Hills of Barolo Cycling Tour

Piedmont is a region in the northwest corner of Italy that borders France and Switzerland. Almost half of Piedmont can be described as mountainous while most of the remainder is considered hilly. Its terrain is higher and perhaps more challenging than the description "the foot of the mountains,” the literal translation of its name, might suggest.

The Langa and Monferrato regions of Piedmont are in one of the most important wine production areas in Italy and received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. The Piedmont Barolo cycling tour will take us to the heart of these regions, over rolling hills covered with endless vineyards and past ancient castles and hidden hilltop hamlets. These hills offer superb riding along peaceful secondary roads.

Vineyards cover most of the hills here and wines such as Barolo (the so-called King of wines), Barbaresco, Barbera, and Nebbiolo are perfectly paired with dishes that will make each meal a gastronomic event. Towns like Barolo, Acqui Terme, and Alba are perfect stops for a taste of what the region has to offer, where strolling through the cobbled streets and sipping a glass of local wine in piazzas bursting with cafes and wine bars is a great way to end a day on the bike. You’ll see how connected the local people are to the land, and how they take pride in everything they produce.

The first two days revolve around Alba, our stay for two nights, which is the capital of the Langa region and a charming, midsize town. There, a local guide will explain its history and link to agriculture, the economic foundation of Langa along with wine and truffle tourism.

The second part of the itinerary will take us to Monferrato (province of Alessandria) and we will explore the area of Novi and Gavi, known for its white wine (mostly Gavi from cortese grapes).

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage Site (Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato)
• The village of Acqui Terme (Piazza della Bollente)
• Ride among the vineyards of Barolo, the king of wines
• Discover the underrated Monferrato wine area
• Visit a castle that is now a regional wine cellar
• Two nights at an awarded boutique hotel and winery
• The best of the Piedmont and Mediterranean diets prepared with fresh, local ingredients
• Wine tasting and lunch at a family-owned winery
• Majestic views of the Alps in the backdrop
• Alba, the capital of Langa

The riding itself is hilly and extremely scenic with beautiful ridges and rolling hills.