GASTRONOMIC BAROLO CYCLING (FURTHER DETAILS)

General information:
This is a 2 cycle independent 8 night holiday.

The cycling is mixed level, with plenty of ascents and descents! The cycling is mainly along a tarmac roads, the routes offer fantastic views all over Piedmont. There are plenty of places to visit each day too.

Mostly on asphalt roads (generally very quiet). The only exception is day 2 cycling which follows a limestone cycling track (strada bianca) alongside the Tanaro river.

Location:
The holiday takes place in the Langhe region of Piedmont. Piedmont itself is in the north-west of Italy, bordered by France and the Italian provinces of Liguria, Lombardy and Val d'Aosta. The Langhe area of Piedmont is just south of Turin and is an area characterised by rolling countryside - the Alps form a natural border to the area and their snow-capped peaks are often visible on the horizon. Lots of chestnut and oak forests, hazelnut groves and vineyards. The tour takes in different wine producing areas including Barolo, Barbaresco and Moscato d'Asti.

The tour starts in Benevello, which is about 10 minutes' drive from Alba, the main town in the area. The first day we cycle to Castiglione Tinella, in the Moscato producing region, taking in the wine towns of Treiso, Barbaresco and Neive en-route. It is then on via the Tanaro river to lovely Grinzane Cavour with its imposing castle. The next cycling day takes in Barolo before reaching Monforte d'Alba. We then return to Benevello along a beautiful route.

Who would this holiday appeal to?
This holiday appeals to those who want lots of local colour, breathtakingly panoramic scenery, quiet roads to cycle along and fantastic food and wine at good quality hotels along the way.

We would recommend this holiday to couples looking for a romantic break, in a beautiful area, as well as groups of friends look for a fantastic holiday.

Similar to which other holidays?
We think this holiday is similar to our 'Hightlights of La Rioja' cycling holiday, as it has a similar focus on lovely food and wine as well as excellent hotels

Possibility of non-standard departures?
Non standard dates are not really applicable as this is an independent repped region with departures every two days.

Other details:
Weather

The Langhe region has mild springs, warm autumns and long, hot summers with the occasional storm. Spring and autumn would be the best times to visit for the colours and milder weather.

Autumn is the high season as it's the time of the grape harvest, truffle and hazelnut season.