Piedmont, known for the Slow Food Movement creation, white truffles and some of the most sought-after red wines in Italy, including the robust full bodied Barolo and Barbaresco, are luring travelers who seek its charms (and tastes). With the rugged Italian Alps as a back-drop, the quiet roads of this region with moderate rolling hills provide the ideal terrain for all levels of cyclists. On this trip there are opportunities to experience small villages, Roman remains, medieval castles and superb cuisine as we journey through this delicious region.
Strada di Monterotondo, Novi Ligure, Province of Alessandria, Italy
1+2+3
Acqui Terme, Province of Alessandria, Italy
Day 4
Neive, Province of Cuneo, Italy
Day 5
La Morra, Province of Cuneo, Italy
Day 6+7+8
| Start any date from April 15 to November 15 |
|---|
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate / Challenging: 40-80km (25-50 miles) daily
Terrain
CostClassic Accommodation: US $2,845
Single Supplement: US $720
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,465
Single Supplement: US $870
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $380
Racing Bikes: US $480
E-Bikes: US $560
E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
| Destination | Italy |
|---|---|
| Level | Avid, Moderate |
Getting There
Our trip starts from Monterotondo near Gavi Gagure.
The trip starts in Monterotondo near Gavi Ligure, accessible from Serravalle Scrivia by taxi. We recommend you fly into Turin and take the train to Serravelle (1hr 30). Your hotel is included on arrival day.
Monterotondo/Novi Ligure
We’ll arrange your orientation and bike fit based on your arrival. There may be time for a short warm-up ride before dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Ride Distance Optional D1: 20 km, elevation gain 265 m
Monterotondo/Novi Ligure
Ride from Monterotondo to Gavi with its fortress style surroundings and its award winning white wines. Then it is on to Libarna to see remains of a Roman settlement and then cruise through the Val Borbera Valley. This valley is rich with abbeys, monasteries, towers, castles, and medieval villages. For the luxe trip, finish the day with a wine tasting at the ancient cellars of Villa Sparina, surrounded by over 100 hectares of vineyards. Dine at Il Gallina where chef Massimo Mentasi combines due respect for tradition with contemporary vision.
Ride Distance: 45 km, gain 849 m.*
Monterotondo/Novi Ligure
Today is a tribute to Italy’s history of cycling and it’s legends. Ride in the birthplace of Fausto Coppi and Costante Girardengo, and visit the Museum of Cycling in Novi Ligure, the largest dedicated museum of its kind in Europe. Stopping in Castellania, enjoy a savory lunch and taste the famous cheese ‘Montebore’, which has been recently rediscovered and proclaimed the ambassador of Italian cheese by Slow Food International. After lunch ride past Villalvernia and observe traditional farmhouses built from raw earth, typical of the Alexandrian plane. Ride through Sant’ Agata Fossili, known for abundance of fossils and ride the rolling hills of Sardigliano which providing stunning views across the valley. Ride Distance D3: 26 km, gain 516 m or 59 km, gain 1009 m.*
Acqui Terme
Another day of beautiful rolling hills, valleys and spectacular views. Start the day riding towards Mornese and Castello di Tagliolo, which has an impressive history dating back to the end of the first millennium. Afterwards explore the region of ‘Capanne di Marcarolo’ Natural Park. We recommend lunch will be in the town of Ovada, a Roman city located at the confluence of the Orba and Stura rivers. In the final stretch you can day dream about Acqui Terme, a spa town built over natural hot springs by the Romans.
Ride Distance: 62 km, elevation gain 1018 m or 92 km, gain 2086 m.*
Neive
After a restful stay in Acqui Terme, embark on a ride dominant in two things; endless panoramic views and endless wine tasting. Pass through the villages of Montabone and Rocchetta Palafea with a stop in the Brachetto and Moscato’s lands – an area known in Italia, and the world, for its sweet wine and medieval castles. In Canelli, visit the magnificent Underground Cathedral cellar, currently a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Since the pace of day usually slows down upon arriving in Canelli, we suggest a stop here for lunch, perhaps at the wonderful Enoteca Contratto restaurant where you can sample more wines from the region and taste the unique local flavors. After lunch, ride on to Santo Stefano Belbo, then to your ultimate destination near Alba, Neive. Neive is in the stunning Langhe area and identified in the grouping of villages titled ‘The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy’. This rich fertile area is where Barbaresco wine earns its reputation. Finish the day with an unforgettable dinner at ‘La luna nel pozzo’ restaurant, located in Neive’s old town. Experience organic and traditionally raised meats, as well as breads and pasta made with stone ground grains, regional cheeses and gelato, and of course the mouth watering local truffles.
Ride Distance: 43 km, elevation gain 867 m.*
La Morra
Bid farewell to Nieve and make your way towards La Morra. Stops along the way include Barbaresco, a name synonymous with reds of the region, and its two distinct medieval villages. Visit the ‘Enoteca regionale del Barbaresco, created to promote local wine production, displaying 112 different wineries, with 130 labels, representing over 90% of the area’s production. Taste, savor, linger and learn about everything this region has to offer. A good option for lunch is in Alba, and afterwards continue to La Morra, situated atop an imposing ridge, La Morra overlooks, in one direction, the Po Valley with the Alps and the peak of Monviso as backdrop and, in the other, vine-clad hills which create a stunning amphitheatre. We recommend dinner in a medieval castle, the ‘Belevedere’ restaurant, over looking one of the ‘natural balconies’, some say the most beautiful in Langhe.
Ride Distance: 37 km, elevation gain 886 m or 43 km, gain 964 m.*
La Morra
Ride along quiet winding roads between charming villages in the Barolo appellation, amid the immaculate hillside vineyards, where one of worlds most famous has been produced for two centuries. Explore medieval villages all set with a backdrop of the spectacular mountain peaks of the Alps. For keen followers of the ‘king of wines’, stop at the Falletti Castle in Barolo. The WiMu-Wine museum, provides an interactive display of culture and wine traditions designed by famed architect; François Confino. You’ll also learn about the French Marquise Juliette Colbert, the lady who created Barolo wine. Our ride continues along the tiny roads between Monforte d’ Alba and Serralunga d’ Alba, settlements dating back to the Neolithic period with discoveries of Roman times. Finish the week with a visit to La Morra’s Cantina Comunale, the town’s wine cooperative and if you feel energetic, a walk along the Sentiero del Barolo before a festive dinner out. Ride Distance: 38 km, elevation gain 822 m or 52 km, gain 1079 m or 55 km, gain 1245 m.*
After breakfast, transfer to Bra or Asti’s train station. It is a 45 minute train trip back to Turin.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
This 17th century palace, now a 4-star hotel, has a prominent hill-top setting with large private gardens. The interior is elegant and charming and the service is excellent. Almost all of the rooms have balconies overlooking the park and there is a good restaurant, Al Cortese, on site.
This 3-star hotel is in a beautiful building and the town of Acqui Terme is quite charming. This hotel has been in the same family for three generations and has been refurbished with its own spa on site. (At the time of writing) every single Trip Advisor review recommends the hotel – quite rare!
Villa Lauri is situated in Neive, one of the most beautiful medieval Langa villages. The hotel is a restoration of an elegant mansion house (dating from the end of the 19th century) into a small charming hotel. The twelve rooms are elegantly furnished and equipped with all comforts.
This fine hotel sits in historic center of La Mora. Each room is original and refined, but with a subtle hint of the modern, creating an elegant atmosphere which blends seamlessly with the traditions of the Langhe.
The story of this property began in the 18th century, when part of the structure was a farming estate, built by the Marquis Franzoni of Genova. It is immersed in the vineyards of Monterotondo, in the renowned Gavi area. This is one of our favourite hotels in Italy.
This 4-star hotel is in a beautiful building and the town of Acqui Terme. Originally opened in 1891, it was a famous hotel in the Belle Epoque period and Winston Churchill and others have stayed here. The hotel’s spa facilities now include spa pool, two saunas, a turkish bath, solarium and massage rooms.
This 5-star hotel is in a class of its own. A member of Relais & Chateaux, this luxury spa resort is boutique in every sense of the word. Your jaw will drop the moment you enter its gates. Enough said.
This fine hotel sits in historic center of La Mora. Each room is original and refined, but with a subtle hint of the modern, creating an elegant atmosphere which blends seamlessly with the traditions of the Langhe.
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