Italy's Piedmont region is surrounded on three sides by a great arc of the Alps as they rise out of the Mediterranean Sea and curve north and east through France, Switzerland and Italy to Austria. Within this great curve of mountains the Po River rises, forming a broad, fertile plain that forms Italy's longest river flowing into the Adriatic Sea. It was in the western part of this valley that the Kings of Savoy built castles and fortified cities to protect wine merchants from intrusions by marauding pirates. And it was here that Count Camillo Cavour first proposed the idea of a unified Italian state. The food, the history and the landscape make the Piedmont an ideal destination for cyclists. This cycling tour through the Piedmont region and the Lakes District tour combines the best of Italian and French cuisine and wine with scenic pedaling through rolling hills dotted with vineyards and castles.
***If this sounds great but you prefer a shorter tour check out our Cycling Italy's Piedmont tour, which features the first 8 days of this itinerary.***
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
Piedmont vineyards and wine tastings, Gourmet regional cuisine, 2 nights in the Langhe area famous for its wine, cheese and truffles, 2 nights in the Roman town of Acqui Terme, Monferrato, Lake Maggiore, A complete overview of this amazing region, Guided visit of Bene Vagienna Archaeological site
Includes
12 days, 11 nights accommodation;meals as noted in itinerary; 2 wine and a cheese tasting; guided visit of Bene Vagienna Archaelogical site; and the usual (see below).
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
Arrive / Depart
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Turin Caselle Airport (TRN)
Highlights: Provincial capital of Cuneo, Alpine views, Arione Bar and Confectionary, welcome dinner
Gather today in Cuneo, south of Turin. We'll fit bicycles this afternoon, then you will be free to explore the town and to take a warm-up ride. Be sure to look up the Arione Bar and Confectionary, famous for its "cuneese al rhum," a chocolate rum candy (Hemingway stopped by here to pick up some of these on a trip to Italy in 1954, the year he won the Nobel Prize.) This evening, we'll celebrate the beginning of our tour with a traditional Piedmontese dinner together.
DAY 2: Cycle deep into the Alps along an Alpine Valley
Highlights: Alpine scenery, the 19th century fortress of Vinadio, optional mountain ride
Your ride today follows the Stura di Demonte River valley to the fortress of Vinadio along an historic military road that has now become mainly a bike path. The Vinadio fortress was built by King Carlo Alberto of the house of Savoy in the 1830s and '40s to protect the Piedmont from possible invasions from France. You'll be back in Cuneo late afternoon to enjoy a stroll through town.
Highlights: Town of Bene Vagienna or Roman "Augusta Bagiennorum," the Langhe wine region
Your ride today takes you through the small town of Bene Vagienna as you follow an ancient Roman road. We'll have a light lunch and guided visit of the large archeological park of Augusta Bagiennorum. Tonight we will be in Monforte d'Alba, one of many picturesque wine villages in the Langhe region of Piedmont.
DAY 4: Loop ride to the wine villages of Serralunga, La Morra and Barolo
Highlights: Le Langhe wine region and wine villages, including Barolo, wine tasting
A loop ride today takes you through the vineyards of Le Langhe and the famous hills of the Nebbiolo grape. Along the route you'll pass through the stunning landscape of La Morra, as well as vineyards around Barolo, Verduno and La Mora. The town of Barolo gives its name to Italy's most famous wine. The village has an interesting ethnographic and wine museum to visit. We'll enjoy a wine tasting together this evening.
DAY 5: Bicycle from Monforte d'Alba to the town of Alba
Highlights: Beautiful vineyard landscapes, regional wine museum
Your ride today takes you through some of the most beautiful vineyard landscapes in Italy. If you are interested in wine we recommend a stop at the regional wine museum in Mango before continuing on through Neviglie and Trezzo Tinella, villages of less than 500 inhabitants, on the way to Alba.
DAY 6: Ride from Alba to Canelli for a winery visit shuttle to Acqui Terme
Highlights: Alba, Ferrero chocolates and visit to Coppo, one of Italy's most famous vineyards
You'll want to take time to visit Alba before leaving this morning. Not only is Alba the capital of the Langhe wine region it is also home to Ferrero Rocher, the chocolate maker that manufactures Nutella and Kinder chocolate. From here you'll pedal on to Canelli to visit one of the oldest and most famous wineries in Italy, Coppo. Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch before shuttling on to our hotel in Acqui Terme.
DAY 7: Loop ride from Acqui Terme to Mombarruzo and back
Highlights: Thermal Spa, amaretto
Acqui Terme has been a spa town since Roman times and you'll be here two nights! If you wish to take the day off to enjoy the thermal spa this is your chance. Otherwise hop on your bike and head to the hill town of Mombaruzzo, home to one of Italy's famous "amaretto" makers. Amaretto is a yummy cookie made from a base of almond paste. Take time this afternoon for a walk in town or to enjoy the spas.
Our destination today is Asti, an elegant town famous for its architecture, wines and culinary traditions. Along the way you'll pass through Castel Rocchero originally a military garrison that guarded the road that leads from Acqui into the Belbo Valley. Next up -- the rich vineyards of Canelli and the Moscato grape, which is believed to be the birthplace of the Italian sparkling wine "Asti Spumante".
Highlights: Small country roads, Moncalvo and fortified hilltop villages, cheese tasting
Head north today through the hills of Monferrato. This is one of the most densely settled agricultural areas in Italy and features a rich network of tiny farm roads and small fortified hilltop villages. Over the years it has become fashionable to convert the town fortress into a villa. Our accommodation tonight is in the Castle of Lu. This afternoon we'll enjoy a cheese tasting at our hotel.
DAY 10: Enjoy a flat ride across the Po Valley today
Highlights: Flat riding, rice farm, views of the Alps
Leave the hills behind and cross the Po River in Casale Monferrato this morning. Casale sits on the south bank of the Po River and enjoys a deep architectural heritage due to its varied history because of its critical position along the Po River. Pedal north through one of the largest rice growing areas in Europe. Along the way, you'll pass through no less than fifteen small farm villages, including San Nazzaro Sesia, a village built around an 11th-century Benedictine abbey. This afternoon we'll visit one of the area's rice producers to discover more about the history of the crop and harvest techniques.
DAY 11: Bicycle into the Pre-Alps and the Italian Lake District
Highlights: Spectacular views of the Alps and pedaling along Lakes Orta, Mergozzo and Maggiore.
Your final day of riding takes you into Italy's spectacular Lakes District. This breathtaking series of lakes was created as glaciers retreated from northern Italy some 20,000 years ago. Your first lake is Lago d'Orta, then tiny Lago di Mergozzo, and finally Lago Maggiore. The journey ends in Verbania, along the shores of beautiful Lago Maggiore. This evening, we'll enjoy a farewell dinner together.
The Sept 19, 2020 departure will stay at Grand Hotel Majestic and Hotel San Gottardo. All other 2020 departures will stay at Hotel Ancora.
You are on your own today in one of Italy's most beautiful regions. This is a great starting point for further exploration of the Lakes District, or better yet - perhaps you'd like to join our cycling tour through the area! Whatever you choose, have a great time and thanks for joining us!
Your tour starts with a complimentary ExperiencePlus! shuttle pick-up inside the Torino Porta Nuova Train station in front of the ticket office on Day 1 of the tour at 12 noon. The drive will take 1.5 hours. Your spot on the shuttle is already reserved for you.
If you can't make the shuttle, you will be responsible for your own transportation to Cuneo (1-1.5 hours by train, or private transfer through hotel, around EUR 130.)
As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
We recommend flying into the Turin Airport (TRN).
Arriving at Torino Airport and meeting the ExperiencePlus! shuttle:
Sadem Bus from the Torino Airport to Torino Porta Nuova train station (every 30 minutes; 40 min/EUR 6.50-EUR 7.50)
or Taxi (30 min/EUR 40-45)
Day 12: Departure Information
End of tour on Lake Maggiore
Your trip ends on the final day after breakfast.
The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio.
We recommend flying out of the Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP):
Airport Shuttle from Intra-Verbania to the Malpensa airport (reservations required but payment in cash only on board) (1.5 hours/EUR 15). Click here for time table.
Or: Taxi from the Ending Hotel to the Malpensa Airport (1 hour/EUR 135-150)
*Note:If you are planning to depart by train, the train station name for Intra-Verbania is Intra-Pallanza. It is located 12 km outside of the village of Intra-Verbania. A taxi to the train station from the Ending Hotel costs EUR 18-20. Buses are also available every 20 minutes in front of the hotel.
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To Do Today!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation Email, it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed. As you make your plans refer to the Getting To and Away sent to you in your booking confirmation email it provides meeting times and the starting and ending hotels and shuttle information when applicable.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights. Please refer to the Getting To and Away sheet you received in your Reservation Confirmation Email.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Deposit Payment Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.
6 Weeks–2 Weeks Prior to Departure
Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Suggested Reading and Movie List which you'll find on the country page linked from the www.experienceplus.com/travelinfo page.
Wonderful rolling cycling through attractive countryside with fascinating cultural experiences included. Excellent accommodation and food especially the wine and cheese.
Robyn L., Melbourne, Australia - July 2019
Beautiful vistas, delicious food and wine, great rides through low traffic roads and bike paths. FANTASTIC trip - thank you!
Kristen L., Cambridge, MA - July 2018
If you love really good Italian wine and really good Italian food and really gorgeous views of the vineyards, this is the tour for you. You know how much of an Experience Plus fan I am!! Love me some arrows :) Best way to ride. Thanks for everything!!!
NIkki J., Portland, OR - September 2017
A beautiful hilly ride through wonderful scenic wine country filled with delicious food! Once again a wonderful experience, which is why we keep coming back. I love that fact that you use local guides that know the country and can give some interesting background information to the area we are cycling. While the cycling and scenery can be fantastic... the guides are the ones that make the trip memorable! Thank you!
Deborah D., Owen Sound, ON, Canada - September 201
Great guides.
Great fun.
Great company.
Billy W., Mt Pleasant, SC
It was wonderful riding through a lesser-traveled part of Italy. The scenery was gorgeous from day 1 all the way through the end of the ride and the hills were challenging - but rewarding! This was our 10th EPlus! tour and I can''t wait to pick and go on our 11th!
Laura E., Tacoma, WA
I thought this was a great tour--our best yet. Keep up the good work.
Sharon S., Eugene, OR
This was our second trip with EP and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Your arrow system cannot be beat. Such a relief not to have to try to read directions while riding! This is how we prefer to travel and we will be back.
Pat D., West Chester, PA
Biking, scenery, amenities, service, leaders ... all outstanding.
Terry D., West Chester, PA
There were many "favorite" experiences but I can''t pick one in particular...beautiful landscape, challenging riding, excellent tour leaders, great food, nice cultural opportunities, fabulous Italian culture.
Gary F., Fort Collins, CO
Wonderful experience - great guides - great routes - great towns - great riding - great food and wine.
Jeff E., Pittsburg, PA
The scenery, food, other bicyclists, tour leaders, routes -- all superb. Thank you for providing the opportunity!
David S., Eugene, OR
Italian wine country at its best. Outstanding food. Great rides. Challenging climbs. The absolute beauty of the hilly wine country...and we were fortunate to have sunny days for those rides.
Jim B., Incline Village, NV
A great experience, good guides, fun people to ride with and Italy is always beautiful.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle
Mountainous
Cycling Italy's Piedmont
Grand Cycling Tour of Sicily
Cycling Italy's Dolomites
