Bike tour focus on Langhe region end in Liguria
We put together a special itinerary: La Morra- Benevello – Vicoforte -Alassio
Enchanting castle, towns and rural landscape for food and wine connoisseurs.
This special tour on Gastronomy route took place in september 2019 with a group of friends/repeat customers: “cycle oregon” alumni
We are going to offer for 2020 as well because has been wonderful and amazing!
The bike tour starts in La Morra – on first day arrival is free but strongly suggest to arrive late morning so there will be time for a pro bike fitting and enjoy th fist wine tasting At Cantine Ratti
yesterday november 15 2019 an article about this winery was piblichesd wine spectator the article
Welcome dinner is a osteria Veglio www.osteriaveglio.it – still in Annunziata district
Day 2 & 3 Full Langhe cycling : Barolo, Monforte D’Alba, Dogliani, Castilgione Falletto distance 63 km
Memorable ride through wine towns, here the nebbiolo grape, which already enjoys a high reputation in other parts of Piedmont, achieves its finest expression in two wines named after these town. To complete the wine scenario of the Langhe the area produce a Moscato d’Asti of the highest calibre, along with a host of excellent reds such as Nebbiolo, Barbera d’Alba ad four Dolcetto wines. Two of the area’s best-known landmarks; the brightly-coloured Cappella delle Brunate and the iconic Cedar of Lebanon, planted in 1856 as a sign of enduring love between two local newlyweds Need to be at Castiglione Falletto for the Wine tour at Vietti cellars at 14,30 aftert here are only 3 km to hotel
Day4 – loop ride to Canelli
the highlight wine tasting in Canelli, cellars are unesco heritage site – You will get to know the gracious medieval towns before reaching Canelli, where you will visit the unique underground cellars – the “cathedrals” – where the wine rests and ages in order to grant that special quality, which is appreciated worldwide – wine tasting at Contratto www.contratto.it
Day 5 Vicoforte – The ride is not long distance 50 km/ 31 miles the hotel is Duchessa Margherita in front of the Sanctuary we book a visit for the largest elliptical cupola in the world, with amazing frescos www.santuariodivicoforte.it is a guided tour – wher eyou walk on the top near the fresco.
The colossal elliptical plan construction was begun in 1596 by Ascanio Vitozzi and taken up in 1729 by Francesco Gallo, who raised the dome, among the largest Italy – Remarkably enlarged in the last century, it preserves in its original part a large late Renaissance cloister, the beautiful refectory, frescoed with a Supper by Emmaus by Bortoloni and vivid floral decorations by Felice Biella, and the inlaid baroque choir, as well as numerous rooms with elegant stuccoes eighteenth century. Dinner is in this refectory
Day 6 biggest day ride, moving to the coast
from Vicoforte to Alassio distance 89 km/ 55 miles with a lot of climb – the plan is to start form hotel and ride- there nothing booked and is possible arrive at any time! The hotel in on the beach – (private)
Between Capo Mele and Capo Santa Croce, Alassio is one of he best known beach resorts on the Ligurian coast’s Riviera di Ponente. It is thought that the first urban settlement was built here in the 10th century, developing around the small church of Sant’Anna ai Monti. In the mid 1950’s, following an initiative of a local painter, the “Muretto di Alassio” was born: a simple wall used so as to display tiles decorated by various celebrities of the world of culture, theatre, sport, music, and art. The first was posted by Ernest Hemingway, and since then the tradition has continued.
Day 7 Last day ride is a loop inland – 56km / 35 miles – in Liguria region we have coast and soon in the back mountain- so the ride is not easy, but not long- time and plan will be decided together! Farewell dinner – il gabbiano
review:
The hotels were all great and super fun… As we always do… we had a blast each evening and brought into our mix some of the other hotel guests. Music was great this year. The dinners were great and this year we all decided to go for some good wines and all were very pleased with what we ate and drank.
Vietti, Rati, Contratto, the church dome, the monastery meal… were all exceptional and special. The tour guides at all 4 were really great and all enjoyed these tours immensely.
So… you have delivered another perfect trip for our wonderful group of friends… all greatly appreciate your work and know the effort you put into this.
Giuliana Mulas
November 2019