Once arrived in Neive and settled into the hotel, a relatively short warm-up afternoon ride will take us to the famous Barbaresco village with its iconic medieval tower. The route flows nicely through the Barbaresco vineyards and allows to immediately acclimatize with the Langhe type of cycling, with amazing views from the higher elevations and a couple of short but steep climbs (sections over 10%).

The optional Route B adds some kilometres and a longer climb to reach Mango and then towards Barbaresco later in the evening.

From Neive we will head out to the north-east, through the flowing quiet roads that connect several hill-top villages. The route soon leaves the province of Cuneo and takes us into the Asti province. This is the Monferrato area, where the vineyards extend as far as the eye can see. Once we have reached Nizza Monferrato, the route reverts back through another sequence of climbs and descents all the way back to Neive.

We will ride through or nearby a dozen different medieval hilltop villages, where, on clear days, all of the Western arc of the Alps can be seen. The optional Route A is about 20 km shorter as it doesn't reach Nizza Monferrato and San Marzano Oliveto, heading south towards Moasca from Agliano Terme. The elevation profile of both routes is very "spiky", with few flat sections, you will be riding either up a hill or descending it!

From Neive this route crosses over the Tanaro River into the Roero, a land that is much different from the Langhe due to the presence of some steeply rising sandstone cliffs. Whilst the Langhe are predominantly vineyards and hazelnuts, the Roero has a wider variety of crops, including orchards (apples, peaches), chestnuts, forested areas, and truffles! Route B connects a variety of villages and small towns.

Most noteworthy are the lively San Damiano d'Asti and Canale. There are countless spikes in the elevation profile of this route, although the various uphill sections can all be recollected into 4 main climbing sequences. Gradients sometimes reach 14%.

Optional Route A is about 13 km shorter and has approximately 260 m less overall elevation gain.

An easier route is ready to be fully enjoyed on day 4, allowing time for some rest after the 2 long rides completed earlier in the week. This loop has been designed right in the heart of the most elegant portion of the Langhe, taking us through rolling hills, fascinating medieval villages with amazing castles, and the world-renowned Nebbiolo vineyards.

We will arrive in Barolo just in time for wine tasting at the famous "Marchesi di Barolo" winery and enjoy the views of kilometres and kilometres of beautiful vineyards.

Optional Route B, if preferred will be slightly longer adding the climb to Diano d'Alba to the loop. The "relaxing" day will end with a reinvigorating massage at the Relais Le Rocche.

The Langhe have a "wilder" side towards the east, where vineyards give way to forests and hazelnut farms. The Alta Langa ("High Langa") allows us to reach much higher elevations and drop down into the Belbo valley, not far from the border with Liguria. Where the influence of the sea breeze can be felt, and where Cravanzana proudly takes the throne of "Hazelnut Capital".

We will visit the farm "Cuor di Nocciola", taste their products and learn how hazelnuts are grown, harvested and processed. On the way back a long climb and a smooth fun descent will take us back into the main Langhe area, ready to climb back up to La Morra.

Route B reduces the length and climb by heading straight back to Cerretto Langhe from where we descended earlier in the day.

The route from La Morra to Alba can be quick and direct, however, to make the most of this last morning of riding, a few more climbs and panoramic roads can be ridden to enjoy more landscapes and take away as many memories as possible.

Riding through Alba's "satellite" villages of Serralunga d'Alba, Montelupo Albese and Diano d'Alba is enjoyable not only for the roads themselves, but also thanks to the beauty of these medieval villages with castles and historic buildings. Reaching the main centre of Alba will provide a sense of accomplishment. Ready for some typically Piedmontese white truffle specialities?

The Route can be lengthened by detouring through Roddino (Route B, 7 km longer with an additional 180 m ascent).

It’s time to say goodbye to the enchanting lands of wine, truffles, and hazelnuts. Arrivederci!

But if you’d like to keep exploring the region off the bike, there’s still plenty to see and do...