Cambridge Alumni Travel Programme’s first ever cycling tour for alumni takes in the scenery, food and wines of Piedmont in Italy, part of the Langhe-Roero and Montferrat viticultural areas which have received worldwide designation from UNESCO. Led by author and wine journalist Tom Bruce-Gardyne, this perfectly paced week in the saddle combines enjoying Piedmont’s charming landscapes on two wheels with discovering its culinary and viticultural treasures, not least the ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ of Italian red wines, Barolo & Barbaresco. 

There will also be a wealth of lesser-known wines to enjoy, as well as home-cooked regional cuisine. Cycle through wooded valleys and a mosaic of small vineyards, still largely family-owned. Stay in scenic Agriturismi and carefully chosen private villas, with all meals and wine tastings included throughout.

The pace is nice and steady with stops and picnics along the way, though there will be hills. Distance-wise, the itinerary covers 30-40 miles on cycling days, alternating with a day of rest in-between for wine-tastings and relaxing. Opt to rent a bike (with super-low gearing for the ups and great disc brakes for the downs) or ebike, or bring your own (transport can be arranged from the UK). A support van carries all the baggage (and anyone who needs a rest!), and alongside wine expert Tom, a specialist cycle guide cycles with the group throughout to fix punctures and the like.  

Highlights

• Delight in the lovely scenery seen from Piedmont’s quiet backroads, from wooded valleys and undulating vineyards to quaint hilltop villages
• Enjoy accommodation in carefully chosen boutique hotels, private villas and charming agritourismi
• Experience tastings at top wineries such as Ruggeri Corsisni, Marchesi de Gresy and the Pelassa, and wonderful Piedmontese meals with locally sourced produce 
• Perfectly paced itinerary with rest-days in-between each cycling day, and the option to hire a bike or bring your own

ITINERARY

The full itinerary can be found on the Temple World website.

Piedmont by bike tour