Food, Wine, and Breathtaking Landscapes in the UNESCO Heritage Region
We will cycle through a unique land, rich in history and natural beauty. We will discover an exceptional cuisine paired with excellent wines.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Alba
Individual arrival in Alba. Meeting with the tour leader at the accommodation: tour presentation and, if needed, e-bike delivery. Despite its compact size, the city center still reflects the layout of the ancient Roman castrum (Via Vittorio Emanuele II as the cardo and Via Cavour as the decumanus), offering many pleasant surprises. Starting with the memories of Alba Pompeia, the name given by the Latin conquerors to the Ligurian village they were about to colonize, we will discover medieval Alba, with its few remaining towers still reaching for the sky and others now integrated into rooftops. Facades and corners of buildings still bear symbols of ancient power. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is the result of several reconstructions (at least four churches and various Roman temples once stood here), the most significant of which was completed in the late 19th century by Arborino Mella, following Neo-Gothic styles.
In the Town Hall, the council chamber houses masterpieces, including a painting by Macrino. Next door is the Beppe Fenoglio Study Center, located in the writer’s house, with detailed documentation on Alba’s history. On the top floor, you can view the extraordinary ‘Antichamber of Death’ by Pinòt Gallizio.
Beppe Fenoglio, one of the greatest 20th-century writers, was from Alba. He wrote exclusively about Alba and the Langhe, depicting both the harsh lives of farmers and the disenchanted heroism of partisans with his avant-garde style. He was the bard of the Langhe and, having been a partisan himself, the most authentic and raw narrator of the tragedies of the civil war.
Pinòt Gallizio, another notable figure from Alba, was a painter and pharmacist who co-founded the Situationist movement, the last great avant-garde art movement of the 20th century. He pioneered Industrial Painting alongside Asger Jorn and Piero Simondo. A visit to the Study Center is highly recommended to immerse yourself in the essence of these hills.
Day 2: 45 km +960 m / -960 m
After a hearty breakfast, we take our e-bikes and begin a journey through vineyards and breathtaking landscapes, visiting renowned villages. Our first stop is Barolo, a town that stands out from the rest. Although ten other nearby municipalities produce the same famous red wine, Barolo is special. The town sits on a plateau surrounded by hills, unlike the hilltop villages nearby. A castle has stood here since the 10th century when King Berengar I allowed a local lord to build a fortress to defend against Hungarian and Saracen invasions. The castle offers stunning views.
Along the way, we visit the renowned Brunate Chapel near La Morra. The route winds through rolling hills with gentle climbs and panoramic viewpoints. We pass through Gallo, Grinzane Cavour, with its beautiful castle, and Diano d’Alba. We return to Alba in the late afternoon.
Day 3: 35 km +1040 m / -1000 m
Leaving Alba, we head towards the Langa Astigiana and Monferrato regions. Our first stop is Barbaresco, a small town and UNESCO treasure known for its namesake wine. Barbaresco offers charming streets and monuments, creating a postcard-like setting amid the vineyards.
We continue through Neive and Mango, encountering stories from Beppe Fenoglio’s novel ‘Partisan Jonny.’ Cossano Belbo marks the entrance to Langa Astigiana. We arrive at our agriturismo in the afternoon, a certified organic farm since 2003, producing wine (Rosato, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Pinot Nero) and hazelnuts. A wine tasting with cellar stories is included. The agriturismo offers cozy rooms and a restaurant with dining rooms carved from ancient cellars. For relaxation, guests can book spa access (sauna, Turkish bath, hot tub) or holistic treatments. A Wild Wellness experience is also available (advance booking required). Dinner features local specialties.
Day 4: 37 km +860 m / -860 m
After breakfast, we ride our e-bikes through the rolling hills of Langa Astigiana and Val Bormida. The first village is San Giorgio Scarampi, with medieval walls and a tower visible from the main square. We descend through woods and meadows before climbing to Roccaverano, the highest village in the Asti area, famous for Robiola cheese. We visit a family-run dairy for a tasting.
Continuing along the ridge roads, we encounter medieval towers and villages. We reach Bubbio for a tasting of three organic wines. We return to the agriturismo in the afternoon for relaxation before dinner.
Day 5: 45 km +960 m / -1180 m
After breakfast, we leave the agriturismo and head back to Alba, passing through two important wine-producing villages. We descend through Moscato vineyards into Santo Stefano Belbo, the birthplace of poet Cesare Pavese. His works vividly depict the Langhe and its people. From Madonna delle Nevi, the view stretches over the hills, Monviso, and, on clear days, Monte Rosa and the distant hills of Turin.
We continue to Coazzolo and then Barbaresco. The landscape shifts from Langa Astigiana’s meadows and woods to perfectly aligned vineyards. Barbaresco is part of the UNESCO Vineyard Landscape of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato. We cycle through its charming streets before returning to Alba in the late afternoon.
Day 6: End of the Tour
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and return the e-bikes. We leave with our hearts full of stories and our eyes filled with the vibrant colors of this incredible land, rich in history and beauty.