Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Saluzzo, Italy
High five in Piedmont.
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
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
Cycling by 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 (Different TBD Hotel for September Departures)
Day 4: Loop ride to Barolo
Vineyards of Barolo.
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
Tasting wine in Piedmont.
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
Pedaling outside of Asti.
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
Grape harvest near Santuario di Crea.
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 dinner together this evening. Distance: 65 km (41 miles).

Lodging: Hotel Candiani
Day 8: Casale Monferrato
Highlights: Small farm towns, quiet roads and ridge rides with extensive views
Our loop ride today takes us south through small towns and past stunning scenery as we alternate between valley roads and ridgeline riding. Have a cappuccino along the way before continuing on off-the-map roads to the town of Terruggia. You can have lunch here at the local trattoria-she's open every day unless there aren't any customers, then she closes to have lunch at her mother's house! You'll be back at our hotel this early afternoon in time for a nap and a stroll before dinner on your own. Distance: 43-64 km (27-40 miles).

Lodging: Hotel Candiani
Day 9: Borgomanero
11th Century S.Nazzaro Abbey.
Highlights: Flat ride through rice fields, 11th century Abbey, gourmet dinner
We cross the Po River this morning and pedal north through one of the largest rice growing areas in Europe. Along the way, you'll pass through no less than fifteen small farm villages, including San Nazzaro Sesia, a village built around an 11th-century Benedictine abbey. We'll suggest a spot for lunch before you continue on to Borgomanero. We'll enjoy a gourmet dinner together this evening in a traditional Piedmontese trattoria. Distance: 83 km (52 miles).

Lodging: Tenimento al Castello
Day 10: Italy's Lakes District
Arriving at Lake Mergozzo.
Highlights: Spectacular lake views, riding into the Alps and along lake shores
Our final day of riding takes us into Italy's Lakes District. This breathtaking series of lakes was created as glaciers retreated from northern Italy some 20,000 years ago. Our first stop is Lago d'Orta, then Lago di Mergozzo, and finally Lago Maggiore. We'll end our journey in Verbania, along the shores of beautiful Lago Maggiore this afternoon. This evening, we'll enjoy a farewell dinner together. Distance: 57 km (36 miles).

Lodging: Hotel Intra
Day 11: End of tour on Lake Maggiore, Italy
Enjoying the Lakes District.
Highlights:
You are on your own today in one of Italy's most beautiful regions. This is a great starting point for further exploration of the Lakes District or to just sit and relax for a few days. Whatever you choose, have a great time and thanks for joining us!

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