Bike Tour: Piedmont: Barolo Wine Hills - 8 days

After  your  arrival  and  check-in  in  the  hotel  there  may  be some  time  left  to  make  a  stroll  through  this  beautiful  old town,  also  known  as  the  city  of  100  towers. Alba  is  the capital of the hilly area of the Langhe famous for his white truffles, hazelnuts, peaches and top-class wines. Take your time to visit the old centre, with pre-Roman origins. Of the Roman  city,  which  had  a  polygonal  form,  you  can  still  see parts  of  fortified  gate  and  remains  of  some  edifices  with marbles and mosaics.

You  will  cycle in  the  famous  Langhe  region through  a delightful  countryside  of  green,  rolling  hills.  This  is  the region of the delicious Barolo wine and there are countless winery to stop by, but if you want to sample most of them stop by the Enoteca Regionale del Barolo, where they have more than 30 on taste; The WiMu is also another interesting stop in the castle of Barolo, but remember not to drink too much since there is still some way to cycle between here and Benevello. The last climb is worth the effort as here you  will  stay  in  a  very  comfortable  and  stylish accommodation, a historic farmhouse, which has been recently completely restored.

48 km, 900m ascent, 600m descent 

Today you have two options: a north cycle route to explore the  hills  surrounding  Cassano  Belbo  or  a  longer  but  very panoramic ride to the highest village of the Langhe region, Mombarcaro,  at  nearly  1000m  above  sea  level,  where  on clear winter day you may see the sea…or you can choose to visit a winery and relax at the accommodation

31/68 km, 600/1500m ascent, 600/1500m descent 

Today’s  cycling  route  leads  you  from  Benevello  to  Acqui Terme. Enjoy this relaxed riding day as most of it is along the Bormida river, have a look around in the old villages of Cessole and Bubbio and the wonderful bridge at Monastero Bormida. Once you have arrived in Acqui Terme take your time  to  do  some  Italian  shopping in  the  nice  old  town  or relax at the SPA.

50 km, 800m ascent, 700m descent  

Today you can choose between two options, a northern loop and  a  southern  one:  the  1st one  partially  overcome tomorrow’s route and leads you to the stunning wine villages of Fontanile, Alice Bel Colle and Strevi. Have lunch in one of the  Trattorie  in  the  villages,  sipping  some  fresh  wine  and grissini. The southern loop (a little harder) leads to Ponzone, a very panoramic village where it’s worth a stop at the local bar for some delicacies and coffee. Leave some time to visit the city center of Acqui Terme if you didn’t yesterday.

34/37 km, 850/700m ascent, 850/700m descent

The  ride  today  takes  you  to  Asti,  famous  for  its  Spumante sparkling  wines!  Heading  north  you  cycle  along  rolling panoramic hills all cultivated with vineyards. Try to spot the open air art installations by Chris Bangle called “Big Benches”. The biggest town along the way is Nizza Monferrato, worth a stroll through the quiet alleys.

53 km, 850m ascent, 900m descent  

From  Asti  to  Alba  you  initially  follow  the  Francigena  cycle route  to  get  out  of  town,  then  you  pass  by  various  villages and  at  least  3  imposing  castles  that  dominates  the surroundings: Govone, Guarene and Magliano Alfieri castels. The Govone castle is a UNESCO site, like the Venaria Reale in Torino,  residence  of  the  Savoia  family,  the  former  kings  of Italy. Guarene castle is now a 5-star hotel.

38 km, 600m ascent, 700m descent  

The trip and our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked another service with us.