The route begins at the railway station in Nizza Monferrato, which you can reach by car or by train from Asti, and ends in Alba.
From the station, take Via San Carlo, then Via Verdi, then Via Volta, getting away from the town centre and heading off along the river Belbo. After the level crossing, cross the river over the iron footbridge running along the railway bridge on your right. Carry on along the SP 105 until Canelli.
Cross the town centre and take Via Buenos Aires, which runs alongside the imposing Gancia building. This company is famous for its classic local wines and vermouths. Pass through the Robini area and reach Santo Stefano Belbo, on the SP 592, home to the house Cesare Pavese was born in. After you cross the provincial road, go through the town centre and take the road for Valdivilla. This is the first bumpy part of the route. There's about 5 km of uphill road, but you'll see the most famous view in Langhe. Carry on along the ridge, climbing now and then, to reach Mango, a partisan base in the Second World War and the site of the bloody battles in Beppe Fenoglio's novel Il partigiano Johnny (Johnny the Partisan). Go down and back up again straight away, to the junction for Manera on the right on the SP 265. The road carries on rising slightly, but less sharply. You'll reach Cascina Langa, a famous location in Fenoglio's writings. On your right here, you'll see a restaurant with a panoramic view, where you can admire the Tanaro valley and Alba right below you. There's also a monument to the “Woman of Langhe”, a reference to Il partigiano Johnny. Carry on downhill, keeping right at the nearby junction, on the SP 230, which will take you to Piazza Calissano, in the centre of Alba, in front of the cathedral and what was once Fenoglio's house.