LANGHE VALLEY
ITALY
We crossed into Italy via the stunning Frejus Tunnel, explored the Langhe Valley’s Barolo, faced accommodation challenges, but enjoyed an amazing meal in Alessandria before heading to San Gimignano.
Our Journey Through Barolo, Alessandria, and San Gimignano
After a swift drive across France, we entered Italy through the impressive 13-kilometer Frejus Tunnel, a modern engineering marvel that traverses under Mount Cenis in the Alps. Exiting the tunnel, we emerged about 120 kilometers northwest of Torino. From there, we set our sights on the Langhe Valley, renowned for its exquisite Barolo wine and picturesque rolling hills blanketed with vineyards. Our plan was to find accommodation for a few days and immerse ourselves in the local charm and wine culture.
We stopped for lunch at a delightful trattoria we stumbled upon, savoring the local flavors before heading to Barolo, a small town famous for its wine and enchanting old town. Barolo, with its well-preserved historic center and surrounding vineyards, is a popular haven for food and wine enthusiasts.
Upon arrival, we found the town bustling and the summer heat intense. Finding accommodation proved challenging as we wandered through Barolo and tried nearby towns without success. With our options exhausted, we decided to abandon our search in the Langhe Valley and headed to the larger town of Alessandria, where we found a comfortable hotel.
This decision turned out to be fortuitous, as we enjoyed an outstanding dinner at a restaurant in Alessandria’s town center. The meal, accompanied by a carafe of local wine, was among the best we had experienced in a long time.
Satisfied with our unexpected detour and the exceptional dining experience, we planned to continue our journey southward the next day. Our destination: the enchanting Tuscan region of San Gimignano, where we would spend the next few days exploring its medieval streets and savoring its renowned local cuisine.
