Operated by Headwater

Barolo Gastronomic Cycling by E-Bike

Activity Level

Moderate

Activity

Cycling

Overview

Scenic self-guided cycling by e-bike 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.

Your cycling holiday is varied and mainly follows quiet, traffic-free country roads. Starting in the lush hazelnut hills, you’ll wind 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 on your cycling days or free days. Other highlights include Alba’s crimson, cobbled streets (where you can sample the local chocolate), the expansive views as you freewheel out of Mango, and strolling amongst the tangle of streets and geranium-decked houses of Monforte d’Alba’s wonderful centre.

The hotels we’ve chosen are, quite simply, fabulous! In Benevello your 4 star hotel is a stunningly restored 19th century family villa; in Neive you’re the guest of Patrizia 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.

Key Information

Trip Code: C08PD
Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Countries: Italy
Carbon Footprint: 18kg CO2e per person per day
Pace: Average daily distance: 33km (21 miles).
Terrain: Routes are mainly on asphalt with 5% on an unpaved surface. Routes follow quiet, secondary roads; there are frequent ascents and descents, some of which are long with steep sections.

What's Included

8 nights in 3-star and 4-star accommodation
All buffet breakfasts and 4 gastronomic evening meals
E-bike hire included, plus bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
Luggage transfers between hotels
Headwater navigation app

Don't Forget To

Request a single room required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. A compulsory solo traveller supplement applies to this holiday. Please be aware that the price excludes estimated local taxes/fees of 14 EUR.

Highlights

Scenic cycling in the UNESCO vineyards of Piedmont
Stay in luxury hotels with stunning locations - most with with panoramic pools
A mecca for foodies: atmospheric enoteche, gourmet cuisine, outstanding wines
Sun-drenched hamlets and stunning, far-reaching views
Discover historic castles, frescoed chapels and medieval villages

Itinerary

First Destination: Benevello
Next Destination: Benevello

Accommodation:Relais Villa d’Amelia
Meals included:Dinner

Distance:35 km / 21.7 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Villa Lauri
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Villa Lauri
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:35 km / 21.7 miles
Accommodation:Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafior
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Distance:26 km / 16.2 miles
Accommodation:Villa Beccaris or La Ribezza
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Villa Beccaris or La Ribezza
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:35 km / 21.7 miles
Accommodation:Relais Villa d’Amelia
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Benevello
Next Destination: Benevello

There’s time to relax by the pool before your first gastronomic dinner of the week in Villa d’Amelia’s superb restaurant (included).

Accommodation:Relais Villa d’Amelia
Meals included:Dinner

Visit the lovely Mango, with it’s beautiful castle rich in WW2 history, then continue to Santo Stefano Belbo, the birthplace of one of Italy’s greatest writers. On the way to Neive you’ll pass the famous Moscato vineyards, then you’ll spend two nights at the Hotel Villa Lauri, with a choice of restaurants within easy walking distance of the hotel.

Distance:35 km / 21.7 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Villa Lauri
Meals included:Breakfast

Officially one of Italy’s prettiest villages, you can wander Neive’s cobbled streets that are lined with brightly-coloured flower boxes. After a morning spent by the panoramic pool, cycle (optional 9 km ride – directions provided) or take a public bus to nearby Barbaresco for lunch and cheese-tasting in the piazza. Enjoy some wine in the enoteca or head across to the spumante capital of Asti, with its quaint cobbled centre.

Accommodation:Hotel Villa Lauri
Meals included:Breakfast

Cycle through the vineyards to Castagnole delle Lanze before exploring the cobbled streets and bustling piazze of chocolate perfumed Alba, the home of Ferrero Rocher. Continue to Grinzane Cavour with its impressively panoramic castle before ending the day in Fontanafredda (dinner included).

Distance:35 km / 21.7 miles
Accommodation:Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy wine tasting in the historic wine cellars at your hotel, once owned by Italian royalty, or head to the atmospheric wine village of Serralunga d’Alba. For the best views of the region, cycle to La Morra, ‘Balcony of the Langhe’, spread out along a panoramic ridge above the vineyards. Dinner is included tonight.

Accommodation:Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafior
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Cycle to Barolo, an ochre-hued village perched above its world-famous vineyards, where you can admire Marchesi Falletti’s 11th century castle. Then to Monforte d’Alba and Villa Beccaris, where you’ll spend two nights. There are plenty of restaurants in the village to choose from for your mouthwatering evening meal.

Distance:26 km / 16.2 miles
Accommodation:Villa Beccaris or La Ribezza
Meals included:Breakfast

Monforte is a lively medieval town with attractive buildings grouped around the cobbled piazza; or visit Dogliani (19km optional ride – directions provided), famous for Dolcetto wine production and dominated by its lovely church.

Accommodation:Villa Beccaris or La Ribezza
Meals included:Breakfast

A steady climb takes you to a stunning panoramic ridge. From here, cycle to Serravalle Langhe, a great lunch spot with belvedere views, before returning to your country hotel at Benevello, with dinner included in the hotel’s wonderful restaurant.

Distance:35 km / 21.7 miles
Accommodation:Relais Villa d’Amelia
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, depart from Benevello.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

Hotels in Italy

Relais Villa d’Amelia, Benevello (4*)
The Relais Villa d’Amelia is a luxuriously restored 19th century family villa (and a member of the ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’), just outside the Alta Langa village of Benevello. The Villa d’Amelia has 37 ensuite rooms including three suites (one of which is located within the old chapel!) decorated in a modern style with neutral paints and dark leather and beech furnishings. The hotel also boasts a central courtyard with sofas and chairs for relaxing outside, and a stunning lounge area complete with a grand piano! The hotel has a sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath, and lovely outdoor swimming pool.
Facilities: Pool, Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Minibar, Aircon, Safe, Shops, Mastercard, AmEx

Hotel Villa Lauri, Neive (3*)
The small yet cosy, family run Hotel Villa Lauri is situated on the fringes of the old walled town of Neive. Dating back to the 1800s, the villa has a panoramic terrace and pool with sweeping views over the Langhe hills and vineyards. Each of the 12 rooms is individually decorated in bright colours and all feature ensuite bathrooms.
Facilities: Pool, Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Minibar, Aircon, Market, Bank, Cash machine, Mastercard, AmEx

Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore, Fontanafredda (4*)
Nestled amongst verdant vineyards, the Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore is a wine estate come hamlet, which was founded by the son of Italy’s first king. It was originally home to all the 250 people who worked on the estate and many of the buildings still house the staff who work on the vines and in the hotel. Accommodation is over 2 buildings, the Forestiera delle Vigne, where the standard rooms are housed, and the Vigna Magica building, where you’ll find the upgraded rooms. The hotel has 2 restaurants. the Guido Ristorante and the Osteria Disguido. There are guided tours of the historic wine cellars here as well as tastings.
Facilities: Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Minibar, Aircon, Safe, Mastercard, Visa, AmEx

Villa Beccaris, Monforte d’Alba (4*)
Hotel Villa Beccaris is a gorgeous 18th century villa overlooking the beautiful town of Monforte d’Alba. The Villa has 23 rooms, which are divided into categories; Headwater guests will be allocated classic rooms. All rooms, however, are beautifully furnished in an individual, traditional style often with antique furniture but with modern touches. The Villa is located within beautiful gardens and has a panoramic swimming pool which overlooks the honey-coloured town, surrounding countryside and mountains beyond. The hotel also boasts several elegant sitting rooms, its own enoteca and a very charming bar.
Facilities: Pool, Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Minibar, Aircon, Tea/coffee, Shops, Market, Bank, Mastercard, AmEx

Hotel La Ribezza, Monforte d’Alba (5*)
As an alternative to Villa Beccaris, stays can be taken at 5* La Ribezza, Monforte d’Alba. Opened in 2018, la Ribezza is a stylish, modern boutique hotel, located overlooking the medieval town of Monforte with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and vineyards. Rooms are comfortable and elegantly styled in a mix of modern and classical design. Relax by the pool and enjoy the stunning views or soak up the ambience and the impeccable service in the exquisitely designed restaurant.
Facilities: Pool, Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Aircon, Safe, Tea/coffee, Shops

Worth knowing

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.

Essential Information

This self-guided cycling holiday is ideal for independent travellers who enjoy exploring at their own pace, with the reassurance of pre-arranged accommodation, route guidance and local support. Previous cycling experience is recommended, but no technical cycling skills are required.

Cycling at a Glance
Trip Style: Self-guided
Cycling Days: 4 with 3 optional rides
Average Daily Distance: 35km (22mi)
Bikes: E-bike hire is included on this trip. Please note that children under 14 are not permitted to ride e-bikes in Italy.
Terrain & Route: Quiet tarmac roads with a few sections on dirt roads. Undulating terrain but relatively short distances to give you lots of time to enjoy the scenery. The Langhe Hills is a hillier region. Alternative routes are available on some days and are detailed in the route notes.
Activity Level: 3 (Moderate)
For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Navigation: Headwater Navigation App

How Your Self-Guided Holiday Works
This self-guided trip is operated by our sister company, Headwater. You’ll travel independently and at your own pace using the Headwater Navigation App, which provides expertly curated routes and directions, along with a 24-hour emergency assistance number should you need support. As there is no tour leader or organised group, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to travel at your own pace while following the planned itinerary. Headwater are specialists in self-guided active holidays with more than 40 years of experience.

Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Benevello on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Hotel check-in times are normally from around 4pm.

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

All buffet breakfasts and 4 gastronomic dinners 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.

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.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.