Hiking steps to truffle happiness | Eurohike Hiking Blog

Why Alba and Langhe are always worth a hiking trip during truffle season

World-class wine and truffle mecca

UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape

Authentic, high-quality cuisine

Exciting truffle hunting and gourmet tours

Luxury and relaxation in rural elegance

The town of Alba

Alba is a charming small town in Piedmont in northern Italy, more precisely in the hilly landscape of the Langhe, which is famous for its wine and gourmet culture. The town has around 30,000 inhabitants and is located on the River Tanaro. Its old town is characterised by medieval architecture, narrow streets and historic towers – remnants of a time when Alba was a prosperous trading town. Particularly striking is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo with its Gothic and Romanesque elements. Beneath the town there are also archaeological remains from Roman and medieval times, which can be visited on guided tours.

However, Alba is best known internationally as the capital of the white truffle. The ‘Tartufo Bianco d'Alba’ is considered one of the finest and most expensive truffles in the world. In the autumn months – especially in October and November – the whole town is dominated by this delicacy. The Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d'Alba, or international truffle fair, attracts gourmets, chefs and traders from all over the world. In addition to a truffle market, there are cooking shows, wine tastings, cultural events and even a traditional donkey race (Palio degli Asini) as a humorous parody of the more famous Palio di Siena.

Truffles at every turn

Beneath the earth lies what is perhaps nature's most precious treasure: the white truffle of Alba – coveted by top chefs, gourmets and collectors worldwide.

The truffles are not cultivated, but tracked down in the surrounding forests by specially trained dogs. Their origin is closely linked to the local ecosystem and the climatic conditions of the Langhe.

In keeping with this, the regional cuisine in Alba is also heavily truffle-oriented: many restaurants offer special menus with fresh white truffles during the season – shaved wafer-thin over pasta, eggs or fried eggs.

White Alba truffle (Tartufo Bianco d’Alba)

The white truffle of Alba is the mushroom speciality of the region around Alba (in Piedmont, Italy).
Scientific name: Tuber magnatum Pico
This truffle is not cultivated, but grows wild in symbiosis with the roots of certain trees (e.g. oak, poplar, hazelnut) in the soil of the region.
Colour: The skin is often ochre-yellowish to light in colour, while the inside (gleba) is light with whitish veins.
Prized for its exceptional aroma and rarity, it is considered one of the most exquisite truffle varieties in the world.
Aroma: Particularly intense, with notes of earth, garlic, hay, mushrooms and spices. The description includes ‘fieno, aglio, terra bagnata’ (hay, garlic, wet earth) for the smell.
When choosing a dish with truffles in a restaurant, it is best to opt for a subtle seasoning so that the truffle's aroma can come through.
When buying, make sure it is fresh: the scent should be strong and the exterior should not be dried out.
The white Alba truffle is expensive. Prices vary greatly depending on quality, size and season.
Use: Because the aroma is so dominant, white truffles are usually shaved raw over dishes – e.g. pasta (tagliolini), risotto, eggs, meat dishes.
When preparing: Use simple dishes so that the truffle takes centre stage (e.g. butter, egg, simple pasta) – do not overload.
Recommended dosage: 9–10 g per serving of pasta, 7–8 g for an antipasti dish.
Storage instructions: Store in the refrigerator at +2°C/+4°C, wrapped in kitchen paper, in a glass container. Change the paper daily. Recommended consumption within approx. 5 days.
Wine pairing: In the region, an elegant red wine or a structured white wine goes well with truffles – it is important that the wine does not overpower the truffles.

Where culinary art meets character

In Alba and the hills of the Langhe, cuisine is not just a pleasure – it is culture, craftsmanship and heritage. Here, where ancient tradition meets excellent product quality, a cuisine is created that sets standards worldwide – authentic, unadulterated and uncompromisingly high quality.

Tradition you can taste: the regional cuisine is based on centuries-old recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation in family businesses and osterias – from tajarin pasta with truffles to brasato al Barolo. At the same time, the region is embracing creativity: numerous Michelin-starred chefs combine tradition with innovation at the highest level.

From field to plate: whether hazelnuts (IGP Piemonte), Robiola cheese, free-range pork or seasonal vegetables – in the Langhe, quality comes from origin. Local producers, slow food principles and short transport routes guarantee a taste experience with backbone.

World-class wine culture

In addition to truffles, the region's wines – above all Barolo, Barbaresco and Nebbiolo – are a culinary highlight that makes Alba one of Italy's most important gourmet destinations. No wonder, then, that Alba was designated a ‘City of Gastronomy’ by UNESCO in 2017. The combination of medieval flair, rural authenticity and world-famous cuisine makes Alba a worthwhile destination – especially for those who want to combine pleasure and culture.

UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape

The UNESCO Cultural Landscape ‘Vineyard Landscapes of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato’ encompasses why it is recognised worldwide and what special features distinguish it.

The UNESCO title was awarded to the cultural landscape of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato in June 2014.
Area: approx. 10,789 hectares (core area) with a significantly larger buffer zone extending across many municipalities.
Geographically, the area is located in southern Piedmont, between the River Po and the Ligurian Apennines, in the provinces of Cuneo, Asti and Alessandria.

Six sub-areas

Langa del Barolo: known for Barolo (high-quality Nebbiolo wine) and typical hilly landscapes.
Colline del Barbaresco: with the villages of Barbaresco, Neive, etc., dominated by Nebbiolo.
Nizza Monferrato e Barbera: focus on the Barbera grape variety.
Canelli and Asti Spumante: famous for Moscato Bianco, Asti Spumante and Moscato d'Asti.
Monferrato degli Infernot: part of the Infernot area, with underground cellars (‘Infernot’) made of a special type of rock, used for storing wine, among other things.
Castello di Grinzane Cavour: historically important, the castle is a symbol, museum and enoteca (wine hall).

Vineyards in the Langhe region of Piedmont

Our special hiking tours in Piedmont and Liguria

Hiking in the truffle region

Anyone hiking through the rolling hills of Piedmont will quickly realise that this is more than just a beautiful landscape – it is a place full of stories, flavours and living tradition. Nestled between vineyards, hazelnut groves and oak forests lies one of Europe's most precious gourmet regions: the truffle area around Alba, home of the famous white truffle.

Narrow paths, some of which are centuries-old trade routes, lead hikers through a cultural landscape that has been shaped not only by nature but also by generations of rural craftsmanship. The scent of damp earth, the golden light over the rows of vines and the view of medieval villages such as Barolo or La Morra make every stage a sensory experience.

The autumn months are particularly magical, when white truffles are in season. Then the silent hunt begins at dawn – with trained dogs and experienced ‘trifulau’, the truffle hunters who have known their secret spots for generations. Hikers who keep their eyes open may be lucky enough to encounter them – or book a guided truffle hunt as part of their tour.

Many hiking trails, such as the Sentiero del Tartufo or the Alba Trails, connect culinary destinations, small wineries, trattorias and viewpoints to form enjoyable circular routes. And those who stop for a bite to eat after a day in nature can be sure that the cuisine here is as down-to-earth as it is sophisticated – often refined with freshly shaved truffles, accompanied by a glass of Barolo or Nebbiolo.

From Barbaresco to Barolo

The circular hike through Piedmont takes you to the most enchanting places in the region. For example, to Cravanzana, the centre of hazelnut and chestnut production. Or to Treiso, where the Romans used to escape to for holidays from the densely populated capital of Italy. Wherever you like it on the eight-day hiking trip: stop, treat yourself to a break and enjoy the leisurely pace of the region. Because enjoyment is a top priority on the hiking week with Eurohike!

Highlights:

Culinary delights at every turn: delightful highlights await you every day in Piedmont. Whether it's exquisite wine from the region, fine Alba truffles, creamy risotto or a piece of ‘Nocciola di Piemonte’ – you can feast like the locals in the restaurants and markets. A wine tasting is already included in the hiking tour!
Mediterranean Middle Ages: In many of Piedmont's sleepy villages, time seems to have stood still. Places such as Alba, Cravanzana, Treiso and Serralunga d'Alba appear to have been transported from the Middle Ages.

Piedmont

8 Days

50 ratings

Cravanzana Hazelnut Grove Trail Piedmont

From the vineyards to the sunny Riviera

A hiking week par excellence awaits you on this unique combination of land and sea. You will be welcomed in the Langhe, Italy's gourmet region, which offers truffles, cheese and, above all, world-famous wine. This beautiful region can be explored particularly well on picturesque hikes through the vineyards and medieval villages, impressively situated on hills. In the mountains of Liguria, along scenic ridges, you can enjoy views of the snow-capped Maritime Alps, the impressive Monte Rosa massif and, soon, the turquoise-blue coast. Colourful paths lead you to the Riviera of Flowers, where you can review your impressive week of hiking over a glass of wine and Mediterranean delicacies in the famous spa town of San Remo.

Highlights:

Gourmet tour: Specialities in all regions: in vino veritas! Discover the truth of enjoyment on a tasting tour through the vineyards and numerous wine shops. Tip! Treat yourself to a glass of the world-famous Barolo.
Medieval villages with historic centres: melodious names such as Monforte, Roddino and Serravalle lie along your hiking route. Villages with picture-postcard charm!
A contrasting landscape par excellence: the snow-covered Alps in Piedmont and the sunny Riviera on the Ligurian coast form striking contrasts.

Piedmont – Liguria

8 Days

13 ratings

Tips for preparing your tour

Choose your accommodation strategically: e.g. Alba or a wine village (depending on whether you prefer truffles or wine).

Alba: Annual fair ‘Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d'Alba’ – with market.

Market ‘Mercato Mondiale del Tartufo Bianco d'Alba’: 11 October to 8 December 2025 (weekends).

Book tastings (at well-known wineries). They are not always accessible without a reservation.

Tastings at establishments in the Barolo/Barbaresco region – combine with a visit to the vineyard and cellar.

Pure Piedmont – Authentic. Refined. Essential.

Pasta, risotto & co. with truffles

Whether delicate egg noodles with butter, risotto or polenta: with freshly shaved white or black truffles. A simple but intense taste experience that puts the truffle centre stage.

Creamy risotto refined with truffles – a wonderfully earthy, luxurious dish.
Eggs, often poached or as an omelette, refined with truffles. The creamy texture of the eggs harmonises perfectly with the intense aroma.
Fine polenta, served with butter, cheese and plenty of truffles.

Truffle mousse

Perfect – truffle foam as a starter is an elegant, aromatic and visually impressive way to begin a meal. You can enjoy it on its own, as a topping for soup or in combination with other dishes.

Beetroot risotto with truffle and hazelnut foam
Potato and truffle foam as an accompaniment to meat or fish
Soup with truffle foam
Delicate starter/amuse-bouche with truffle foam

Carpaccio

A starter consisting of thinly sliced raw meat or fish, typically served with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and sometimes rocket, capers or Parmesan shavings.

Beef carpaccio: The classic original – wafer-thin slices of raw beef.
Tuna carpaccio: A seafood variation, often served with citrus dressing or soy sauce.
Salmon carpaccio: Finely sliced raw salmon, often served with dill, lemon or olive oil.
Vegetable carpaccio, e.g. made from beetroot, courgette or mushrooms, often with a delicate dressing.

Ravioli

Ravioli, the popular Italian pasta variety, consists of filled pasta pockets made from thinly rolled pasta dough. They belong to the family of filled pasta.

Ricotta and spinach (very common, mild and creamy)
Meat filling (e.g. beef or pork, often with herbs and cheese)
Mushrooms (porcini, button mushrooms). Pumpkin (especially popular in northern Italy, e.g. tortelli di zucca).
Truffles or porcini mushrooms for a more refined version

Barolo

Made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape variety, it is a dry, full-bodied red wine with a garnet red colour. It may only be produced in certain municipalities, including:

Barolo
La Morra
Monforte d'Alba
Serralunga d'Alba
Castiglione Falletto

Our current hiking tours in Piedmont

All hiking tours in Piedmont

In the vineyards with panoramic views Piedmont

Walk. Marvel. Taste.

Would you like to discover regions that offer very special, typical specialities? Then we would like to recommend our culinary hiking tours. Whether it's fine wines in Italy, sweet temptations with original Wachau apricots, hearty alpine delicacies in the Salzkammergut, a hearty Bavarian snack or fine truffles in Piedmont – on our culinary hiking tours, you will experience the region from its most delicious side. Hike through breathtaking landscapes and indulge in culinary delights along the way!

Culinary Walking Holidays