TASTE Italy’s North Scenic Splendor
Heart of Piedmont & Lombardy Region
September 20, 2025- September 27, 2025
Where Scenic Rides Meet Authentic Flavors
Destination: Cuneo to Lake Como
Price: $4895 per person
Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Style/Level: Point to point, Classic, Intermediate
Average Temperature: High: 72F Low: 59F
4 and 5-Star Accommodations
Embark on an unforgettable bike tour through the picturesque regions of Piedmont and Lombardy, cycling through charming towns like Cuneo, Bra, Asti, Po Valley and Lake Como. The journey takes you from the alpine foothills of Cuneo, with its French-inspired architecture, through the rolling vineyards of the Langhe region, where food culture and Asti’s medieval charm await. Enjoy wine tastings and indulge in regional delicacies, from truffle-infused dishes to artisanal cheeses. The tour culminates with the breathtaking views of Lake Como, where dramatic climbs and peaceful lakeside roads offer a perfect finale. With every stop, you’ll experience the rich cuisine, history, and culture of Northern Italy, making this an ideal adventure for cyclists seeking a blend of physical challenge and cultural immersion. For the non-cyclists in the group, a daily itinerary will include options for scenic hikes, historic tours, and farm-to-table culinary adventures, ensuring an enriching experience for everyone.
Eat: Piedmont cuisine "Cucina Piemontese" is known for its rich, hearty flavors and use of local, agricultural products, including rice, truffles, hazelnuts, and high-quality meats like beef and veal. Enjy Agnolotti pasta dishes, Bagna Càuda dip, Vitello Tonnato, Tajarin, Fassona Beef, Saffron infused risotto. Piedmont is also famous for its white truffles, which are a prized delicacy.
Drink: Wines including Barolo & Barbaresco and Asti Spumante.
Tour Highlights
Visit Piedmont vineyards for wine tastings such as Barolo, Barbaresco and Asti Spumante. Visit hazelnut and chestnut farms, Eat regional cuisine, local cheese and white truffles. Enjoy typical pasta, risotto, and meat dishes. See both Lake Maggiore and Lake Como in one trip. Ride a part of the Tour of Lombardi leading to Ghisallo where you will find the official Lombardy Cycling Museum. 4/5 Star hotels and agriturismos.
Itinerary
Day 1 Saturday September 20, 2025: Welcome to Italy
Upon your arrival, our guides will be waiting to greet you at Milan Airport. Two shuttles will depart at 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM, transporting you to the charming town of Cuneo. After checking into the hotel, each participant will undergo a bike fitting to ensure a comfortable riding experience. In the evening, we’ll gather for our first dinner together, providing an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and guides while savoring delicious Piemontese cuisine. We will also conduct a safety briefing and discuss the details of our week-long tour, including an overview of the plans for Day 2.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Destination: Cuneo by Van
Day 2 Sunday September 21. 2025: Warm Up Ride
Cyclist: Today’s ride takes us is a small loop to Bra with a mostly downhill ride for the first 15 miles. The route becomes more undulating, passing through the fertile hills of the Langhe region, famous for wine and cheese production. We will stop for lunch and will be free to explore this charming old town. We will transfer back to the hotel in the early afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distances: 30 miles 950 feet elevation
Day 3 Monday September 22, 2025: Cuneo to Monforte D’alba
Cyclist: Today’s ride takes us through the small town of Bene Vagienna as you follow an ancient Roman road. Tonight we will be in Monforte d’Alba, one of many picturesque wine villages in the Langhe region of Piedmont.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Shorter Route: 32 miles 1500 Feet elevation
Extended Route: 43 miles 2700 Feet elevation
Day 4 Tuesday September 23, 2025: Monteforte to Monferrato
Cyclist: Today's ride takes us north to Monferrato, near Alessandria, through its rolling hills. This densely settled agricultural region is known for its network of tiny farm roads and fortified hilltop villages, where many fortresses have been converted into villas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Shorter Route: 33 miles, 1300 feet elevatio
Extended Route: 55 miles, 1800 feet elevation
Day 5 Wednesday September 24, 2025: Monferrato to Po Valley
Cyclist: This morning, we cross the Po River at Casale Monferrato, a town rich in architectural heritage. Heading north, we pedal through one of Europe's largest rice-growing regions, passing through more than 10 small farm villages, including San Nazzaro Sesia, home to an 11th-century Benedictine abbey. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local rice producer to learn about the crop's history and harvest techniques.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shorter Route: 35 Miles, 1000 feet elevation
Extended Route: 54 miles, 1561 Feet
Day 6 Thursday September 25, 2025: Po Valley to Lake Como
Cyclist: Today we will transfer by van to the base of Lake Maggiore 45 minutes where we will have a quick snack before we bike to lake Como to a small village of Cernobbio.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Dinner on your own
Shorter Route: 36 miles
Extended Route: 60 miles 3200 feet elevation
Day 7 Friday September 26, 2025: Tour di Lombardi
Cyclist: Enjoy the final ride of the tour with a famous route to the Lombardi Museum in Ghisallo, featuring stunning stops overlooking Lake Como. Though challenging, the breathtaking views and rewarding finish make it worthwhile.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Shorter Route: 20 miles 2176 feet elevation
Extended Route: 36 miles 3000 feet elevation
Day 8 Saturday September 27: Bye-Bye Italy
After breakfast transportation will bring back to the same airport of arrival.
Inclusions and Details
Accommodations/Meals:
· Thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the character of the region
· Airport and Luggage transfers on first day and last day of tour
· Luggage transfer between hotels
· Meals: Daily breakfast, snacks at all stops, with lunches and dinners included except on designated "on-your-own" days as listed.
· Wine is included during the welcome and farewell dinner events. However, all other alcoholic and specialty beverages are not covered.
Activities:
· All activities listed in the tour itinerary for both cyclists and non riders.
· Entrance fees to historic sites, parks, and exclusive events related to the tour.
· Gratuities for baggage handling, porters, and hotel services
Bike and Gear
· The bikes are included in the price of the tour and will be high-performance carbon road bikes equipped with electronic shifters and hydraulic disc brakes. They feature 30-inch tires, ideal for both comfort and performance on various terrains. The bikes are lightweight, ensuring an efficient ride, and are designed for all-day comfort on long-distance rides. E-bikes are also available for an additional charge of $200.00 for those who prefer an assisted ride.
· GPS
· Complimentary 2025 Taste Series Jersey or vest; T-Shirt, Water bottle
Support:
· Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge
· Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts.
· Pick-up and drop-off before and after your tour from predetermined meeting points for non-riders
· Daily bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
NOT Included:
· Airfare
· Lunches and Dinners on the listed “on your own” days
· Travel Protection
· Gratuities for Guides
Non-riders or Rider bringing own bike: