Day 1 – From Ceva to Paroldo
Meet in Ceva for a light lunch and an introduction to the programme. We begin our journey by climbing into the Langhe hills and following the scenic ridge of the Perontoni area before reaching the village of Paroldo.
Technical Information: 10.5 km, +580 m / -360 m
Day 2 – From Paroldo to Sale San Giovanni
From the charming hamlet of Cavallini, we ascend to the Perontoni ridge, home to the area’s famous lavender and aromatic herb fields, before descending towards Sale San Giovanni. Here we visit the ancient parish church and the Oratory of Saint Sebastian, where remarkable Gothic frescoes can be admired.
Technical Information: 18.2 km, +660 m / -660 m
Day 3 – From Paroldo to Torresina
Today’s walk explores the countryside around Paroldo, through meadows and pastureland, before crossing the hills towards Torresina, a tiny village clustered around a historic inn. We follow part of the Deserta Langarum trail network and discover the origins of its unusual name. On our return, we visit the Ecomuseum of the Langhe Sheep in Paroldo.
Technical Information: 15 km, +600 m / -520 m
Day 4 – From Paroldo to Ceva
We descend towards the valley for a final visit to the historic centre of Ceva and enjoy a farewell snack together before departure.
Technical Information: 10.5 km, +360 m / -580 m
Food & Local Specialties: The Langhe region is internationally renowned for its outstanding cuisine and exceptional local products. Alongside sheep’s and goat’s milk cheeses, visitors will discover hazelnuts and some of Piedmont's most celebrated wines, produced from Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera, and Moscato grapes. In Alta Langa, traditional country inns still preserve the authentic atmosphere of a timeless rural world.
Region, Society & Environment: Until just a couple of decades ago, the small village of Sale San Giovanni offered few opportunities beyond moving away to Savona, Alba, or Turin. Farming was difficult in this part of the Langhe, where poor soils made it challenging to live from grain cultivation or sheep farming alone. Then a group of young entrepreneurs introduced something innovative: the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic herbs. These crops require little water and no chemical treatments, thriving thanks to the sunshine and sea breezes that reach the Langhe hills. The colourful lavender and herb fields eventually became famous across Italy through social media, transforming Sale San Giovanni into an iconic destination while preserving its quiet and hardworking character.
Difficulty Level: Easy. Walking takes place mainly on country roads and trails, with occasional stretches of quiet paved roads.
Departure: Meeting point at Ceva Railway Station (CN) at approximately 12:00 p.m.
Return: Return to Ceva, with departure scheduled for the early afternoon.
The Itinerary: The journey includes four days of easy walking. Two stages are circular hikes with a light daypack, while two stages involve travelling with your full backpack (luggage transfer service available).
Guide: Roberta Ferraris, certified environmental hiking guide for the Piedmont Region. She is the author of the official guidebook to the Cammino Balteo, published by Terre di Mezzo Editore.
For further information, please contact the guide at +39 334 226 5612.