Guided
Piedmont Bike Tour
Piedmont is in Italy's northwest bordering Switzerland and France. It is surrounded on three sides by the Alps. The region is known for its wine, food, and truffles. Wine is made in the Lange, an area of cultivated hills and vineyards, dotted with hamlets and castles. The Italian royals used to live here so the region is full of royal residences. The white truffle from the picturesque hills near Alba is the most highly esteemed truffle. Chocolate is also a specialty of this region. In addition, over 160 different cheeses are produced here. Not surprisingly Piedmont gave birth to the Slow Food movement. On this tour we cycle down, not up, an Alpine road. We visit castles and wineries. We try chocolate, truffles, local cheeses, and hazelnuts. We even participate in a cooking class at the University of Gastronomic Science, part of the Slow Food organization.
​Highlights
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Cooking Class at the University of Gastronomic Science
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Truffle hunt with truffle dog
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Guided cheese tasting
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Hazelnut farm visit with tasting
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Slow Food Wine Bank visit with tasting
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Barolo winery tour and tasting
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Spectacular wine country rides
Price
US$ 3,550 per person, double occupancy
Dates
Email us your dates. We can schedule the tour when you want.
Single Supplement
+ US$ 900 for single room occupancy
Length
7 Days, 6 Nights
Meet / Finish
Turin / Turin
Route Rating
Moderate: 7-34 miles (11-54 km) per day over hilly terrain. Extra miles available.
Bikes and Gear >
Terms and Conditions >
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Saluzzo
We meet at the Turin train station and shuttle to our hotel in Saluzzo. A short warm-up ride takes us to the Manta Castle where we tour frescoed ballrooms and manicured grounds. We have dinner together at a bustling Piemontese restaurant in the center of Saluzzo.
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Day 2: Saluzzo
We shuttle our guests and their bikes to Monviso on the Italian side of the nearby Alps. The road dead ends high on the mountain making for light traffic. A long winding descent leads back to flat land below. Those wanting additional distance can cycle to the Staffarda Abbey, a large medieval monastery. We have scheduled a guided cheese tasting before dinner. Dinner on your own in Saluzzo.
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Day 3: Pollenzo
Cycling east we roll through flat countryside. We stop for lunch in Racconigi, a former royal residence. We tour the gardens of the Racconigi Castle by bike. After lunch we cycle through the town of Bra, home of the Slow Food movement. Tonight we stay in a former royal residence that has been transformed by the Slow Food organization into a hotel, gastronomic university, and wine bank. Before dinner we participate in a guided dessert wine and chocolate tasting. Group dinner in the hotel.
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Day 4: Pollenzo
Cycling south we enter the spectacular wine making area called the Langhe. This is as good as it gets when it comes to wine country cycling. We ride to the town of Barolo and tour the historic Marchesi di Barolo winery. The village is dominated by an ancient castle. After lunch (included in your tour) you can visit the wine museum housed in the 10th century castle.
Day 5: Monforte D'Alba
Our route meanders through wine country on the way to a modern hotel and spa in the heart of the Langhe. The Boscareto Resort and Spa has a modern style with massive windows that bring both the landscape and light inside. The hotel’s wellness center has pools, saunas, and baths. This is also white truffle country. Before sunset we meet a truffle hunter and his dog and follow them into the woods. With some luck this highly-trained dog will unearth some aromatic white truffles. Even if the dog fails we will try shaved truffles on a pasta dish at our group dinner.
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Day 6: Monforte D'Alba
Olives don’t grow well here, but hazelnuts do. We ride to a hazelnut farm to see the harvest and processing close up. This family-run business roasts and minces to create hazelnut pastes and creams, including their own version of Nutella. We do a guided hazelnut tasting before a relaxing picnic lunch on a hillside with a view. Tonight we have a four-course Piemontese feast.
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Day 7: Monforte D'Alba
After breakfast we shuttle you back to the train station in Turin.
Daily Distance
Lodging
Hotel Antico Podere Propano
Saluzzo (2 nights)
Hotel Antico Podere Propano is part of a large farmhouse dating to back 1525. It offers quiet comfortable rooms and landscaped gardens.
hotel website >
Albergo dell'Agenzia
Pollenzo (2 nights)
The Albergo dell'Agenzia is part of the Slow Food organization. This four-star hotel is located in the restructured country estate of King Carlo Alberto of Savoy.
hotel website >
Boscareto Resort
Serralunga d’Alba (2 nights)
The Boscareto Resort offers
beautiful views across vineyards. It features an excellent restaurant and free wellness center with a pool and gym.
What's Included
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All lodging (four and five star hotels)
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All breakfasts
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Two dinners
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One cooking class
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One cheese tasting
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Truffle hunt with truffle dog
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Slow Food Wine Bank tour with tasting
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One winery tour with tasting
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One castle visit
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One picnic
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Private van transfer from Turin on Day 1
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Private van transfer to Turin on Day 7
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Six beautiful rides
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Use of a high-end bike (hybrid, road or e-bike).
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Van support
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A friendly bilingual guide
Departure from Turin, End of Tour
On the last day of your tour we will shuttle you to the Torino (Turin) Porta Nuova train station. The Porta Nuova train station is a major station with excellent connections.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
Want to Save?
Consider one of our self-guided bike trips. We can schedule a self-guided bike tour whenever you want March 1 to October 31.
Our Dates Dont Work?
We may be able to offer the dates you want. Email us with the dates you prefer.