Skip to main content

Italy: Piedmont

Gastronomic Barolo Cycling by e-bike

Trip code: C08PD

Average customer rating 4.8 / 5(49 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Cycling
8 nights hotel-to-hotel
Moderate
CO₂ rating 1/5
Headwater Navigation app

Trip highlights

Beautifully scenic cycling in the UNESCO vineyards of Piedmont

Luxury hotels in stunning locations – most with with panoramic pools

A mecca for foodies: atmospheric enoteche, gourmet cuisine, outstanding wines

Sun-drenched hamlets and stunning, far-reaching views

Historic castles, frescoed chapels, pretty medieval villages

Item 1 of 1

Trip details

Tucked away in northern Italy, Piedmont is a region brimming with vineyard covered, softly rolling hills, sun-drenched hamlets, world-class wines and incredible hotels.

What's included

Included

  • 8 nights in 3-star and 4-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 4 evening meals
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

Not included

  • Flights
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Travel insurance

Your bike

Hand-picked for the route, hire included

Cube, Nuride or equivalent. Your bike hire is included in the price of your holiday and comes equipped with the relevant essentials, plus rear pannier.

Travel options

Our travel specialists can arrange flights, rail and transfers to this holiday from wherever you are. Call us to plan your journey. +44 1606 720099

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Arrive at Benevello

Arrive at Benevello

There’s time to relax by the pool before your first gastronomic dinner of the week in Villa d’Amelia’s superb restaurant (included).

You stay at Relais Villa d’Amelia

Outdoor pool and surrounding countryside at Villa DAmelia
Image 1 of 4

Relais Villa d’Amelia

Benevello

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Television

The Relais Villa d’Amelia is a luxuriously restored 19th century family villa (and a member of the ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’), just outside the Alta Langa village of Benevello.

The Villa d’Amelia has 37 ensuite rooms including three suites (one of which is located within the old chapel!) decorated in a modern style with neutral paints and dark leather and beech furnishings.

The hotel also boasts a central courtyard with sofas and chairs for relaxing outside, and a stunning lounge area complete with a grand piano!

Facilities at the hotel include a sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath, and lovely outdoor swimming pool.

Day 2 · 35km/21.7miBenevello to Neive

Benevello to Neive

Visit the lovely Mango, with its beautiful castle rich in WW2 history, then continue to Santo Stefano Belbo, the birthplace of one of Italy’s greatest writers. On the way to Neive you’ll pass the famous Moscato vineyards, then you’ll spend two nights at the Hotel Villa Lauri, with a choice of restaurants within easy walking distance of the hotel.

Elevation

Benevello to Neive elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Villa Lauri

Outside Villa Lauri, Neive
Image 1 of 4

Hotel Villa Lauri

Neive

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Swimming pool
  • Television

The small yet cosy, family run Hotel Villa Lauri is situated on the fringes of the old walled town of Neive. Dating back to the 1800s, the villa has a panoramic terrace and pool with sweeping views over the Langhe hills and vineyards.

Each of the 12 rooms is individually decorated in bright colours and all feature ensuite bathrooms.

Day 3 · 9km/5.6miAt Neive

At Neive

Officially one of Italy’s prettiest villages, you can wander Neive’s cobbled streets that are lined with brightly-coloured flower boxes. After a morning spent by the panoramic pool, cycle to nearby Barbaresco for lunch and cheese-tasting in the piazza. Enjoy some wine in the enoteca or head across to the spumante capital of Asti, with its quaint cobbled centre.

Elevation

At Neive elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Villa Lauri

Outside Villa Lauri, Neive
Image 1 of 4

Hotel Villa Lauri

Neive

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Swimming pool
  • Television

The small yet cosy, family run Hotel Villa Lauri is situated on the fringes of the old walled town of Neive. Dating back to the 1800s, the villa has a panoramic terrace and pool with sweeping views over the Langhe hills and vineyards.

Each of the 12 rooms is individually decorated in bright colours and all feature ensuite bathrooms.

Day 4 · 36km/22.4miNeive to Fontanafredda

Neive to Fontanafredda

Cycle through the vineyards to Castagnole delle Lanze before exploring the cobbled streets and bustling piazze of chocolate perfumed Alba, the home of Ferrero Rocher. Continue to Grinzane Cavour with its impressively panoramic castle before ending the day in Fontanafredda (dinner included).

Elevation

Neive to Fontanafredda elevation profile

You stay at Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore

Exterior of Hotel Diffuso le Case dei Conti Mirafiore
Image 1 of 4

Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore

Fontanafredda

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Nestled amongst verdant vineyards, the Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore is a wine estate come hamlet, which was founded by the son of Italy’s first king. It was originally home to all the 250 people who worked on the estate and many of the buildings still house the staff who work on the vines and in the hotel. Accommodation is over 2 buildings, the Forestiera delle Vigne, where the standard rooms are housed, and the Vigna Magica building, where you’ll find the upgraded rooms.

The hotel has 2 restaurants. the Guido Ristorante and the Osteria Disguido.

There are guided tours of the historic wine cellars here as well as tastings.

Day 5 · 17km/10.6miAt Fontanafredda

At Fontanafredda

Enjoy wine tasting in the historic wine cellars at your hotel, once owned by Italian royalty, or head to the atmospheric wine village of Serralunga d’Alba. For the best views of the region, cycle to La Morra, ‘Balcony of the Langhe’, spread out along a panoramic ridge above the vineyards. Dinner is included tonight.

Elevation

At Fontanafredda elevation profile

You stay at Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore

Exterior of Hotel Diffuso le Case dei Conti Mirafiore
Image 1 of 4

Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore

Fontanafredda

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Nestled amongst verdant vineyards, the Hotel le Case dei Conti Mirafiore is a wine estate come hamlet, which was founded by the son of Italy’s first king. It was originally home to all the 250 people who worked on the estate and many of the buildings still house the staff who work on the vines and in the hotel. Accommodation is over 2 buildings, the Forestiera delle Vigne, where the standard rooms are housed, and the Vigna Magica building, where you’ll find the upgraded rooms.

The hotel has 2 restaurants. the Guido Ristorante and the Osteria Disguido.

There are guided tours of the historic wine cellars here as well as tastings.

Day 6 · 26km/16.2miFontanafredda to Monforte d'Alba

Fontanafredda to Monforte d'Alba

Cycle to Barolo, an ochre-hued village perched above its world-famous vineyards, where you can admire Marchesi Falletti’s 11th century castle. Then to Monforte d’Alba and Villa Beccaris, where you’ll spend two nights. There are plenty of restaurants in the village to choose from for your mouthwatering evening meal.

Elevation

Fontanafredda to Monforte d'Alba elevation profile

You stay at La Ribezza or Villa Beccaris

La Ribezza
Image 1 of 3

La Ribezza

Monforte d'Alba

  • Air conditioning
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Wifi access

As an alternative to Villa Beccaris, stays can be taken at ***** Hotel la Ribezza.

Opened in 2018, la Ribezza is a stylish, modern boutique hotel, located overlooking the medieval town of Monforte with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and vineyards.

Rooms are comfortable and elegantly styled in a mix of modern and classical design.

Relax by the pool and enjoy the stunning views or soak up the ambience and the impeccable service in the exquisitely designed restaurant.

VILLA BECCARIS- AERIAL
Image 1 of 5

Villa Beccaris

Monforte d'Alba

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool

Hotel Villa Beccaris is a gorgeous 18th century villa overlooking the beautiful town of Monforte d’Alba.

The Villa has 23 rooms, which are divided into categories; Headwater guests will be allocated classic rooms. All rooms, however, are beautifully furnished in an individual, traditional style often with antique furniture but with modern touches.

The Villa is located within beautiful gardens and has a panoramic swimming pool which overlooks the honey-coloured town, surrounding countryside and mountains beyond.

The hotel also boasts several elegant sitting rooms, its own enoteca and a very charming bar.

Day 7 · 19km/11.8miAt Monforte d'Alba

At Monforte d'Alba

Monforte is a lively medieval town with attractive buildings grouped around the cobbled piazza; or visit Dogliani, famous for Dolcetto wine production and dominated by its lovely church.

Elevation

At Monforte d'Alba elevation profile

You stay at La Ribezza or Villa Beccaris

La Ribezza
Image 1 of 3

La Ribezza

Monforte d'Alba

  • Air conditioning
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Wifi access

As an alternative to Villa Beccaris, stays can be taken at ***** Hotel la Ribezza.

Opened in 2018, la Ribezza is a stylish, modern boutique hotel, located overlooking the medieval town of Monforte with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and vineyards.

Rooms are comfortable and elegantly styled in a mix of modern and classical design.

Relax by the pool and enjoy the stunning views or soak up the ambience and the impeccable service in the exquisitely designed restaurant.

VILLA BECCARIS- AERIAL
Image 1 of 5

Villa Beccaris

Monforte d'Alba

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool

Hotel Villa Beccaris is a gorgeous 18th century villa overlooking the beautiful town of Monforte d’Alba.

The Villa has 23 rooms, which are divided into categories; Headwater guests will be allocated classic rooms. All rooms, however, are beautifully furnished in an individual, traditional style often with antique furniture but with modern touches.

The Villa is located within beautiful gardens and has a panoramic swimming pool which overlooks the honey-coloured town, surrounding countryside and mountains beyond.

The hotel also boasts several elegant sitting rooms, its own enoteca and a very charming bar.

Day 8 · 35km/21.7miMonforte d'Alba to Benevello

Monforte d'Alba to Benevello

A steady climb takes you to a stunning panoramic ridge. From here, cycle to Serravalle Langhe, a great lunch spot with belvedere views before returning to your country hotel at Benevello, with dinner included in the hotel’s wonderful restaurant.

Elevation

Monforte d'Alba to Benevello elevation profile

You stay at Relais Villa d’Amelia

Outdoor pool and surrounding countryside at Villa DAmelia
Image 1 of 4

Relais Villa d’Amelia

Benevello

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Television

The Relais Villa d’Amelia is a luxuriously restored 19th century family villa (and a member of the ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’), just outside the Alta Langa village of Benevello.

The Villa d’Amelia has 37 ensuite rooms including three suites (one of which is located within the old chapel!) decorated in a modern style with neutral paints and dark leather and beech furnishings.

The hotel also boasts a central courtyard with sofas and chairs for relaxing outside, and a stunning lounge area complete with a grand piano!

Facilities at the hotel include a sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath, and lovely outdoor swimming pool.

Day 9 · —Leave Benevello

Leave Benevello

Extending your holiday

ANDREOLA CENTRAL HOTEL, MILAN (4 STAR)

Andreola Central Hotel

Milan

  • Air conditioning
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Television

The Andreola Hotel in Milan is ideally located for a stopover hotel. It is only 300m from the central station, from where shuttle buses run to Malpensa and Linate airports. The building is in the financial district – it is around a 20 minute walk into the renowned cathedral. The early 1900s building is more impressive inside than out – the marble columns, floors and gilt furniture in the lobby makes the interior very plush and elegant, and the 84 bedrooms are decorated with rich fabrics, paintings and marble en suite bathrooms.

Please contact us for prices.

Elegant sitting rooms at the Grand Hotel Sitea, Turin

Grand Hotel Sitea

Turin

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Shops

Boasting a prime location in Turin’s stunning centro storico, just a short walk from Piazza Castello, the Grand Hotel Sitea certainly lives up to its name, with its elegant entrance hall and opulent yet traditional sitting rooms. Bedrooms are similarly stylish, with marble ensuite bathrooms and all the comforts you’d expect from a 4 star hotel.

The Hotel Sitea has been accommodating travellers for over 90 years and perfectly blends the modern with the traditional. Previous guests at the hotel include the musician, Louis Armstrong.

Unusually for a city centre hotel, the Sitea also benefits from a quiet garden – perfect for a relaxing drink after a day’s sightseeing.

What our travellers say

Great food, beautiful scenery, cycling level wrong it is tough, some routes not good. not enough choice, but overall enjoyable holiday.

Mr Salter

Well organised, reps were lovely and very helpful.

Mrs Graham

Excellent holiday. Very helpful and friendly Headwater staff. Be honest with yourself with regards your fitness for long uphill rides

Mr Liddell

This is our third holiday with Headwater and we very much enjoyed our experience. The Barolo Gastronomic cycling trip in Piedmont was excellent with amazing countryside.

Mr Payne

Avoid taking this holiday in August. We loved the holiday but it was too hot.

Brown

Excellent routes and good hotels, good reps

Ms Velarde

A wonderful adventure. Challenging cycling through stunningly beautiful countryside. Ending each day with fantastic food and wine in very comfortable hotels.

Mrs Smith

We thoroughly enjoyed our gourmet cycling holiday in Piedmont. Everything was well organised. The scenery, the food and wine were all excellent. The Hotels were all different and very comfortable . All the hotels and meals were of a high standard. We were very glad that we had electric bilkes. We would have struggled on the very challenging hills in the beautiful weather, and would not have enjoyed our holiday so well. Unless very young or fit I would recommend e bikes. You will still have plenty exercise to earn your dinner! Although quite an expensive holiday it was good value for money.

Mrs Craig

This is our second holiday with Headwater and both have been excellent. We enjoyed cycling Piedmond and the high standard of accommodation and food that was on offer. The two nights spent in every stop over is a great format giving one time to explore the area. Some of the cycling was challenging which we expected but were able to complete it successfully. However we feel the grading could possibly be reviewed and changed to a 2.5 We went in the third week of September and the weather was wonderful. Thanks to Headwater and also to Greg and Laura for all their advice and information on each village that we stayed in. Jim/Anne Sandy/Janet

Mr Dayton

Stunning scenery, with views you cannot capture on camera. Electric bikes essential unless you are extremely fit and able to cycle up hills easily.
The hotels and locations are very good, the optional riding days are also worth doing.
All but one of the restaurants was very good with lovely food and good service.
The reps,Phaedra and Paul were very helpful and friendly.
This a lovely part of rural northern Italy, highly recommend.

Mrs Shann
Item 1 of 1

Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

18.0

Kg CO₂e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

From the journal

From£2,319per person