Piedmont Bike Tour

Welcome to Piedmont! Your guides will meet you at the Tortona train station, then it’s off to the countryside for a homemade lunch at a historic family winery. Take in your first views of Piedmont’s iconic vineyards before we hop on our bikes and ride along vine-clad ridges across the Bormida River. Tiny hilltop villages dot the route as we make our way to our first luxury hotel. Savor a glass of local Dolcetto by the pool or challenge yourself to a longer ride through the thoughtfully cultivated hillsides. This evening we’ll regroup to explore the cobbled streets of Ovada and dine with our chef friend at his cozy osteria.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Cassine, Carpeneto, Cremolino
Accomplished: 18 miles / 29 km, elevation gain: 1,604 feet / 489 meters
Longer Option: 29 miles / 46 km, elevation gain: 2,749 feet / 823 meters
Accommodations: Nordelaia or Relais San Maurizio

Cycle over the famous Langhe hills, an intimate landscape filled with vineyards, truffles, and gracious medieval towns like Morsasco and Alice Bel Colle. Take in panoramic views of lush vineyards as we pedal through the Barbera-producing region of Nizza and into Canelli, the capital of the local sparkling wine industry. Enjoy lunch at a hidden osteria, then continue riding to the converted monastery of San Maurizio, a luxurious Relais & Châteaux property with meticulously manicured grounds and unsurpassed views of Dolcetto and Moscato vineyards. Relax at the pool or soak in the spa before visiting our friend Cristina for a convivial evening of preparing local dishes that unlock the secrets of Piedmontese cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Alice Bel Colle, Cassine, Santo Stefano Belbo
Accomplished: 35 miles / 56 km, elevation gain: 2,909 feet / 887 meters
Shorter Option: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 2,004 feet / 611 meters
Accommodations: Relais San Maurizio or Relais Villa d’Amelia

Ride into the wildest parts of the Langhe today: impossibly narrow roads, crumbling medieval towers, and endless hazelnut trees line the route. The remote nature of the area made it a hotbed of Resistance activity during WWII and, to this day, monuments to these partisan fighters punctuate the hilly landscape. Given the abundance of nocciole (hazelnuts) here, our ultimate destination today is our friend Isabella’s hazelnut farm for a hazelnut-themed lunch of sweet and savory dishes. The ride back follows a ridgeline with some of the most spectacular vistas in the region. Tonight, we’ll visit the Barbaresco-producing village of Neive for a chance to taste the full range of Nebbiolo wines at a hip new restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Santo Stefano, Scorrone, Castino
Accomplished: 32 miles / 52 km, elevation gain: 3,293 feet / 1,004 meters
Shorter Option: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 2,640 feet / 805 meters
Accommodations: Relais San Maurizio or Relais Villa d’Amelia

Say goodbye to San Maurizio as we ride to the Barolo region. Our route follows the crest of the Langhe ridgeline with views towards the Apennines and the Alps. The hills here are lined with hazelnuts and vineyards, with prized Piedmontese truffles hidden below ground. Our friend Silvio—a truffle hunter and cheesemaker—is a keeper of Piedmont’s gourmet treasures, and we’ll taste artisanal pecorino at his family farmhouse. After one more climb, our reward is a mouthwatering plate of tajarin pasta at our friend Massimo’s hilltop trattoria. A final thrilling descent brings us to our hotel in the medieval village of Monforte. This evening, you are free to choose a local restaurant for dinner in town.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Mango, Benevello, Monforte d’Alba
Accomplished: 29 miles / 46 km, elevation gain: 3,460 feet / 1,055 meters
Longer Option: 35 miles / 56 km, elevation gain: 4,005 feet / 1,221 meters
Accommodations: Villa Beccaris or Palas Cerequio

Pedal out of town through the vineyards to the castle of Grinzane Cavour, the historic home of Camillo Cavour, Italy’s first Prime Minister. Sip a cappuccino and soak up some history before we climb to the world-recognized wine village of La Morra. Follow your guides to lunch featuring local Barolo, of course! Riding back towards Monforte, we’ll pass through the village of Barolo itself and some of the area’s most prestigious cru vineyards. This evening, we reconvene for a short walk through Monforte’s cobbled streets to a wonderful farewell dinner paired with world-class local wines.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Monforte
Accomplished: 25 miles / 40 km, elevation gain: 2,647 feet / 807 meters
Longer Option: 31 miles / 50 km, elevation gain: 3,392 feet / 1,034 meters
Accommodations: Villa Beccaris or Palas Cerequio

Challenge yourself with an optional morning loop ride or take a last stroll through the town of Monforte. Enjoy a final breakfast in the limonaia. Your guides will then transfer you to the train station in Asti as you head on to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast