Piedmont Truffle 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 on the outdoor terrace or challenge yourself with a longer ride. 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 / 47 km, elevation gain: 2,814 feet / 858 meters
Accommodations: Nordelaia

Piedmont is the home of the Slow Food movement due in part to its high concentration of local products—especially cheeses. One of the best is the goat cheese made around the hilltop town of Roccaverano. Today, that cheese is our incentive as we ride, following the Bormida River past Acqui Terme and saluting the Roman aqueduct on our way. Climb past watchtowers from the Dark Ages into the town of Roccaverano, where we’ll finally taste the famous cheeses with a top local producer before lunch at an idyllic osteria. After lunch, transfer to our next hotel or continue biking to its luxurious front doorstep. Relax at the bar or soak in the spa before heading to visit our friend Stefano at his classic ristorante for a truffle-themed dinner.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Roccaverano, Loazzolo, Santo Stefano Belbo
Accomplished: 35 miles / 56 km, elevation gain: 3,070 feet / 936 meters
Longer Option: 46 miles / 74 km, elevation gain: 4,795 feet / 1,462 meters
Accommodations: Relais San Maurizio

Today begins with a scenic loop ride through a landscape of UNESCO-listed valleys and vine-covered hills. After a panoramic ridgeline descent, we reach the first of Piedmont’s renowned Nebbiolo grape-growing regions: Barbaresco. We’ll stop for a tasting with one of the region’s most historic producers before pedaling to the village of Barbaresco itself for lunch at a gourmet osteria. Afterward, opt for some extra kilometers or head straight back to the hotel and hit the spa. This evening, a Michelin-starred meal awaits at La Ciau del Tornavento, where the eminent wine cellar lends itself to thoughtful wine pairings with our dinner.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Castagnole, Barbaresco, Bricco
Accomplished: 25 miles / 41 km, elevation gain: 2,142 feet / 653 meters
Shorter Option: 15 miles / 24 km, elevation gain: 1,059 feet / 323 meters
Accommodations: Relais San Maurizio

Say goodbye to San Maurizio as we ride into 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 hazelnut trees, the raw material for Nutella, a local invention. Also flourishing around the roots of hazelnut trees are Piedmont’s famous truffles, so we’ll stop mid-morning to join our friend and his truffle-sniffing dog on an exciting hunt for these elusive morsels. Both truffles and nocciole (as hazelnuts are called) are featured in countless Piedmontese dishes—we’ll sample more than a few at an exceptional hazelnut farm and bakery. It’s only proper for our hazelnut-themed lunch to conclude with a sweet selection of hazelnut cakes and desserts. After lunch, pedal over one final ridge and revel in the thrilling descent into the Barolo region. This evening, explore the thriving local restaurant scene of nearby La Morra.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Castino, Cravanzana, Monforte d’Alba
Accomplished: 38 miles / 62 km, elevation gain: 4,428 feet / 1,350 meters
Shorter Option: 19 miles / 31 km, elevation gain: 2,660 feet / 811 meters
Accommodations: Palas Cerequio

Our route out of town takes us through the heart of the Barolo region, following roads through Barolo itself and past the villages of Monforte and Castiglione Falletto for some of the most sweeping views in all of Piedmont. Famous producers line our route and, depending on the season, a few may still be harvesting their last Nebbiolo grapes. Our destination is Alba, the well-heeled gourmet capital and, at this time of year, host of the Fiera del Tartufo (white truffle fair). Stroll the bustling streets and pick up a few truffles to take home, then settle in for a gourmet lunch at a local restaurant before riding back to our hotel. This evening, we’re treated to a Barolo tasting dinner that will take us through several vintage bottles from pivotal producers.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Barolo, La Morra, Alba
Accomplished: 33 miles / 54 km, elevation gain: 3,336 feet / 1,017 meters
Shorter Option: 22 miles / 35 km, elevation gain: 1,722 feet / 525 meters
Accommodations: Palas Cerequio

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

Meals: Breakfast