Secret Piedmont: Langhe & Barolo

After settling into your hotel in Alba, enjoy a relatively short afternoon ride through its picturesque surroundings. The route leads to the renowned village of Barbaresco, crowned by its iconic tower. Can you resist the temptation to sample the world-famous Barbaresco wine?

This ride winds through the Barbaresco vineyards, offering a perfect introduction to cycling in the Langhe. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views from higher elevations and tackle a couple of steep but short climbs to wake the legs.

Leaving Alba, we will head out to the northeast, through the quiet, undulating roads that connect several hill-top villages. The route soon leaves the province of Cuneo and takes us into the province of Asti. This is the Monferrato area, where the vineyards extend as far as the eye can see. The longer ride option passes through Nizza Monferrato, the capital of Barbera wine, before looping around to take on a sequence of climbs and descents all the way back to Alba. The equally beautiful shorter option heads south after Castagnole delle Lanze and joins the longer route as it passes through hilltop Mango before a final curvy downhill through the vineyards back into Alba.

On your third day, you’ll leave Alba and head northwest, crossing the Tanaro River. Your ride begins with an exploration of the “Astigiano” and continues into the Roero, a region with its own unique charm and a variety of landscapes.

You’ll pedal along quiet, hilly roads, tackling some challenging climbs before descending to the Tanaro flatlands. From there, you’ll climb back into the Langhe, finishing the day in the picturesque village of La Morra, where you’ll stay for the next three nights.

Today, you’ll dive into the heart of the Langhe, where the cycling routes are flexible and can be tailored to suit your preferences. A visit to Barolo, the home of the homonymous King of Wines, and several other charming hilltop villages is an absolute must.

The ride offers stunning views of the vineyards, which are not only beautiful but also unique as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit a local Barolo winery and indulge in a wine tasting to round out the day.

On your final cycling day, you’ll discover the wilder side of the Langhe to the east, where the vineyards give way to forests and hazelnut farms. This is the Alta Langa (“The High Langhe”), where the roads climb to higher elevations and lead into the rugged terrain of the Apennines.

Close to the border between Piedmont and Liguria, the climate here begins to feel the influence of the Mediterranean Sea. The village of Cravanzana, nestled in the Belbo Valley mountains, proudly holds the title of “Hazelnut Capital.”

For those seeking a challenge, this loop can be extended by riding back through the Bormida Valley, adding more distance and elevation.

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...