At a Glance
Unleash the raw magnificence of Italy’s Piedmont region on this 6-day bike adventure between the Alps and the Mediterranean. A delicious itinerary embracing a culinary landscape of delicacies and ancient tradition of wine cultivation while you cycle through Piedmont’s idyllic scenery of tranquil hamlets, castles, villages and vineyards.
Begin your adventure in Turin where you’ll embark on a shuttle to Castello Racconigi, a century-old royal palace surrounded by spectacular parks and greenery. Ride through the World Heritage landscapes of Piedmont's Roero region. Take in the intriguing views of vineyards and surroundings. Discover the mystery of San Martino Alfieri's 17th-century castle as you delight your tastebuds with a wine-tasting affair. Your views culminate as you traverse the peaceful Tanaro River and breathe in the enchanting beauty of panoramic landscapes filled with hazelnut ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified
- Fully equipped titanium bike, with a helmet and accessories
- All luggage, shuttle and hotel transfers
- 5 nights of accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Biking and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Welcome to Italy’s most exotic countryside paradise and arrive in Turin. Here, you will meet your Trips leaders at Entrance C of Corso Bolzano at the Porta Susa train station. Please wear your biking clothes and anything else you may need on today's biking adventure. Your luggage will be transported to our hotel. Begin with a shuttle from Turin to Castello Racconigi, a royal residence built in the 17th century and now listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List boasting a paragon of romantic era architecture. Spend tome exploring the castle before riding through the picture-perfect vineyards of Piedmont’s Roero region, a World Heritage landscape. Be treated to a rustic lunch affair at a quaint agriturismo, a working farm and country retreat. Continue pedaling or shuttle to the hilltop village of Santa Vittoria d'Alba and Castello di Santa Vittoria, your home for the evening. |
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Set in a 15th century medieval village, unwind in your oasis with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool with jacuzzi overlooking the Langhe Hills. In the evening, gather together for a welcome cocktail before dinner of Piedmont's delicious cuisines at the hotel's gourmet restaurant. |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Today, delve deeper into the beautiful Langhe hills today, the bucolic haven of the Piedmont region's World Heritage vineyard. Traverse a multitude of short but steep climbs passing by picturesque small villages and quaint vineyards. Marvel at ancient castles on the horizon unlocking the region’s rich history. Admire small viticulture towns and along the Tanaro River through quintessential Piedmont scenery of rolling hills, hazelnut groves and vineyards. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a historic winery. Recharged, we pedal along to explore more hidden gems of this picturesque hilly region. There are different options for riders as they can take a more challenging route for extra adventure. From San Martino Alfieri, you can take on the tough ascent that brings you to the ride's end just outside of Santo Stefano Belbo and to Relais San Maurizio, originally a monastery overlooking a forested park and your home for the next two nights. |
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You’ll stay at this 17th century hilltop monastery. Settle into your luxurious room and spend the afternoon relaxing at the spa (spa treatment at own expense). Take a lovely stroll, wind down on a bench or laze in the hanging nest chair at its expansive leafy gardens and savour the views of the surrounding vineyards. Or, take a refreshing dip in the picturesque pool with panoramic views of the Moscato vineyards. Come evening, journey by shuttle to a favourite local agriturismo and indulge in a genuine Piemontese dinner followed by a cooking lesson unveiling the secrets of the most popular desserts in the region. that teaches us to make one of the most popular desserts in the region. |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Those in pursue of an active adventure today, can embark on a bike ride along the entire route that loops back to San Maurizio. Or our shuttle option is also available that will take you to our hotel after you explore some famed viticulture vineyards and spectacular towns in this region. Either way, you will have an outstanding experience today. Begin your journey through exquisite tapered hills and endless vineyards en route to the village of Barbaresco. Located in the Province of Cuneo, Barbaresco is one of the picture-perfect towns in this region. Wander around to discover the simple lifestyle of local people and of course the magnificent surrounding charm of the locality. The town is famous for its flavorful wine production. We stop here for a nice lunch before heading for the next destination. Refueled after lunch, we will continue our ride and it will take us to Neive, another picturesque spot in this region. Located at a 50 km distance from Turin, this medieval village is the heart of the Western Langhe region. Stroll around and discover the oldest part of the village which is built on a hillock. The extended part of this village is known as Neive Borgonuovo. Because of the majestic beauty and wine production, Neive became a favorite residential spot for the wealthy bourgeoisie. Even though the village is famous for wine production, it’s quite well-known for producing some of the best hazelnuts. Taking a bite of hazelnut cake is the right thing you should do before going for an afternoon climb. If you are tired, shuttle back to our hotel for relaxation. You can also pamper yourself with the hotel’s renowned spa treatment (at own expense). |
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Tonight, gather for a luxurious dinner at the hotel’s Michelin-starred Guido da Costigliole restaurant. In the 1950s Guido and Lidia Alciati invented a new restaurant model where, long before the slow food phenomenon, genuine raw materials were offered, personally sought out by local producers. The same tradition continues at the starred restaurant “Guido da Costigliole", housed in the ancient cellars of the monastery. Enjoy the modern cuisines crafted from local Piedmontese ingredients that you can’t find elsewhere. |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Enjoy a delightful breakfast before reuniting with your bike for a thrilling climb on the hills of the Langhe, a famous World Heritage landscape, and admire marvelous views of the Alps along the way. Carry your camera to capture some best shots of the majestic Alps before stopping for a traditional lunch in a favorite restaurant in this region. Pedal to postcard-perfect Monforte d'Alba, considered the capital of this hilly wine region. The name of this village came from the Latin ‘Mons Fortis’ which means it holds an important defensive position. The attraction of this village is a surrounded wall and Scarampi Palace, which is located at the center of the village. Stroll around the entire village to discover ancient castles and historic ruins. You will also get plenty of time to discover the ornate baroque cathedral in this village. After taking an energy boost with local gelateria, go for a challenging climb that will take you to the most exotic crested vantage point. From here, you can get a panoramic view of the region alongside the little town below. If you are up for more adventure, take an incline en route to reach your new home at La Ribezza, a luxurious hotel that is located amid vineyards. Alternatively, you can hop on the van to reach the hotel. La Ribezza is one of the most extravagant accommodations in this region. Unwind in the picturesque pool or simply soak in the scenery amongst its tranquil garden. |
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The evening, embark on a magical affair as you shuttle to the nearby woods of Monforte d'Alba for an amazing truffle hunting adventure. (Note: White truffles are available from September to January in this region while black truffles are available from March to early September.) Learn about this regional delicacy before returning to town and sample it for dinner in one of the best restaurants in Monforte d'Alba. |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Today we will hit the road to conquer one of the most challenging climbs to La Morra, a striking observation point of Lange hills. After visiting some postcard-perfect winemaking towns in this region, La Morra will be the cherry on the top. The town is decorated with towers, castles, and vineyards. Descend on a thriving ride to Barolo, another breathtaking small town in the Piedmont region. Spin past the excellent 10th-century castle which is now a wine cellar and a museum. You will know why Barolo is so obsessed with winemaking as all businesses in this town are related to wine. From serving meals with wine to preparing them with wine too. This makes it an ideal location to enjoy your lunch with opportunity to stop at a local wine shop to grab a couple of bottles. Enjoy the day’s last ride by pedaling back to the hotel. Alternatively, you can also hop in the van to reach La Ribezza. Along the way, you will get to see Serralunga Castle, an unusual 13th-century Italian castle with a 6-foot thick wall that witnessed several attacks. Take a visit to learn about the hidden history of this fortress. After heading back to the hotel, you can take the afternoon to unwind and soak up the lovely afternoon sun. Join your leaders in the evening for a farewell gathering to celebrate your amazing adventure. Later, we will enjoy a classic Italian dinner at La Torricella, a famous local restaurant. |
Level 1, Approx. 16km (10 miles), Elevation gain: 305m (1000ft) Explore the hotel surroundings by taking a morning spin. The final trip ride will give you a view of every direction. Hence, it will be an ideal way to bid goodbye to the Piedmont region. You can also discover some nearby hidden gems and vineyards if you have time. Alternatively, soak in a leisurely morning with a dip in the pool or relaxing amongst the terrace before a final goodbye to the Piedmontese countryside. The trip concludes with a shuttle to Turin when you bid farewell. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Turin.
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Turin. The nearest major airport is Turin Caselle Airport which has international and domestic flights and is 21 km from the center of Turin. Another major airport is Turin-Cuneo Levaldigi Airport which has international and domestic flights and is 74 km from Turin.
Piedmont has a diverse climate with distinct changes in seasons. Summers are typically hot and dry, and the spring and fall are subject to changeable weather, with mild temperatures and occasional showers. Rain is possible year-round, so don't forget to bring waterproof breathable rain gear. Piedmont is one of the coldest regions in Italy with an average daily high temperature of only 17 degrees centigrade. The climate widely corresponds to Central European weather conditions. It is cold, wet and a few beautiful summer months are also happening during a year.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km (36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
Performance Bike Custom-designed titanium bike built for cyclists to power up climbs and speed through the countryside. This performance road bike is lightweight and technologically advanced, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. Responsive, efficient and comfortable for a drop-bar performance bike, it’s an impressive ride suited to avid riders. Drop handlebars only. Available Accessories: Trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Touring Bike A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. Our most popular bike features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Electric Assist Bike A lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. One of the lightest e-bikes available, it provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting. Available for guests 16 or older; not appropriate for pulling a Trailer Bike or a Cub trailer on a Family Trip. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag and flat pedals or toe-cages included. |
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Carbon Bike The Carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS has been put through its paces at both Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France by the UCI World Tour team–EF Pro Cycling. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders, men and women alike, who are looking for a high-performance bike that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The Synapse is offered in a complete range of sizes. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Not equipped with a rear rack or bag, bring your own pedals, selection of saddle sizes available. |
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Tandem Bike Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. Suggested for riders with some tandem experience and on trips with flatter terrain. Due to the tandem's size, frequent racking is not realistic, so there may be fewer opportunities to hop in the van. Dropped handlebars for captain position, upright for stoker. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Rear rack and pannier or trunk bag and Flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals) |
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.