Arrive in Milan in time to meet the group at our hotel in the late afternoon. After a short walk around the neighbourhood to orient ourselves, we enjoy an aperitif together. Later for those who wish to join together we will find a relaxed trattoria for a casual dinner.

Milan is the fashion capital of Italy and as well as a visit to Galleria Vittorio we explore the Duomo di Milano, Piazza Cordusio and the many cobblestoned streets.

Today we have arranged a private culinary group tour with a Milan local giving us the authentic experience sharing tucked away treats and interesting historic and present day stories.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

We enjoy a morning tour in Milan prior to our train ride to Turin.

From Turin we travel by private transfer to beautiful Alba, 95 kilometres to the south. The plan of the historic centre of Alba reflects its Roman origins (an orderly grid tucked behind defensive walls) while its narrow streets are decidedly medieval, complete with a five brick tower-houses that date from the 13th century. Tonight we stay in a traditional hotel (opened in 1866) in the historic centre of the town.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Trek: Turin to Verduno 14 kms (4 hours)

After breakfast suitcases are stored for transfer to our next hotel (our daily routine) and we depart Alba on foot heading south-west, passing the Ferrero chocolate factory (home of Nutella). We then follow an easy path along the left bank of the Tanaro River, before turning south and climbing up to a small hilltop village that is famous for Count Vittorio Alfieri an Italian dramatist and poet, considered the "founder of Italian tragedy."

The second half of the walk takes you through vineyards to another lovely hilltop town, with a ruined castle from where you have a breathtaking view south over all the Langhe hills.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Trek: Verduno to Monforte 13 kms (3.5 hours)

Today’s walk takes you through the heart of Barolo country following lanes that cut through the middle of the some of the finest and most famous vineyards in Italy such as ‘Cannubi’ and ‘Sori’, passing through the town of Barolo itself (where we can have lunch and visit one of the cantine and/or its Oenological Museum).

After passing through more vineyards, you arrive at another charming hilltop town, Monforte d'Alba. The ancient castle Palazzo Scarampi, which is thought to date back to the 1200s and Auditorium Horszowski, an open space in the middle of the town shaped like an amphitheater.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Trek: Monforte to Sinio 9 kms (2.5 hours)

Today’s walk takes you out of the wine growing area and into the Alta Langhe, the slightly ‘wilder’ (relatively!) part of the district which is characterised by steeper hills, hazelnut and fruit orchards and tracts of chestnut forests.

Although there are a couple of hills, today’s walk is quite short which will leave you time to explore the interesting places you are pass, including the very interesting castle with time for a light lunch as well. We are able to extend today's walk based on the group's interest.

Tonight we stay in the village of Sinio where we will be for two nights.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Trek: 15 kms (4.5 hours)

The walk today is a circuit from our accommodation. Visiting the town of Montelupo ( mountain wolf) we take our time to view the many murals about wolves on the village walls. After we continue on to the next castle town Rodello for a lunch stop before making our way back.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Trek: to Neive 17 kms (5 hours)

Leaving your accommodation the trail further along the ridge through forests and orchards, passing close to Santo Stefano Belbo, the home of one of the Langhe’s favourite sons: Cesare Pavese (1908 to 1950). A poet, novelist, critic and translator who is considered one of Italy’s major 20th century writers.

The second part of today’s walk takes you back into the sweet rolling hills of the wine country, through vineyards dedicated to Barbaresco, a light version of Barolo, to one of the prettiest and best preserved villages in the area.

Tonight we stay in Neive. This splendid medieval village located in the Western Langhe, was always chosen as the residence of the landed nobility and the wealthy bourgeoisie.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Trek: Neive to Alba 11.5 kms (3 hours)

The last walk of your visit takes you back to Alba and we will get going early today. It loops around through more vineyards, passing a number of settlements, including the town of Barbaresco itself, before entering forest and following the banks of the Tanaro River along a trail that is dedicated to Beppe Fenoglio (1922 to 1963), another beloved local writer who fought the German occupation during World War II.

From Alba we take the local bus to Bra home of the University of Gastronomic Sciences and hosts the international headquarters of Slow Food. Later in the evening we will return to Alba for our final night.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

After breakfast it is time to say goodbye. A private transfer will take you back to Turin for your onward travel.

Meals: Breakfast

Price includes

10 days / 9 nights trekking and experiences with GirlsTrek

Accommodation based on twin share

Luxury accommodation in Milan

Combination of small & historic hotels, agriturismo and castle in Piedmont

Train travel one way from Milan to Turin

Private transfers from Turin to Alba return

Daily luggage transfers

Meals as per itinerary

Trip specific packing list with expert advice and great discounts

At home training programme

Information get together and group chat for communication

Maps of the walking area

Price excludes

Travel to/from destination

Travel insurance, which is compulsory

Beverages, optional and personal expenses

*Single supplement available on request at an additional cost

Compulsory Gear

Passport

Daypack - small to carry you raincoat and personal items *

Water Bladder with 2L capacity

Waterproof and windproof jacket with hood

Good walking shoes **

600ml water bottle

Electrolyte

Hat and sunglasses

Buff or kerchief for neck protection

Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent

Tissues and wipes

Personal first aid kit (Band aids, compression bandage, pain relief tablets)

*Each day you will carry a minimum amount in your backpack. Most of your luggage will be forwarded to our next accommodation. We purchase lunch along the way.

**Your trekking shoes need to be very comfortable and able to handle hard road surfaces as well as farm trails and bush trails.

Clothing for trek

2-3 x walking shorts or longs

4 x walking shirts (Long or short)

1 long sleeved warm layer - we recommend Icebreaker merino 150 - 200 gsm

Polar fleece or down Vest

4 x walking socks - (merino wool)

Clothing & items for trip

Casual wear for nights of trek

Smart day wear for Milano

Pajamas and underwear

Toiletries