Today our tour in Piedmont begins and the path is a little bit longer and with some roughness to overcome, so first of all a healthy and substantial breakfast to recharge your batteries. We head north, in the north of Monferrato, riding through the vineyards which, in addition to red wines, here produce the white grapes for the classic Asti Spumante. We travel along secondary roads that cross the hills with continuous ups and downs, on which few cars pass. And this makes these areas the ideal place for cycling… One after the other we cross many small villages with an “ancient smell”, almost all dominated by a medieval castle or a tower. Here the time seems stopped, but we can always find the one for a good coffee. We continue briskly and go back to the hotel to end the afternoon with a sunbath and a relaxing swim in the pool.

Overnight stay: Villa Fontana Relais Suite and SPA – Agliano Terme (AT)

Today we still pedal between the borders of Monferrato and Langhe, heading east, towards Acqui Terme. The characteristic landscape of this area of Piedmont does not change, and while hazelnut woods follow one another and the vineyards of red and white grapes alternating, a gentle ascent takes us to Montabone and then, descending, we reach the valley of the Bormida river. We slowly cross Acqui Terme admiring the remains of the Roman aqueduct. From here we go up towards Castel Rocchero and then up to Monbaruzzo, where the homonymous Amaretti are produced, which we will not fail to taste in Mirella Arudi’s artisan laboratory, accompanied by our daily “espresso” Recovering our energy, we cover the last few kilometers at a good pace, but in every small town we meet there is something that deserves a look…

Overnight stay: Villa Fontana Relais Suite and SPA – Agliano Terme (AT)

We leave Agliano Terme and soon we cross over the Tanaro river, which marks the border between the Monferrato and the area called Roero. The main characteristic feature of this territory are certainly the “Rocche”, a kind of canyons that cut the earth.  Unusual landscapes, woods alternating with panoramic balconies, and moreover the ideal terrain for growing grapes. Medieval castles, towers and squares follow one after the other, and suddenly a magnificent panoramic balcony: Monticello d’Alba deserves a stop to admire its excellently preserved Castle and for our usual coffee. We ride towards Guarene going up for a short but challenging climb. We’ll arrive at the hotel in a short time and the last kilometers, pedaling on the ridge between Neive and Mango, offer a splendid view over the hills of the Langhe up to the Alps. A few curves downhill and we are at our new Relais.

Overnight stay: Relais San Maurizio Santo Stefano Belbo (CN)

We leave Agliano Terme and soon we cross over the Tanaro river, which marks the border We are in the heart of the Langhe, and yesterday we saw that in these lands there are not many stretches of flat lands. Therefore, today’s tour, even if shorter, will therefore be quite challenging, but will make us appreciate the beauty of these hills, among vineyards and hazelnut groves. It will be a continuous ups and downs, but we will find time to stop for a photo, or simply to admire these unique views. About halfway through our tour a climb takes us back to Mango. From here, this time on a relaxing downhill, we enjoy the landscapes leading to Neive. We return to the hotel with a detour that makes us discover a new valley.

Overnight stay: Relais San Maurizio Santo Stefano Belbo (CN)

This is our last “big stage” and the day will be quite difficult, but don’t worry, it will be a great race. For everyone. We soon reach Barbaresco, with its millenary tower guarding the surrounding vineyards, and head straight towards Alba, where the most famous (and tastiest) chocolate cream in the world is produced. We ride along a plain road to reach Grinzane and visit the magnificent Castle located on the top of a hill. From here our road climbs and we reach La Morra, which gives us a wonderful scenery. We are in the heart of the Langhe! With a gentle downhill we arrive in another “sanctuary” of wine: Barolo. A stop here is almost a must, for a coffee or a glass of excellent wine, or even just for a few minutes of rest. Now a long part of our tour tends to rise continuously, passing through Monforte d’Alba until it almost reaches Benevello. We will ride it together at the right pace, saving our legs for the last kilometers. From here to our hotel it will be a relaxing journey through the vineyards.

Overnight stay: Relais San Maurizio Santo Stefano Belbo (CN)

It’s our last day and after breakfast we say goodbye, hoping to see you soon to ride togheter again. If you have requested it, our staff will take care of the transfer to the airport. If, on the other hand, you have arrived on your own, our staff will take you back to where we started.