Piedmont is a real paradise for gourmets. Prestigious white wines, delicious chocolate and a sweet landscape of hills covered by regular rows of vineyards; in the distance the majestic circle of the alps. Piedmont is elegance and style. Although renowned for its superb food and some of the best wines in Italy, Piedmont is a true paradise for gourmets, this region also displays a truly magnificent landscape of gentle green hills and lovely valleys with picturesque villages tucked away and waiting to be explored! . Our tour starts in Turin, a city with a prestigious past evident in the breathtaking Baroque city center, filled with ornate palaces and churches. The tour meanders along river Po to the foothills of the mountains towards the small medieval towns Pinerolo and Saluzzo. We also stay in Cherasco or Bra, „the capital of gourmet„, and sample fine wines in the city of Alba, famed for its white truffle. We cycle through a landscape composed of roundish hills and Apennine spurs, sights of forests, vines and meadows until we reach our final destination Casale Monferrato, a beautiful city situated on the bank of river Po. This is the perfect way to get away from the stress of everyday life, enjoy plenty of fresh air, breath-taking scenery and well earned italian dinners - Magnifico!
Day 1: individual arrival in Turin
You spend the first night in the vibrant city of Turin, a city with a prestigious past evident in the breathtaking Baroque city centre, filled with ornate palaces and churches.
Day 2: Torino > Pinerolo, ~51 km (32 miles)
Today you cycle on flat roads along the river Po, on cycle paths or small roads to the foot of the mountains. you get to the hunting palace of Stupinigi, royal residence of the family Savoia, masterpiece built by the architect Filippo Juvarra in rococo style; then through lovely parkland along the rivers, you get to the lovely town of Pinerolo.
Day 3: Pinerolo > Saluzzo, ~46 km (29 miles)
The way is flat. Along country roads crossing orchards and vineyards, you get to Cavour with its curious “Rocca”, a morainic hill just in the middle of the flat, at the present time protected area. Along the day , in a small castle, the group will taste a tipical food of Piemont. Overnight in Saluzzo, medieval towns.
Day 4: Saluzzo > Bra/Cherasco, ~63-69 km (39-43 miles)
Today you cycle towards Fossano with some uphill stages along the way. There are a lot of historic sites along the way - from the 15th Century frescoes in the castle at Manta to the ancient Roman town of Benevagienna. You arrive in Cherasco (7 centuries of culture and art) or Bra (“the gourmet capital” of the region!).
Day 5: Bra/Cherasco > Alba, ~39-61 km (24-38 miles)
You are now in the Langhe wine-growing region, characterized by rolling hills, vineyards and winding roads. Passing through Pollentia on the bank of the river Tanaro you pedal on flat roads beside the river with a few hills on the way to Barolo. Tonight’s destination is Alba, home of the white truffle. Medium/easy way..
Day 6: Alba > Asti, ~45-55 km (28-34 miles)
A magnificent route through vineyards and along panoramic paths takes you to Asti, in the heart of Monferrato. You have the opportunity to visit the historical centre with its famous towers, romantic monuments and the splendid gothic cathedral. Medium/easy way..
Day 7: Asti > Terruggia, ~52 km (32 miles)
Today you cycle over the charming Monferrato hills to Moncalvo, where you will enjoy beautiful scenery. In the afternoon you'll reach your hotel in a small village on the Monferrato hills. You can relax in the outdoor pool or extend your bike tour to reach the town of Casale (+14 km A/R) Medium difficulty.
Day 8: Departure from Terruggia
Possibility to return to Torino by private minibus; a private taxi can be booked by the hotel for those that want to go to Casale to get a train.
