Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Saluzzo, Italy
View of Saluzzo.
Highlights: Saluzzo, Alps views, welcome dinner
Gather today in Saluzzo, just west of Turin. We'll fit bicycles this afternoon, then you're free to explore town or to take a warm-up ride. This evening, we'll celebrate with a traditional Piedmontese dinner together.

Lodging: Antico Podere Propano
Day 2: Loop ride in the Alps
Reaching Crissolo's summit.
Highlights: Alpine climb, Monviso mountain, Abbey of Staffarda
Majestic Monviso mountain rises above the Po River on the border between France and Italy. Our route takes us to the base of the mountain today; those who want can climb it to Crissolo or as high up as the Po River spring-a 6,000 foot climb into the Alps! Others can enjoy an easier loop ride along the Po and on to the Abbey of Staffarda. Whichever you choose, we'll be back in Saluzzo late afternoon for a stroll through town and dinner on your own. Distance: your choice, 58-82 km (36-51 miles).

Lodging: Antico Podere Propano
Day 3: Bicycle through Roero region
Stopping at Racconigi Palace.
Highlights: Riding in Roero region, vineyards, Racconigi palace, wine tasting, Slow Food University
Heading east across the Po River valley today, you'll enjoy a ride through pasture lands, corn fields, and poplar groves. Along the way, we'll stop in Racconigi, where the Savoy royal family had their summer home and castle. The castle, now owned by the state, is beautifully preserved and dates to the 17th Century. Visit the castle on your own if you would like before continuing on through the Roero region to Pollenzo, a small village along the banks of the Tanaro river. Pollenzo has become the center of the world's first University of Gastronomic Sciences. Associated with Italy's well known "Slow Food" movement, both the University and the village of Pollenzo have become centers of innovation for international cuisine. Dinner together after a wine tasting. Distance: 77 km (48 miles).

Lodging: Hotel la Corte Albertina
Day 4: Loop ride to Barolo
Exploring Barolo's town and castle.
Highlights: Bicycle through vineyards, hilltop towns, Barolo
A loop ride today takes us through the vineyards of Le Langhe and the famous hills of the nebbiolo grape. Along our route you'll pass through the stunning landscape of La Morra, as well as vineyards around Barolo, Monforte d'Alba and Verduno. The town of Barolo gives its name to the famous wine and has an interesting ethnographic and wine museum to visit. Distance: 58 km (36 miles).

Lodging: Hotel la Corte Albertina
Day 5: Bicycle to Asti
A vineyard in detail.
Highlights: Alba, bicycle along rolling hills, Asti
Today we'll pass through the vineyards that produce most of the other famous Piedmont wines, including Barbera d'Asti, Dolcetto d'Alba, Nebbiolo d'Alba, Barbaresco, and Asti Spumante. We'll also stop in Alba, the Piedmont's truffle hunting capital. Our destination is Asti, where dinner is together this evening. Distance: 68 km (43 miles).

Lodging: Hotel Aleramo
Day 6: Asti
Well-earned dessert after cycling.
Highlights: Optional loop ride into surrounding hills, visit medieval Asti
Sleep in this morning, as we'll be in Asti again tonight. Those wanting time off the bikes can spend the day strolling through Asti's medieval streets and have lunch at one of the local cafes, while others can take a ride into the Monferrato hills. Rolling hills and small villages mark today's ride. Enjoy dinner on your own in Asti this evening. Distance: 38-59 km (24-37 miles).

Lodging: Hotel Aleramo
Day 7: Asti to Casale Monferrato
Cycling in the hills around Casale Monferrato.
Highlights: Small country roads, fortified town of Casale Monferrato
We head north today. Along the way we'll point out the Santuario di Crea, an important church for many Italian pilgrims, before reaching Casale Monferrato, once the most fortified towns in northwest Italy. Rich in Medieval and Renaissance architecture, Casale was an important fortress guarding the Po and the eastern border of the French kings of Savoy. Join the locals for a popular stroll through town before we have our final dinner together this evening. Distance: 65 km (41 miles).

Lodging: Hotel Candiani
Day 8: Tour ends in Casale Monferrato
Tasting wine in Piedmont.
Highlights:
We say goodbye after breakfast this morning. Milano is just two hours away by train and the Lakes District is just a little farther. Or perhaps you are headed off to Florence or Venice to explore Renaissance Italy a little. Whatever the case, thanks for joining us and "buon viaggio!"

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