Famed for its truffles, and with towns like Barolo and Barbaresco, it’s easy to understand why Piedmont is a gourmand’s paradise.

Many argue that Piedmont produces the best food in all of Italy. The Langa and Roero regions of Piedmont are in one of the most important wine production areas in Italy, and received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. The Chef Bike Tour of Piedmont will take us to the heart of these regions, over rolling hills covered with endless vineyards and past ancient castles and hidden hilltop hamlets. You’ll see how connected the local people are to the land, and how they take pride in everything they produce.

Vineyards cover most of the hills here and wines such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, and Nebbiolo are perfectly paired with dishes that will make each meal a gastronomic event. Towns like La Morra, Barolo, and Alba are perfect stops for a taste of what the region has to offer.

In Piedmont, exceptional wine often accompanies wonderfully paired cuisine. The culinary offerings of Piedmont fuse Northern Italian and French influences, with truffles and mushrooms taking center stage as seasonal highlights. Noteworthy Piedmontese specialties encompass "tajarin" (a type of fresh pasta), "bagna cauda" (a mild sauce featuring anchovies, olive oil, and garlic), "risotto" (Arborio rice cooked with diverse ingredients such as vegetables, porcini mushrooms, and cheeses), and "agnolotti" (local ravioli filled with a savory mixture of meat and vegetables).

On this special edition Chef Bike Tour you will visit Pollenzo where the Slow Food University of Gastronomic Science is based. You will learn about the Slow Food movement right at its birthplace.

Accommodations during your journey include a UNESCO site, a family wine estate inn with a royal past, and a boutique hotel in the countryside.

E-bikes (pedal-assisted system) available.

Our guest chef will play an important role in understanding the local productions and the preparations that better tell the story of the territory.

Chef Elizabeth Falkner

Chef Elizabeth Falkner is a world-recognized, award-winning chef from California. Her 30+ year career spans from restaurants to advocacy, to consulting and food competitions. Her well-appreciated and awarded San Francisco patisseries and restaurants paved the road to celebrity private events, consulting, and media.

She has competed in multiple culinary competitions including Food Network’s Tournament of Champions (seasons 1-4), Iron Chef America, and Next Iron Chef, Super Chefs, in which she was a finalist and runner-up. She has been a three-time competitor on Food Network Challenge, as well as a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters.

For Falkner, cooking competitions have been a favorite 'sport.' She also loves to travel, and cycling is one of her favorite pastimes.

Relevant blog: One of the Best Meals of your Life

Highlights

Some of the best regional food in Italy, including truffles, cheese, and hazelnut Gianduja chocolates
Two important wine regions, Langa and Roero
UNESCO World Heritage Site (vineyards landscape)
Villages of Barolo and Barbaresco, the namesakes of two world-famous red wines
"Slow Food" University
Stunning cycling along rolling hills covered with vineyards and quaint medieval villages
Views that stretch as far as the Alps
Castle-topped villages, which lend a historic and romantic feel to the area
Visits with producers and a truffle-hunting demo
Dinner at Piazza Duomo (3 Michelin Star) and Da Guido (1 Michelin Star)

[fa icon="plus"] Day 1

Pollenzo and Verduno - Warmup ride

One of our guides will meet you at Turin Airport (or in town if you have already arrived) for a late morning shuttle to Corte Albertina in Pollenzo. You will have time to visit this interesting site, steeped in history. The site received official recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 as part of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy. It now houses the University of Gastronomical Sciences, founded by the internationally recognized Slow Food Association. Slow Food began as a sophisticated parody of McDonald's arrival in Italy (Slow Food vs. Fast Food) and has grown into an international crusade for the preservation of culinary traditions, biodiversity, and "the right to good taste." A representative of the University will enlighten us about their mission and its importance for producers, consumers, and the restaurant business.

In the afternoon, we will make our way to our unique stay, a royal palace on top of the village of Verduno, full of charm and history. The royal history, that of Savoia and of King Carlo Alberto, and the humble history of the Burlotto and Bianco families. The passion for preserving this place and the love for wine (Verduno Pelaverga and Barolo) and Piedmontese cuisine are palpable.
Our first ride will take place among the vineyards of Verduno and around the hills surrounding the village. Back at Castello di Verduno, our chef will prepare a welcome aperitivo that will be served while we have a tour overview. Our first dinner will showcase some traditional dishes paired with the fine wines of Castello di Verduno.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 2

Roero - 20 or 40 miles - Hilly

Our first longer ride starts by descending the Tanaro River Valley. We'll pass through Corneliano, Monteu Roero, Santo Stefano, all on the hills of the Roero region. Here, you are in true wine country where grape varieties include Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Arneis, undoubtedly a part of your evening celebrations!
Upon arriving in Montà, we will enjoy a truffle hunting demo. Truffle hunting is part of the farming culture here and traditionally considered a male activity. However, our young female trifulau, Martina and Vittoria, have just as much passion and knowledge; they will take us around with their trusted dogs. This is an experience you won't forget! The white truffle is a delicacy that has made these hills famous among chefs worldwide. In the summer, the black one is in season while the white one is in season in the colder months. Martina and Vittoria's family will treat us to lunch, and, of course, truffle is on the menu.

Shuttle or ride back to the hotel in time to get ready for a cooking class followed by dinner. It's time to enjoy life and taste some Barolo on the terrace! Chef Falkner and Chef Alessandra Buglione di Monale, of Castello di Verduno, will engage everyone during this fun, yet professional cooking workshop. While pasta is an Italian staple dish, each region has its own recipes, and you'll learn the Piedmont way. It's going to be a special night and you'll be an active part in it. And we cannot wait for you to experience one of our favorite activities with some of our favorite people.

Tomorrow, we change location and get into the heart of the Langa wine production area.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 3

Verduno - Barolo - 25 miles - Hilly

Today is Barolo day! We'll bid farewell to Verduno and ride to the hills of Barolo, passing more Nebbiolo vineyards where you will undoubtedly see local workers in the fields harvesting. Our first stop is the world-famous Belvedere of La Morra. La Morra is considered the balcony of the Langhe because of its wonderful views of the entire area.

Next, we ride to the unpretentious village named after the King of Wines: Barolo. Between La Morra and Barolo, you'll pass rows of Nebbiolo vines cultivated by legendary producers such as Renato Ratti, Bartolo Mascarello, and Roberto Voerzio. Monforte and then Serralunga d’Alba afford the most amazing riding experience anywhere.

We spend the next two nights at the Fontanafredda Estate, an award-winning winery (European Winery of the Year 2017). We will explore the impressive wine cellars, once part of the Savoy Royal Family Estate.

The final highlight of this epic gastronomic journey is dinner with Chef Ugo Alciati (1 Michelin star). You will learn how "Da Guido" restaurant - started by his father - completely changed fine dining in Piedmont. The restaurant is housed within the Fontanafredda Estate.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 4

Belbo River Valley - 26 miles - Hilly

We climb the Alta Langa and descend the Belbo River Valley. You'll notice significant landscape changes. The Apennines of Liguria are in front of us, blocking the view of the seacoast, which is only 40 miles away as the crow flies. The Ligurian coast, with its access to the Mediterranean Sea, was well-positioned for maritime trade, including salt. Salt has been a valuable commodity throughout history, used not only as a seasoning but also as a preservative for food (can you imagine a time without refrigeration?). The proximity and trading tradition between Piedmont and Liguria are reflected in local dishes such as vitello tonnato and bagna cauda.

We have a morning visit to the legendary flour mill, Mulino Marino. Through a few simple principles and a deep commitment to quality, Mulino Marino has helped redefine the standards for artisan flour in Italy.

A coffee stop is planned in Santo Stefano Belbo. From there, we climb to Valdivilla and then Mango. We suggest a quick spin around the village of Mango for a glimpse of its castle. In a few scenic miles, we reach our picnic spot.
This area is also famous for Robiola, a sheep and goat milk cheese. Our picnic lunch will feature Robiola and more stunning views.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 5

Grinzane Cavour - Neive - Barbaresco - Alba - 18 or 32 miles - Rolling hills

Today’s ride will lead to a secondary valley where we ride uphill to the 13th-century Grinzane Cavour castle, once home to the famous strategist Cavour. It is one of the most iconic sites of Langa. Take your time and Instagram away!
We keep climbing until we reach Diano d’Alba, where lunch is planned at one of our favorite places (a simple osteria not on the regular tourist itineraries). The belvedere of Diano d’Alba affords truly breathtaking views.

We then pedal between ridges and valleys, towards Neive and then Barbaresco: we've entered the Barbaresco (a highly rated red wine) production area.

We will land in Alba, the capital of the white truffle area. Of Celtic and Ligurian origin, called Alba Pompeia by the Romans, the town has kept a spiral-shaped medieval plan. You will have time to explore the elegant town center before gathering for dinner.

There are only a handful of three Michelin star restaurants in Italy. Piazza Duomo in Alba is one of them and is at the pinnacle of regional cuisine. Consistently ranked among the world's finest restaurants, Piazza Duomo is Chef Enrico Crippa's three-Michelin-star celebration of the Langhe. Many of the ingredients come directly from the restaurant's organic gardens, while the wine program is among the most impressive in Italy. There is little we can add beyond this: dinner at Piazza Duomo is not simply a meal, but one of the defining culinary experiences of modern Italy.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 6

Alba - Guarene - 26 miles - Hilly

After a short shuttle, we hop on our bikes and start by riding a ridge overlooking the Tanaro River Valley. We’ll pass through Guarene, San Martino Alfieri, Priocca and Castagnito, all on the high plateau of the Roero region. Here you are in true wine country where grape varieties include Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Arneis, no doubt a part of your evening celebrations!

Each village you pass through today is topped with a castle. Most are now privately owned and very seldom open for visits, but they add to the uniqueness of the landscape as you enjoy exploring this region.

Picnic lunch is at Massucco Winery. This is your chance to have a close look at how winemaking in Piedmont is still a farming affair in the hands of multi-generational families.

Down a winding ridge, we’ll head back towards Alba. Free time in the afternoon before our farewell dinner.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 7

Transfer to Turin

This morning after breakfast you will get a group private transfer to the Turin Airport. The transfer is about 1 hr and 40 min.

Bikes
What's Included
What's Not Included

INFINITO XE Disc Bianchi Via Nirone S

New Bianchi T Tronik

Bikes (choice road carbon or hybrid; pedal-assisted at additional cost)
Two or more professional tour guides throughout the program
All accommodations in 4 star hotels
All breakfasts, all lunches, and all dinners
Wine with meals, coffee, cappuccino, and gelato stops
Two wine tastings
Hands-on cooking class
Support vehicle during the tour and luggage transfer
Shuttle at the beginning and at the end of the tour
All activities mentioned in the day-by-day description

We also include the finest Piedmontese Barolo and Barbaresco wines of the best vintages, as well as truffles included with a minimum of two dinners

Airfare
Pre-tour hotel stays and post-tour hotel stays
Personal expenses such as laundry and cell phone
Guide gratuity
Optional tour extension

More Info

Food and Wine

The Langa region is a true paradise for gourmands. In Angelo Gaja’s words, (Gaja is a central figure in Piedmont’s wine identity) “People truly come here to explore their passion for food and wine.” The territory offers first class ingredients, that together with traditions handed down from generation to generation, allow you to enjoy the authentic Langa dishes. The egg pasta used to prepare the tajarin, or plin, ravioli is homemade and the precious veal meat from the Province of Granda (name of the province of Cuneo in local dialect) is the basis for the preparation of ancient recipes like hand chopped raw meat, cold veal with tuna sauce and red wine braised meat. The simplest dishes are usually the most delicious and they look like they have been specially created to espouse the most precious autumnal ingredient, the Alba White Truffle, which will enhance their perfumes and tastes. In fact, the Slow Food movement was born in Bra (near Alba). The regional wine production boasts the most DOCG appellations of any other region in Italy, and during the week we will learn about Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Arneis and many other indigenous grapes. Most family-run wineries in Barolo are small and don’t do winery tours, as you would expect if you were in France or Napa. Luckily, Tourissimo will get the doors open for you.