Beautiful rolling green hills, medieval castles and hamlets, sublime cycling and incredible Italian food and wine… No, we’re not describing Tuscany but Piedmont! This lush region of northern Italy is often overlooked but there are some stand out reasons why you’ll absolutely want to visit Piedmont for your next cycling holiday. Watch our short video and read on to learn more about this magical region and our incredible new cycling tours for road cyclists and leisure cyclists.
1. The home of slow food
The cuisine of Piedmont celebrates tradition, sustainability, and a deep respect for local ingredients. As the birthplace of the international Slow Food movement, emphasis is on seasonal cooking and regional specialties like white truffles from Alba, creamy Castelmagno cheese, and hand-rolled tajarin pasta. There’s a real pride in home cooked food so you can always look forward to a hearty and delicious meal at the end of your day in the saddle. If you’re looking to indulge in a fine dining experience, then you’ll be spoilt for choice – the Alba area alone boasts 15 Michelin-starred restaurants. Piedmont also has an abundance of hazelnut crops and it’s here, in the old town of Alba, where the famous Fererro Rocher chocolates originated! We can’t think of a better place to enjoy the connection between people, place, and the pleasure of good, honest food.
2. Rich cultural heritage
Piedmont boasts a rich cultural heritage shaped by centuries of art, architecture, and tradition. Once the heart of the Savoy dynasty, it features grand baroque palaces, elegant piazzas, and historic cities like Turin, Italy’s first capital. Piedmont also led the unification of Italy in the 19th century. The region is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy and the Vineyard Landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, which reflect its deep ties to history and winemaking.
3. World-class wine region
Piedmont is one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions, renowned for its rolling vineyards and world-class wines. The area produces iconic reds like Barolo and Barbaresco, made from the Nebbiolo grape, as well as the elegant Barbera and sparkling Asti. Wine is a huge part of the culture and cuisine – you must try the risotto al Barolo! Piedmont’s vineyard landscapes, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcase centuries of winemaking tradition. On your cycling holiday here, you’ll ride through the Langhe and Roero vineyards dotted with picturesque hamlets that are steeped in history. If you choose our road cycling tour ‘Strada del Vino’, you’ll pass through the little town of Canelli, with its impressive underground wine cellars or ‘cathedrals’. Some are 32 m deep and up to 20 km in length, and home to millions of bottles of wine. On our leisure cycling tour ‘Vineyards and Vistas’ you’ll stop in Bra, home to the University of Gastronomic Sciences with its must-visit Banco del Vino.
4. Scenic landscapes and rolling hills
The lush rolling landscapes of Piedmont are simply breathtaking. Each climb is rewarded with incredible views of medieval hilltop villages, sweeping vineyards or the distant snow-capped peaks of the Alps. If you’re looking for a scenic cycle ride then Piedmont won’t disappoint!
5. Quiet roads and country lanes – perfect for cycling
Piedmont may not have the same worldwide recognition as a cycling destination as other regions of Italy but it does have a proud cycling heritage of its own and, as a cyclist, you’ll be made to feel very welcome here. Many great riders hail from Piedmont, none more legendary than Fausto Coppi, the ‘Campionissimo’ (Champion of Champions), World Champion, five-time Giro d’Italia winner, and two-time Tour de France champion. You don’t have to be a pro racer to enjoy the cycling here though! The lush rolling hills appeal to riders of all levels and the smooth winding asphalt roads snaking through the countryside are often quiet, perfect for cycling.
When is the best time of year to visit?
Piedmont is the perfect Spring or Autumn cycling destination. In Spring (May-June) and Autumn (September-October) temperatures are a pleasant 20-25C, perfect for cycling. Spring is a beautiful time of year to see colourful blooms and the distant snow-capped peaks of the Alps. Autumn is the time of year for celebrating the wine harvest as the landscapes turn beautiful golden hues.
Choose your next cycling holiday in Piedmont
Piedmont is the perfect place for a cycling holiday and we offer something to suit different levels. Road cyclists can enjoy a scenic route on our guided or self-guided tours. Those in search of a more relaxed pace can choose our self-guided leisure cycling holiday, with optional e-bike hire.
Vineyards and Vistas – Leisure Cycling Holiday
La Strada del Vino – Guided Road Cycling Holiday
La Strada del Vino – Self-Guided Road Cycling Holiday