Langhe Hills
The Langa is a vast hilly area covered by quality vineyards (Bassa Langa) and pastures and hazelnut groves (Alta Langa). The roads we propose connect the villages famous for the crus of red wines that are produced here. Never very long climbs and descents on little-traffic roads connect villages with castles that recall the medieval origins of the area. The hills form a basin with the city of Alba in the centre, famous for the white truffle fair.
At a Glance
6 Days | 5 Nights | 5 Rides
Roads type: 100% Tarmac
Bike required: Road
Daily Itineraries
2 different itineraries to chose from every day.
You are free to mix them to create your personal vacation.
Regular itinerary:
RIDER LEVEL: Recreative/Intermediate
Total ride distance, 125 miles (250 km)
Total climbing, 13,300 feet (4.050 m)
Extended itinerary:
RIDER LEVEL: Intermediate/Advanced
Total ride distance, 165 miles (270 km)
Total climbing, 18,500 feet (5.600 m)
Daily Itineraries
Day 1 –Arrival in Italy, Welcome and Warm-up Ride
Arrival in Italy. We pick you up at Milan (MPX) Airport or at the other pickup point previously agreed. Approximately two hour van transfer to Monforte in the Langhe region.
Hotel Check-in and after a light lunch you have two options: few hours to recover from the fatigues of the trip and relax in the hotel’s or setup and test your bike with a short warm-up ride with our guides.
At sunset we go to: RISTORANTE FELICIN
Welcome dinner in a stunning restaurant dug into the Monforte hill. Langhe cuisine, very rare specialties (cold cuts, cheeses, preserves) and Barolo wines from the village of Monforte
Regular: 14 miles – 1,600 feet
Extended: 22 miles – 2,350 feet
Day 2 – Barbaresco – Red Wine Vineyards Tour
We are in the Langhe, famous for the best Italian red wines: Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera. Hills covered by vineyards with fun climbs, never very long.
Destination Barbaresco, reached after two climbs and passing through the villages of Benevello, Mango, Neive (the most beautiful village in the Langhe), to then finish the tour in Alba, the city of truffles.
At sunset we go to: RISTORANTE AROMATARIO
The dinner is in Neive, the most beautiful village in the Langhe, it is said that the narrow streets of Neive smell of Barbaresco wine, a long and intense perfume. In our destination, regional Langhe cuisine and Barbaresco red wine, is no small thing.
Regular: 26 miles – 2,950 feet
Extended: 34 miles – 4,300 feet
Day 3 – Barolo – Tour of the Castles
Barolo is the most prestigious wine area in Italy, it is made up of 11 villages, the tour we have prepared for you passes through the vineyards of 8 of these and touches 6 castles that recall the feudal past of these lands.
The tour goes around the Barolo basin, among the many points of interest the Belvedere of La Morra, the Barolo Chapel and the Village of Perno
At sunset we go to: RISTORANTE BATTAGLINO
Aperitif and dinner in the city of Bra, dinner at our favorite restaurant in the Langhe, founded in 1919, managed by the latest generation, offers a historic cuisine but lightened up for current tastes. Cellar in line with the highest expectations
Regular: 27 miles – 3,180 feet
Extended: 34 miles – 4,085 feet
Day 4 – Alta Langa – Between Hazelnuts and Sheep Cheeses Tour
Alta Langa is the southern part where the Langhe hills reach the Ligurian sea.
Vineyards of white grapes for sparkling wine, many cultivations of fine hazelnuts from the Langhe and grazing sheep.
After four climbs (including Fausto Coppi’s training climb) you arrive at the halfway point of Murazzano, the home of the sheep’s robbiola cheese of the same name, which you will taste with Cugnà (!!!)
At sunset we go to: OSTERIA LA TORRE
Aperitif in the medieval village of Cherasco, we will have dinner in one of our favorite trattorias, Langhe cuisine at the highest levels and a cellar with a long choice of Barolo wine.
Regular: 27 miles – 3,150 feet
Extended: 34 miles – 4,230 feet
Day 5 – Roero – White Wine Vineyards Tour
Roero, the secret part of the Langhe, a long ride in the less famous areas, but full of charm.
A long series of ascents takes us from the high hill of Monforte to the plain of Bra
At sunset we go to: LOCANDA DELL’ARCO
Farewell dinner in the delightful Locanda dell’Arco in Cissone, a village with a spectacular balcony overlooking the Alps which will be covered with snow in late autumn
A worthy closing of traditional Langhe cuisine with a cellar always on the lookout for new small producers.
Regular: 31 miles – 2,500 feet
Extended: 41 miles – 3,480 feet
Day 6 – Greetings and see you soon with us on the Italian roads
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye and start the journey back home.
If you come back home, we will take you to Milan (MPX) airport, or if you plan to stay longer to visit Italy, we will be happy to help you.
We hope to see you soon on one of our tours on the roads of Italy
Dining in the great Italian “Trattoria”
Contrary to popular belief, Italy does not have a single gastronomic tradition (Pizza, Pasta, Cannolo) but many traditions closely linked to their territory, which make up a very interesting mosaic. Our goal is to introduce you to it, to immerse you, every evening we take you to the “Great Italian Trattorias” where the Italian culinary heritage is preserved and perpetuated.
The LANGHE has the best Italian regional cuisine (tied), rich in fantastic raw materials, opulent thanks to the white truffle of Alba, never boring or cloying. Every valley, every village has its own recipes that have been handed down over time. The Langhe is the land of origin of the SlowFood movement which since 1986 has given input to the qualitative growth of first Piedmontese and then Italian trattorias. Dinners in the Langa are unforgettable for the food, for the best red wines in Italy (Barolo and Barbaresco), but it reaches very high peaks if you add a taste of white truffle. We are curious about your opinion.
Felicin is the tradition of the Langhe, founded at the beginning of the 20th century, the history of this restaurant follows the economic/social development of the place, from an agricultural area to an elite international tourism destination. The classic tasty and opulent cuisine of the Langhe, in the cellar a wide selection of Barolo and Barbaresco, a good sign to start your holiday.
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Duck foie gras terrine with apricot,red onion jam and ginger.
First course: Traditional Piemontese “Agnolotti” with the hunchback cardoons of Nizza Monferrato.
Main course: Roast baby goat from Alta Langa.
We are in Neive, the most beautiful village in the Barbaresco area, perched on the hill with its castle overlooking the vineyards. It will be nice to get lost in the alleys and drink an aperitif before arriving at Aromatario. It is the restaurant run by very young friends, excellent seasonal cuisine between tradition and innovation and an excellent Langhe wine cellar. This evening it’s Barbaresco’s turn.
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Veal tongue with traditional red bagnet sauce, marinated beetroot.
First course: Tajarin, handmade egg yolk tagliolini with sausage ragù.
Main course: Local rabbit cooked in Arneis wine, agretti.
We are in Bra, the city famous for the international “Cheese” fair and because the Slow Food movement was born here, a city dedicated to food, wine and the sustainable growth of small artisans who produce food. We couldn’t take you to our favorite restaurant, Battaglino will welcome us with its haute cuisine and splendid cellar. We think you will be happy.
Highlights dishes:
Starter: “Truset» salad, low temperature cooked eel and sweet and sour peppers.
First course: Meat »bollito» ravioli on creamed potatoes and white pepper.
Main course: “Toumin dal Mel» cheese with turnip tops and Bra sausage.
ISnails, snails, snails are the specialty of the village of Cherasco and above all here at the Osteria della Torre. Don’t panic because there is much more waiting for you on the table, they won’t leave you hungry. One of the most beautiful taverns in the Langhe with Michelin Bib Gourmand award-winning cuisine
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Piemontese-style Steak tartare with hazelnuts and Alba white truffle.
First course: Potato gnocchi stuffed with snails grilled with parsley chlorophyll and green ribs.
Main course: Ruché wine Braised Piemontese Beef.
Locanda dell’Arco, the hidden gem, the place to rest your limbs, taste traditional dishes, made with seasonality and quality of the raw materials. Pampered by a competent service, you will not find any flights of fancy, but only reassuring frankness. There are two wine lists, Barolo and Barbaresco, depth of vintages and a convincing representation of the area.
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Pepper roll and tuna mousse with fried anchovis.
First course: Buckwheat noodles with lamb and pistachio sauce.
Main course: Wild board with chestnuts.
Piedmontese tradition inspires the dishes of this restaurant that has made history in the Langa. The service is attentive and the cellar is among the most complete. The panoramic dehore in the summer offers a privileged view of the hills.
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Roasted peppers with thuna , anchovies ,capers.
First course: Typical ravioli “del plin” stuffed with meat, vegetables and beef sauce.
Main course: Jugged guinea fowl on toasted polenta with liver patè and black cabbage.
Living in the Charme
We have selected some beautiful boutique hotel, historical house or vinery house, where you will enjoy to stay in relax after your bike experience.
Most of them have SPA treatment available in a charming exclusive environment.
Our tours involve staying in a single hotel for the entire holiday, to avoid the commitment of transfers and to have more time to immerse yourself in the culture of the area.
In case of unavailability of the described accommodation, the same level accommodation will be chosen.
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The Corte Gondina, a boutique hotel in the heart of the Langhe. We, together with the charming staff, will provide you with an authentic experience, designed especially for you.
Villa Beccaris is located in an extraordinary position near to the town of Alba and it is the ideal place, rich in history, culture and beauty, where to spend unforgettable relaxing moments.
This stunning XVIIIth century Villa, surrounded by the Alps and facing the Barolo hills (part of the Unesco World Heritage List), offers to its guests breathtaking views on the Langhe vineyards and on the picturesque Monforte village.
Whats’s included
ACCOMODATION
- 5 nights in Historical Mansions, Luxury Hotels or Villas located in special places
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Concierge service for additional vacation ticketing, booking
TRANSPORT
- Guest pick-up / drop-off in airport or other meeting point
- All-vacation long, guests, bikes and luggage transport
MEALS
- 5 daily breakfasts in hotel
- 5 lunches during the riding time
- 5 social hours aperitivo
- 5 dinners in 5 different GREAT ITALIAN TRATTORIA with the best Italian regional wines
WHEN YOU ARE RIDING YOUR BICYCLE
- 5 riding days, 2 daily itineraries with different grade of effort
- 2 expert local certified guides multilingual will ride with you and support all day
- 1 professional mechanic with support/SAG Van during the tour
- Energy bars and sports drink during pedaling
- Daily bike maintenance and daily laundry service for bike clothing
- GPX daily tours documentation
- Custom Hirides.com cycling kit
WHEN YOU ARE NOT RIDING YOUR BICYCLE
- Professional guides for visits to the tour cities, experts for visits to wineries and support in all not pedaling activities as described in the tour program
- Wine tasting/oil tasting at the producers’ premises. Visits to dairies with demonstration of cheese making, as described in the tour program
BICYCLE
- Rental of professional bicycle (e-bike or muscle) or transport of your beloved bicycle in Italy
PERSONAL INSURANCE
- Civil Liability Insurance and Italian health insurance for non European citizens
What’s not included
AIRFARE
- Upon request we can arrange your flights throug our partners
BEFORE AND AFTER VACATION
- Meals, transportation, hotel costs or expenses in the days before and after the tour
HIRIDES.COM STAFF GRATUITIES
- Staff Hirides.com gratuities is not included
TRAVEL PROTECTION
- Travel Protection Plan not included, but heavily suggested
LUGGAGE AND BIKE TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
- Luggage service, before/after tour days (ON-DEMAND)
- Bike transport service, before/after tour days (ON-DEMAND)
ON-DEMAND ACTIVITIES
- Regional cuisine cooking class
- White Truffle tasting
- White Truffle hunting
PERSONAL EXPENSES
- Cost of passport and visas
- Personal expenses while on the vacation
- Personal transportations when not included on the Tour
- Beverages not specifically agree/included
- Additional hotel expenses, mini-bar, wellness treatments
- Optional activities not scheduled by Hirides.com
- All not explicitly declared in the vacation description