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