The rides follow mostly well asphalted country lanes and secondary roads with little traffic. Inevitably near the larger towns there is more traffic.
Start: Alba Finish: Alba
After your arrival and check-in in the hotel there may be some time left to make a stroll through this beautiful old town. Alba is the capital of the hilly area of the Langhe famous for his white truffles, hazelnuts, peaches and top-class wines. Take your time to visit the old centre, with pre-Roman origins. From the Roman city, which had a polygonal form, you can still see parts of fortified gate and remains of some edifices with marbles and mosaics.
You will cycle in the famous Langhe region through a delightful countryside of green, rolling hills. This is the region of the delicious Barolo wine and there are countless winery to stop by, but if you want to sample most of them stop by the Enoteca Regionale del Barolo, where they have more than 30 on taste; The WiMu is also another interesting stop in the castle of Barolo, but remember not to drink too much since there is still some way to cycle between here and Benevello. The last climb is worth the effort as here you will stay in a very comfortable and stylish accommodation, a historic farmhouse, which has been recently completely restored.
Challenge: 48 km, 900 m ascent, 600 m descent
Today you have two options: a north cycle route to explore the hills surrounding Cassano Belbo or a longer but very panoramic ride to the highest village of the Langhe region, Mombarcaro, at nearly 1000m above sea level, where on clear winter day you may see the sea…or you can choose to visit a winery and relax at the accommodation
OPTION 1; Challenge: 31 km, 600 m ascent, 600 m descent
OPTION 2 (Loop via Mombarcaro); 68 km, 1500 m ascent, 1500 m descent
Today’s cycling route leads you from Benevello to Acqui Terme. Enjoy this relaxed riding day as most of it is along the Bormida river, have a look around in the old villages of Cessole and Bubbio and the wonderful bridge at Monastero Bormida. Once you have arrived in Acqui Terme take your time to do some Italian shopping in the nice old town or relax at the SPA.
Challenge: 50 km, 800 m ascent, 700 m descent
Today you can choose between two options, a northern loop and a southern one: the 1st one partially overcome tomorrow’s route and leads you to the stunning wine villages of Fontanile, Alice Bel Colle and Strevi. Have lunch in one of the Trattorie in the villages, sipping some fresh wine and grissini. The southern loop (a little harder) leads to Ponzone, a very panoramic village where it’s worth a stop at the local bar for some delicacies and coffee. Leave some time to visit the city center of Acqui Terme if you didn’t yesterday.
OPTION 1; Challenge: 34 km, 485 m ascent, 850 m descent
OPTION 2 ; Challenge: 37 km, 700 m ascent, 700 m descent
The ride today takes you to Asti, famous for its Spumante sparkling wines! Heading north you cycle along rolling panoramic hills all cultivated with vineyards. Try to spot the open air art installations by Chris Bangle called “Big Benches”. The biggest town along the way is Nizza Monferrato, worth a stroll through the quiet alleys.
Challenge: 53 km, 850 m ascent, 900 km descent
From Asti to Alba you initially follow the Francigena cycle route to get out of town, then you pass by various villages and at least 3 imposing castles that dominates the surroundings: Govone, Guarene and Magliano Alfieri castels. The Govone castle is a UNESCO site, like the Venaria Reale in Torino, residence of the Savoia family, the former kings of Italy. Guarene castle is now a 5-star hotel.
Challenge: 38 km, 600 m ascent, 700m ascent
The trip and our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked another trip or service with us.
Selected 3 and 4* hotels in larger towns, while in the villages and countryside we use cozy, friendly ‘agriturismo’ (farmhouses) and inns, some quite renowned for their cuisine. All the rooms have private bathrooms, TV, mini-bar and hair drier. A good continental breakfast is served each morning. Throughout the trip there are plenty of opportunities to taste both the outstanding local cuisine and a wide array of prestigious regional wines.
You can find below the standard hotels of this trip. If a hotel is fully booked, then we will book a similar one for you and inform you about the alternative booked.
Extra overnight: You can book additional night(s) at any of the accommodations along the way.
The new Hotel Calissano is located near the Piazza M. Ferrero, one of the most beautiful squares of Piemonte, known as "Alba´s living room" since it is a meeting point for locals and visitors. This hotel, recently renovated, has 90 rooms that are completely equipped.
In an oasis of charm, few kilometers far from Alba, Relais Montemarino was crafted out of the painstaking renovation of an old nineteenth-century farmhouse. It is surrounded by Langhe's hills and it offers rooms with rustic style. All of these are well-finished, clean and welcoming with free Wi-Fi, TV, telephone, private bathroom, heating and minibar. Breakfast is rich and various.
This is the most recent hotel in Acqui Terme, it was completely renovated recently and it is located in the same place where one of the symbols of the thermal city stood. A hotel where past and present blend perfectly, where the guests will live a historic experience along with the modernity and comfort from our times. Located a few meters from the park of the thermal area of Bagni. A perfect place to relax.
Hotel Palio is in the historic center of Asti, 150m from the train station. The property features a bar, free Wi-Fi and an ATM. Rooms are furnished in a classic style and have a private bathroom, heating and a view of the village. Breakfast buffet is good and varied, the staff is friendly and helpful.
You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between April and October.
There are a lot of airports you can flight in to reach the beginning of this trip: Turin (TRN), Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN), Genoa (GOA).
From Genoa: you can take either a bus or a train, check the website www.airport.genova.it
From Turin Airport: there is a bus service to and from downtown. It has several stops en-route including Porta Nuova, via Borgaro and Caselle city centre. For information and timetable confirmation visit www.sadem.it or call the number 0039.011.227.20.22.
When you get in Torino Porta Nuova you buy a ticket to Alba Depending on the train you take, you either change in Alessandria or Asti. The travelling time can be from 1 h 40 minutes to 2 h 50 minutes approx. Check www.ferroviedellostato.it for the updated times of departure.
From Milan Malpensa and Linate airports: you can visit www.milanomalpensa-airport.com and the www.milanairports.com websites for up to date detailed info about travelling from the airport to downtown Milan where you catch the train to Alba.
From Malpensa airport there is also a train connection with Milan every 30 minutes and the journey lasts about 40 minutes. Check www.malpensaexpress.it
(NOTE) Bike rental includes: 1 odometer each 2 bikes, 1 rear bag, 1 repair kit, 1 padlock and bottle holder
Hybrid Giant CRS
Merida Road Bike
Blade Road Bike
GPS tracks are available on request.
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