Itinerary Expand allBenevello to Benevello Day 1 Arrive at BenevelloArrive at your hotel in time for a swim before dinner. (Staying at Villa d'Amelia) Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Benevello to Grinzane Cavour After a short transfer you follow a gentle path alongside the clear waters of the Tanaro River, next to which pheasants and partridges rustle in the oak forest. It's on to Roddi (the castle here used to house the University of Truffle Dogs!) and Grinzane Cavour with its wonderful megalithic castle with amazing views. Time for a drink on the terrace at our stunning 4 star hotel in the village centre before dinner at the Michelin starred Il Castello. (Staying at Casa Pavesi) Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 3 At Grinzane CavourGrinzane Cavour is an atmospheric wine village with wine tasting on offer in its UNESCO recognised castle. Gastronomic capital, Alba, is easily reached from here (you may wish to take a taxi there, then walk back); explore the cobbled crimson squares and bustling porticoed streets. (Staying at Casa Pavesi) Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 4 Grinzane Cavour to Castiglione FallettoAfter a short transfer to panoramic hilltop Diano d'Alba you follow lush paths with hawks cruising overhead as you cross the Talloria River. Then it's a gentle climb through holm oak to reach Serralunga d'Alba, whose 13th century castle seems to surge towards the sky - you still need to cross the drawbridge to visit it. A last gentle ascent through vines takes you to the centre of Castiglione Falletto and your welcoming village hotel. (Staying at Hotel Le Torri, Breakfast at hotel) Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 5 At Castiglione FallettoPerhaps follow a circular route today (route notes provided), first visiting tiny Annunziata with its frescoed chapel (and an excellent farmhouse trattoria). Then it's on through sun-dappled hamlets and delicate swaying vines to reach La Morra, the 'Balcony of the Langhe', with plenty of wine-tasting opportunities in the bustling centre - even Julius Caesar stopped here to try some! (Staying at Hotel Le Torri) Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Castiglione Falletto to Monforte D'albaDescending gently to the Talloria Valley, you follow the stream's poplar-shaded path towards the ochre-hued 16th century castle of Barolo, which stands guard over the village's world-famous vineyards. Maybe visit panoramic Novello, a belvedere town built as a summer retreat for the residents of Alba, before continuing through fields ablaze with colourful wild flowers to reach our elegant villa hotel at Monforte d'Alba.. (Staying at Villa Beccaris) Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 At Monforte D'albaSituated in its own scented garden with views across medieval Monforte and beyond (even Mont Blanc on a clear day), Villa Beccaris offers a tempting swimming pool and a sun-trap courtyard. Alternatively, explore this pretty town with twisting streets clinging to the hillside. There are also plenty of opportunities for wine tasting. (Staying at Villa Beccaris) Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Monforte D'alba to BenevelloTake a lift to lovely Serravalle Langhe, from where you join the Sentiero della Valle Tanaro. First, shaded by hazelnut, oak and poplar trees, you reach Albaretto della Torre dominated by its 13th century Duecentesca tower. After lunch the panorama opens out with spectacular views back to Alba and the Tanaro Valley as you descend gently towards Benevello. (Staying at Villa d'Amelia) Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 9 Leave Benevello Meals included: Breakfast
ItalyNo visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
Hotels You will stay in our carefully picked hotels, often with pools, and full of character and contrasts, from Serena's friendly, family-run hotel in the centre of Castiglione Falletto, to a beautifully restored C19 family villa, complete with its own converted chapel.
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