For 2020 departures our trip inclusions are changing - please contact us for full details
Mr Kamper says...
A GREAT BREAK FOR CYCLIST WHO LOVE ITALY
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Tucked away in northern Italy, Piedmont is a region brimming with vineyard covered, softly rolling hills, sun-drenched hamlets, world-class wines and incredible hotels.
Your cycling holiday is varied and mainly follows quiet, traffic-free country roads. Starting in the lush hazelnut hills, you'll wind through terraces of swaying vines, verdant pine forests and rippling rivers to discover pretty hilltop hamlets and ancient castles. The region boasts an incredible array of fine wine towns, including Barbaresco and Barolo, both ideal lunch stops on your cycling days or free days. Other highlights include Alba's crimson, cobbled streets (where you can sample the local chocolate), the expansive views as you freewheel out of Mango, and strolling amongst the tangle of streets and geranium-decked houses of Monforte d'Alba's wonderful centre.
The hotels we've chosen are, quite simply, fabulous! In Benevello your 4 star hotel is a stunningly restored 19th century family villa, with a Michelin-starred restaurant; in Neive you're the guest of Viviana at her 12-room country house with a breathtaking panoramic pool; and in Monforte d'Alba private tastings can be organised in the hotel's vast wine cellar.
All breakfasts are included, but we have left evening meals to you, so you can enjoy the local gastronomic cuisine in the nearby restaurants.
The standard routes shown below offer plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and local exploring. Electric bikes are also available (at a supplement) for an even more relaxing experience.
We also offer a RidePlus option for this holiday - longer, more challenging routes that require the use of a lightweight road bike and are suitable for more experienced cyclists. GPX files are provided for you to download to your own route navigation device. View our RidePlus routes
Arrive at your stunning hotel just below Benevello. For dinner, you can head out to a local restaurant or book a table in the hotel restaurant - the chef here trained under Marco Pierre White!
You stay at Villa d'Amelia (breakfast included)
You'll start today with a gentle ride along an open road, with hawks soaring high above the breathtaking Langhe countryside. You visit lovely Mango, with its beautiful castle rich in WW2 history. Then on to San Stefano Belbo, the birthplace of one Italy's greatest writers, Cesare Pavese; the pretty old town makes for a lovely lunch stop. On the way to Neive, your cycle ride takes you past the famous Moscato vineyards before you arrive at your hotel, which boasts wonderful views over the verdant hills with vineyards cascading down.
You stay at the Hotel Villa Lauri (breakfast included)
Neive is a great place to explore. Officially one of Italy's prettiest villages and home of Romano Levi, a renowned grappa maker, you can wander its cobbled streets that are lined with brightly-coloured flower boxes, or after a morning by the panoramic pool, cycle or take a local bus to nearby Barbaresco for lunch and cheese-tasting in the piazza. Enjoy some wine in the enoteca, housed in a 19th century church built by the locals in thanks for a good grape harvest! Or head across to the spumante capital of Asti, with its quaint cobbled centre. Each September the main piazza is home to a crazy palio horse race to rival Siena's!
You stay at the Hotel Villa Lauri (breakfast included)
Leaving Neive behind, you undulate through the vineyards to Castagnole Lanze, before heading downhill to the River Tanaro to enjoy a lovely gentle ride along the river to Alba. There's time to explore the cobbled streets and bustling piazze of chocolate-perfumed Alba (the home of Ferrero Rocher). Then it's on to Grinzane Cavour where a warm welcome awaits at the elegant Casa Pavesi.
You stay at the Casa Pavesi (breakfast included)
Explore the UNESCO-recognised castle and indulge in a spot of wine-tasting. Then perhaps visit nearby Bra, a gastronomic treasure trove where the Slow Food movement was initiated - there's plenty of choice for a long, lazy lunch! There's lots to explore in the town too, including the 18th century Rococo church and the strange octagonal Zizzola, where local witches held their meetings. For the best views in the region, walk or cycle to La Morra, 'Balcony of the Langhe', spread out along a panoramic ridge above the vineyards.
You stay at the Casa Pavesi (breakfast included)
You'll cycle first through sunflower fields to Roddi, then on to Barolo, an ochre-hued village perched above its world-famous vineyards. The tangle of mediaeval streets are dominated by the Marchesi Falletti's 11th century castle. Pedal on through archetypal Langhe countryside to Monforte d'Alba, whose lovely honey-coloured old town clings enchantingly to the hillside. Your hotel here is special too.
You stay at Villa Beccaris (breakfast included)
You might not want to leave your gorgeous 18th century villa hotel with private swimming pool, but it'd be a shame not to explore mediaeval Monforte. It's a lively town with attractive buildings grouped around an atmospheric cobbled piazza. Maybe strike out a little further to Dogliani, dominated by its beautiful onion-domed church and famous for being at the heart of Dolcetto wine production.
You stay at Villa Beccaris (breakfast included)
Your final cycling day starts with a gentle coast along the Rea valley before a steady climb takes you to a stunning panoramic ridge. Weave through fields of wildflowers and sleepy hamlets to Serravalle Langhe, a great lunch spot with belvedere views. You pedal onwards alongside chestnut-carpeted hills with delightful vistas once more to reach your beautiful country hotel at Benevello, where you can enjoy the pool and Jacuzzi.
You stay at Villa d'Amelia (breakfast included)
The RidePlus routes shown below are longer, may have steep climbs and offer more of a challenge than those on our standard tour. They require the use of a lightweight road bike and are suitable for more experienced cyclists. The routes are supplied as GPX files for you to download to your own route navigation device (Garmin, Wahoo, Bryton, etc).
Our standard routes for this holiday take a more relaxed, shorter route, with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and local exploring. Electric bikes are also available (at a supplement) for an even more relaxing experience. View our standard routes
Arrive at your stunning hotel just below Benevello. For dinner, you can head out to a local restaurant or book a table in the hotel restaurant - the chef here trained under Marco Pierre White!
You stay at Villa d'Amelia (breakfast included)
Leaving the hotel behind, you cross the Belbo Valley following tiny roads with stunning views. After another climb you drop down to the town of Canelli then cross the river at Santo Stefano Belbo. Beautiful roads then lead you to Castiglione Tinella and onto Castagnole delle Lanze before following the river to the famous wine town of Barberesco, just 5 km from your hotel. Maybe take time
You stay at the Hotel Villa Lauri (breakfast included)
Neive is a great place to explore. Officially one of Italy's prettiest villages and home of Romano Levi, a renowned grappa maker, you can wander its cobbled streets that are lined with brightly-coloured flower boxes, or after a morning by the panoramic pool, cycle or take a local bus to nearby Barbaresco for lunch and cheese-tasting in the piazza. Enjoy some wine in the enoteca, housed in a 19th century church built by the locals in thanks for a good grape harvest! Or head across to the spumante capital of Asti, with its quaint cobbled centre. Each September the main piazza is home to a crazy palio horse race to rival Siena's!
You stay at the Hotel Villa Lauri (breakfast included)
Leaving the hotel you soon cross the Tanaro river before heading to the undulating Roero hills, passing a series of pretty villages. Baldissero with its beautiful and castle and Medieval centre is worth a stop. Before crossing the river once more and a challenging climb to the pretty wine village of La Morra, another ideal wine stop before a long downhill to your hotel in Grinzane Cavour.
You stay at the Casa Pavesi (breakfast included)
Explore the UNESCO-recognised castle and indulge in a spot of wine-tasting. Then perhaps visit nearby Bra, a gastronomic treasure trove where the Slow Food movement was initiated - there's plenty of choice for a long, lazy lunch! There's lots to explore in the town too, including the 18th century Rococo church and the strange octagonal Zizzola, where local witches held their meetings. For the best views in the region, walk or cycle to La Morra, 'Balcony of the Langhe', spread out along a panoramic ridge above the vineyards.
You stay at the Casa Pavesi (breakfast included)
Leaving the hotel you are immediately passing vineyards as far as the eye can see, you pass the Castiglione Falloetto and then into world famous Barolo. The small roads lead you through a series of small towns and as you arrive at Fossano, home of the best beef in Piemonte, continue passing hazelnut groves with great views all around. Stop off in Bene Vagienna for its impressive castle. Th
You stay at Villa Beccaris (breakfast included)
You might not want to leave your gorgeous 18th century villa hotel with private swimming pool, but it'd be a shame not to explore mediaeval Monforte. It's a lively town with attractive buildings grouped around an atmospheric cobbled piazza. Maybe strike out a little further to Dogliani, dominated by its beautiful onion-domed church and famous for being at the heart of Dolcetto wine production.
You stay at Villa Beccaris (breakfast included)
Your last day takes you along some stunning roads, passing up and over the Langhe hills, through a mix of vineyards and hazelnut groves and through a series of lovely small towns. Today is all about the winding roads and views as you head back to Benevello, maybe stopping at the big, bright green bench to admire the views, before your last night at Villa d'Amelia.
You stay at Villa d'Amelia (breakfast included)
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347, use our live webchat or email usa@exodustravels.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades: Deluxe Room, Junior Suite or Suite.
Deluxe rooms - offer views onto the surrounding hills; some (not all) of the deluxe rooms have a 4 poster bed and are a little larger. Junior Suites - much larger than the other room types. You will also benefit from a sitting area, with sofa, dressing gowns and larger bathrooms. There are just 2 junior suites - one overlooking the courtyard and the overlooking the hills. Please note that as these rooms have 4 poster beds, only double rooms are available.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades: Executive Room, Superior Room or Junior suite.
Superior rooms are south facing, larger and have a terrace. The junior suites are larger and come with a large terrace and a view over the Langhe hills.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Room upgrades: Superior Room, Suite 32, Suite 25 or Suite 11.
Please note: The suites are only available as double bedded rooms. Superior rooms have a view of the Langhe countryside. Suite 11 is larger with Jacuzzi bath, view of the Langhe countryside, a 4 poster bed and a small balcony (with chairs only). Suite 25 is larger, with a view of the Langhe countryside and large balcony with sun loungers . Suite 32 is larger with a 4 poster bed
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Located in Grinzane Cavour in the heart of the Langhe A Casa di Maria is a modern residence with a large garden and an excellent view. Quiet and cosy it is the perfect spot to relax at the end of a long day.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades: Deluxe Room or Suite Room.
Deluxe rooms - have a ceiling decorated with frescoes and original floor and are located in the most ancient part of the house. The Deluxe rooms have some extras like: fresh fruits; room service is offered; 'pillow menu', so that you can choose the pillow you prefer; cotton slippers; tea making facilities
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Turin airport 16:15 Mon-Thurs & Sun, 16:25 Fri & Sat and back to Turin airport at 13:00.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 1-800-267-3347 or email us at usa@exodustravels.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.
Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
A GREAT BREAK FOR CYCLIST WHO LOVE ITALY
Unless you are extremely fit, make sure you hire electric bikes to make the most of the stunning countryside.
Fantastic holiday, we did not choose the Gastronomic tour as we prefer to explore for ourselves. Be aware though that restaurants close on different days and are all well supported by locals so without reservations you may not get a table! We ate at some amazing places with no English menu, just what we enjoy...but take your phrase book. Everywhere we ate we had excellent food and wine. Veal features on the menu in many forms along with hazelnuts! The scenery was stunning and mileage travelled each day very manageable. We would strongly recommend electric bikes, unless you are a Club level cyclist many of the hills go on and on. My husband who cycles regularly at home on a road bike found the ordinary bike heavy and inappropriate. My electric bike was amazing!!
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
Find out about The Headwater Price Promise to ensure you're getting the very best value for money.
For 2020 departures our trip inclusions are changing - please contact us for full details.
This 8 night self-guided cycling holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of and hotels
All buffet breakfasts
Services of your local Headwater Representative
Headwater Wine Collection Service
GPS route directions and maps
RideWithGPS navigation app
High quality hybrid bikes
RidePlus route options
Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip (if booking inclusive flights)
Luggage transfers between hotels
How to book:
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
To enquire about this holiday, or for further information, call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form.
| Departing | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 1st May | US$2849 | Check availability |
| 3rd May | US$2849 | Check availability |
| 5th May | US$2849 | Check availability |
| 7th May | US$2849 | Check availability |
| 9th May | US$2849 | Check availability |
| 11th May | US$2849 | Check availability |
| 13th May | US$2849 | Check availability |
| 15th May | US$2849 | Check availability |
| 17th May | US$2849 | Check availability |
| 19th May | US$2849 | Check availability |
| 21st May | US$2849 | Check availability |
| 23rd May | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 25th May | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 27th May | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 29th May | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 31st May | US$2879 | Check availability |
| Departing | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Jun | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 4th Jun | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 6th Jun | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 8th Jun | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 10th Jun | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 12th Jun | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 14th Jun | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 16th Jun | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 18th Jun | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 20th Jun | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 22nd Jun | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 24th Jun | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 26th Jun | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 28th Jun | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 30th Jun | US$2879 | Check availability |
| Departing | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Jul | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 4th Jul | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 6th Jul | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 8th Jul | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 10th Jul | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 12th Jul | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 14th Jul | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 16th Jul | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 18th Jul | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 20th Jul | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 22nd Jul | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 24th Jul | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 26th Jul | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 28th Jul | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 30th Jul | US$2899 | Check availability |
| Departing | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 3rd Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 5th Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 7th Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 9th Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 11th Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 13th Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 15th Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 17th Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 19th Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 21st Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 23rd Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 25th Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 27th Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 29th Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 31st Aug | US$2899 | Check availability |
| Departing | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Sep | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 4th Sep | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 6th Sep | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 8th Sep | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 10th Sep | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 12th Sep | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 14th Sep | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 16th Sep | US$2899 | Check availability |
| 18th Sep | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 20th Sep | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 22nd Sep | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 24th Sep | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 26th Sep | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 28th Sep | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 30th Sep | US$2879 | Check availability |
| Departing | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Oct | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 4th Oct | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 6th Oct | US$2879 | Check availability |
| 8th Oct | US$2879 | Check availability |
The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
Children
Over 2 and under 12 sharing with 2 adults.
Holiday type
Self-guided cycling Managed locally by Headwater appointed rep.
Departures
Every two days from 1st May 2020 to 8th Oct 2020, for 8 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.
Meals
All buffet breakfasts
Electric bikes
It is possible to hire electric bikes for this holiday at a supplement of £136 per person. As these are available on a first come first served basis, we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.
RidePlus
Customers wishing to include the free RidePlus option should request this at the time of booking. RidePlus holidays include additional route directions as GPX files for you to download to your own route navigation device (Garmin, Wahoo, Bryton, etc). Our standard hybrid bikes are not suitable for RidePlus routes so you will need to bring your own road bike or hire one (see below).
Rideplus bike upgrades
Road bikes (Pinarello Paris) are available at a supplement of £218 per person. As these are available on a first come first served basis, we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.
Tour only
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Turin airport 16:15 Mon-Thurs & Sun, 16:25 Fri & Sat and back to Turin airport at 13:00.
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 1-800-267-3347 or email us at usa@exodustravels.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Due to the tailor-made nature of our holidays, we need a little more information in order for us to check availability for Cycling the Wine Villages of Piedmont. Simply complete the form below (fields marked * are mandatory) and a member of our sales team will contact you (when it's most convenient for you) to provide availability information, travel options and an accurate price. Of course there's no obligation, but if you do wish to proceed with a booking they will be on-hand to assist you throughout the process.
Alternatively, you can call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 to discuss your requirements in more detail.
