Monforte d’Alba: Picnic & Big Benches

Exploring Monforte d’Alba: A Picnic & Big Benches Experience

When browsing options for a relaxing yet engaging outing in Italy’s Piedmont region, the Monforte d’Alba: Picnic & Big Benches tour by MyLanghe catches the eye. While we haven’t personally joined this experience, the detailed descriptions and reviews suggest it’s a charming way to enjoy the scenery, local flavors, and artful landscape installations all in one go.

What we especially like about this tour are the stunning vistas of the Langhe hills — truly some of Italy’s most picturesque countryside — and the delicious gourmet picnic that promises a taste of local cheeses, cold cuts, and an included bottle of wine. A potential downside? It’s a fairly short, three-hour activity, so if you’re after a deep dive into regional culture or long hikes, this might feel a tad light. However, it’s perfect for those seeking a gentle, scenic escape that combines food, art, and nature into one pleasant package.

This experience is best suited for travelers wanting an easy, beautifully curated outing that offers both relaxed sightseeing and authentic local flavors. If you enjoy outdoor art, panoramic views, and a well-presented picnic, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Spectacular Views: You’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the hillside landscape.
• Unique Art Installations: The giant benches serve as both art and photo opportunities.
• Gourmet Picnic: The vintage-style basket offers local cheeses, cold cuts, and a bottle of wine.
• Nature & Walks: A 1.5-hour scenic walk through vineyards elevates the experience.
• Inclusive & Flexible: The tour includes a detailed walking map and all the picnic essentials.
• Short & Sweet: At just three hours, it’s a perfect half-day activity—ideal if you’re combining multiple sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point: Tenuta Bussia – Wine Relais & Spa

The journey begins at the elegant Tenuta Bussia, a wine relais set amid the vines of the Langhe. Upon arrival, you’ll check in and receive your picnic basket, map, and instructions. This spot, known for its wine and spa amenities, sets a luxurious tone for the day.

Monforte d’Alba: The Walk

Next, you’ll head into the town of Monforte d’Alba for a 1.5-hour walk. The town is a favorite among visitors for its charming streets, historic architecture, and panoramic viewpoints. The walk takes you through the vineyards and along the hills, with the giant benches acting as focal points for both art appreciation and photo ops.

This part of the experience is especially appreciated by those who love landscape photography or simply want to breathe in the fresh, vine-scented air. According to reviews, the walk is leisurely but packed with views that are truly “breathtaking.” One traveler mentioned, “The scenery alone makes this worth it,” noting how the rolling hills and distant horizons create a stunning backdrop.

The Picnic: Local Flavors in Vintage Style

After the walk, you’ll settle into a designated area for your picnic. The basket is described as “vintage” style, adding a nostalgic touch that enhances the experience. Inside, you’ll find a selection of local cheeses, cold cuts, tasty appetizers, fresh bread, a dessert, water, and a bottle of wine for each couple. The emphasis on quality and regional specialties provides genuine value, especially considering most similar experiences charge extra for wine and food.

Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the moment, with the landscape, giant benches, and sunset views providing prime photo opportunities. Reviewers have expressed how the delicious food combined with the spectacular scenery makes this a memorable highlight. One quote noted, “The wine was excellent, and the views made it even better.”

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The Giant Benches: Art Meets Landscape

The giant benches in Monforte d’Alba are more than just quirky sculptures. They are thoughtfully placed to maximize views and engage visitors in a dialogue between community, art, and the surrounding landscape. These installations are appealing for their visual impact and as a symbol of local pride and creativity.

Many visitors find that posing on these benches, with the hills in the background, results in fantastic photos and a sense of connection with the landscape. The benches are a perfect stop for a relaxed, contemplative moment and for appreciating how art can enhance our experience of nature.

Returning to Tenuta Bussia

After finishing the picnic and exploring the benches, you’ll head back to your starting point. The whole experience wraps up in around three hours, giving you plenty of time to relax afterward or explore other Piedmont sights.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour provides excellent value with its included picnic basket of regional specialties, a detailed walking map, and the guided walk through the vineyards. Since transportation is not included, you’ll need to arrange your own travel to and from Tenuta Bussia, a factor to consider if staying outside the immediate area.

The flexibility in cancellation—up to 24 hours in advance—adds peace of mind, especially for those with unpredictable travel plans. The tour is conducted in both Italian and English, accommodating a broad range of visitors.

The Experience’s Value

Considering the cost, the experience offers a combination of culinary delight, scenic beauty, and artistic charm, making it a well-rounded half-day activity. The inclusion of wine and regional foods at this price point is quite generous, especially compared to similar experiences elsewhere. The fact that you only need to bring comfortable shoes and a camera makes it accessible and hassle-free.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates stunning landscapes and wants an easy outdoor activity with a touch of local culture, this tour is perfect. It’s especially suited for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a tranquil moment amid vineyard views. It also appeals to art lovers, thanks to the giant benches, and foodies eager to sample regional flavors without fuss.

Travelers looking for a short, flexible, and picturesque experience—without complicated logistics—will find this a charming addition to their Piedmont itinerary.

Final Thoughts

This Monforte d’Alba experience offers a delightful blend of visual splendor, gourmet tasting, and artful landscape installations. Its manageable length makes it perfect for a relaxed afternoon, especially if you’re eager to enjoy some of the best views and flavors Piedmont has to offer.

The emphasis on authentic regional foods combined with breathtaking scenery makes this a meaningful way to experience the area’s natural beauty and community spirit. Whether you’re a dedicated photographer, a wine lover, or simply a traveler craving a peaceful moment in Italy’s rolling hills, this tour provides genuine value and memorable sights.

Overall, it’s a charming, well-organized outing that celebrates the harmony of art, landscape, and local gastronomy—ideal for those who want an authentic taste of Piedmont without overextending their schedule.

FAQs

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own travel to and from Tenuta Bussia.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about three hours long, with a walk of approximately 1.5 hours and a picnic time of around an hour.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for the walk, and a camera to capture the views and art installations.

Is the picnic included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes a vintage-style picnic basket with local cheeses, cold cuts, appetizers, bread, dessert, water, and a bottle of wine per couple.

Are the activities suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the walk and picnic are family-friendly, but keep in mind the outdoor nature and walking involved.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there an option for a guide or host during the walk?
The experience is hosted in Italian and English, and the detailed map and instructions help guide your walk.

What makes this experience stand out?
The combination of breathtaking scenery, art installations, and regional cuisine makes it a memorable, authentic taste of Piedmont’s landscape and community.

You can check availability for your dates here: