suppliers. We work with service providers who share our commitment to safety and quality, and work closely with them to develop itineraries unique to Mountain Travel Sobek.

Ready to go? Signing up is easy!

Just call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or make a reservation request online. Immediately after we receive your deposit, we will request your preferred dates. Upon confirmation (usually within four business days), we will send you a packet with all the information you need to get ready for your trip, including clothing recommendations, suggested reading lists, and other details.

Approximately 30 days before your departure, we'll send you detailed, step-by-step instructions, with emergency contact numbers, a detailed map, and other important information. Upon arrival at your destination, you will be met by your in-country host who will help orient you and describe what to expect in the week to come.