Piedmont Truffle and Wine Bike Tour

Our first ride together is a short and easy one. We have to check that the bike is in perfect condition and that the riding position is adjusted to your usual needs. If something is not right, we have time to fix it and we are here to help you.  Without straying far from our hotel, we ride along gentle ups and downs among the vineyards that produce Barbera, Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo. We are in Monferrato, which together with Roero and Langhe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a refreshing dip in the pool, if you like, before dinner, take a tour of the magnificent spa and enjoy an aperitif on the terrace.

Today we begin our tour in Piedmont and head into the northern Monferrato region, cycling through the vineyards that produce the grapes for the classic Asti Spumante sparklin white wine, in addition to red wines. We ride along secondary roads that cross the rolling hills on which few cars pass. And this makes these areas the ideal place for cycling…. One after the other we pass through many small villages with an ‘ancient scent’ where time seems to stand still. A stop for lunch and we continue at a good pace towards the hotel with a finale full of hilly ups and downs, ending the afternoon with sunbathing and a relaxing swim in the pool.

Today we’ll ride between the borders of Monferrato and Langhe, towards Acqui Terme and the characteristic landscape of this area of Piedmont does not change. After a few kilometres, past the village of Calamandrana, we face a short but demanding climb, and then, descending, we reach the valley of the Bormida river. We cross Acqui Terme admiring the remains of the Roman aqueduct. From here we climb towards Castel Rocchero and then to Monbaruzzo, where the Amaretti biscuits of the same name are produced, which we will not fail to taste. Having recovered our energy, we cover the last few kilometres at a good pace, but in every village we encounter there is something worth a look…

We have already realised that there are not many flat stretches in this part of Italy, and today’s stage will also be quite demanding, but today’s route will take us into the heart of the Langhe and we will have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of these unique places. After the village of Neive, we leave the main road and climb for a few kilometres on the crest of a hill that offers us splendid views for many kilometres. We pass through Alba, quickly reaching the fork in the climb that leads to La Morra. A stop in the beautiful square is a must. We descend towards Barolo, with a succession of breathtaking views. A continuous up and downhill stretch brings us to another ‘sanctuary’ of the Langhe: Monforte d’Alba. There is still a climb to overcome before descending rapidly to Grinzane, where its medieval castle awaits us for a photo opportunity.

Today the route is easy, with no climbs, and by constantly following the roads along Lake Maggiore, we can admire its beauty while cycling at a relaxed pace. We leave Ranco and are soon in Arona. From here and as far as Verbania there will be plenty of places to stop and take a photo. In Stresa we stop for a coffee and admire the Borromean Islands up close. Arriving in Verbania we load the bicycles onto the ferry that will take us to the other side of the lake, from where we continue on to the hotel.

Today there is another lake to discover: Lake Orta. After crossing the iron bridge over the Ticino river, we pedal on secondary roads to avoid the car traffic, reaching the shores of the small but beautiful Lake Orta after about 30 km. We pass through the square of San Giulio and take a short break before climbing gently towards Gignese, in a valley offering enchanting views. At the top, admiring Lake Maggiore from above, with a long descent we are back in Arona.

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.