Self-guided Bike Tour in Piedmont, Italy

DAY ONE: ALESSANDRIA - ACQUI TERME
Welcome to Piedmont. After our meeting at the Alessandria train station a DuVine representative will transfer you to the newly restored 19th Century villa, Roma Imperiale where we’ll toast your arrival with a traditional Piedmont spumante. After your bike fitting, safety talk and map review, head off on a ride through the center of town past thermal springs where ancient Roman elites came to soak in the hot sulfurous waters.  Though the magnificent arches of an aqueduct from this ancient heyday show some wear, the town of Acqui Terme is still very much alive, with an architectural kaleidescope ranging from Romanesque cathedrals to Belle Epoque villas. Leaving Acqui, ride through vineyards overlooking the town, before looping back to the hotel.  Tonight, walk into Acqui Terme for dinner. You will spend two nights at Roma Imperiale, an exclusive environment where you too can treat yourself to thermal waters and spa services.

Accommodation: Hotel Roma Imperiale
Accomplished: 21 km/13 miles

DAY TWO: ACQUI TERME LOOP
Enjoy the quiet elegance of this precious town, famous for its healing waters and gastronomic specialties. You will bicycle up and down along country roads, passing villages seemingly lost in time, like Cremolino. Enjoy a private visit to our friend Graziella’s estate for a wine tasting and lunch prepared by her family, with each course accompanied by one of their own wines, ranging from sparkling whites to their whimsically named yet extraordinarily complex Sacro e Profano, a mixture of Barbera (sacred to Piemontese) and Cabernet Sauvignon (there isn’t a lot of love lost between them and their “French cousins!). After a lunch and cantina tour to remember, cycle back to our villa and enjoy some time in the spa, an excellent reward after a day on the bike.

Meals: Breakfast/Gourmet Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Roma Imperiale
Accomplished: 32 km/20 miles
 
DAY THREE: ACQUI TERME TO RELAIS & CHATEAU SAN MAURIZIO
Today you will cycle over the famous Langhe hills, an intimate landscape filled with vineyards, truffles, gracious medieval towns like Montabone and Rocchetta Palafea, and stunning panoramas of an ancient landscape.  Stop for lunch along the way at a quaint out-of-the-way osteria before arriving at the converted monastery of San Maurizio, a luxurious Relais & Chateaux property. You are in for an unforgettable stay, as you will enjoy unsurpassed vistas over Dolcetto and Moscato vineyards, finely manicured grounds, and unique wine therapy treatments at the hotel’s Salt Therapy Spa. Tonight you will dine at the Michelin-starred Ristorante Da Guido, accompanied by an assortment of fine local wines.

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Accommodation: Relais & Chateaux San Maurizio
Accomplished: 40 km/24.9 miles

DAY FOUR: SANTO STEFANO BELBO TO MONFORTE D’ALBA
Today’s cycling is yet another magical ride, through prestigious Piedmont vineyards, hazel groves and truffle-filled chestnut forests.  The grapevine is queen of the Langhe, and Barolo is king. We are entering the realm of the birthplace of the Slow Food movement, which prides itself on artisan cuisine using the freshest of ingredients: small production cheeses, meats and produce, and of course the white truffle, which flourishes in the region each autumn. Welcome to the land of Angelo Gaja, producer of the mythic Barbaresco, who considers himself a simple artisan. Perhaps you can meet him having lunch at a local trattoria. Upon arrival in Monforte you will be received in an 18th century mansion, where you will spend the following two nights.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Beccaris
Accomplished: 40 km/24.9 miles

DAY FIVE: MONFORTE TO BAROLO LOOP
You will visit Grinzane Cavour, famous for its castle – one of the most ancient and important of the Langhe – where the annual white truffle world auction is held.  You will explore the world-renowned villages of La Morra and Barolo, taking time to sip un bicchiere di rosso, and practice your Italian with locals. If you like pizza, try stopping in at the town’s award-winning pizzeria, Per Bacco, for the perfect lunch.  From La Morra, cycle through some of Italy’s most prestigious vineyards to the town of Barolo to walk the wine-soaked streets and maybe poke your head into the unique corkscrew museum.  Then bike back to Monforte for a relaxing afternoon at the pool and an evening in town.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Beccaris
Accomplished: 25 km/15.6 miles

DAY SIX: MONFORTE D’ALBA – ASTI
After breakfast on the terrace of the limonaia, say goodbye to Piedmont however you see fit.  Challenge yourself with an optional morning loop ride or finish your shopping in Monforte.  We will transfer you to the train station in Asti as you head to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast
Accomplished: Total Satisfaction!

TRIP TOTAL: 166 KM/ 100 MILES, averaging 25-40 km/ 15-30 miles per day. Optional longer rides available each day.  Hilly, villages on top of hills, vineyards