Turin Airport (TRN) is situated 16km northwest of the city in the heart of Piedmont and is well-served by flights from a variety of regional airports. Here the Skedaddle team will be waiting to whisk you away to Asti, the starting point of our adventure, approximately a one hour transfer.

On arrival we will build and fit bikes in preparation for the week ahead, after which, perhaps over a sparkling Asti wine aperitivo, the team will conduct a briefing on what’s in store, before sitting down for our first dinner together.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 680 Metres Approx

For our first ride, we head north into the Monferrato hills which spread out to the east of Turin. Combined with the Langhe and Roero territories, the cultural landscape of the Monferrato is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, our loop ride will explore a series of small, panoramic roads, leading us through cultivated fields and past numerous small villages which dot the countryside. From Asti, we then head west along the valley of the Borbore, before turning north into the hills.

Our destination this morning is the medieval hamlet of Cocconato, which we will reach only after having conquered the steepest climb of the day which leads straight into the village. Due to its mild climate, Cocconato is often dubbed the ‘Riviera of the Monferrato‘. Each year, as September winds down, its neighbourhoods, or rioni, face off in the Palio degli Asini, a humorous parody of Siena’s grand Palio. The twist? Forget horses, these jockeys race on donkeys!

From Cocconato we head east, then south again heading to the village of Murisengo and its 16th century castle, now a private property, dominated by the imposing crenelated tower. We will stop near the village for a tasty picnic lunch, before the final stage of our ride leads us back to our accommodation in Asti. On reaching the hotel, we can freshen up and hit the town centre for a relaxing walk or a visit to the Duomo, before sitting down for an aperitivo Asti style and finding a local trattoria or osteria for dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 860 Metres Approx

Leaving Asti we once again head north into the Monferrato hills. Shortly after leaving the town, the roller-coaster route leads us from one little village to the next as we take in the dramatic panoramic views of the countryside surrounding us. Before long we find ourselves passing through the village of Calliano Monferrato, known for its Barbera and Grignolino vineyards.

Heading further up into the Monferrato hills, we can stop for coffee in the hilltop village of Moncalvo. The rich history of this rural village is still very much evident by the imposing remains of the medieval castle and the many 17th and 18th century ‘palazzi’ (palatial villas) which dot the cobbled streets.

The territory of Moncalvo is also home to extensive vineyards producing well known wines such as the Barbera d‘Asti DOCG, as well as thick crops of hazelnut trees.

Later, we pass through the hamlet of Frassinello Monferrato where we may briefly stop to admire the castle perched above the village centre, before arrival at Vignale Monferrato. This tiny village of less than 1000 inhabitants, is home to one of the Monferrato’s most important enoteche (wine seller), a grand 15th century palazzo sporting a wide selection of valuable local wines.

Soon after whilst navigating the cycle way of the Circuito degli Infernot, we’ll enjoy our picnic lunch at a panoramic view point surrounded by vineyards. The Infernot are large underground cellars carved out in the bedrock, near or directly under the local houses, often used as pantries. Several of these are now transformed into wine cellars and are open for the public to visit.

Shortly before descending onto the town of Alessandria, today’s destination, we will make a short detour to the medieval Torre Paleologa of San Salvatore Monferrato, to enjoy one last panoramic view of the Monferrato hills through which we have been riding for the last two days. The city of Alessandria is located along the Tanaro River and is famed for its 18th century star-shaped Cittadella fortress. It is also an important agricultural and industrial centre and the home of the Borsalino hat factory, whose hats became famous through Hollywood, worn by iconic figures such as Al Capone and Michael Jackson and used in films like Casablanca.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 685 Metres Approx

Bidding farewell to Alessandria we head south along the valley of the Bormida river, slowly making our way up into the hills of the Alto Monferrato. After passing the village of Castellazzo Bormida, we climb to the hamlet of Mombaruzzo where we can stop to enjoy a coffee and sample the Amaretti of the Antica Fabbrica Amaretti, one of several producers of this local take on one of Italy’s famed biscuits.

A short descent follows, dropping us into the valley, dominated by vineyards as far as the eye can see, leaving us in no doubt that we are deep in the heart of wine country. A continuous 7 Km climb coaxes us up to the highest point of the day, Alice Bel Colle, where we are treated to stunning 360 degree views of the vineyard covered hills. The surrounding vineyards produce not only Moscato and Barbera, but also less well known wines such as Brachetto and Dolcetto.

Bel Colle means ‘Beautiful Hill’ and it is easy to see why the hamlet was named so. The beautifully coloured church of San Giovanni Battista is worth a visit, as is the belvedere, a short climb away and one of the area’s most spectacular view points.

Shortly after leaving Alice Bel Colle behind, we will stop for our picnic lunch in the middle of the vineyards, after which it is little more than another 15 km to our accommodation in Acqui Terme, a quiet provincial town, famous for its thermal springs. On our way to dinner, we will pay a brief visit to La Bollente (lit. the boiling, the scalding), a white marble monument built on top of a thermal spring, from which flows hot (75 degrees celsius) water.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1140 Metres Approx

Today we leave Alto Monferrato behind us and make our way into the Langhe region, to the west of Acqui Terme. Here we cycle from one famous wine producing village to the next, including Canelli, Barbaresco and Alba. As we set off from Acqui Terme, almost immediately we begin climbing to Montabone, followed shortly by a swift descent to the little town of Canelli where we may stop for coffee. Canelli has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2014, and preserves four enormous underground cellars, some of which are 32 m deep and up to 20 km in length, often referred to as ‘underground cathedrals‘, where millions of bottles of wine are left to age at a constant temperature of 12 to 14 degrees Celsius.

As we continue, we head higher, into the Langhe hills as we make our way to the village of Mango which with Canelli, is one of Italy’s main producers of Moscato wine. After a closer look at the local castle which houses the local regional enoteca, we descend again, now entering the Barbaresco wine region.

After taking in the charm of picture-perfect Neive, our ride continues to the fortified hamlet of Barbaresco, where the entire village and its residents, following family traditions that span centuries, are dedicated to wine production.

Finally we arrive in Alba: the capital of the white truffle area, also nicknamed the town of a hundred towers. Only a few of the fine red-brick towers survive, giving the town its distinctive appearance. Of Celtic and Ligurian origin, called Alba Pompeia by the Romans, the town has kept to a spiral-shaped medieval plan.

For those who love truffles, this is the evening to indulge in exquisite dishes where truffle is the key ingredient.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 1,100 Metres Approx

We begin with a gentle climb up to Verduno, known for its Barolo and Pelaverga grapes, before heading on to La Morra. In addition to the expansive vineyards, abundant apricot and peach orchards provide the setting for this lovely ride as we gradually continue onwards and upwards.

La Morra, often referred to as the ‘balcony of the Langhe,’ offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding region. Historical records reveal that Nebbiolo grapes, used today to craft prestigious Barolo, Barbaresco, and Nebbiolo wine, were being cultivated here as far back as 1402.

Next we arrive in Barolo, a modest village that has given name to one of Italy’s most prestigious wines. The castle of Barolo is home to a unique wine museum and is well worth a visit. Continuing on we take a short break to enjoy the charming hamlet of Monforte d’Alba, before pushing on to our picnic spot beside the quaint church of La Madonna della Neve. Here, we’ll enjoy lunch surrounded once more by vineyards on all sides, immersed in the beauty of the landscape.

After lunch, we cycle through Serralunga d‘Alba, another charming village crowned with a striking castle and recognised as a key site in Barolo wine production. From here, only the climb to Diano d‘Alba separates us from our return to the town of Alba. We’ll arrive with enough time to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic centre, followed by a well-earned aperitivo before settling in for dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 730 Metres Approx

Today marks our final day in the saddle as we make our way back to Asti, passing through yet another distinct wine region. Heading north, we’ll cross the Tanaro River valley, the natural divide between the Langhe and Roero wine areas. We then ascend to the high plateau of the Roero, renowned for cultivating the Arneis grape. This white variety was nearly lost to time, until a local priest from the village of Santo Stefano Roero rallied nearby farmers to help preserve the last remaining clones, ensuring its survival.

Upon reaching the plateau, one picturesque hamlet follows another, beginning with Santo Stefano di Roero before descending toward Montà and the delightful town of Canale, known not only for its excellent wine production but also celebrated for its delicious peaches.

Continuing further north, we arrive in Govone, a small town with Roman roots, best known for the Castello Reale, one of the many Savoy residences recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we can take a little time to explore the richly decorated castle and enjoy a coffee before beginning our gentle descent, accompanied by sweeping views over the Tanaro River valley, all the way back to Asti.

Upon arriving at our accommodation, we’ll pack up our bikes and freshen up before heading into town for a final aperitivo and farewell dinner – capped off with a glass or two of the beloved Piedmont wines we’ve come to know so well over the past days.

• Meals: Breakfast

After a relaxed breakfast, we transfer approximately one hour to Turin Airport for onward journeys. Alternatively, you might choose to extend your stay and further explore the region, perhaps savouring a few more glasses of its renowned wines.