Unfortunately, the hiking trail network in the region between Asti and Alba is not well developed, meaning there are only a few trail markers. The quality of the maps is also poor: The available maps for this region proved to be inaccurate or outdated during our hike (we used IGC Hiking Map 19: Asti - Alba). Unfortunately, this also applies to all OpenStreetMap-based maps—not all of the hiking trails we used are even listed there. If you follow our...
Asti is the starting point of our long-distance hike and is relatively easy to reach by train, as Asti station is an important stop on the Genova-Turin railway line, served not only by regional trains but also by Italian high-speed trains. The most important airports near Asti are therefore Turin and Genova (each about a two-hour train transfer). Alba is only about half the size of Asti and therefore significantly less well connected to the Italian rail network...
Asti is the starting point of our long-distance hike and thus also our first overnight stop. We stayed at the Hotel Lis, located not far from the train station and the old town (link: Hotel Lis). We really enjoyed the extensive breakfast there. However, the Hotel Lis is comparatively expensive. You can stay much more cheaply in Asti, for example, at the guesthouse La Fabbrica dell'Oro on the edge of the old town (link: La Fabbrica dell'Oro).
The long-distance hike takes you from Asti via Barbaresco and Barolo to Alba in six day stages. The region's numerous wineries offer ideal overnight accommodations....
Distance: 21,7km Ascent/Descent: 525m/303m Duration: 08:00h The first stage of our long-distance hike leads from Asti to Costigliole d'Asti. On the hike, we first cross the expansive Tanaro river plain and then follow a small, fertile side valley that brings us to Mongardino – a scenic spot for a lunch break (small supermarket/bakery, see waypoint 5). From Mongardino, the route continues through vineyards and beautiful hilly landscapes to one of the many wineries near Costigliole d'Asti (see accommodation in Costigliole d'Asti).
On a scenic hill just outside Costiglione d'Asti lies the beautiful "Cascina San Michele" winery with six guest rooms (link: Cascina San Michele). The spacious panoramic terrace is a wonderful place to relax after a strenuous day of hiking. The view of the rolling hills of Piedmont is magnificent. Equally impressive is the view from a somewhat hidden, second terrace on the top floor of the winery: On clear days, the Alps are visible from here. Cuisine: Hot meals are served at Cascina San...
Distance: 18,9km, Ascent/Descent: 406m/781m, Duration: 07:00h. On the second leg of our long-distance hike, we first explore the historic center of Costigliole d'Asti with its medieval castle. In Costiglione d'Asti, there are also two supermarkets for water and provisions (see waypoints 1 and 2). From Costiglione d'Asti, we hike through hilly terrain past fields, vineyards, and hazelnut orchards. A short, steep climb takes us to Castagnole delle Lanze (see waypoint 6). From there, our route leads...
The town of Barbaresco sits perched on a hill above the Tanaro Valley and is worth a visit for its "Torre di Barbaresco" lookout tower alone. The Barbaresco area is home to the red wines of the same name, which is why Barbaresco is home to numerous wine shops, wine bars, wineries, and several restaurants with extensive wine lists. On our hike through Piedmont, we stayed in Barbaresco at the "Casa Boffa," a local winemaker who runs a modern and friendly bed and breakfast in the historic center of Barbaresco (link:...
Distance: 11,4km, Ascent/Descent: 406m/406m, Duration: 04:45h. The third stage of our long-distance hike is the shortest of the tour at just under 12km and can easily be completed as a half-day hike. The trail leads through the vineyards of the Barbaresco wine-growing region, first descending into the valley to a disused railway line, and then climbing back up the opposite side of the hill. Several times we encounter oversized wooden benches, an idea of the Big Bench community project (see waypoint 3). After hiking through another valley and conquering a fairly steep climb, the trail leads...
Treiso is a small town perched on one of the many hills in the Langhe wine-growing region. There are several bed and breakfasts in the town, such as the Domus Langhe B&B and the Villa Incanto (link: Domus Langhe, Villa Incanto). There are also several restaurants and bars in the town. The Trattoria Risorgimento, where we stopped for lunch, is highly recommended. However, since we absolutely wanted to stay at another winery, we chose the one located about 3 km beyond Treiso...
