GOURMET BAROLO CYCLING
Pedal through Piedmont, the cradle of the slow food movement, where you can taste the local
hazelnut chocolates, the spicy “Bagna Cauda”, the hand-crafted salamis and of course the white
truffle of Alba. The fine wines of Gavi, Barolo and Barbaresco round off your gourmet experience.
The rolling landscape of the Piedmont wine hills is a rich tapestry of vineyards, hazelnut plantations and
dense oak woods, sprinkled with picturesque villages, elegant castles and feudal towers. Your cycling tour
begins in the ancient spa town of Acqui Terme. From here you wind your way through the hills and
meandering valleys of the Langhe to Gavi, homeland of the legendary Italian cyclist Fausto Coppi.
From Gavi you follow the Tanaro River past imposing castles to the Montferrato foothills where you stay at
the heart of a wine estate. The honeyed labyrinthine streets of Casale and Asti, with their historic buildings
made from the volcanic yellow Tuff stone, are next on your itinerary. Followed by the ‘hundred towered’ city
of Alba which has beautiful examples of Roman, Gothic and Baroque architecture.
Continuing through the heart of Barolo wine region you can look forward to two nights at the Hotel Relais
Montemarino, a converted nineteenth century farmhouse converted into a fine hotel surrounded by the
unspoilt beauty of the Langhe Hills. Your last cycling day takes you to back to Acqui Terme along the
Bormida River past the old villages of Cessole and Bubbio.
Food, wine and pleasure are at the heart of this holiday. Your holiday includes seven nights accommodation
at a selection of fine accommodations including contemporary four star city hotels, stylish country house
hotels and welcoming farmhouses. Breakfast each morning, luggage transfer, emergency support from our
local representatives, detailed turn by turn route notes and maps are of course all included.
The food and wine of Piedmont, Italy’s gourmet paradise
Sublime cycling through the forests and vineyards of the Piedmont countryside
Roman ruins, Gothic cathedrals and Baroque architecture
The honeyed labyrinthine streets of Casale and Asti
A huge selection of incredible wines, cheeses, sweets and chocolates to taste.
An authentic experience of rural Italy
WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED CYCLING HOLIDAY WITH US?
Macs Adventure are specialists in self guided cycling holidays in Europe. We understand what makes for an
unforgettable cycling holiday; great routes, breathtaking scenery, lots to do and warm, welcoming
accommodation. All are included as standard!
Cycling is the best way to discover Piedmont and its gastronomy. Pre-booked accommodation, detailed
route notes and maps, baggage transfers and local backup support mean you can relax and enjoy your time
cycling through the gourmet paradise of Italy.
SUMMARY
What’s Included?
Accommodation: 7 nights accommoda-tion in 4 star hotels, country house hotels
and wine estates.
Meals: A delicious breakfast is included
each day. Lunch and dinner are not included
but always available at your accommodation
or nearby.
Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door
baggage transfer.
Information Pack: Detailed route notes,
maps and support from our local representa-
tive.
Tour: Gourmet Barolo Cycling
Code: CItSGBc
Type: Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Price: See Website
Single Supplement: See Website
Dates: Apr - Nov
Cycling Days: 6 Days
Nights: 7 Nights
Start/Finish: Acqui Terme / Acqui Terme
Grade: Moderate
Closest Airport: Turin / Genoa/ Milan
HIGHLIGHTS Is It For Me?
If you appreciate fantastic wine, exquisite
regional food and the beautiful Piedmontese
landscape, then this cycling holiday is
perfect for you.
GOURMET BAROLO CYCLING
GOURMET CYCLING IN PIEDMONT
Code: CItSGBC
Days: 8 (6 Days Cycling)
Nights: 7
DAY 1
Arrive in Acqui Terme
The hot sulphur springs of Acqui Terme have
been famous since Roman times. A delightful
little city Acqui Terme has been authentically
restored and sights include the Gothic Acqui
Cathedral, Palaeologi Castle, the 10th century
Church of San Pietro and the roman aqueduct on
the outskirts of town.
Hip little shops, countless restaurants and
friendly locals will earn Acqui Terme a place in
your heart.
Acqui Terme is easily accessed from five major
airports – Malpensa, Linate, Nice, Genoa and
Torino by train or bus.
Overnight: The elegant and tranquil Hotel
Roma Imperiale**** occupies a 19th century villa
and boasts a outdoor pool, spa and fine dining.
Alternatively the Grand Hotel Nuove Terme****
occupies a historic building dating from 1891
right in the centre of Acqui Terme on the
cathedral square. It has a large indoor pool and
spa facilities.
DAY 2
Acqui Terme to Gavi
Leaving Acqui Terme you will cycle to Gavi
through green rolling hills and verdant valleys,
famous for the ‘Gavi de Gavi’ white wine, and the
homeland of Italy’s legendary cyclist, Fausto
Coppi.
Cycle: 59km / 37 miles
Overnight: The delightful four star Hotel
L’Ostelliere is located on a large wine estate.
Impeccably presented rooms, fabulous views, an
outdoor pool and fine restaurant will make you
wish you were staying for longer.
Alternatively the four star Hotel Villa Pomela.
Looking more like a castle than a hotel the
building dates from the 1690’s and has been
sympathetically converted into a comfortable
country hotel set in beautiful parkland.
DAY 3
Gavi to Vignale Monferrato
Leaving Gavi you descend to the flood plain
alongside the Tanaro River, a tributary of the
River Po. Your route is punctuated by small
villages and large castles – many of which are
built from the characteristic red brick of the
region.
Vignale Monferrato, the wine capital of the area,
awaits you, where you can enjoy a well-deserved
glass of Barolo.
Cycle: 69km / 43 miles
Overnight: Agriturismo Cascina Alberta is
located two kilometres from town on a hilltop
which boasts wonderful views of the surrounding
countryside. At the heart of a working wine estate
the authentic farmhouse is backed up by a warm
welcome and wholesome food.
Or Anticoborgo B&B, which is located on the
edge of the village and enjoys expansie views
over the Monferrato Hills towards the Alps.
DAY 4
Vignale Monferrato to Asti
Leaving Monferrato you can look forward to a
relaxed ride to the beautiful capital of the
province, Asti. Cycling through the Barbara wine
hills you pass through the picturesque villages of
Fubine, Montemagno and Portacomaro.
Asti lies at the heart of the region famous for the
production of Asti Spumante (DOCG) sparkling
wine. With a history dating back to Neolithic
times the charming old town centres on the
triangular shaped Piazza Alfieri.
Famous for its towers, of which 120 still stand,
you must also visit the Torre dei Comentini (13th
C), the octagonal Torre de Regibus (13th C) and
the Rossa di San Secondo, built during the reign
of the Roman Emperor Augustus.
If you visit Asti in September you are in for a
treat. The famous Palio horse race, where riders
and horses don medieval garb is held on the
third Sunday. Even better news is that in the two
weeks prior to the Palio local wine producers
gather for the the Douja d'Or, an exhibition of
local vintages accompanied by tastings of special
dishes from the great Astesan chefs and a busy
entertainment programme.
Cycle: 50km / 31 miles
Overnight: Either the 4 star Hotel Palio, a
comfortable modern hotel or the contemporary 4
star Hotel Aleramo. Both are located less than
100 metres from the historic centre of Asti.
DAY 5
Asti to Benevello
Today’s ride takes you through the heart of
Barolo, one of Italy’s most prestigious wine
producing regions via the city of Alba.
The centre of Alba has pre-Roman origins, and
the city itself is in a polygonal form, with parts of
the fortified gate and other marble and mosaics
still visible. The cobbled streets of Alba are lined
ITINERARY
Day Route Km
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Arrive Acqui Terme Aqui Terme to Gavi Gavi to Vignale Monferrato Monferrato to Asti Asti to Benevello Circular route from Benevel-lo Benevello to Acqui Terme Onward Travel
59 69 50 57
23/32 54
GOURMET BAROLO CYCLING
GOURMET CYCLING IN PIEDMONT
with chic bars and boutiques and the restaurant
scene is second to none. The Ferrero Rocher
factory on the edge of town makes some of the
world’s best selling chocolate, but for a real treat
dive into one of the divine little pastry shops.
Alba is famous for its prized white truffles. The
truffle fair takes place on the six weekends from
the beginning of October to mid November and
brings the city to life.
Leaving Alba you can look forward to 15 more
kilometres through rolling hills covered with
fragrant peach orchards and hazelnut woods to
Benevello, where you will be based for two
nights.
Cycle: 57km / 36 miles
Overnight: Hotel Relais Montemarino
Standing in the shade of an old chestnut tree the
hotel was created from the renovation of a
nineteenth century farmhouse.
The hotel, which has a swimming pool, is
surrounded by the unspoilt beauty of the Langhe
Hills. Each of the 27 rooms, all different, are
tastefully and imaginatively furnished and
equipped with all modern facilities.
DAY 6
Circular route from Benevello
Today’s circular route is challenging in places,
winding through the Alte Langhe and its hazelnut
forests. The surrounding villages of Serravalle
and Cissone are great places to stop and
appreciate the rural Italian lifestyle. On your
return you wind through the back roads, along
the steep Nebbiolo and Barbara vineyards, with
spectacular views of Alps.
Cycle: 23/32km / 14/20 miles
Overnight: Hotel Relais Montemarino
DAY 7
Benevello to Acqui Terme
Your last cycling day takes you to back to Acqui
Terme. Enjoy the relaxed cycling along the
Bormida river, and discover the old villages of
Cessole and Bubbio on your way. The beautiful
Romanesque bridge of Monastero Bormida is a
great example of the mediaeval architecture of
the region.
Cycle: 54km / 34 miles
Overnight: 4 star Hotel Roma Imperiale or 4
star Grand Hotel Nuove Terme
DAY 8
Depart Acqui Terme
Your holiday ends after breakfast.
Additional Nights and Extensions
You can add additional nights at any point
before, during or after the tour or elsewhere in
Italy.
Grade
This cycling tour is graded moderate. Daily
distances range 32– 69 km with between 400
and 800 meters of climbing each day.
The route follows country lanes and secondary
roads with light traffic, although inevitably near
the larger towns there is more traffic.
Navigation
We supply you with detailed route notes and
maps for each day’s journey, so you should have
no problem following the route.
Accommodation
The accommodation on this trip is fabulous. A
combination of stylish four-star hotels in the
larger towns and excellent country hotels and
inns in the countryside. An authentic experience
of the best of Italy!
Alternate accommodation
During high season, or when your stay falls on a
closing day, you might be booked into a different
accommodation which is not listed in the
description. Any alternative accommodation will
be of the same or better standard as those
described.
Single Rooms & Solo Travellers
If you require single rooms within your party we
would be happy to accommodate you although
there is a single room supplement payable.
This holiday is available for solo cyclists but as
some costs are not shared there is a supplement
payable.
Meals
A delicious breakfast is included each morning.
Lunch and dinner are not included. You can pick
up a picnic lunch before you set off or stop along
the route in one of the villages. Dinner is
available either at your accommodation or
nearby restaurants.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred between your
accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask
you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to
20kg per person.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which lists everything you need to pack.
Rental Bikes (not included)
Rental bikes are available to hire at an additional
cost. We offer 21-gear hybrid bikes which come
with a puncture repair kit, pump and lock.
HOLIDAY INFORMATION
GOURMET BAROLO CYCLING
GOURMET CYCLING IN PIEDMONT
Getting to/from Acqui Terme
By Air: The most convenient airports to fly
into are Genoa (1hr), Milan (2hr) and Turin (2hr).
All are well-served by major and low-cost
airlines.
By Train: From Milan, depart Central Station
(two changes).
Genoa has a direct service from Porta Principe
or Brignole stations.
From Turin, depart Porta Nuova for direct trains,
although sometimes you will have to make one
change.
Please see www.trenitalia.com for train times, or
www.raileurope.com
By Bus: From Milan, depart Milano
Famagosta Station (Linee Veloce) Mon-Fri.
From Turin, depart Corso Vittorio Emanuele for
Acqui Terme. (Linea 025/10)
Please see: http://www.arfea.it/
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with us that you have
suitable travel insurance that covers you for
cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.
Please refer to our website for up to date prices.
This trip is available any day from the beginning
of April to the end of November.
Included
Accommodation for 7 nights in four star hotels, country house hotels and country estates.
7 Breakfasts
Daily luggage transport of 1 bag of up to 20kg per person as required.
Detailed route descriptions and pre departure information pack
Maps of the walks
24-hour assistance from our local representative
Excluded
Cycle hire
Flights and transfers to and from Acqui Terme.
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Travel insurance
Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
Any items not specifically mentioned in the program
Optional Extras
Bike Hire
Single room supplement(s) if applicable
Solo cyclist supplement if applicable
Airport transfers
Additional nights during the holiday.
Once you have read all the information in this
factsheet or our website and would like to go
ahead with your booking you can book securely
online at www.macsadventure.com or by
telephone on +44 (0) 141 530 8886
Financial Security
In accordance with "The Package Travel
Package Holidays and Package Tours
Regulations1992" all passengers booking with
Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the
initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all
monies paid to us, including repatriation if
required (this insurance will not cover repatriation
to the country of origin for the passengers
outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or
curtailment of your travel arrangements due to
the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd.
ABTA Member
Statement
Macs Adventure Holidays is a Member of ABTA.
ABTA and ABTA members help holidaymakers
to get the most from their travel and assist when
things don’t go according to plan. We are obliged
to maintain a high standard of service to you by
ABTA’s Code of Conduct.
For more information on ABTA, the Code of
Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to
you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30
Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117
Book with Confidence. We are a member of
ABTA which means you have the benefit of
ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. We
provide full financial protection for your money
TRAVEL INFORMATION
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY HOW TO BOOK
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
GOURMET BAROLO CYCLING
GOURMET CYCLING IN PIEDMONT