• Dates: 13/10/2024 - 20/10/2024
  • Tour length: 8 Days, 7 Nights
  • Start / End: Milano Malpensa
  • Terrain: Rolling, vineyards and steep climbs
  • Price Per Guest:

    $ 5,700 per guest

    $800 Single occupancy supplement

    10% Discount for returning guests

    Road and E-Road Bike Rental- contact Willie

  • Non-Cycling Guest: $ 4,700
  • Sold Out

This 7-day tour will take you through the beautiful region of Piedmont. We will cycle through the famous wine growing areas of Langhe and Roero as well as the Alta Langhe. This is the land of Barbaresco, Barolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Moscato d’Asti and Arneis wines. Vineyards seem to be everywhere you look. We will taste the wines from this world re-known region and winemakers that we have developed relationships with over the years will join for some of our dinners. Most of the wine producers we collaborate with are from small, family owned and operated wineries that have continued the family tradition of producing fine wines for generations.

Piedmont is known for its delicious cuisine as much as its famous wines. It is the birthplace of Slow Food, an international movement founded by Carlo Petrini. The Slow Food movement focuses on preserving traditional and regional cuisine and promotes farming using plants, seeds, and livestock that is indigenous to or characteristic of the local ecosystem.

Cycling in Piedmont is as good as it gets with its roads winding in and around vineyard covered hills. We will cycle through the small hilltop villages of Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, La Morra Barbaresco and Neive to name a few.

We will be staying in the historic center of the small city of Monforte d’ Alba at Palazzo Boeri. Monforte d’Alba is a small city with a big spirit.

Breakfast will be served daily before our rides, and lunch will usually be on the road. Each evening, we will enjoy the culinary masterpieces and great wines of Piedmont.

Autumn is a wonderful time for the changing colors of the leaves and grape vines, the white truffle and grape harvest. But then again, just about any time is a good time to visit Piedmont!

This tour is best for those of you that enjoy rolling and hilly terrain.

Our tour will be led by an incredible team of expert guides, all residents of Italy. Pier Giorgio Rivella, a resident of Alba and the owner of La Bicicletta d’Alba will take us on the roads that he has cycled on for over 35 years. Marco Saligari  is very familiar with all routes of the tour and he has also competed on these roads against some of the most famous cyclists in the world of his time. Marco completed 12 Giro d’Italia with 3 stage victories, 5 Tour de France and overall victory at the Tour de Suisse among many other World Tour races.

Daniele Righi rode with Lampre for 12 years, completed 5 Giro d’Italia, 5 Tour de France, four Vuelta a Espana and most of the Spring Classics.

Willie Joffroy will be your host.

You will be immersed in Italian life as cyclists and lovers of food and wine in every way. The people you meet and the places you visit will make you feel as if you are at home with family.

We welcome our guests’ non-cycling partners and ensure that they too experience the joyful immersion into Italian life and culture. We organize activities for the non-cyclists based on their requests while the cyclists are out on the road.

Food & Wine

The Slow Food movement, founded by Carlo Pietrini,  focused on preserving traditional and regional cuisine and promoting farming using indigenous plants, seeds, and livestock was born in the Piemontese town of Bra.

The Tajarin and Tagliolini pastas with ragu of meat, porcini mushrooms or white truffles are a delicacy. The white truffle is one of the most sought after in the world. From about mid October to late November visitors from all corners of the globe visit the Langhe region to taste the truffles.

Other foods to taste in this region are beef, veal, wild fowl and pork. Goat, sheep and cow milk cheeses are also produced here. The hazelnut grows in the Alta Langhe and is used in breads,cakes and sauces

The Langhe area of Piemonte is also considered one of the world’s great wine-growing regions and is known for its famous wines.

The red wines, Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Barbaresco and Barolo all have their own unique personality and characteristics. These wines paired with the delicious local cuisine cap the culinary experience found only in Piemonte.

The white wines, Arneis, Gavi and Moscato d’Asti are also unique to this region.

Guides

Marco Saligari

Marco Saligari

Former Professional Cyclist

Marco has an impressive resume including stage victories in the 1992, 1993, and 1994 Giro d’Italia and overall winner of the 1993 Tour de Suisse. He has also been Directeur Sportif of Team Landbouwkrediet-Colnago and Team Crelan-Euphony from 2002 to 2013. Marco has been a race commentator of the Giro d’Italia for Gazzetta Dello Sport Radio, Eurosport Television, and has had his own show, The Coach, on the Bike Channel. Marco is currently a commentator for the Italian network RAI Sports for several races including the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Strade Bianche to name a few. He was part of the RAI 2020 Tokyo Olympics commentary team for the cycling events.  He is affectionately know as Il Commissario. In addition to all of his accomplishments in the world of professional cycling, Marco is a great guy with a beautiful family. We are honored to collaborate with Marco. He brings a slice of cycling history to share with our guests.

Marco is married to Lela and they have two children, Martina and Giacomo.

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Daniele Righi

Daniele Righi

Cycling Guide

Daniele started bicycle racing at 8 years old and turned professional at age 24. He competed in the Junior category for various teams and secured several victories. His professional cycling career started with Alexia and after 3 years he participated in his first Giro d’Italia where his teammate Paolo Savoldelli won the tour. For the next 10 years, he rode with Lampre and was part of the team that participated in Michele Scarponi’s victory of the 2011 Giro d’Italia.

He has always played a support role for Lampre and participated in five Giro d’Italia, five Tour de France, four La Vuelta a Espana, Tour of Flanders, Amstel Gold, Coppi e Bartali, and the Tour of Poland. In the 2004 Giro d’Italia, he won the Piaggio Trophy for the most miles cycled by any participant that year. Literally, he has cycled almost all over the world in most of the races of the World Tour. In 2013, he retired from Lampre as a rider and subsequently was a Director Sportive with with UAE Team Emirates.

Daniele is married to Francesca and they have two children, Chiara and Alessandro.

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Pier Giorgio Rivella

Pier Giorgio Rivella

Cycling Guide for Piedmont

Giorgio was born in the small, but famous hill town of Barbaresco, which is situated in the heart of the Langhe region of Piedmont. The Barbaresco wines produced in this region are among the best-known wines in Italy. As a young man Giorgio developed a passion for cycling and was a racer for 25 years. Francesco Moser, the Italian professional cycling legend is among the many friends he has. At age 39, he transformed his love for cycling into his bicycle shop, La Bicicletta D’Alba, where he sells and repairs bicycles with great passion. This little jewel of a bike shop is located in the town of Alba.

Whenever he has free time, particularly on Sundays, Giorgio and his friends take “magical” rides in the nearby hills. The panoramic vistas encompass the many vineyards, medieval castles, and the distant alps. Giorgio will guide us on the most beautiful, traffic-free roads in Piedmont. These are the roads he loves to cycle on and share with Willie’s World Cycling guests.

Giorgio is married to Gianna and they have a daughter, Arianna and two grandchildren.

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Willie Joffroy

Willie Joffroy

Founder & President

I combine nearly 30 years of experience in international logistics planning with a quarter-century of cycling experience in Italy. My expertise allows Willie’s World Cycling to offer some of the finest cycling tour experiences in Italy. From the choice of simple elegance and intimacy in accommodations, to the delectable regional cuisine of carefully chosen local chefs, (we) my wife Margarita and I impart international style and pay careful attention to detail.

I accompany every Willie’s World Cycling tour, sharing the extensive knowledge I have gleaned from 25 years of cycling in Italy. This storehouse of information includes: Italy’s premier cycling regions, scenic wine-growing regions and small wineries, unique and private accommodations, and fine regional cuisine.

Prior to establishing Willie’s World Cycling, I spent 29 years in cross-border logistics services along the U.S.-Mexico border. Throughout my business career, I have focused on providing my clients with the very best in professional and personalized service. I have instilled this commitment to the client into the values of Willie’s World Cycling.

I have been an avid cyclist for more than 35 years and regularly start my day cycling up and down Mount Lemmon, a 6,800-foot climb from my home in Tucson, Arizona. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, I have a great passion for the cycling, food, and wine unique to Italy, and take great pleasure in sharing that passion. I am a believer in the health benefits that flow from regular exercise such as cycling, fresh and wholesome local food, and fine wine. A consummate host, I make certain that each of my cycling tours inspires treasured memories.

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Accommodations

Palazzo Boeri

The residence is a restored abbey in the historical center of Monforte with a spectacular view of the Langhe vineyards and the Alps. The suites have large bedrooms, beautiful bathrooms, a kitchenette and balcony. Wi-fi in all suites.

Itinerary

  • Day 1:

    Sunday, October 13
    Benvenuti in Italia! Meet at Milano’s Malpensa Airport or other designated meeting place at 9:30 a.m. where you will be met by Marco, Massimo and Willie. Depart to Palazzo Boeri in Monforte d'Alba. We will check in and have a light lunch. After lunch we will make any adjustments to the bikes and start cycling! We will take a ride from Felicin through Roddino, Dogliani, Grinzane, Diano and back to Felicin. Dinner will in Monforte. Ride distance 50-60 Kms and 530m elevation gain.

  • Day 2:

    Monday, October 14
    Breakfast will be between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. with a short briefing on the day’s ride. We will leave Felicin and travel toward Madonna di Como, Barbaresco, Neive, Castiglione Tinella, Santo Stefano Belbo, Torre Bormida, Cravanzana and Felicin. Dinner will be in Monforte. Ride distance 82 Kms and 1,574m elevation gain.

  • Day 3:

    Tuesday, October 15
    Breakfast will be between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. with a short briefing on the day's ride. We will leave Felicin to Castiglione Faletto, Gallo, Valle Taloria, Montelupo Albese, Tre Cunei, Benevello, Cappelletto, Treiso, Tre Stelle Barbaresco, Neviglie, Manera, Benevello, Tre Cunei, Pedagera, Roddino and Felicin. Lunch near Barbaresco. Dinner in Monforte. Ride distance 90kms and 1,781m elevation gain.

  • Day 4:

    Wednesday, October 16
    Today will be a rest day. After breakfast we will spend the morning in the town of Alba for shopping or sightseeing, lunch and a winery visit in the afternoon. Dinner in Monforte.

  • Day 5:

    Thursday, October 17
    Breakfast will be between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. with a short briefing on the day’s ride. We will leave Felicin toward Roddino, Serravalle, Murazzano, Montezemolo, Valle Belbo, Pavoncella, San Benedetto Belbo, Bosolasco, Somanno, Dogliani, Val di Belbo, Monforte. Dinner will be in Monforte. Ride distance 76 Kms and 1,711m elevation gain.

  • Day 6:

    Friday, October 18
    Breakfast will be between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. with a short briefing on the day’s ride. We leave Felicin toward Roddino, Pedaggera, Maneca, Borgomale, Cortemillia, Ponte Levice, Cravanzzano, Niella Belbo, Feisoglio, Bosolasco, Monforte. Lunch will be on the road. Dinner will be in Serravalle. Ride distance 90 Kms and 1,750m elevation gain.

  • Day 7:

    Saturday, October 19
    Breakfast will be between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. with a short briefing on the day’s ride. We will leave Felicin to Serravalle, Dogliani, Carru’, Murazzano, Bossolasco and Felicin. Lunch will be on the road. Dinner will be in Monforte. Ride distance about 68 Kms and 1,134m elevation gain.

  • Day 8:

    Sunday, September 20
    Transfer to Milano Malpensa.
    **Please book return flight after October 20.

Pricing

  • Included:
    4 to 5 cycling guides and van support
    Lodging 7 nights
    All breakfasts
    All lunches
    All dinners
    Wine pairings with dinners
    Wine tastings as part of the tour
    Cooking Class if requested at least 6 weeks before the tour
    Colnago or similar quality Bicycle (guests are responsible for damage)
    Cycling kit (jersey and shorts)
    Snacks and water on bike rides
    Cycling guide, driver, and mechanic services
    Tips for cycling guides

    Not included:
    Road or Road- contact Willie
    Airfare
    Non-tour hotels
    Any rental car or train service you may use outside of tour activities.
    Any purchases of a personal nature including bar and hotel mini-bar.
    Any incidental expenses associated with non-cycling activities, such as cost of guide, museum entry fees, spa services, archaeological site entry fees, etc.
    Laundry service at hotel
    Post ride massage if available

    Please see instructions below for payment by check. Please contact us for Wire Transfer instructions & ZELLE account notification . We do not accept payment by PayPal.
    Credit card payments will have an additional 3% fee for USA transactions and a 4.5% fee for international transactions.

    Payment Instructions:

    Willie’s World Cycling prefers payment by check payable to:

    Willie’s World Cycling LLC

    4231 E. Pontatoc Canyon Dr.

    Tucson, Arizona 85718

    A *non-refundable deposit is required in the amount of $1,000 with the balance to be paid in full 60 days before the start date of the tour unless otherwise noted. Tour prices are based on double occupancy per cyclist or non-cyclist. A single occupancy supplement may apply to those traveling alone and requesting their own room. Please make checks payable to Willie’s World Cycling or pay via wire transfer. If your party includes a non-cyclist, please notify us when you register and submit your deposit so we can begin planning stimulating and rewarding activities while cyclists are on the road.

    Our prices are in U.S. Dollars and are based on exchange rates in effect at the time of publication. While we make every effort to avoid adding surcharges, Willie’s World Cycling reserves the right to do so should the U.S. Dollar lose substantial value against the Euro.

    After your deposit is received, you will be sent more information regarding the sizing for your bicycle, liability waiver, and general information that will be helpful for your visit to Italy.

    We recommend obtaining travel or trip cancellation insurance. Please speak to your travel agent for further assistance.

    Willie’s World Cycling reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason. We will refund any payment received by Willie’s World Cycling which will constitute full settlement.

    Although we make every effort to contract the very best in outside services, we do not guarantee services provided by third parties.

    Preparation:
    Please make sure you have a valid passport.

    We count on our clients to ensure they are healthy and adequately fit for this tour. This tour is rated Activity Level C Challenging.

    *Cancellation Policy:
    Deposits are non-refundable if a guest cancels. If the guest signs up for a tour during the year of the cancelled tour or the following year then the deposit will be credited to the tour. After 1 full year the deposit is forfeited to Willie's World Cycling. Final payments are not refundable. Exceptions to this policy will be considered in cases of illness or family emergency

    45 Days or less: Cancellation charge of 100% of the total cost of the tour

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