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Italy: Piedmont, Langhe & the Italian Riviera

If you can’t decide between a trip to the Mediterranean seaside and a visit to Barolo wine country, this innovative cycling vacation has it all! Pairing the opulence of Langhe with the beauty of Liguria creates unparalleled experiences in wine, cycling, and gastronomy. Get the royal treatment during a stay in an 18th-century Barolo estate—now one of the region’s most acclaimed vintners. Here, you’ll learn the secrets of truffle hunting during an invigorating afternoon with a local trifolao and his trusty dog. Later, spin along the Italian Riviera to storied San Remo—where avid cyclists can test themselves against famous climbs of the famed bicycle race Giro d’Italia. And the food! Between dinner prepared by a Michelin-starred chef and a cooking class in local pesto-making techniques, you may never want to leave the table.

 

 

 

 

Tour Highlights

  • Join a farmer and his trusty dog on a hunt for precious truffles on the trails of one of the last unspoiled woods in the area.
  • Enjoy a two-night stay at the historic Tenuta di Fontanafredda, whose winery was founded by a king.
  • Sip Barolo where it was born when you head into a majestic underground cellar, named one of the 100 most beautiful in the world.
  • Learn to prepare pesto as the locals do during a fun and informative cooking class.
  • Relax at the private beach at your Riviera hotel, where you spend three nights.

Positive Impact

VBT is proud to support Wine to Water with a donation on behalf of each guest on this tour. Wine to Water is an international organization providing access to clean drinking water and emergency supplies in water-challenged regions. We believe in giving back to the places that have enriched the lives of our guests. We’re committed to identifying and supporting sustainable initiatives in a variety of areas including education, world health, economic equality, safe drinking water, the environment, and the preservation of cultural traditions.

What to Expect

This tour offers a combination of easy terrain and moderate hills and is ideal for beginners and experienced cyclists. The rides are on paved roads with little car traffic and undulating terrain for the first four days, with scenic mountain views. It follows a panoramic easy bike path along the sea for the final part. Our VBT support vehicle is always available. However, if you opt to ride with a VBT E-bike (free of charge), the tour is also ideal for beginners.

  • Daily Mileage: 7 - 37 miles|
  • Biking: 1 - 4 hours|
  • Group Size: 22
Activity Easy/Moderate Easy / Moderate
Cycling
Bar Graph Beginner - Experienced
Cyclists
Vehicle Support Vehicle
Support

Average High /
Low Temperature (°F):

Apr62º/42º

May70º/50º

Jun77º/57º

Jul82º/61º

Aug80º/60º

Sep74º/55º

Oct63º/45º

Average
Precipitation:

Apr4.1 in

May4.7 in

Jun3.8 in

Jul2.6 in

Aug3.1 in

Sep2.8 in

Oct3.5 in

Air Package

Tour Only

Roundtrip international airfare Check
Airport car service for arrival and departure Check
One night in Turin and one night in Nice (France), in conveniently located hotels with daily breakfast Check
6 nights in 4-star hotels Check Check
11  meals: 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners Check Check
Road Bicycle (Carbon frame) 23

Road Bicycle (Carbon frame)

See More >
Step-Through Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike) 14

Step-Through Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike)

See More >

Biking Packages Include:

Custom VBT Bike and Helmet

Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders

Support Vehicle

Luggage Transportation

Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes

Welcome Reception

Facilitated Cultural Experiences

Your Choice of VBT Branded Gear for Your Adventure

Itinerary

Sat, May 18 to Mon, May 27 - 2024

Show Itinerary:

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

Start off your first day in Turin right by having a VBT representative greet you at the airport. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located 5-star hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

After an included breakfast at the hotel, the morning is yours to explore Turin at your leisure. At 12:30 p.m., a VBT representative will be in the lobby to meet you. Please have lunch before meeting the rest of the group.

All guests will travel to Canale (approximately one hour southeast of Turin), in Piedmont’s lovely Roero region. Arrive at your beautiful agriturismo, a country resort and working farm set on an estate of 86 acres. After a safety and bike-fitting session, don your bike gear and follow your trip leaders on a short warm-up ride through the hotel’s surroundings.

Your culinary bike tour of Italy begins with truffle hunting. Join an expert farmer, or trifolao, and his dog Willy on the property grounds. Together, you set out in search of the precious underground fungus. During this invigorating outing, you will learn how to choose truffles and how to preserve them. Your hunt will be rewarded with a tasting.

This evening, gather for a welcome cocktail back at the hotel, sampling local wines and cheese. Your welcome dinner is at the estate’s restaurant, complemented with wines from their farm. Their delicious array of products fresh from their gardens offer a wonderful introduction to Piedmont’s locally sourced cuisine.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-up — 11 km (7 miles)

What to Expect:

After an initial downhill from your agriturismo, enjoy an easy ride toward Canale and into the countryside. You may tackle the steep hill on the way back or avoid it by walking a very short distance.

Cumulative Distance Range: 11 km (7 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning’s hearty breakfast features dishes cooked with fine local ingredients.

Your route today leads you through some of Piedmont’s stunning farmlands and natural beauty to the ancient Roman city of Pollenzo, today a timeless village whose architecture spans the ages. Though most of the remains of ancient Rome have been destroyed, the shape of the ancient amphitheater is still visible, as you’ll see by walking among the terraced houses built upon the site. In the town piazza, admire the neo-gothic monuments built by the Royal Savoy family, whose King Charles Albert made Pollenzo his favorite holiday resort.

Today Pollenzo is home to the internationally known University of Gastronomic Sciences, established in Corte Albertina in 2004 by the Slow Food Organization. The university embraces the latest models of agriculture and the preservation of biodiversity. At the adjacent Wine Bank, more than 300 winemakers regularly select, store and preserve their best vintages, making the history of Italian wines available for future generations. Discover Pollenzo and its treasures on your own during a short stop.

Afterward, shuttle across the River Tanaro, the natural northern border of the Langhe, birthplace of the great wine Barolo. The breathtaking hilly landscapes you’ll traverse, or langa, are famous for wines, cheeses and truffles. Here, the winemaking culture, traditions and terrains are among Europe’s finest examples of man’s harmonious relationship with nature and are considered an aesthetic archetype of European vineyards, earning this entire area a place as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arrive in La Morra and enjoy lunch on your own. It is truly a privilege to cycle here.

Continue cycling these gorgeously landscaped routes, mostly downhill. As you coast through the valley, you’ll savor spectacular views of the hilltop villages of Verduno and Roddi, each crowned by stately castles. Your destination is the majestic Tenuta di Fontanafredda. Spread over 296 acres (120 hectares) of vineyard-cloaked land, this sprawling estate and wine village incorporates several historical buildings, wine cellars, a beautiful park with rare plants and trees, a lovely pristine lake, and meditation zones. Browse through the hotel’s unique library or stroll the trails of its vast park, the Woods of Thoughts to relax and explore this unique place.

This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant of Cascina Galarey, with open views of the surrounding hills. the chef is the same of the Michelin-starred restaurant Guido, a gracious Italian kitchen committed to using the finest Piedmont ingredients.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Canale to Pollenzo — 30 km (19 miles)

Afternoon: La Morra to Hotel — 14 km (9 miles)

What to Expect:

Departing from the hotel, you’ll ride into the Roero forested region on an undulating route with little car traffic, arriving in Pollenzo before lunch. In Pollenzo, we offer an 8-km (5-mile) shuttle to avoid traffic and the long uphill into La Morra, your lunch stop. The afternoon ride is mostly downhill and flat, with only one rolling hill, on paved country roads. On the final stretch you will cycle through a village with some car traffic.

Cumulative Distance Range: 14 – 41 km (9 – 26 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, ride or shuttle to the hilltop town of Roddino. Your invigorating ride, initially uphill till Roddino, will continue along an easy route, tracing a crest that offers beautiful sweeping views of manicured vineyards and farms. You will cycle though the medieval village of Monforte, worth a stop and stroll along its scenic and picturesque alleyways. En route to Barolo note the region’s rectangular cascine farmhouses, unique to Piedmont. The longer sides of these buildings face the sun for warmth in winter and are embellished with an arcaded terrace, stone floors and iron railings overflowing with colorful flowers.

Before lunch, pedal into Barolo and admire its impressive castle. This quaint medieval village gave the world-famous, light-colored red wine its name. You will have time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own at a local café. Perhaps you’ll sample wine at one of the many cantinas or stroll the cozy streets, full of little quaint shops and cafés. You may also visit the interesting WIMU, the wine museum located in the castle of Barolo.

Then, cycle downhill back to your hotel or add miles for a scenic ride to Sinio in the Talloria Valley.

Later today at the hotel, follow our expert guide through the underground historic wine cellars of Tenuta di Fontanafredda, among the 100 finest cellars in the world. The King of Italy Vittorio Emanuele II bought the estate in 1858 and 12 years later decided to cut most of the forest to plant the first vineyards. His son, the Prince Emanuele Alberto, later transformed the estate into a formidable wine business by partnering with the Marques Falletti and Count Cavour to create the now-famous Barolo wine.

This evening shuttle to Alba, the capital of white truffles, for a stroll or maybe some shopping before dining on your own. You must try the delicious ravioli del plin or tajarin pasta!

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Fontanafredda to Barolo — 24 km (15 miles)

Afternoon: Barolo to Hotel — 6 km (4 miles) OR Barolo to Sinio and Hotel — 26 km (16 miles)

What to Expect:

A steady and gradual uphill takes you through the hilltop wine village of Serralunga to Roddino. To skip these first 10 km, you can ask for a van  shuttle. From Roddino enjoy a panoramic ride along the crest of a hill through the village of Monforte on your way to Barolo. The afternoon short ride is easy and downhill, taking you back to your hotel. The optional longer ride in the Talloria Valley includes a long and very manageable uphill to Sinio, followed by a gradual downhill back to the hotel. All routes are well paved with little car traffic.

Today may offer an additional independent ride for experienced cyclists. Ask your trip leaders for details.

Cumulative Distance Range: 6 – 50 km (4 – 31 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today your ride follows a high route into Alta Langa, a stunning patchwork of hazelnut trees, towering oaks, and wide-open views of the Alps. You cycle an ancient road that Napolean traveled during his first war campaign in the region. Later, you descend into a valley that follows the ancient Roman trade route linking France and Italy. Coastal Ligurians traded wine, cheese, honey and especially salt in Piedmont and France. Pause for lunch in one of the most beautiful villages of Italy: sleepy Millesimo, reclining on the banks of the Bormida River. Its ancient bridge dates to the 12th century, sure to be one of the best photo ops of your vacation.

Continue your ride on an easy winding route along the Bormida into the Italian region of Liguria. At ride’s end, join a shuttle to our next hotel, built on the sandy beach of San Lorenzo al Mare on the Italian Riviera. Enjoy a welcome aperitivo and settle in, stroll on the beach, or swim in the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea. In 2020, the Foundation for Environmental Education awarded this stretch of sea with the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of its beaches and seawater and its sustainable tourism.

You dine at the hotel restaurant tonight.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Bossolasco to Millesimo — 35 km (22 miles)

Afternoon: Millesimo to Calizzano — 24 km (15 miles)

What to Expect:

Your ride is particularly scenic this morning as you cycle an easy rolling panoramic route in Alta Langa, at an altitude of about 2,000 feet. There’ll be little traffic, with the exception of some motorbikes. After about 28 km (17 miles), you descend into the Bormida River valley and stop for lunch. The afternoon ride is almost flat or very gradually ascending as it follows the river upstream. You are picked up at the end of the ride to shuttle to your next hotel. Routes are well paved, with little car traffic.

Cumulative Distance Range: 24 – 59 km (15 – 37 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, cycle from your hotel on an easy scenic bike path, built on former railway tracks that trace the breathtaking Ligurian coast. The path is paved and well maintained, enjoyable for fast riders, beginners, and locals. This leisurely and utterly pleasant ride offers a feast for the eyes as you pass Mediterranean shrub, vibrant flowers, palms, little villages, high belfries and of course the blue waters of the Ligurian Sea. You later coast into pretty, seaside San Remo. This resort town has hosted emperors and empresses and was the site of the San Remo Conference after World War I. If you wish, stop here to visit the synagogue and stroll the shop-lined pedestrian zone.

Continue your journey to the fishing village of Ospedaletti, known as the pearl of this colorful “Coast of Flowers.” You arrive here by riding through a tunnel that doubles as a gallery of portraits from the famous Milano-San Remo Spring classic cycling race. This sprinters classic—a one-day, 185.2-mile competition—held its inaugural in 1907 and today is one of the five prestigious “Monuments” of the bike racing circuit. En route back to your hotel, explore the quaint coastal villages of Riva Ligure and Santo Stefano al Mare at leisure. You might stop to stroll the maze of caruggi, the characteristic narrow medieval streets, or perhaps pick a café for lunch on your own. And nothing goes with an Italian bicycle ride like a delicious gelato.

Dinner is on your own this evening in San Lorenzo al Mare. You have many eateries to choose from and a lovely seaside setting for an after-dinner stroll.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: San Lorenzo to Ospedaletti — 24 km (15 miles)

Afternoon: Ospedaletti to Borgo Prino and San Lorenzo — 32 km (20 miles)

What to Expect:

Enjoy a relaxing flat ride, on a dedicated well-paved bike path. There are four well-lit tunnels along the 24 km (15 mile) route. You retrace much of the same route on the way back to the hotel, with the exception of a few miles along the coastal road that passes through two villages.

Cumulative Distance Range: 24 – 56 km (15 – 35 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Your culinary bike tour of Italy leads you into the Argentina River valley on your last day, where you’ll follow an easy bike path that leads to Taggia, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Here, local guide and food expert Roberta introduces you to the Mediterranean culture and diet. During a visit to an old olive oil mill still in operation, you’ll taste fragrant Canestrelli bread and borage grissini with extra virgin olive oil and olive tapenade. Then enjoy a special treat as you head into the heart of an authentic medieval village—complete with fortified portals and coats of arms identifying past noble families. Here, with the help of Roberta and other local cooks, you prepare the region’s renowned pesto sauce, using local basil and other fresh ingredients, a marble mortar, and a wooden pestle. Then, learn to prepare fresh handmade parpaiui, butterfly pasta that perfectly matches the sauce. Then it’s lunchtime as you savor the meal you’ve helped prepare. Later, Roberta leads us on a short walk on the cobbled street of Taggia.

After, you retrace your route back to the hotel to relax. A longer route takes you up the San Lorenzo River to Torre Paponi. Avid cyclists can test their abilities on their own on famous uphill roads of the Milano-San Remo race, right behind our hotel.

This evening, celebrate your Piedmont cycling discoveries during a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Hotel to Taggia — 15 km (9 miles)

Afternoon: Taggia to San Lorenzo — 15 km (9 miles) OR Taggia to Torre Paponi to San Lorenzo — 27 km (17 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s route is on an easy bike path. The afternoon longer option includes a very gradual ascent of about 5 km (3 miles) and is moderate. All roads and bike paths are well paved and far from traffic.

Today may offer an additional independent ride for experienced cyclists. Ask your trip leader for details.

Cumulative Distance Range: 14 – 29 km (9 – 18 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, travel to Nice*, the capital of the French Riviera. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city and use VBT city information to guide your adventures.

If you have chosen the independent Post-Trip Extension to Nice*, you will remain at this hotel for three nights.

*NOTE: if you are booked on the May 20, 2024, departure, you will remain one more night at Hotel Riviera dei Fiori because our Nice hotels are not available this weekend.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to the Nice airport will be provided (an approximately 20 to 30 minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Italy: Piedmont, Langhe & the Italian Riviera

Download PDF Itinerary:

Air Package (PDF) Tour Only (PDF)

Mon, May 20 to Sun, May 26 - 2024

Show Itinerary:

Your tour starts at 12:30 p.m. at our Turin hotel. A VBT representative will be in the lobby to meet you. Please have lunch before leaving the hotel. If your arrival at our Turin hotel is going to be later than 12:30 p.m. or if you are delayed, please call the hotel and ask the front desk to pass the message on to the VBT representative.

All guests will travel to Canale (approximately one hour southeast of Turin), in Piedmont’s lovely Roero region. Arrive at your beautiful agriturismo, a country resort and working farm set on an estate of 86 acres. After a safety and bike-fitting session, don your bike gear and follow your trip leaders on a short warm-up ride through the hotel’s surroundings.

Your culinary bike tour of Italy begins with truffle hunting. Join an expert farmer, or trifolao, and his dog Willy on the property grounds. Together, you set out in search of the precious underground fungus. During this invigorating outing, you will learn how to choose truffles and how to preserve them. Your hunt will be rewarded with a tasting.

This evening, gather for a welcome cocktail back at the hotel, sampling local wines and cheese. Your welcome dinner is at the estate’s restaurant, complemented with wines from their farm. Their delicious array of products fresh from their gardens offer a wonderful introduction to Piedmont’s locally sourced cuisine.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-up — 12 km (7 miles)

What to Expect:

After an initial downhill from your agriturismo, enjoy an easy ride toward Canale and into the countryside. You may tackle the steep hill on the way back or avoid it by walking a very short distance.

Cumulative Distance Range: 12 km (7 miles)

Included Meals: Dinner

This morning’s hearty breakfast features dishes cooked with fine local ingredients.

Your route today leads you through some of Piedmont’s stunning farmlands and natural beauty to the ancient Roman city of Pollenzo, today a timeless village whose architecture spans the ages. Though most of the remains of ancient Rome have been destroyed, the shape of the ancient amphitheater is still visible, as you’ll see by walking among the terraced houses built upon the site. In the town piazza, admire the neo-gothic monuments built by the Royal Savoy family, whose King Charles Albert made Pollenzo his favorite holiday resort.

Today Pollenzo is home to the internationally known University of Gastronomic Sciences, established in Corte Albertina in 2004 by the Slow Food Organization. The university embraces the latest models of agriculture and the preservation of biodiversity. At the adjacent Wine Bank, more than 300 winemakers regularly select, store and preserve their best vintages, making the history of Italian wines available for future generations. Discover Pollenzo and its treasures on your own during a short stop.

Afterward, shuttle across the River Tanaro, the natural northern border of the Langhe, birthplace of the great wine Barolo. The breathtaking hilly landscapes you’ll traverse, or langa, are famous for wines, cheeses and truffles. Here, the winemaking culture, traditions and terrains are among Europe’s finest examples of man’s harmonious relationship with nature and are considered an aesthetic archetype of European vineyards, earning this entire area a place as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arrive in La Morra and enjoy lunch on your own. It is truly a privilege to cycle here.

Continue cycling these gorgeously landscaped routes, mostly downhill. As you coast through the valley, you’ll savor spectacular views of the hilltop villages of Verduno and Roddi, each crowned by stately castles. Your destination is the majestic Tenuta di Fontanafredda. Spread over 296 acres (120 hectares) of vineyard-cloaked land, this sprawling estate and wine village incorporates several historical buildings, wine cellars, a beautiful park with rare plants and trees, a lovely pristine lake, and meditation zones. Browse through the hotel’s unique library or stroll the trails of its vast park, the Woods of Thoughts to relax and explore this unique place.

This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant of Cascina Galarey, with open views of the surrounding hills. the chef is the same of the Michelin-starred restaurant Guido, a gracious Italian kitchen committed to using the finest Piedmont ingredients.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Canale to Pollenzo — 30 km (19 miles)

Afternoon: La Morra to Hotel — 14 km (9 miles)

What to Expect:

Departing from the hotel, you’ll ride into the Roero forested region on an undulating route with little car traffic, arriving in Pollenzo before lunch. In Pollenzo, we offer an 8-km (5-mile) shuttle to avoid traffic and the long uphill into La Morra, your lunch stop. The afternoon ride is mostly downhill and flat, with only one rolling hill, on paved country roads. On the final stretch you will cycle through a village with some car traffic.

Cumulative Distance Range: 14 – 41 km (9 – 26 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, ride or shuttle to the hilltop town of Roddino. Your invigorating ride, initially uphill till Roddino, will continue along an easy route, tracing a crest that offers beautiful sweeping views of manicured vineyards and farms. You will cycle though the medieval village of Monforte, worth a stop and stroll along its scenic and picturesque alleyways. En route to Barolo note the region’s rectangular cascine farmhouses, unique to Piedmont. The longer sides of these buildings face the sun for warmth in winter and are embellished with an arcaded terrace, stone floors and iron railings overflowing with colorful flowers.

Before lunch, pedal into Barolo and admire its impressive castle. This quaint medieval village gave the world-famous, light-colored red wine its name. You will have time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own at a local café. Perhaps you’ll sample wine at one of the many cantinas or stroll the cozy streets, full of little quaint shops and cafés. You may also visit the interesting WIMU, the wine museum located in the castle of Barolo.

Then, cycle downhill back to your hotel or add miles for a scenic ride to Sinio in the Talloria Valley.

Later today at the hotel, follow our expert guide through the underground historic wine cellars of Tenuta di Fontanafredda, among the 100 finest cellars in the world. The King of Italy Vittorio Emanuele II bought the estate in 1858 and 12 years later decided to cut most of the forest to plant the first vineyards. His son, the Prince Emanuele Alberto, later transformed the estate into a formidable wine business by partnering with the Marques Falletti and Count Cavour to create the now-famous Barolo wine.

This evening shuttle to Alba, the capital of white truffles, for a stroll or maybe some shopping before dining on your own. You must try the delicious ravioli del plin or tajarin pasta!

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Fontanafredda to Barolo — 24 km (15 miles)

Afternoon: Barolo to Hotel — 6 km (4 miles) OR Barolo to Sinio and Hotel — 26 km (16 miles)

What to Expect:

A steady and gradual uphill takes you through the hilltop wine village of Serralunga to Roddino. To skip these first 10 km, you can ask for a van  shuttle. From Roddino enjoy a panoramic ride along the crest of a hill through the village of Monforte on your way to Barolo. The afternoon short ride is easy and downhill, taking you back to your hotel. The optional longer ride in the Talloria Valley includes a long and very manageable uphill to Sinio, followed by a gradual downhill back to the hotel. All routes are well paved with little car traffic.

Today may offer an additional independent ride for experienced cyclists. Ask your trip leaders for details.

Cumulative Distance Range: 6 – 50 km (4 – 31 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today your ride follows a high route into Alta Langa, a stunning patchwork of hazelnut trees, towering oaks, and wide-open views of the Alps. You cycle an ancient road that Napolean traveled during his first war campaign in the region. Later, you descend into a valley that follows the ancient Roman trade route linking France and Italy. Coastal Ligurians traded wine, cheese, honey and especially salt in Piedmont and France. Pause for lunch in one of the most beautiful villages of Italy: sleepy Millesimo, reclining on the banks of the Bormida River. Its ancient bridge dates to the 12th century, sure to be one of the best photo ops of your vacation.

Continue your ride on an easy winding route along the Bormida into the Italian region of Liguria. At ride’s end, join a shuttle to our next hotel, built on the sandy beach of San Lorenzo al Mare on the Italian Riviera. Enjoy a welcome aperitivo and settle in, stroll on the beach, or swim in the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea. In 2020, the Foundation for Environmental Education awarded this stretch of sea with the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of its beaches and seawater and its sustainable tourism.

You dine at the hotel restaurant tonight.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Bossolasco to Millesimo — 35 km (22 miles)

Afternoon: Millesimo to Calizzano — 24 km (15 miles)

What to Expect:

Your ride is particularly scenic this morning as you cycle an easy rolling panoramic route in Alta Langa, at an altitude of about 2,000 feet. There’ll be little traffic, with the exception of some motorbikes. After about 28 km (17 miles), you descend into the Bormida River valley and stop for lunch. The afternoon ride is almost flat or very gradually ascending as it follows the river upstream. You are picked up at the end of the ride to shuttle to your next hotel. Routes are well paved, with little car traffic.

Cumulative Distance Range: 24 – 59 km (15 – 37 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, cycle from your hotel on an easy scenic bike path, built on former railway tracks that trace the breathtaking Ligurian coast. The path is paved and well maintained, enjoyable for fast riders, beginners, and locals. This leisurely and utterly pleasant ride offers a feast for the eyes as you pass Mediterranean shrub, vibrant flowers, palms, little villages, high belfries and of course the blue waters of the Ligurian Sea. You later coast into pretty, seaside San Remo. This resort town has hosted emperors and empresses and was the site of the San Remo Conference after World War I. If you wish, stop here to visit the synagogue and stroll the shop-lined pedestrian zone.

Continue your journey to the fishing village of Ospedaletti, known as the pearl of this colorful “Coast of Flowers.” You arrive here by riding through a tunnel that doubles as a gallery of portraits from the famous Milano-San Remo Spring classic cycling race. This sprinters classic—a one-day, 185.2-mile competition—held its inaugural in 1907 and today is one of the five prestigious “Monuments” of the bike racing circuit. En route back to your hotel, explore the quaint coastal villages of Riva Ligure and Santo Stefano al Mare at leisure. You might stop to stroll the maze of caruggi, the characteristic narrow medieval streets, or perhaps pick a café for lunch on your own. And nothing goes with an Italian bicycle ride like a delicious gelato.

Dinner is on your own this evening in San Lorenzo al Mare. You have many eateries to choose from and a lovely seaside setting for an after-dinner stroll.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: San Lorenzo to Ospedaletti — 24 km (15 miles)

Afternoon: Ospedaletti to Borgo Prino and San Lorenzo — 32 km (20 miles)

What to Expect:

Enjoy a relaxing flat ride, on a dedicated well-paved bike path. There are four well-lit tunnels along the 24 km (15 mile) route. You retrace much of the same route on the way back to the hotel, with the exception of a few miles along the coastal road that passes through two villages.

Cumulative Distance Range: 24 – 56 km (15 – 35 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Your culinary bike tour of Italy leads you into the Argentina River valley on your last day, where you’ll follow an easy bike path that leads to Taggia, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Here, local guide and food expert Roberta introduces you to the Mediterranean culture and diet. During a visit to an old olive oil mill still in operation, you’ll taste fragrant Canestrelli bread and borage grissini with extra virgin olive oil and olive tapenade. Then enjoy a special treat as you head into the heart of an authentic medieval village—complete with fortified portals and coats of arms identifying past noble families. Here, with the help of Roberta and other local cooks, you prepare the region’s renowned pesto sauce, using local basil and other fresh ingredients, a marble mortar, and a wooden pestle. Then, learn to prepare fresh handmade parpaiui, butterfly pasta that perfectly matches the sauce. Then it’s lunchtime as you savor the meal you’ve helped prepare. Later, Roberta leads us on a short walk on the cobbled street of Taggia.

After, you retrace your route back to the hotel to relax. A longer route takes you up the San Lorenzo River to Torre Paponi. Avid cyclists can test their abilities on their own on famous uphill roads of the Milano-San Remo race, right behind our hotel.

This evening, celebrate your Piedmont cycling discoveries during a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Hotel to Taggia — 15 km (9 miles)

Afternoon: Taggia to San Lorenzo — 15 km (9 miles) OR Taggia to Torre Paponi to San Lorenzo — 27 km (17 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s route is on an easy bike path. The afternoon longer option includes a very gradual ascent of about 5 km (3 miles) and is moderate. All roads and bike paths are well paved and far from traffic.

Today may offer an additional independent ride for experienced cyclists. Ask your trip leader for details.

Cumulative Distance Range: 14 – 29 km (9 – 18 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast transportation is provided to the nearby railway station of Arma di Taggia, arriving around 9:00 a.m. Your tour ends here; frequent train connections can take you to Genova, Milan, or back to Turin’s Porta Nuova station. Please check the Trenitalia train timetable in advance as the train schedule changes mid-June. You are responsible for your own train travel and transportation to the airport for your flight home.

If you would like to travel to Nice*, France, let your trip leaders know in advance and you are welcome to board our coach at 8:30 a.m., arriving at our Nice hotel around 10:00 a.m., and there make your connections on your own.

*NOTE: if you are booked on the May 20, 2024, departure, transportation is provided to Arma di Taggia railway station only, as the option to travel to Nice is not available.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Italy: Piedmont, Langhe & the Italian Riviera

Download PDF Itinerary:

Air Package (PDF) Tour Only (PDF)

Accommodations (Please Note: Days are based on the Air Package Itinerary. Accommodations may vary depending on departure date. )

Enjoy Your Vacation Longer With Low-Cost Trip Extensions

Airplane

Air Package Only

2024

2024 Pre-Trip Extension - Turin

2 Nights From $345 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $245

  • 2 nights at the Grand Hotel Sitea
  • Airport car service for arrival
  • Hospitality desk
  • City orientation tour
  • Daily breakfast
  • City information

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

Start off your first day in Turin right by having a VBT representative greet you at the airport. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

Start your day with a delicious included breakfast at your hotel. You have the rest of the day free to relax or to explore, using VBT’s city information as your guide.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Grand Hotel Sitea

A landmark five-star hotel located in the heart of Turin, the Grand Hotel Sitea is ideally positioned for exploring on foot. The city’s Via Roma and Piazza San Carlo are a short walk away. Renowned for its history, elegance, and hospitality, the air-conditioned property boasts regal Empire styling, a gracious courtyard terrace, marble and gilded accents, and a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in local fare that infuses innovation into a rich Italian culinary tradition. Each room is classically furnished to reflect the style of the early 1900s, the era of the hotel’s opening.
Wifi
FREE WiFi Included
Air Conditioning
Air Conditioning
Airplane

Air Package Only

2024

2024 Post-Trip Extension - Nice

2 Nights From $395 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $395

  • 2 nights at the Hotel Massena
  • Airport car service for departure
  • Daily breakfast
  • City information

After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to continue exploring on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to continue exploring on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to the Nice airport will be provided (an approximately 20 to 30 minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Hotel Massena

A fixture of the city’s hotel scene for more than a century, the Hotel Massena Nice is steeped in a rich hotelier tradition and in the welcoming culture of the French Riviera. Its distinctive character and famous Belle Epoque façade strike a dramatic pose, while the reception and main staircase pay homage to the stars of cinema and music. Settle into your air-conditioned room, entirely renovated and redesigned with a Pop Art theme. Stroll to fine restaurants, museums, and shops. Or walk just two blocks for a morning walk on the famous Promenade des Anglais.
Wifi
FREE WiFi Included
Air Conditioning
Air Conditioning
Reviews
79 out of 79 (100%)
4.9 out of 5 stars.
Read More Reviews

This was my 6th VBT tour. The best by far. The cycling was the perfect amount of challenging to justify indulging in the amazing food and wine. Claudio and Christian were so knowledgeable and fun. The group, fantastic. And the lodging was the nicest of any place we've stayed in Europe. The views were never ending. I would do this trip again and again and again.

Joanie G, Albuquerque, M

Cycling Piedmont: Into Italy’s Slow Food Farmland

I have waited many years before finally deciding on taking the Piedmont trip with VBT!! And, what a wonderful time I had!! The tour guides were superb, the wine country was awesome, offering some great rides with beautiful vistas. In addition, each of the villas we stayed at were cheerfully staffed with very beautiful accommodations. I have already booked another trip next year - it's going to be hard to wait that long!!!

Jim P, Saint Augustine, FL, USA

Cycling Piedmont: Into Italy’s Slow Food Farmland

Dates & Prices

Departing Airport :

Departing airport

Select Year :

Air Package

10 days, includes round-trip international airfare , airport shuttle, and additional hotel nights with included breakfast.

Single Supplement: From $545

Limited Spaces Left

Sat, May 18 - Mon, May 27, 2024

Air included Air Included

From
$5,445

Per person, double occupancy

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Currently Full

Sat, May 25 - Mon, Jun 3, 2024

Air included Air Included

From
$5,695

Per person, double occupancy

Join Waitlist
Limited Spaces Left

Sat, Jun 1 - Mon, Jun 10, 2024

Air included Air Included

From
$5,695

Per person, double occupancy

Reserve Online

Sat, Jun 8 - Mon, Jun 17, 2024

Air included Air Included

From
$5,695

Per person, double occupancy

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Limited Spaces Left

Sat, Jun 15 - Mon, Jun 24, 2024

Air included Air Included

From
$5,695

Per person, double occupancy

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Limited Spaces Left

Sat, Jun 22 - Mon, Jul 1, 2024

Air included Air Included

From
$5,695

Per person, double occupancy

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Limited Spaces Left

Sat, Jun 29 - Mon, Jul 8, 2024

Air included Air Included

From
$5,695

Per person, double occupancy

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Limited Spaces Left

Sat, Aug 24 - Mon, Sep 2, 2024

Air included Air Included

From
$6,195

Per person, double occupancy

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Call Required

Sat, Aug 31 - Mon, Sep 9, 2024

Air included Air Included

From
$6,195

Per person, double occupancy

Request a Call
Currently Full

Sat, Sep 7 - Mon, Sep 16, 2024

Air included Air Included

From
$6,195

Per person, double occupancy

Join Waitlist
Currently Full

Sat, Sep 14 - Mon, Sep 23, 2024

Air included Air Included

From
$6,195

Per person, double occupancy

Join Waitlist
Private Group

Sat, Sep 21 - Mon, Sep 30, 2024

Air included Air Included

From
$5,695

Per person, double occupancy

Currently Full

Sat, Sep 28 - Mon, Oct 7, 2024

Air included Air Included

From
$5,695

Per person, double occupancy

Join Waitlist
Currently Full

Sat, Oct 5 - Mon, Oct 14, 2024

Air included Air Included

From
$5,445

Per person, double occupancy

Join Waitlist

Select Year :

Tour Only

7 Days. Includes bike vacation only.

Single Supplement: From $295

Limited Spaces Left

Mon, May 20 - Sun, May 26, 2024

From
$4,095

Per person, double occupancy

Reserve Online
Currently Full

Mon, May 27 - Sun, Jun 2, 2024

From
$4,295

Per person, double occupancy

Join Waitlist
Limited Spaces Left

Mon, Jun 3 - Sun, Jun 9, 2024

From
$4,295

Per person, double occupancy

Reserve Online

Mon, Jun 10 - Sun, Jun 16, 2024

From
$4,295

Per person, double occupancy

Reserve Online
Limited Spaces Left

Mon, Jun 17 - Sun, Jun 23, 2024

From
$4,295

Per person, double occupancy

Reserve Online
Limited Spaces Left

Mon, Jun 24 - Sun, Jun 30, 2024

From
$4,295

Per person, double occupancy

Reserve Online
Limited Spaces Left

Mon, Jul 1 - Sun, Jul 7, 2024

From
$4,295

Per person, double occupancy

Reserve Online
Limited Spaces Left

Mon, Aug 26 - Sun, Sep 1, 2024

From
$4,695

Per person, double occupancy

Reserve Online
Call Required

Mon, Sep 2 - Sun, Sep 8, 2024

From
$4,695

Per person, double occupancy

Request a Call
Currently Full

Mon, Sep 9 - Sun, Sep 15, 2024

From
$4,695

Per person, double occupancy

Join Waitlist
Currently Full

Mon, Sep 16 - Sun, Sep 22, 2024

From
$4,695

Per person, double occupancy

Join Waitlist
Private Group

Mon, Sep 23 - Sun, Sep 29, 2024

From
$4,295

Per person, double occupancy

Currently Full

Mon, Sep 30 - Sun, Oct 6, 2024

From
$4,295

Per person, double occupancy

Join Waitlist
Currently Full

Mon, Oct 7 - Sun, Oct 13, 2024

From
$4,095

Per person, double occupancy

Join Waitlist

For more information, call: 800-245-3868

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