Cycling Italy's Piedmont Plus! Lake Maggiore

Cycling Italy's Piedmont Plus! Lake Maggiore

Italy's Piedmont region is surrounded on three sides by a great arc of the Alps as they rise out of the Mediterranean Sea and curve north and east through France, Switzerland and Italy to Austria. Within this great curve of mountains the Po River rises, forming a broad, fertile plain that forms Italy's longest river flowing into the Adriatic Sea. It was in the western part of this valley that the Kings of Savoy built castles and fortified cities to protect wine merchants from intrusions by marauding pirates. And it was here that Count Camillo Cavour first proposed the idea of a unified Italian state. The food, the history and the landscape make the Piedmont an ideal destination for cyclists. This cycling tour through the Piedmont region and the Lakes District tour combines the best of Italian and French cuisine and wine with scenic pedaling through rolling hills dotted with vineyards and castles.

***If this sounds great but you prefer a shorter tour check out our Cycling Italy's Piedmont tour, which features the first 8 days of this itinerary.***

Tour Dates & Prices

Date
Price
Private Room Fee
Note
Aug 27-Sep 7, 2023
USD$5600
USD$650
Call for availability.   
Sep 17-28, 2023
USD$5600
USD$650
 

* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.

** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.

Tour Style: Classic Hold A Space Request Private Departure Download Itinerary Tour Map
  • Trip At-A-Glance
  • Tour Summary
  • Daily Itinerary
  • Travel Information
  • Map
  • Reviews
  • Similar Tours
Trip At-A-Glance

Trip At-A-Glance

  • Length / 12 Days
  • Total Distance / 578km (359 miles)
  • Avg. Distance / 58 km (36 miles) per riding day
  • Tour Level & Tour Style / 3.5 Classic
  • Countries / Italy
  • Begin/End / Cuneo / Intra-Verbania
  • Price / From USD$5600
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Tour Summary

Tour Summary

  • Highlights
    Piedmont vineyards and wine tastings, Gourmet regional cuisine, 2 nights in the Langhe area famous for its wine, cheese and truffles, 2 nights in the Roman town of Acqui Terme, Monferrato, Lake Maggiore, A complete overview of this amazing region, Guided visit of Bene Vagienna Archaeological site
  • Includes
    12 days, 11 nights accommodation;meals as noted in itinerary; 2 wine and a cheese tasting; guided visit of Bene Vagienna Archaelogical site; and the usual (see below).

    Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
  • Arrive / Depart
    Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Turin Caselle Airport (TRN)
  • Overall Tour Level
    3.5 difficulty level 3.5
  • Daily Ride Summary

    Day

    Distance/Gain
    mi/ftkm/m

    Terrain

    Day Level

    Notes

    1
    Test ride
    2
    77km / 800m
    Rolling hills
    difficulty level 3.5
    3
    69km / 579m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 3.0
    4
    41km / 790m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 3.0
    Today's ride is an optional loop ride
    5
    50km / 791m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 3.0
    6
    40km / 795m
    Very hilly
    difficulty level 3.5
    7
    8
    60km / 933m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 4.0
    9
    59km / 1131m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 4.0
    10
    87km / 476m
    Rolling hills
    difficulty level 2.5
    11
    97km / 958m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 4.5
    12
    Last day

Terrain Legend

Gentle Gentle

Rolling hills Rolling hills

Hilly Hilly

Very hilly Very hilly

Mountainous Mountainous

Daily Itinerary
Download Itinerary

DAY 1: Gather in Cuneo, south of Turin

Highlights: Provincial capital of Cuneo, Alpine views, Arione Bar and Confectionary, welcome dinner

Gather today in Cuneo, south of Turin. We'll fit bicycles this afternoon, then you will be free to explore the town and to take a warm-up ride. Be sure to look up the Arione Bar and Confectionary, famous for its "cuneese al rhum," a chocolate rum candy (Hemingway stopped by here to pick up some of these on a trip to Italy in 1954, the year he won the Nobel Prize.) This evening, we'll celebrate the beginning of our tour with a traditional Piedmontese dinner together.

DAY 2: Cycle deep into the Alps along an Alpine Valley

Highlights: Alpine scenery, the 19th century fortress of Vinadio, optional mountain ride

Your ride today follows the Stura di Demonte River valley to the fortress of Vinadio along an historic military road that has now become mainly a bike path. The Vinadio fortress was built by King Carlo Alberto of the house of Savoy in the 1830s and '40s to protect the Piedmont from possible invasions from France. You'll be back in Cuneo late afternoon to enjoy a stroll through town.

  • Distance: 77km (48mi)
  • Gain: 800m (2624ft)
  • Terrain: Rolling hills
  • Day Level: difficulty level 3.5
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Lodging:

DAY 3: Bicycle from Cuneo to Monforte D'Alba

Highlights: Town of Bene Vagienna or Roman "Augusta Bagiennorum," the Langhe wine region

Your ride today takes you through the small town of Bene Vagienna as you follow an ancient Roman road. We'll have a light lunch and guided visit of the large archeological park of Augusta Bagiennorum. Tonight we will be in Monforte d'Alba, one of many picturesque wine villages in the Langhe region of Piedmont.

  • Distance: 69km (43mi)
  • Gain: 579m (1899ft)
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 3.0
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 4: Loop ride to the wine villages of Serralunga, La Morra and Barolo

Highlights: Le Langhe wine region and wine villages, including Barolo, wine tasting

A loop ride today takes you through the vineyards of Le Langhe and the famous hills of the Nebbiolo grape. Along the route you'll pass through the stunning landscape of La Morra, as well as vineyards around Barolo, Verduno and La Mora. The town of Barolo gives its name to Italy's most famous wine. The village has an interesting ethnographic and wine museum to visit. We'll enjoy a wine tasting together this evening.

  • Distance: 41km (26mi)
  • Gain: 790m (2591ft)
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 3.0
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Lodging:

DAY 5: Bicycle from Monforte d'Alba to the town of Alba

Highlights: Beautiful vineyard landscapes, regional wine museum

Your ride today takes you through some of the most beautiful vineyard landscapes in Italy. If you are interested in wine we recommend a stop at the regional wine museum in Mango before continuing on through Neviglie and Trezzo Tinella, villages of less than 500 inhabitants, on the way to Alba.

  • Distance: 50km (31mi)
  • Gain: 791m (2594ft)
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 3.0
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 6: Ride from Alba to Canelli for a winery visit shuttle to Bistagno

Highlights: Alba, Ferrero chocolates and visit to Coppo, one of Italy's most famous vineyards

You'll want to take time to visit Alba before leaving this morning. Not only is Alba the capital of the Langhe wine region it is also home to Ferrero Rocher, the chocolate maker that manufactures Nutella and Kinder chocolate. From here you'll pedal on to Canelli to visit one of the oldest and most famous wineries in Italy, Coppo. Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch before shuttling on to our hotel in Bistagno.

  • Distance: 40km (25mi)
  • Gain: 795m (2608ft)
  • Terrain: Very hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 3.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Lodging:

DAY 7: Loop ride from Bistagno to Mombaruzzo and back

Highlights: Amaretto visit and the Monteverde Gipsoteca

Today we’ll do a loop ride, so you wish to take the day off this is your chance. Otherwise hop on the bike and head to the hill town of Mombaruzzo, home to one of Italy's famous "amaretto" makers. Amaretto is a yummy cookie made from a base of almond paste. Take time this afternoon for a guided visit at the Monteverde Gipsoteca before dinner together.

DAY 8: Bicycle from Bistagno to Asti

Highlights: Culinary city of Asti, Asti Spumante

Our destination today is Asti, an elegant town famous for its architecture, wines and culinary traditions. Along the way you'll pass through Monastero Bormida, founded by a grou pof Benedictine monks around 1050. The current castle correspond to the site of the original monastery. Next up -- the rich vineyards of Canelli and the Moscato grape, which is believed to be the birthplace of the Italian sparkling wine "Asti Spumante".

  • Distance: 60km (37mi)
  • Gain: 933m (3060ft)
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 4.0
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Lodging:

DAY 9: Bicycle from Asti to Lu

Highlights: Small country roads, Moncalvo and fortified hilltop villages, cheese tasting

Head north today through the hills of Monferrato. This is one of the most densely settled agricultural areas in Italy and features a rich network of tiny farm roads and small fortified hilltop villages. Over the years it has become fashionable to convert the town fortress into a villa. Our accommodation tonight is in the Castle of Lu. This afternoon we'll enjoy a cheese tasting at our hotel.

  • Distance: 59km (37mi)
  • Gain: 1131m (3710ft)
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 4.0
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 10: Enjoy a flat ride across the Po Valley today

Highlights: Flat riding, rice farm, views of the Alps

Leave the hills behind and cross the Po River in Casale Monferrato this morning. Casale sits on the south bank of the Po River and enjoys a deep architectural heritage due to its varied history because of its critical position along the Po River. 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. This afternoon we'll visit one of the area's rice producers to discover more about the history of the crop and harvest techniques.

  • Distance: 87km (54mi)
  • Gain: 476m (1561ft)
  • Terrain: Rolling hills
  • Day Level: difficulty level 2.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 11: Bicycle into the Pre-Alps and the Italian Lake District

Highlights: Spectacular views of the Alps and pedaling along Lakes Orta, Mergozzo and Maggiore.

Your final day of riding takes you into Italy's spectacular Lakes District. This breathtaking series of lakes was created as glaciers retreated from northern Italy some 20,000 years ago. Your first lake is Lago d'Orta, then tiny Lago di Mergozzo, and finally Lago Maggiore. The journey ends in Verbania, along the shores of beautiful Lago Maggiore. This evening, we'll enjoy a farewell dinner together.

  • Distance: 97km (60mi)
  • Gain: 958m (3142ft)
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 4.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 12: End of tour on Lake Maggiore

Highlights: Beautiful Lake Maggiore

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 better yet - perhaps you'd like to join our cycling tour through the area! Whatever you choose, have a great time and thanks for joining us!

  • Meals: Breakfast
Travel Information

Travel Information

Day 1: Arrival Information

Gather in Cuneo, south of Turin

Your tour starts with a complimentary ExperiencePlus! shuttle pick-up at 11 am. The meeting place is the cafe-bar "Roma già Talmone" right by the Torino Porta Nuova train station, where you can grab a snack for the drive. The drive will take 1.5 hours. Your spot on the shuttle is already reserved for you. 

If you cannot make the shuttle, you will be responsible for your own transportation to Cuneo (1-1.5 hours by train, or private transfer through hotel, around EUR 130.)

As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.

The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.

We recommend flying into the Turin Airport (TRN).

Arriving at Torino Airport and continuing to the train station:

From the train station to the meeting point for the ExperiencePlus! shuttle:

  • Walk about 2 minutes (see a map here)

Day 12: Departure Information

End of tour on Lake Maggiore

Your trip ends on the final day after breakfast. 

The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio

 

We recommend flying out of the Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP):

  1. Taxi to the bus stop (5min/EUR 10)
  2. Airport Shuttle from Intra-Verbania to the Malpensa airport (reservations required but payment in cash only on board) (1.5 hours/EUR 15). Click here for time table. 
  • Or: Taxi from the Ending Hotel to the Malpensa Airport (1 hour/EUR  200 minimum)

*Note: If you are planning to depart by train, the train station name is Verbania-Pallanza. It is located 10km outside of the village. A taxi to the train station from the Ending Hotel costs EUR 20-25. 

Pre-Trip Planning Checklist

To do right after you booked!

6 to 3 Months Prior to Tour Start Date

  • Refer to your Tour Packet/Itinerary to see step-by-step arrival and departure information for your tour, meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
  • Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
  • Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
  • Begin your chosen training program.
  • Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail we send 10 days prior to the due date for detailed instructions.

6 to 2 Weeks Prior to Tour Start Date

  • Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Reading and Movie Lists: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/
  • Plan what you are going to pack and start packing! Refer to the Packing Lists on our website at https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/packing/.
  • We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition and Bike & Boat tours).

Day of Your Flight

Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!

What to Expect on Tour

Classic Tour Style

Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic page.

Map

Map

Reviews

Reviews

  • Wonderful rolling cycling through attractive countryside with fascinating cultural experiences included. Excellent accommodation and food especially the wine and cheese.

    Robyn L., Melbourne, Australia - July 2019
  • Beautiful vistas, delicious food and wine, great rides through low traffic roads and bike paths. FANTASTIC trip - thank you!

    Kristen L., Cambridge, MA - July 2018
  • If you love really good Italian wine and really good Italian food and really gorgeous views of the vineyards, this is the tour for you. You know how much of an Experience Plus fan I am!! Love me some arrows :) Best way to ride. Thanks for everything!!!

    NIkki J., Portland, OR - September 2017
  • A beautiful hilly ride through wonderful scenic wine country filled with delicious food! Once again a wonderful experience, which is why we keep coming back. I love that fact that you use local guides that know the country and can give some interesting background information to the area we are cycling. While the cycling and scenery can be fantastic... the guides are the ones that make the trip memorable! Thank you!

    Deborah D., Owen Sound, ON, Canada - September 201
  • Great guides. Great fun. Great company.

    Billy W., Mt Pleasant, SC
  • It was wonderful riding through a lesser-traveled part of Italy. The scenery was gorgeous from day 1 all the way through the end of the ride and the hills were challenging - but rewarding! This was our 10th EPlus! tour and I can''t wait to pick and go on our 11th!

    Laura E., Tacoma, WA
  • I thought this was a great tour--our best yet. Keep up the good work.

    Sharon S., Eugene, OR
  • This was our second trip with EP and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Your arrow system cannot be beat. Such a relief not to have to try to read directions while riding! This is how we prefer to travel and we will be back.

    Pat D., West Chester, PA
  • Biking, scenery, amenities, service, leaders ... all outstanding.

    Terry D., West Chester, PA
  • There were many "favorite" experiences but I can''t pick one in particular...beautiful landscape, challenging riding, excellent tour leaders, great food, nice cultural opportunities, fabulous Italian culture.

    Gary F., Fort Collins, CO
  • Wonderful experience - great guides - great routes - great towns - great riding - great food and wine.

    Jeff E., Pittsburg, PA
  • The scenery, food, other bicyclists, tour leaders, routes -- all superb. Thank you for providing the opportunity!

    David S., Eugene, OR
  • Italian wine country at its best. Outstanding food. Great rides. Challenging climbs. The absolute beauty of the hilly wine country...and we were fortunate to have sunny days for those rides.

    Jim B., Incline Village, NV
  • A great experience, good guides, fun people to ride with and Italy is always beautiful.

    Mary B., Newport Beach, CA
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