Cycling the Wine Villages of Piedmont

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Cycling
Suitable for:
Age 12+
Activity level:
Moderate
Activity Rating - Moderate
Trip code: 
C08PB
Way to Travel:
Self-Guided Holidays
Activity:
Self-Guided Cycling
Group size:
1–6
Min age:
12

Scenic self-guided cycling in the UNESCO vineyards of Piedmont

Tucked away in northern Italy, Piedmont is a region brimming with vineyard covered, softly rolling hills, sun-drenched hamlets, world-class wines and incredible hotels. Following quiet, traffic-free country roads, the route starts in the lush hazelnut hills, winding through terraces of swaying vines, verdant pine forests and rippling rivers to discover pretty hilltop hamlets and ancient castles. The region boasts an incredible array of fine wine towns, including Barbaresco and Barolo, both ideal lunch stops. Gastronomic menus feature everywhere, either at the hotel, or at a specially selected restaurant close by.

 

Highlights

  • Beautifully scenic cycling in the UNESCO vineyards of Piedmont
  • Luxury hotels with panoramic pools
  • A mecca for foodies: superb regional cuisine and outstanding wines
  • Sun-drenched hamlets and stunning, far-reaching views
  • Historic castles, frescoed chapels, pretty medieval villages
  • Based on our popular 8 night, Gastronomic Barolo Cycling

Key information

  • 8 nights hotels, all rooms en suite
  • 4 days cycling with luggage transfers
  • 95% quiet tarmac roads, 5% gravel
  • Quiet, traffic-free country roads
  • Optional electric bikes
  • GPS route navigation provided
  • Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs
  • Countries visited: Italy

What's included

  • All breakfasts
  • All accommodation (see accommodation section)
  • Luggage transfers
  • Route notes and maps
  • Local bike hire
  • Arrival & departure transfers (if booking a flight inclusive package)

What's not included

  • Optional electric bikes
  • Travel insurance
  • Single accommodation (available on request)
  • Visas or vaccinations
  • Arrival & departure transfers (if booking a land only package)
Call for general departures:
01606 720003
Call for private group trips:
020 8772 3874
Contact Us >
Live Chat >
Request a Brochure >
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

4

Days of Cycling
Pace:

Average daily distance: 37km (23 miles).

Terrain:

95% quiet tarmac roads, 5% gravel

Day by day breakdown
Day 2 34.0km/21.0miles
Day 4 39.0km/24.0miles
Day 6 34.0km/21.0miles
Day 8 35.0km/22.0miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here… 

Itinerary

Expand all
Benevello
to
Benevello

  • Day 1

    Start Benevello.

    Start at the stunning 4-star hotel at Benevello. The Relais Villa d'Amelia is a luxuriously restored 19th century family villa, equipped with a sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath and a lovely outdoor swimming pool. The chef here was trained under Marco Pierre White, so you're in for a treat tonight.
    Comfortable Hotel

  • Day 2

    Gentle ride through the breathtaking Langhe countryside to Neive.

    Option: 1

    You'll start today with a gentle ride along an open road, with hawks soaring high above the breathtaking Langhe countryside. You visit lovely Mango, with its beautiful castle rich in WW2 history. Then onto San Stefano Belbo, the birthplace of one Italy's greatest writers, Cesare Pavese; the pretty old town makes for a lovely lunch stop. Then it is on to Neive, where your cycle ride will take you past the famous moscato vineyards before arriving at your 3-star hotel, which boasts wonderful views over the verdant hills with vineyards cascading down.

    Comfortable Hotel

     

    Option: 2

    Distance - 76km, elevation: +1603m / -1935m

    Leaving the hotel behind, you cross the Belbo Valley following tiny roads with stunning views. After another climb you drop down to the town of Canelli then cross the river at Santo Stefano Belbo. Beautiful roads then lead you to Castiglione Tinella and onto Castagnole delle Lanze before following the river to the famous wine town of Barberesco, just 5 km from your hotel. Maybe take time for a well deserved glass of wine before heading to your hotel in Neive for the next two nights.

    Meals included: Breakfast

  • Day 3

    Free time to explore Neive, officially one of Italy's prettiest villages.

    Neive is a great place to explore. Officially one of Italy's prettiest villages and home of Romano Levi, a renowned grappa maker, you can wander its cobbled streets which are lined with brightly coloured flower boxes, or after a morning by the panoramic pool, cycle or take a local bus to nearby Barbaresco for lunch and cheese-tasting in the piazza. Enjoy some wine in the enoteca, housed in a C19 church built by the locals in thanks for a good grape harvest! Or head across to the spumante capital of Asti, with its quaint cobbled centre. Each September the main piazza is home to a crazy palio horse race to rival Siena's!
    Comfortable Hotel

    Meals included: Breakfast

  • Day 4

    Cycle through the vineyards to Castagnole Lanze; continue to Grinzane Cavour.

     

    Option: 1

    Leaving Neive behind, you undulate through the vineyards to Castagnole Lanze before heading downhill to the River Tanaro and a lovely gentle ride along the river to Alba. There's time to explore the cobbled streets and bustling piazze of chocolate-perfumed Alba (the home of Ferrero Rocher). Then it's on to Grinzane Cavour where and the elegant Casa Pavesi.

    Comfortable Hotel

     

    Option: 2

    Distance - 76.3km, elevation: +1145m / -1146m

    From Neive, you soon cross the Tanaro river before heading to the undulating Roero hills, passing a series of pretty villages. Baldissero, with its beautiful castle and Medieval centre, is worth a stop. Cross the river once more and, after a challenging climb, you come to the pretty wine village of La Morra, another ideal wine stop before a long downhill to your hotel in Grinzane Cavour.

    Meals included: Breakfast

  • Day 5

    Explore Grinzane Cavour's castle, visit nearby gastronimic Bra, or walk or cycle to La Morra.

    Explore the UNESCO-recognised castle and indulge in a spot of wine tasting today. Then perhaps visit nearby Bra, a gastronomic town where the Slow Food movement was initiated - there's plenty of choice for a long, lazy lunch. There's lots to explore in the town too, including the 18th century Rococo church and the strange octagonal Zizzola, where local witches held their meetings. For the best views in the region, walk or cycle to La Morra, 'Balcony of the Langhe', spread out along a panoramic ridge above the vineyards.
    Comfortable Hotel

    Meals included: Breakfast

  • Day 6

    Cycle through sunflower fields to Roddi, then on to Barolo; continue through Langhe countryside to Monforte d'Alba.

     

    Option: 1

    Today's cycle takes you through sunflower fields to Roddi, then on to Barolo, an ochre-hued village perched above its world-famous vineyards. The tangle of mediaeval streets are dominated by the Marchesi Falletti's 11th century castle. Pedal on through archetypal Langhe countryside to Monforte d'Alba, whose lovely honey-coloured old town clings enchantingly to the hillside. Your hotel here is special too.

    Comfortable Hotel

     

    Option: 2

    Distance - 78.2km, elevation: +1386m / -1118m

    After leaving the hotel, you are immediately cycling through vineyards as far as the eye can see. Pass the Castiglione Falloetto and then into world famous Barolo. The small roads lead you through a series of small towns and as you arrive at Fossano, home of the best beef in Piemonte, continue passing hazelnut groves with great views all around. Stop off in Bene Vagienna for its impressive castle. The road now passes a series of wine towns arriving at Dogliani before climbing up through the vines to your hotel in Monforte d’Alba for the next two nights.

    Meals included: Breakfast

  • Day 7

    Explore Monforte d'Alba or relax at the hotel's swimming pool.

    Either relax at the gorgeous 18th century villa hotel with private swimming pool, or explore mediaeval Monforte. It's a lovely town with attractive buildings grouped around an atmospheric cobbled piazza. Maybe strike out a little further to Dogliani, dominated by its beautiful onion-domed church and famous for being at the heart of Dolcetto wine production.
    Comfortable Hotel

    Meals included: Breakfast

  • Day 8

    Cycle along the Rea Valley with a steady climb to a panoramic ridge; continue to Serravalle Langhe, then on to Benevello.

    Option: 1

    The final cycling day starts with a gentle coast along the Rea valley before a steady climb takes you to a stunning panoramic ridge. Weave through fields of wildflowers and sleepy hamlets to Serravalle Langhe, a great lunch spot with belvedere views. Pedal onwards alongside chestnut-carpeted hills with delightful vistas to reach the beautiful country hotel at Benevello. There's time to enjoy the pool and Jacuzzi before dinner.

    Comfortable Hotel

     

    Option: 2

    Distance - 65.6km, elevation +1370m / -1300m

    Your last day takes you on stunning small roads passing up and over the Langhe hills, passing through a mix of vineyards and hazelnut groves. Ride through a series of small towns, but today is all about the winding roads and views as you head back to Benevello. Maybe stopping at the big green bench to admire the views before your last night at Villa d’Amelia!

    Meals included: Breakfast

  • Day 9

    End Benevello.

    The trip ends in Benevello. A transfer is included to Turin Airport (approx. 1 hour 50 minutes).

    Meals included: Breakfast
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes
Show map

Essential Info

Visas

Vaccinations

Italy

There are no specific health risks.

Eating and Drinking

All buffet breakfasts included.

You'll enjoy gastronomic menus everywhere, either dining at your hotel, or at a specially selected restaurant close by. The cuisine in the Piedmont region is different to most other Italian regions, a fusion of the best of Italian and French food and certainly won't disappoint gastronomes. Regional specialities include white truffles which are found almost exclusively in the woods around Alba. Hazelnuts are another locally produced ingredient that feature heavily on the menu. Cheese is also widely produced in Piedmont, such as Murazzano, made with full-cream sheep's milk. Meals in the region always start with bread, your primo (first course) will usually be a pasta dish, such as agnolotti. Your secondo (main course) will then be something hearty like beef gently braised in Barolo wine. Meats such as pork, beef and veal are the popular choice of the region. Piedmont's wine is famous throughout the world. The most famous are the wines of the Langhe, which produces Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, Barbera as well as whites such as Asti and Moscato. Other highlights include Alba's crimson, cobbled streets where you can sample the local chocolate.

Weather

The trips run from May through to October. In the early and late departures you will need to be prepared for slightly lower temperatures, with highs of 23 degrees in May and 20 in October. There is more chance of rain in October, but the trip only runs into the early part of the month. In July and August the temperatures are likely to reach highs of 28/9 degrees celcius, there will still be the chance of rain, but it will be reduced. Facilities in some of the hotels such as the pools may not be available for early and late season departures.

Is this trip for you?

Cycling Conditions
Classification: Self-Guided
Average daily distance: 35km (22 miles).
No. of days cycling: 4
Terrain and route: The suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads with a few sections on dirt roads. The terrain is mainly undulating but the distances are kept relatively short to give you lots of time to enjoy the scenery. At one point the route heads to the Langhe Hills which is a hillier region. Alternative routes are available on some days and are detailed in the route notes.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Families
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. As a guide we have suggested that 12 yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities. Please bear in mind the weather when choosing to book, temperatures can be very high in the middle of summer. We therefore recommend going either earlier or later on in the season if you have young children.

Call for general departures:
01606 720003
Call for private group trips:
020 8772 3874
Contact Us >
Live Chat >
Request a Brochure >
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Accommodation

Hotels

The hotels we've chosen are, quite simply, fabulous! In Benevello your 4-star hotel is a stunningly restored 19th century family villa, with a Michelin-starred restaurant; in Neive you're the guest of Viviana at her 12 room country house with a breathtaking panoramic pool; and in Monforte d'Alba private tastings can be organised in the hotel's vast wine cellar. You'll enjoy gastronomic menus everywhere, either dining at your hotel, or at a specially selected restaurant close by.

All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory single room supplement. Please call your sales consultant for prices and availability. 

Call for general departures:
01606 720003
Call for private group trips:
020 8772 3874
Contact Us >
Live Chat >
Request a Brochure >
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

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Dates & Prices

An overview of flight options

Exodus is committed to making joining our tours as easy as possible, wherever you live. We generally only block book seats from London, but this certainly does not mean that you need to fly from there. Depending on the route and airlines available, there will usually be various options available for those who want to fly from their local airport.

This page aims to provide a useful overview of the options available to our clients. However, the best flight arrangements should be tailored to your personal requirements, so please contact our Sales team for expert advice.

 

What kind of options do I have ?

1. We can book for you: Flights from anywhere in the world - not via London  

Depending on the route, this may be direct or via an overseas hub like Amsterdam, the Middle East or elsewhere. On short haul routes there may be direct flights with low cost airlines, charter flights or scheduled airlines. Exodus can book most, but not all, of these for you. The most appropriate airline may be different to that which we use for the group flight from London, but many people now travel on different airlines and meet up with their fellow passengers at the destination.

Pros  Cons
  • May be the most direct route
  • Often the extra fare compared to the London flight is minimal.
  • As you will be in the hands a single airline for your entire journey, the airline will be responsible for your bags and your connections.
  • You may not be able to join the group transfers. However, we can usually arrange private transfers, or book your flights to try and coincide with the group transfers. See notes on transfer arrangements below.

 

2. We can book for you: Connecting flights from your local airport to London

Exodus can book connecting flights to London so you can join the group flight there. Connecting times will be followed according to airline advice, or as requested by clients. There are two types of fares we can use for this option: a 'through-fare' or a 'published fare'.
 
a) A 'through-fare' is where you will be in the main airline's care throughout. You change planes, but your bags are checked all the way through to your final destination. 

b) A 'published fare' ticket is completely seperate from your onward ticket from London. It is usually cheaper than a through-fare but will need to be paid for and issued as soon as it is booked. This can be a problem if your tour has not yet reached minimum numbers. On 'published fares' neither airline is aware that you have connecting flights, so Exodus is responsible for timing your connection, not the airlines involved. The tickets are also usually non changeable and non refundable.

Pros  Cons
  • Depending on the fare type, Exodus or the airline is responsible for flight connections.
  • Through fare tickets can be expensive.
  • On a published fare, tickets must be issued immediately; tickets on published fares can be very difficult to change if onward flight times change; bags are not checked though to your final destination.
  • Published fares are non-refundable.

 

3. Booking some or all of the flights yourself

You can also book connecting air travel yourself, either to London, or all the way to the start point. There may be certain airlines or routes we don't have access to, so this is always an option. However, if you make your own travel arrangements you become liable for any delays, cancellations or missed connections, and Exodus is not required to offer refunds if you have trouble reaching the start of your trip.

Pros  Cons
  • You might find cheaper fares, or routes not available to Exodus.
  • You are responsible for any delays or missed connections, and the cost of the tour is not protected should you miss your flight be cancelled.

 

 Notes on transfer arrangements

Sometimes it is possible to travel on a different airline to the group flight from London. Where this is the case, we need to think about ensuring you meet up with the group with minimum extra cost and hassle.

  • On certain trips, it is easy to arrive on a different flight and still meet the group at the hotel with time in hand. We can usually arrange private transfers (at extra cost) or offer advice on taking a taxi to the start hotel.
  • On other trips (especially in Europe), the transfer meets the group flight and then travels some distance to the first night's accommodation. Where this is the case, our Sales team will try to arrange flights that arrive before (and depart after) the group. However, we do have to make it clear in your final documentation that if your flights are delayed, the transfer cannot wait for you. While Exodus or our local operators will do what we can to help you reach the start point of the tour, any additional costs must be paid by the client. 

 

Next steps? 

Call our Sales team on: 0203 733 0698

Email your query: [email protected]

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