Piedmont Vineyards and Vistas

Situated in the north-west corner of Italy, dominated by the Alps to the north and sharing borders with France and Switzerland it's a proper treasure trove for cyclists, foodies and culture buffs alike. Additionally, Piedmont has a thriving cycling culture, so you'll be well looked after whilst out and about.

Starting from the region's capital city of Turin, you'll explore both the lesser known Monferrato area immediately to the south-east, as well as visit the Langhe and Roero, a wine lovers paradise! Langhe and Roero are not only one of the most important wine production areas of the country, producing wines such as Barolo, Nebbiolo and Spumante d'Asti, this is also where the Slow Food movement originated. The region is famous as well for its white truffles of Alba and its hazelnut crop. Indeed the original Nutella spread was invented here.

The region's cultural heritage including many hilltop castles, the citadel fortress of Alessandria, and the Castello Reale of Govone, combined with the spectacular human-made landscape all contributed to the area receiving UNESCO World Heritage recognition in 2014. All of this will make your cycling holiday in Piedmont feel like journeying through a living picture book, weaving over rolling hills lined with vineyards and forests, along gently undulating ridges, past ancient castles, and tucked-away hilltop villages.

Although designed as a point to point cycling trip, in order to be able to explore the best spots of the area, we have included a loop ride on the last cycling day, allowing for two nights in the town of Alba, meaning you can head out after breakfast to enjoy a day on the bike, stop and stroll through cobbled stone towns, and take time to enjoy a glass of local red or sparkling wine in one of the small central 'piazzas', without having to pack bags or worry about getting to the next accommodation, thus finishing your cycling adventure in total relaxation.

Starting in the city of Turin, you'll move southeast to Pralormo first and then north again to the medieval hamlet of Cocconato in the Monferrato. From here you'll reach Asti, famed for its Spumante wines. Heading further south you'll ride to Canale and Pollenzo near Bra, home to the University of Gastronomic Sciences, before reaching the truffle-town of Alba, where you'll spend your two last nights, exploring the Langhe and Roero hills.

During your journey, you’ll stay in a carefully selected mix of charming, family-run agriturismi and hotels. In September and October, the harvest season transforms the hills and vineyards into a vibrant tapestry of colour, creating the perfect backdrop for cycling through Italy.

Highlights

• Cycling through rolling hills terraced with vineyards and quaint medieval villages
• Admiring incredible views that stretch as far as the Alps
• Riding through vineyards into the heart of the Langhe and Roero wine regions
• Tasting some of the best wines in Italy in the regions they‘re produced; Barolo, Barbaresco and Asti
• Feasting on some of the best regional food in Italy, including truffles, cheeses and hazelnut Gianduia chocolates
• Spending two nights in the historical, yet vibrant capital of the Langhe region