Turin to San Remo

This evening there will be a welcome briefing and you will receive your rental bikes. There should also be time for you to explore Italy’s former capital. Marvel at its royal squares and splendid boulevards.

Today you will leave Turin and follow along the River Po for some distance, before the bike path heads off towards the impressive Palazzina di caccia of Stupinigi. This Roccoco art work will not be the only to catch your eye, as you will doubtless be blown away by the magnificent mountain panorama. You will cycle a flat route towards Pinerolo, all the while admiring the snow-capped Alpine peaks towering ahead of you. You reach your accomodation all too fast. Pinerolo is where one of Italy’s most well-known cavalry schools was run. Without horses or bikes, you enjoy an evening stroll through the histrorical town centre.

With the prominent Mount Mon Viso (“my view”) always in your sights ahead, you will cycle past orchards and vineyards, on excellent cycle paths to Cavour; where you will find the curious “Rocca” fortress built on a moraine hill in the middle of flat land. The former Staffarda Cistercian abbey offers a superb spot to take a break. They serve excellent ice cream dishes in the bar. Afterwards you rejoin the river Po one last time. It is a lot smaller here, than it was in Turin. Lastly, you will pedal into medieval Saluzzo, a town brimming with Italian flair.

Today’s stage is agriculturally rich. By the side of the cycle path you will find kiwis, apples and beans, which all grow particularly well here. You cross several streams, and the river Stura, and then the scenery will change drastically. The last 10km, on the way into Mondovi, will take you through lush green hills. This town, where you stay after today’s cycle, knows how to impress with its wonderful Piazza Maggiore located in the upper town.

This morning there will be a few ascents for you to tackke, as you leave the Tanaro river valley, and make your way up a breathtaking high road, into one of the most well-known vineyards in the  Piedmont region. Enjoy the views over the Langhe hills. Grapevines, decidous trees and hazelnut bushes line the route to Liguria and Millesimo. The old town centre is considered to be one of the “Borghi piu belli d`Italia“; one of the nicest in all of Italy.

The time has finally come! You are crossing the Alps! But never fear, the ascent is so gentle that you will hardly even notice it. Your route will lead you through the Bormida valley, until you get to the top of a pass called Colle Scravaion. From here you will have a 30km long descent, during which you can look down and marvel across the surrounding mountains and out to the sea. Olive trees will be lining the edge of your path. Maybe you fancy trying the particularly good smelling ligurian oil in the pituresque mountain village of Castelvecchio. One thing is certain, you will enjoy the exhilarating descent towards the coast, and before you know it you will be in Albenga. Little known by tourists is the fact that Albenga has the second most significant old town in Liguria, after Genoa. It is sure to charm you with the many restaurants in its narrow streets.

Your last ride starts after a transfer to San Lorenzo al Mare. This is the starting point of one of Italy’s best cycle paths! Take in the spectacular views of turquoise blue sea along the Riviera, and of the stunning flowers along the route. The perfect way to end your cycle tour. Enjoy the Ligurian sun as you ride, before you reach San Remo. As a final treat, the 1.7km long bike tunnel running along part of the famous Milan to San Remo bike race is definitely worth seeing.