Programme

Day 1

Independent arrival at Turin

The initial capital of Italy and a very smart city, Turin is a former industrial city which has now emerged as centre of culture, particularly after hosting the Winter Olympics in 2006. There are four rivers passing Turin: Stura di Lanzo, Sangone, Po and Dora Riparia. A characteristic of the town are many cycle paths. In Turin there’s a lot to see: the 19^th century tower ‘Mole Antonelliana’ (167,5m), symbol of the town, the National Movie Museum, Palazzo Reale (residence of the Dukes and after them the king, who governed the town), the cathedral San Giovanni Battista (15^th century), the Egyptian Museum and the impressive Palazzo Madama

Day 2

Turijn – Pinerolo    30 miles / km 45
This part of the route is flat. From Turin you bike along cycle paths and minor roads, following the river Po and small tributaries of the Po, to reach the foot of the mountains. Here you will find the hunting lodge of Stupinigi Palace, a royal residence of the Savoy family. The building is a Rococo style masterpiece by the architect Filippo Juvarra. You then continue, park by park, along the rivers to Pinerolo; a very pleasant stretch of cycling. Your overnight stay is in the delicious Pinerolo, which used to be home to one of the most famous horse-riding schools in Italy. The square ‘piazza Vittorio Veneto’ with its surrounding palaces is the beating heart of the town, a meeting point for the Pinerolesi.

Day 3

Pinerolo – Cavour - Saluzzo   34 miles / km 55  
This part of the route is also flat. Following country roads through orchards and vineyards you get to Cavour with its curious 'Rocca', a morainic hill right in the middle of the flatlands, which is now a protected area. Saluzzo, a medieval town, is situated on a hilltop in the valley of the Po. Inside the town walls this fascinating town has well preserved different architectonical styles. Overnight stay in Saluzzo. 

Day 4

Saluzzo – Fossano – Benevagienna - Bra   37 miles / km 60  
The cycling today is medium/easy, there are some gentle uphill stretches after Fossano. On the way you can visit the handsome castles of Manta (12^th –15^th century) and Costigliole (13^th  – 16^th century) and the ancient Roman town. Also worthwhile is it to make a stop at Benevagienna with its archaeological area. You can visit the archaeological museum. After Cherasco, with its seven centuries of history and art, you arrive in Bra, the capital of gourmet and home to the international headquarters of the Slow Food organisation.

Day 5

Bra – Pollenzo – Barolo - Alba    30 miles / km 45  
This is a medium/easy day's cycling in the Langhe area. In Pollenzo, the Roman 'Pollentia', is situated the Food Science University (known as the 'Università del Gusto'). You continue cycling to Alba along the river Tanaro, which is perfectly flat, but along the way there is a detour, with some uphill stretches, to Barolo, where you could taste Barolo in the castle. Your overnight stay is in Alba, the town famous for its white truffles and for its high towers.

Day 6

Alba - Asti   30 miles / km 45 
Medium/easy cycling. Today you are in the Roero area. On the way there are the castles of Guarene and Cisterna (it is possible to visit the museum in Cisterna). Your overnight stay is in Asti, the main town of the area. Asti has a very rich history and is famous for its 'spumante' wine and its medieval festival with a horseback race or 'palio' (historical horserace).

Day 7 

Asti - Casale  37 miles / km 60
Ride of medium difficulty. You cycle along the charming hills of the Monferrato, another important gourmet land. From the square of the castle of Moncalvo you will have beautiful views of the vine-covered hills. In the afternoon. You could visit the church of St.Francis (12^th century). You continue for Casale, a baroque town at the foot of the hills of Monferrato, along the river Po.     

Day 8

End of services after breakfast; possibility of return to Turin by train or by private minibus (own bike included)