Cycling
Piedmont, Langhe and Monferrato
round tour from Asti
- IT005 / Italy
- Cycling Cycling tours Cycling holiday with accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport, assistance. Details
- Self-guided Self-guided Travel at your own pace following maps, roadbooks and information material. When travelling, you can always count on our assistance.
-
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Aug, Apr, Jun, May, Oct, Jul, Sep
- 7 days
-
- round tour from Asti
To know
Highlights
A cycling holiday along lesser-known routes, where you can discover the rich flavors and culture of the Piedmont region. Prepare to ride through charming villages, lush vineyards, and majestic castles, all set against the stunning hills at the foot of the Alps. To enhance your journey, indulge in delicious local cuisine and exceptional wines!
- Picturesque villages surrounded by green vineyards
- Delicious local wines and the prized white truffles of Alba
- The city of Alba and the land of hazelnuts
What awaits you
A bike tour that requires a bit of training and cycling experience. The routes wind through hilly terrain, with various climbs and descents. The climbs can be a bit tiring, but they are well worth it for the views they offer. We recommend using an electric bike to explore the area comfortably.
1. Individual arrival and first night in Asti
Welcome to the heart of Monferrato! This vibrant and welcoming city is eager to greet you with its numerous towers, a stunning Gothic cathedral, and historic buildings, such as the Palazzo Alfieri, the former residence of the renowned Italian playwright. Don’t miss the chance to sample some of Italy’s finest wines, which are produced right here.
2. Cycle through ancient villages and vineyards to Monferrato
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant countryside of Piedmont? Your cycling journey is about to begin! Depart from Asti and follow a pleasant route that winds through tree-lined avenues, vineyards, and medieval villages. After tackling a few climbs, you will arrive in Nizza Monferrato, the heart of the region’s wine culture, renowned for its famous Barbera red wine, which pairs beautifully with local dishes. The town center is rich in historical landmarks and hosts a variety of interesting events, including the traditional Palio and the exciting Corsa delle Botti (Barrel Race). Along your route, keep an eye out for the first of many Giant Benches scattered throughout the Piedmont region—you won’t want to miss the chance to take a souvenir photo!
3. Follow the scenic trails to Alba, the cradle of food and wine culture
Today’s route involves a lot of ups and downs, but don’t worry — just get on your bike! After breakfast, leave Nizza Monferrato behind and start cycling towards Costigliole d’Asti, which is dominated by its medieval castle. Next, you will arrive in Castagnole delle Lanze, a village with colourful arcades and architecture that has been declared one of the most beautiful in Italy. Next is Neive, a village with an almost Tuscan appearance that is rich in hidden panoramic views, bell towers and noble palaces. En route, you will find four Giant Benches, each of which is worth a photo stop! Back on your bike, you will set off for Barbaresco, which is famous for its wine. Tasting a glass is a must: Barbaresco wine is only produced in this area! Your final stop of the day is Alba, which awaits you with its wonderful food and wine culture. As well as wine, be sure to try the cheeses, chocolate and fragrant white truffles.
4. From Alta Langa to Barolo, the homeland of the 'King of Wines'
Today is a challenging day, with a long initial climb, but the beautiful views along the way make all the effort worthwhile. Starting in Alba, you will cycle through the heart of Alta Langa, the land of hazelnuts. Surrounded by vineyards and hazelnut trees, you will reach Diano d’Alba, a small village adorned with green vineyards. A little more effort and you will arrive at Monforte d’Alba Castle, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the entire valley. Continue towards Barolo, a charming medieval village nestled in the Langhe hills and home to the world-famous wine of the same name. Another of the famous Giant Benches awaits you along the way! In Barolo, you can stroll through the charming streets, sample the ‘King of Wines’, visit the Corkscrew Museum and discover the secrets and culture of the fruit of Bacchus at the Falletti Castle. The castle’s interior houses a historic wine cellar, so why not enjoy a wine tasting session?
5. Loop tour: Barolo and the Balcony of the Langhe
Today, you will cycle through villages with an authentic atmosphere and enjoy spectacular views of the Langhe. After climbing uphill, you will pass through the small village of Monforte d’Alba again. This village is dominated by a striking natural amphitheatre called the Horszowski Auditorium. It was named after the great Russian pianist Horszowski in 1986, when he performed one of his memorable concerts there. Take the customary photo on the Giant Benches, then head for Dogliani. Stroll through the historic centre and lose yourself in the narrow alleys, wine bars and unusually shaped churches, the work of the eclectic and extravagant architect Giovanni Battista Schellino. Next, continue on to La Morra, known as the ‘balcony of the Langhe’. Here, you will cycle up steep roads surrounded by lush vineyards and green hills, which will make you forget your fatigue. From Piazza Castello, the view is unforgettable! Return to Barolo and let yourself be amazed once again by this beautiful village, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. Villages in the hills and return to Asti
The last day awaits you with a long stage! Say goodbye to Barolo and cycle to Grinzane Cavour, the village that is home to the famous castle where Camillo Benso di Cavour, one of the most significant figures in the unification of Italy, lived. Surrounded by endless terraces of vines, the castle boasts a wine shop and a splendid vineyard trail that will leave you speechless: a wonderful reward for the climb to get there! Then pass through villages such as Roddi, Magliano Alfieri and Govone, located in the heart of the Piedmont hills: there are a few hills, but cycling with a view of their imposing castles is a whole different experience! Finally, you arrive in Asti, a town rich in history, famous for its sparkling wine and the Palio.
Find out who we are
If you’re here, you’re probably curious about Girolibero and why booking a trip with us could be a great choice, even if we haven’t met yet. You might be asking yourself: who are we? Why choose Girolibero? And what if you need a little help along the way? Don’t worry, we’re here to provide all the answers.
Since 1998, we’ve been organizing bike tours in Italy and Europe. Every step of your itinerary is planned out precisely; we rely on trusted professionals we’ve worked with for many years to make your trip a reality. We have people selecting your accommodation, while others make the schedule, handle unforeseen circumstances, make our website run smoothly, and maintain all the bikes.
Our headquarters is in Vicenza. We are dedicated to making your vacation a carefree experience, and we are here to address your questions and provide assistance. But there’s more.
Read moreComfort Gold
- Hotels and guesthouses
- Spacious rooms
- En-suite bathroom
- Air conditioning available
- Possible wellness area, lounge bar, swimming pool
We are updating the itinerary, price and departures for this tour. Request info.
Accommodation
- 6 nights accommodation
Meals
- 6 breakfasts
Hotels usually serve a continental breakfast. However, in some smaller hotels you may find the typical Italian breakfast, consisting of a hot drink, such as cappuccino or coffee, with fresh pastries, such as cake, croissants or toast and jam.
Luggage transfer
Your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel starting from the first day of the standard tour until the last day of the tour.
For the luggage transportation we accept only 1 piece of luggage per person with max. 20 kg.
The service is not included in case of extra nights before or after the standard tour.
Before your departure, you will receive detailed guidance on allowable baggage, luggage labels, service hours.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
- the hotel list
- the hotel vouchers to show to the hotel reception upon arrival
- the link to download the App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks (you can use the App offline, too)
When you arrive at the first hotel you will find the luggage labels.
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 30 days prior to departure date
- 25% from 29 to 21 days prior to departure date
- 50% from 20 to 14 days prior to departure date
- 80% from 13 to 6 days prior to departure date
- 100% from 5 days prior to departure date and no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Tourist taxes
They must be paid directly by you at check-in or check-out at the hotels. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, on the season and the number of days of stay. - Tips
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local partner.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single room
- Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights in Asti before or after the tour. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights. - Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
Bikes
You can rent the bike type that suits you best. You will find it at the starting point of the tour and you have to return it at the end of the last cycling stage: isn’t it easy? Rental bikes are always serviced and ready for a new cycling adventure; however, should you have any mechanical problems, you can contact our local partner.
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 24 speed
- aluminium frame
- Shimanobreaks
- Shimano Deore XTgear
- puncture-proof tyres
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 24 speed
- aluminium frame
- Shimanobreaks
- Shimano Deore XTgear
- puncture-proof tyres
Standard components
- side stand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear fenders
- rear luggage rack
- water bottle holder
Accessories included
- rear side bag
- helmet
- repair kit (pump, inner tube, padlock)
- first aid kit
- mobile phone holder
Unisex e-bike
- 28″ wheel
- disc brakes
- Shimano 8 speed
- puncture-proof tyres
Unisex e-bike
- 28″ wheel
- disc brakes
- Shimano 8 speed
- puncture-proof tyres
Standard components
- side stand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear fenders
- rear luggage rack
- water bottle holder
Accessories included
- rear side bag
- helmet
- repair kit (pump, inner tube, padlock)
- first aid kit
- mobile phone holder
Male touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 24 speed
- aluminium frame
- Shimanobreaks
- Shimano Deore XTgear
- puncture-proof tyres
Male touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 24 speed
- aluminium frame
- Shimanobreaks
- Shimano Deore XTgear
- puncture-proof tyres
Standard components
- side stand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear fenders
- rear luggage rack
- water bottle holder
Accessories included
- rear side bag
- helmet
- repair kit (pump, inner tube, padlock)
- first aid kit
- mobile phone holder
Practical information
Route profile
- Level: medium-challenging
- Total length: 230 km
- Terrain: 95% tarmac, 5% unpaved
The route has several climbs, so we recommend that you undertake the tour with a good level of fitness. An electric bike will certainly help.
How to get there
Asti is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Asti is connected with the following airports: Torino Caselle (TRN) and Genova (GOA).
From Torino Caselle airport:
- bus Arriva line 268 to Piazza Carlo Felice (approx. 45 min) and train from Turin Porta Nuova to Asti (approx. 45 min).
- train from Turin Caselle Airport to Turin Lingotto (approx. 40 min). From here train to Asti (approx. 30 min).
- Every two hours, there is a direct train to Asti (approx. 1h 30 min).
From Genoa Airport:
- train from Genoa Sestri Ponente Aeroporto to Genoa Piazza Principe (approx. 20 mins). From here the train to Asti (approx. 1h 30 mins).
By train
Asti is the closest station.
By car
If you arrive by car, you can park the car in Blois for the whole duration of the tour. Some hotels have a private parking place, while in other cases you have to use alternative car parks. No reservation is possible and you have to pay on site.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is Italian.
Italy is in the Central European Time (CET) Zone, 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time zone (GMT), and observes Daylight Saving Time.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
The international phone prefix for Italy is +39.
Emergency telephone numbers
112 – Common Emergency Number. This is the European emergency number which can be called in any emergency from any telephone (landline and mobile phone). Calls are free.
113 – Police Help Number
115 – Fire Department
118 – Medical Emergencies
Electricity
The Italian electrical net is 220V – 50Hz.
Sockets are Schuko bipolar and comply with European regulations. In most hotels you will find adaptors for different types of plugs.
Currency
The currency in Italy is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Cycling essentials
- a power bank
- your own reusable water bottle (the most sustainable choice)
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations caused by roadworks, which cannot be foreseen; in this case please follow the indications you will find on site.
Special diets
- If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant, allergic to some specific ingredients/substances or if you suffer from any other kind of allergies please indicate it at the moment of booking. We will pass the information on to the hotels, but we cannot guarantee that all dietary requests will be met. Sometimes it is difficult to find particular food, for example gluten-free food, so we suggest that you bring your own snacks just in case.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Similar geographic area
Browse the suggestions to discover other destinations and trips similar to this holiday.
Need advice? We are here to help
Contact us
Discover more
Discover Italy by bike
We have carefully selected routes on bike paths and low-traffic back roads for your cycling vacation in Italy, with your choice of regions from North to South
All cycle tours in Italy
Girolibero cycling holidays
Holidays on cycle paths and the best cycle tourism routes in Italy and Europe, featuring accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport services, informational materials, bike rentals, and dedicated assistance
Discover all bike tours
Travelers’ tips and stories
Get inspired before your trip with advice and travel tales from fellow adventurers on our blog
Happytobehere.it
Receive our newsletter
Loving what you have read so far? Stay in the loop and get free travel tips, ideas, and news from us!
Yes, sign me up!
