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 have already understood that there are not many flat sections in this part of Italy, and even today’s stage will be quite demanding, but today’s route will take us to the heart of the Langhe and we will have the oportunity to appreciate the beauty of these places unique in the world. After the town of Neive, we leave the main road climbing for a few kilometers on the crest of a hill which offers us splendid panoramas for many chilometers. We cross Alba, quickly reaching the crossroads of the climb that leads to La Morra. A stop in the beautiful square is mandatory. We descend towards Barolo, with a succession of breathtaking views. A continuous up and down brings us to another “sanctuary” of the Langhe: Monforte d’Alba. There is still an uphill road to overcome and then quickly descend to Grinzane, where its medieval castle awaits us for a photo.

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

We leave the Langhe to discover its northernmost corner, on the border with Lombardy, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Today the route does not present altitude difficulties and by constantly following the roads that run along the lake, we will be able to admire its naturalistic and landscape beauties by pedaling at a relaxed pace. We leave Ranco, cross the bridge over the Ticino river and we are soon in Arona. From here and up to Verbania there will be many places to stop to take a picture. In Stresa we stop for a coffee and admire the Borromeo Islands up close. Once in the beautiful town of Verbania we load the bikes on the ferry that will take us to the other side of the lake, from where we will continue to return to our hotel.

Overnight stay: Hotel Belvedere Ranco (VA) 

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.