Piedmont is just so...well, rich. It's a wealth that comes in the form of a regal history. In magnificent scenery, with a remarkable view at every turn, every crest, every hill town. And when it comes to the cuisine, Piedmont hit the jackpot. Didn't your mom always say, a truffle in the pasta is worth two in the dirt? But some may say the real jewels are the grapes: Nebbiolo, Barolo, Barbera. It's something you can contemplate. As you're biking beneath the shadow of the Alps on your way to discover the next treasure.
Day 1 Bike through the river valley and verdant hills, past vineyards and farmland
to Penango, where our tranquil retreat awaits 
Enjoy a delicious dinner of reinterpreted traditional Piedmont specialties at our hotel's acclaimed restaurant.
Days 2-3 Sleepy little villages, castles and hillside vineyards
make for idyllic riding along our scenic route Once renowned for its silk work and now widely recognized for wine production, Nizza Monferrato is an interesting town to explore after taking a lunch break Settle into our elegant hotel in Acqui Terme, famous for its hot sulphur springs since Roman times Jumping into La Bollente fountain wouldn't be appropriate, but washing your face and hands in the mineral-rich water is acceptable and believed to cure whatever ails you!
Day 4 The prized regions of Langhe and Roero
offer spectacular scenery and plenty of hills! You can't shoot an arrow without hitting a medieval or Baroque castle on our route, lined with vineyards and pastoral land - you might also see a frolicking lamb or two Pay homage as you pass over "the underground cathedrals" in Canelli; passages underneath town store hundreds of bottles of vino for area wineries Keep cranking those pedals! The payoff for all of today's climbing is Monforte d'Alba, a storybook wine village with panoramic views that stretch to the Alps on a clear day.
Days 5-6 Explore 1,000-year-old La Morra,
one of the most important Barolo wine-producing towns in Piedmont Flanked by steep Nebbiolo vineyards, spin from one charming hamlet to the next along tranquil country roads - one of our most popular rides! Our final feast is sure to be a memorable culinary experience.
Trip Highlights
- A sophisticated culinary landscape famous for hazelnuts, cheeses, truffles and wine
- Spin through the prized regions of Langhe and Roero
- Pedal through idyllic vineyards of the Savoy region
- Explore 1,000-year-old La Morra,one of the most important Barolo wine-producing towns in Piedmont
Casual Inns
Locanda del Sant'Uffizio (2 nights): A beautifully restored 16th-century monastery nestled amid Monferrato and Piedmont vineyards. (pool, spa, tennis)
Hotel Roma Imperiale (1 night): Set on a hillside and surrounded by parkland, this 19th-century villa is the perfect spot to enjoy some peace and quiet. (pool, spa)
Il Giardino da Felicin (2 nights): Passed down through three generations of the Rocca family, this enchanting hotel in the heart of the Langhe is rich with history and charm. (pool)
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 15 | 800 | ||||||||
| 2 | 24* | 950 | 39 | 1700 | 47 | 2200 | ||||
| 3 | 30* | 1100 | 41* | 1700 | 52 | 2400 | ||||
| 4 | 22* | 1600 | 38* | 3400 | 51 | 3900 | ||||
| 5 | 21* | 1300 | 33 | 2300 | 45 | 3600 | ||||
| 6 | 10 | 900 | ||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 9/8-13 Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/15-20 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/22-27 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/4 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES-SOLOS TRIPS
- 6/2-7 Price: $3698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Few people seem to realize that Piedmont - which lies in northwest Italy, bordered by the Alps - offers countless miles of quiet roads through gorgeous vineyards and mountain splendor. It's perfect for travel by bike! There's fruit orchards and hazelnut groves etched across misty foothills. Stunning ridge-top castles and villages seemingly untouched by time. And it's here that the grapes for Barbarescos and Barolos have been cultivated for centuries. Yet the region is still remarkably unexplored. But it won't stay that way forever - now is the time to enjoy it!- Regional Manager, Italy