Piedmont is a true paradise for gourmets. Prestigious red wines, delicious chocolate and sweet landscapes on the hills covered with vineyards; far away, the magnificent circle of the Alps. Piedmont is elegance and style. The best example is the capital, Turin, the first Italian capital 150 years ago, where the influence of French style is very evident and for this reason Turin is called “little Paris”. The same surprise you get when you arrive in the small towns of Pinerolo and Saluzzo with their medieval charm; then Bra and Alba reigns of food and wine: do not miss the pleasure of a delicious dinner with unforgettable dishes, and noble Langhe wines such as Barolo or Barbaresco. Walking through the hills of Roero and Monferrato you arrive in Casale, a quiet town on the banks of the Po. In short, discover Piedmont by bike: a special experience!
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato are UNESCO world heritage!
Alternatively, a circular tour, from Alba, on 6 days, relaxing version, with a shorter itinerary (120 km total).
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Turin
Turin was the first capital of Italy, a very hospitable city, a former industrial city that now, after the 2006 Olympic Games, has become a real cultural centre. It has 4 rivers, and there are many bike paths that cross it.
Day 2: Torino – Pinerolo 51 Km
Flat route. From Turin you cycle along the Po and small tributaries of the Po, on cycle paths and small roads, to the foot of the mountains; you pass by the medieval village, the Valentino castle, the Reggia di Stupinigi , the royal residence of the former Savoy family, a masterpiece of the architect Filippo Juvarra in Rococo style; then from park to park, always along the rivers, you reach Pinerolo on a really nice road. You spend the night delightful Pinerolo, where in the past there was the most famous cavalry school in Italy
Day 3: Pinerolo – Saluzzo 46 Km
Flat route. Along roads through orchards and vineyards you reach Cavour with its curious “Rocca”, a morainic hill in the middle of the plain, currently a protected area. Night in Saluzzo, a medieval town.
Day 4: Saluzzo – Bra 69 Km
Today the route is medium/easy, there are some climbs after Fossano. On the route you can visit the castles of Manta and Costigliole, the ancient Roman town of Benevagienna and its archaeological area. After Cherasco, seven centuries of history and art, you arrive in Bra, the Italian capital of taste, where the “Slow Food” organization is based.
Day 5: Bra – Alba 39/55 Km
Flat route with a choice of medium difficulty variant, we are in the Langhe. In Pollenzo, the Roman Pollentia, there is the University of Taste. You cycle towards Alba along the perfectly flat Tanaro river, but halfway up there are some easy climbs to reach Barolo, in whose castle you can taste the famous wine of the same name. Night in Alba, the city of white truffles and tower houses. Alternatively, for sports enthusiasts, you can take a tour of the Langhe, Bra – La Morra – Grinzane – Alba.
Day 6: Alba – Asti 45/55 Km
Medium easy route. Today we are in the Roero area. On the route you will find the castles of Guarene and Cisterna, the latter being home to a rural museum. Night in Asti, a town really rich in history, famous for its sparkling wine and the Palio.
Day 7: Asti – Casale 56 Km
Medium difficulty. We ride in the fascinating hills of Monferrato, also part of the system of hills on which the vineyards rest. From Moncalvo you can enjoy a wonderful view. In the afternoon we reach Casale, a baroque town at the foot of the Monferrato hills, along the banks of the Po.
Day 8: Casale Monferrato;
End of the holiday after breakfast; possibility to return to Turin by train or private minibus that also transports your bike.
