Piedmont Self-Guided Cycling Holidays
Wine, Truffles and Epic Mountains - Fausto Coppi's Homeland
"Piemonte" means "at the foot (pie-) of the mountain (-monte)" a fitting name for a region framed by both the Alps and the Apennines.
Nestled within this majestic landscape, Piedmont holds some of Italy’s most outstanding treasures: the gentle hills and geometric vineyards of the Langhe-Roero-Monferrato (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ideal cycling destination), renowned for producing Barolo wine and exquisite truffles, the glaciers of the Gran Paradiso National Park — the Great Paradise — connected by the breathtaking Colle del Nivolet road, the iconic Monviso and its climb to Pian del Re — The King’s Plain — the pristine waters of Lakes Maggiore and Orta, and a rich heritage of medieval town centers, castles, churches, and architectural marvels.
Piedmont is also the birthplace of cycling legend Fausto Coppi, adding historical significance for cycling enthusiasts exploring the region.
Our Piedmont Bike Tours
Points of Interest
Langhe, Roero and Monferrato
Imagine manicured vineyards and rows of hazelnut trees as far as the eye can see, a landscape designated by UNESCO as World Heritage. Its main centre, Alba, hosts the annual International White Truffle Fair and is named as one of the World's 56 Unesco Creative Cities of Gastronomy.
Il Campionissimo
Fausto Coppi, born in Piedmont in 1919, is one of cycling’s all-time greats. Known as "Il Campionissimo," he won five Giro d’Italia titles, two Tour de France titles, and the 1953 World Championship. Coppi also set the Hour Record and claimed victories in classics like Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix. His legacy continues to inspire cyclists worldwide, including Tadej Pogačar, who recently won Il Lombardia for the fourth consecutive time, matching the achievement of the Champion of Champions.
Monviso and Po River
Called the "King of Stone", the Monviso dominates the landscape of Piemonte with a height of 3,841 m.a.s.l. The longest river of Italy, the Po, originates from a small spring at the foot of this elegant mountain, located just a few dozen metres from the end of a spectacular road where motivated cyclists can reach 2,000 m elevation.
Turin and the Venaria Royal Palace
The Royal Residence of Venaria, in the outskirts of Torino, was commissioned by Charles Emmanuel II of Savoy in the mid XVII century and it represents one of the main jewels of the universal baroque. The palace of 80,000 square metres with over a thousand frescoed paintings, plus the gardens and forests of the complex covering an area of 800,000 square metres, offer the visitors a stunning example of the art and architectural beauties of Torino.
Colle dell'Agnello
At 2,744 metres elevation, the Colle dell'Agnello, literally translated as "Pass of the Lamb," is the highest paved cross-border pass in Europe. With steep sections up to 16%, 19 switchbacks and fantastic views, the climb to the top is as memorable as it is challenging.
For a cyclist, the most exciting moment is not when you cross the finish line as a winner. It is instead the moment of decision, when you decide to sprint when you decide to go ahead and continue even if the finish line is far away.
Why Choose Piedmont for Your Next Cycling Vacation?
There is much more to Piedmont than just Barolo wine tasting and white truffles. Of course, cycling trips in Piedmont provide the perfect opportunity to sample its world-renowned wines, such as Barolo and Barbaresco. After a day of cycling, there are few things better than indulging in a gourmet dinner paired with local wines.
The Langhe Hills are not only home to some powerful wine varieties, but they are also an ideal area to explore by bike. The spectacular hilltop towns, like the villages of La Morra, Neive, and Monforte d'Alba, seem to beckon cyclists onward to discover their historic charm.
This area is also a World Heritage Site, making it a must-visit for cycling enthusiasts looking for scenic beauty and cultural depth. However, some of the best cycling tours Piedmont has to offer venture into the Alps.
Here, riders tackle legendary climbs like Colle dell'Agnello and Colle Fauniera, which provide both challenge and breathtaking scenery. A bike tour through these mountains is an unforgettable experience, combining nature, adventure and spectacular beauty.
Why Choose Piedmont for Your Next Cycling Vacation?
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