Explore the best of Italian wine country on this 8-day self-guided cycling tour
Do you want to combine your cycling with wine tasting, culture and Italian food? If so, then this is the tour for you! This incredible bicycle tour of Italy’s Piedmont wine country takes you through beautiful Italian cities and towns like Alba, Barolo, and Acqui Terme. You’ll sample some of the best wine and champagne produced in the country and dine on gourmet meals.
The Piedmont Barolo Hills Wine & Bike Tour starts in Alba, a lovely old town known for fresh peaches, hazelnuts, and white truffles. Explore the city’s medieval architectural remains before cycling to Barolo and Benevello. Here, the perfectly green countryside is home to one of the best wineries in the area, with 30 different bottles to try.
Upon arrival in Benevello, a magnificently restored farmhouse awaits you for the evening. Exploring Piedmont further, you’ll cycle to the highest village in the Langhe region, Mombarcaro. Sneak a peek of the ocean before visiting another excellent winery.
Continuing your bicycle tour, you’ll follow the Bormida River to the old town of Acqui Terme. Cycling through to Fontanile brings you to delicious trattoria where fine lunches await. The ride to Asti is rewarded with its famous Spumante sparkling wine, and the final ride to Alba passes 3 historic castles, one of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Of course, more wine awaits before the end of the incredible Piedmont Barolo Hills Wine & Bike Tour.
Highlights of the Piedmont Barolo Hills Wine & Bike Tour
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Piedmont Barolo Hills Wine & Bike Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Alba
Right in the centre of Piedmont wine country, the “city of a thousand towers” welcomes you with medieval history and can’t-miss sightseeing. Make sure to try the famous peaches, hazelnuts, and white truffles before exploring ancient Roman remains, including the original fortified gate and marbled edifices.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Alba
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Ride from Alba to Barolo and Benevello
The first adventure of the self-guided Piedmont wine country cycling tour begins in the rolling green countryside of Langhe. A stop at the Enoteca Regionale del Barolo is the perfect chance to sample over 30 wines made in the region. For further tasting, cycle over to WiMu in the Barolo castle for more delicious, authentic Italian wines. A final climb takes you to a wonderfully restored historic farmhouse where you can rest your legs for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Borgomale
Distance: 48 km, 900 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle the Benevello loop via Cossano Belbo
Two options await for the next section of the Piedmont Barolo Hills Wine & Bike Tour. A northern ride to Cassano Belbo winds through beautiful country hills. Or, a more adventurous trail leads to the highest village in the Langhe region, Mombarcaro. Here, sweeping views all the way to the ocean await. A winery is the perfect spot to relax for the evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Borgomale
Distance: 31 km and 600 m elevation gain or 68 km and 1500m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Benevello to Acqui Terme
A laid-back day of riding next to the Bormida River leads you to Acqui Terme. Along the way, historic villages like Cessole and Bubbio provide chances to dismount and explore. Acqui Terme is great for some shopping, and your legs may appreciate a rest at the renowned spa.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Acqui Terme
Distance: 50 km, 800 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycling the Acqui Terme loop
This leg of the Piedmont Barolo Hills Wine & Bike Tour offers two routes to choose between. The first leads to the picture-perfect villages of Strevi, Alice Bel Colle, and Fontanile. Each promises charming atmosphere, excellent wine selections, and delicious options for lunch. The second option involves cycling to Ponzone, where you can unwind with a cup of coffee at one of the excellent cafes. No matter where you choose, expansive views await.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Acqui Terme
Distance: 34 or 37 km, 485 or 700 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle from Acqui Terme to Asti
Cycling from Acqui Terme to Asti brings you through rolling hills to the heart of sparkling Spumante win country. While you sip, keep an eye out for open-air art installations called “Big Benches” by Chris Bangle.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Asti
Distance: 53 km, 850 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Return to Alba from Asti
The last adventure of your Piedmont wine country cycling tour follows the Francigena bicycle route. This incredible route passes 3 historic castles, including Govone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure you take photos before continuing on the path back towards Alba.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Alba
Distance: 38 km, 600 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure from Alba
Enjoy a final breakfast in Alba before departure to the airport marks the end of your Piedmont Barolo Hills Wine & Bike Tour. Farewell!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person. Please note that there is a supplement of $50 USD per room per night in Hotel Calissano in Alba for all the bookings that fall on Friday and Saturday (on top of the listed prices).
Departure on August 27th – October 31st:
- Solo traveler: $1,575 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,325 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $950 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $775 USD
Departure on April 1st – May 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,575 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,295 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $950 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $775 USD
Departure on June 1st – August 26th, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,525 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,275 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $925 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $750 USD
Departure on August 27th – October 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,625 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,350 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $975 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $795 USD
Accommodation on Piedmont Barolo Hills Wine & Bike Tour
This tour is based in hotels and bed and breakfasts. Hotels on this trip are 2-4-star, along with smaller “Agriturismo” farmhouse inns. They offer great location, atmosphere, excellent food, and welcoming staff.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Solo travellers must pay a supplement (please check Dates and Prices for more info). However, it’s definitely possible to match single travellers up.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Calissano in Alba ★★★★
This family-friendly hotel has everything you might need to make your stay in Alba relaxing and comfortable!
Relais Montemarino in Borgomale ★★★
A careful renovation of a 19th-century farmhouse created this charming inn. In a scenic part of the Langhe region, it offers rustic rooms with free Wi-Fi, mini bars, TVs, and a great breakfast.
Hotel Valentino in Acqui Terme ★★★
This hotel was very recently renovated to offer modern amenities as a contrast to the city’s rich history. It offers a spa with a sauna, Turkish baths, massages, and a fine restaurant.
Hotel Palio in Asti ★★★★
This hotel is centrally located in the historic town square, and offers private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and lovely views. The staff is known to be especially friendly and the breakfast offers a wide range of options.
Hotel Calissano in Alba ★★★★
This family-friendly hotel has everything you might need to make your stay in Alba relaxing and comfortable!
What’s included in the Piedmont Barolo Hills Wine & Bike Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
All luggage transfers for the duration of the trip are included. Airport transfers and any transfers of personal nature are not included.
Also Included
- Route guides, notes, maps, and detailed information packs
- 24/7 telephone guidance and support
- Bike theft insurance
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and snacks
- Tourist taxes (€1.5 EUR - €2 EUR per person daily)
- Personal equipment
- Wine tastings
- Anything not mentioned as ‘included’
Optional Extras
- Airport transfers to and from Alba
- Any additional nights before or after the tour
- Bike rental
Frequently Asked Questions about Piedmont Barolo Hills Wine & Bike Tour
S-Cape Travel is a boutique tour operator focused on sharing the best walking, cycling, cultural and food & wine tours in Europe. Book one of their self-guided tours to live La Dolce Vita for a week or two, as you walk or cycle around Europe, enjoying incredible views and amazing food and wine.
Learn MorePiedmont Barolo Hills Wine & Bike Tour Map
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