PIEDMONT & CINQUE TERRE TRAILS

We're off! A morning's hike on the Barolo wine trail, past prestigious vineyards.

An impromptu lesson in pruning vines during a hike.

Our support van awaits at a trail intersection ...

... with biscotti, apricot and pear juice, and other goodies to refuel our engines.

Gracious providers of the cheese we sample at an aritsan cheese farm near Bosolasco.

Lunchtime: A plate of fresh cheese accompanied by honey, grape/fig preserves, and divine moscato passito wine.

The daughter of iconoclastic winemaker, Elio Altare, relates the family history.

Mama and daughter personally oversee our tasting of Atare's much sought-after Barolos.

The fetching logo for Villa Sparina, a leading producer of Gavi di Gavi white wine.

Kicking back for an al fresco wine tasting at Villa Sparina.

Part two of this tour highlights the Italian Riviera.

Room with a view: our hotel in Sestri Levante overlooking a quiet cove.

The beautiful and aptly-named Bay of Silence, with our hotel in the background.

An ancient stone path follows the contours of the cliffs on our Cinque Terre hike.

Vernazza, the second of five picturesque towns comprising the Cinque Terre.

Our guests take an impromptu dip in the Mediterranean between Cinque Terre towns.

During harvest season, a local grower sells Vermentino grapes as a snack to hungry hikers along the trail.

A sweet treat with pine nuts in a Cinque Terre café.

Alternatively, refreshing gelato awaits after a morning's hike.

All smiles: The end of the trail for our crew.

A special tasting led by Walter de Batte, the Cinque Terre's leading winemaker.

Another day, another trailhead, this time leading from Camoglie.

You're the tops: Taking in the view from atop the Riviera cliffs.

Anchors away: Taking the scenic route to Portofino after our hike.

Finito! Time to put the hiking boots away.

Time for shopping and gelato in Portofino.

A farewell wine tasting on our hotel balcony.