Western Alps, Italy Bike Tours

Western Alps

In the heart of the Occitan valleys, you’ll find some of the most breathtaking gravel roads in all of Europe. Thanks to the historic military border roads between Piedmont and France, dating back to the 1600s, you can ride along high-altitude routes soaring above 8,200 feet (2,500 meters).
You’ll also follow in the footsteps of ancient Alpine smugglers who once carried salt from the Ligurian Sea to Switzerland and Germany, traversing rugged, yet spectacular, mountain paths.

This tour offers a network of challenging, unforgettable routes—perfect for those who crave adventure in the stunning Western Alps.

At a glance

  • 6 Days | 5 Nights | 5 Rides

  • Roads type: 50% Gravel – 50% Tarmac

  • Bike required: Gravel

Daily itineraries

2 different itineraries to chose from every day.
You are free to mix them to create your personal vacation.

Regular itinerary: Suitable for ENTHUSIAST LEVEL cyclist
Total distance: 152 miles (249 km)
Total climb:  19,770 feet (6,030 mt)

Extended itinerary: Suitable for AVID LEVEL cyclist
Total distance:  243 miles (302 km)
Total climb:  29,920 feet (9,120 mt)

Daily itineraries

Arrival in Italy. We pick you up at Milan (MPX) airport.  It’s approximately a two hour van transfer to hotel in the small town of Cuneo Hotel. Upon hotel check-in and a light lunch you have two options: free time to relax at the hotel or bike setup to go for a ride and explore the area.

At sunset LA SPERANZA Restaurant welcomes you to an aperitivo.
After the welcome aperitif in Cuneo down town, we move to the border with the Langhe in the village of Farigliano, a Langarola dinner awaits us, the beginning of our Piedmontese culinary journey.

Regular itinerary: ENTHUSIAST LEVEL cyclist:Total distance 21 miles (34 km) and Total climb  1,200 feet (360 m).
Extended itinerary: AVID LEVEL cyclist: Total distance 29 miles (47 km) and Total climb 3,230 feet (985 m).

We begin to get serious, two beautiful itineraries on the “Cannon Road”, a military road that was used to bring heavy artillery pieces to the fortifications located on the French border. Challenging but very rewarding high mountain itineraries.

When darkness is comingOSTERIA AL BORGO

It is the evening dedicated to tasting the Bue Grasso di Carrù, one of the specialties of Piedmontese cuisine. Right in the Village of Carrù is the Osteria del Borgo famous for its “Bollito Cart”. 7 types of boiled meat with 7 accompanying sauces, together with Barbaresco red wine, the fate is sealed.

Regular itinerary: ENTHUSIAST LEVEL cyclist: Total distance 35 miles (61 km) and Total climb 4,820 feet (1,470 m).
Extended itinerary: AVID LEVEL cyclist: Total distance 37 miles (65 km) and Total climb 6,070 feet (1,850 m).

Gardetta and Fauniera are the climbs that recall the fantastic achievements of Marco Pantani at the 1999 Giro d’Italia. Two rugged climbs in a solitary environment of high, almost lunar mountain, the true essence of the Occitan Alps.  We will climb on asphalt to the well-deserved lunch at the refuge, then we will continue with a long overpass of the unpaved plateau above 7000-8000 feet. Last climb takes us up to the Fauniera Pass (Colle dei Morti) where we will find the monument to Marco Pantani, in front of which, true cycling enthusiasts will experience a thrill.

When darkness is comingOSTERIA FUORIMANO

Aperitif in the square of the small village of Busca, then dinner at the Osteria Fuorimano, it will be an unusual experience because the dishes will be decided upon arrival for dinner. Don’t be scared, it’s fine.

Regular itinerary: ENTHUSIAST LEVEL cyclist: Total distance 31 miles (50 km) and Total climb 5,250 feet (1,600 m).
Extended itinerary: AVID LEVEL cyclist: Total distance 39 miles (62 km) and Total climb 6,730 feet (2,050 m).

A long ride in a wild alpine environment on the old roads of the eighteenth-century defensive end of the border military forts. Within 1850 and 1880 the Colle di Tenda area was affected by an impressive series of fortification works. The forts involved in this route are Forte Alto (close to Colle di Tenda), Forte Pernante, Giura and Margheria (to the west of the hill, towards the Forte dell’Abisso) and the Tuburda forts (to the east). Following the transfer of the French border, the forts are now all in French territory.

When darkness is comingLOCANDA DEL FALCO

The Cuneo (Occitan) mountains are enjoying an economic revival that has repopulated the valleys, thanks to the young generations like Alessando and his brigade. In their restaurant they have brought a strong renewal of traditional cuisine.

Regular itinerary: ENTHUSIAST LEVEL cyclist: Total distance 35 miles (56 km) and Total climb 5,020 feet (1,530 m).
Extended itinerary: AVID LEVEL cyclist: Total distance 44 miles (71 km) and Total climb 7,750 feet (2,360 m).

We are moving towards the sea, we get there through the old roads used by merchants and smugglers who used them to sell sea salt to Lombardy or Switzerland.  The Alta Via del Sale is a fascinating former military dirt road that connects the Occitan and French Alps to the Ligurian Sea. Winds between 1800 and 2100 meters above sea level along the main alpine watershed near the Italian-French border, crossing the Alpine passes, hairpin bends and passages along the coast bold.  It’s the Europe’s gravel paradise.

When darkness is coming: REIS CIBO LIBERO DI MONTAGNA

We have a soft spot for Juri, we love his cooking every time we go to visit him. REIS is a microscopic village in the mountains at 1300m above sea level, no cars, no pollution, no confusion, few people (several sheep and goats grazing), a worthy farewell dinner.

Regular itinerary: ENTHUSIAST LEVEL cyclist: Total distance 30 miles (48 km) and Total climb 3,480 feet (1,060 m).
Extended itinerary: AVID LEVEL cyclist: Total distance 35 miles (57 km) and Total climb 6,140 feet (1,870 m).

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye and start the journey back home.

If you are returning home, we will accompany you to Milan (MPX) airport.
If you plan to continue your stay in Italy, we will be happy to assist you.

We hope to see you soon on one of our next tours on the roads of Italy !

Tours Calendar

Dayly Experiences

Don’t you want to get bored?
The bike tours we have prepared will keep you busy from morning to early afternoon, once you return to the hotel you can choose whether to wait for dinner time in complete relaxation, or follow your guides in some interesting experiences that they have prepared for you.
They are committed, every day they offer you a different experience, you will love it for sure !!!

This itinerary aims to highlight the salient and evocative places of Cuneo.
Religious institutions stand out such as the ancient church of Santa Maria del Bosco, the parish of Santa Maria della Pieve, formerly the Jesuit church, the brotherhoods of Santa Croce and San Sebastiano, and the most important noble palaces.
Don’t miss a walk in Piazza Galimberti, the nerve center of the city of Cuneo.

Dominated by the mighty mass of the Albertino fort, Vinadio will welcome you with its characteristic stone houses, the parish church of medieval foundation and the stories of legendary giants.
An in-depth look at Fort Albertino: one of the most significant examples of military architecture in the Alps and current home of the “Mountain in Motion” exhibition, a multimedia journey that tells the story through the voices of the protagonists of the Occitan valleys.

Visit to the city of Bra (City of the international cheese fair “FORMAGGIO BRA”) with tasting of Piedmont mountain cheeses, among which the spectacular Castlemagno mountain cheese stands out. Not only Castelmagno but also mountain tome, soft goat cheeses and much more.
Bra never disappoints.

Mondovì: Breo with its shops and pedestrian areas, churches and walks.
Thanks to the historic funicular, you will reach Mondovì Piazza, the heart of the ancient Montis Regalis.
Here were the residences of authorities and notables and the main religious centers such as the Mission church with the astonishing frescoes by Andrea Pozzo.
A short walk will lead to the Belvedere Gardens which offer a spectacular panorama

Dining in the great Italian “Trattoria”

Contrary to popular belief, Italy does not have a single gastronomic tradition like pizza, pasta and cannoli, but many traditions closely linked to their territory, which make up a very interesting mosaic. Our goal is to introduce you to it, and to immerse you in this culinary experiance.

There are different Piedmontese regional cuisines, all characterized by the availability of high quality ingredients. Here we are in the Occitan area on the border with Liguria and France, thanks to the continuous passage of traders through Piedmont to bring their goods to Europe, the cuisine has acquired strong influences from these regions. A crossroads of people, a cuisine that has undergone many influences, French, Ligurian, Langhe, but which has been able to cultivate extreme excellence, among all the high mountain Castelmagno cheese.

We are in Bra, the city famous for the international “Cheese” fair and because the Slow Food movement was born here, a city dedicated to food, wine and the sustainable growth of small artisans who produce food. We couldn’t take you to our favorite restaurant, Battaglino will welcome us with its haute cuisine and splendid cellar. We think you will be happy.Highlights dishes:
Starter: “Truset» salad, low temperature cooked eel and sweet and sour peppers.
First course: Meat »bollito» ravioli on creamed potatoes and white pepper.
Main course: “Toumin dal Mel» cheese with turnip tops and Bra sausage.

When we talk about Carrù we cannot help but think of the “Fat Ox” (a regional breed of beef ox) and the fair that has celebrated its meat since the beginning of the last century. In Carrù the preparation of boiled meat is celebrated which includes 7 sauces for 7 boiled meats: head, tongue, scaramella, muscle, breast, lean, tail. Not only this but much more in rigorous respect of tradition.
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Mixed Piedmontese appetizers.
First course: Pasta Tajarin 30 eggs with Fat Ox beef ragout.
Main course: “Boiled” Fat Ox beef from Carrù.

Osteria Fuorimano, only “free-form” menus, three choices depending on the hunger of the diners. The dishes come out with rhythm and are surprisingly different among the diners who have expressed their tastes and any intolerances. Taste dishes with strong, immediate and refined flavours, which combine new recipes with the traditional preparations of the city of Cuneo.
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Sheep tartare with bottarga, garlic bread and candied lemon.
First course: Risotto with crispy eel.
Main course: Boneless quail stuffed with baked veal sausage.

It is an old carriage house, then the engine emptied the premises but left the poetry. Between the stone walls, cool in summer and heated by the stove in winter and scented by the smell of wood, poetry is interpreted according to the strict rules of tradition. Valdieri is the small village where Alessandro opened the Locanda del Falco in the old Savoy carriage depot (@SLOW FOOD and MICHELIN award winner). Excellent Occitan cuisine, good cellar of Piedmontese and non-Piedmontese wines.
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Marinated alpine trout with horseradish and chicory.
First course: Ravioles, occitan potato gnocchi, alpine butter and Plaisentif (cheese of violet).
Main course: Sambucano lamb, stewedwith white beans and bitter wild mountain herbs.

Small mountain trattoria in Varaita valley, a real gem of “Occitan” cuisine (@SLOW FOOD awarded). Juri (owner and chef) has chosen to work in the mountains, he will introduce us to a unique gastronomic experience, linked to the products and traditions of his mountain, something very profound and difficult to replicate. After only some years of work, this small trattoria has become the refuge of many Italian and French gourmets.
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Marinated anchovies, vanilla, raspberries, rocket pesto.
First course: “Mustardela”, risotto with wild garlic pesto and honey vinegar.
Main course: Diaframma lamb steak skirt with pea cream, capers and coffee powder.

Snails, snails, snails are the specialty of the village of Cherasco and above all here at the Osteria della Torre. Don’t panic because there is much more waiting for you on the table, they won’t leave you hungry. One of the most beautiful taverns in the Langhe with Michelin Bib Gourmand award-winning cuisine.
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Piemontese-style Steak tartare with hazelnuts and Alba white truffle.
First course: Potato gnocchi stuffed with snails grilled with parsley chlorophyll and green ribs.
Main course: Ruché wine Braised Piemontese Beef.

Living in the Charme

We have selected some beautiful hotels, historical houses and vineyard houses, where you will enjoy to stay in the total relaxation after your bike experience.
Most of them have SPA treatment available in a charming exclusive environment.
Our tours involve staying in a single hotel for the entire holiday, to have more time to immerse yourself in the culture of the area.

The Macario family celebrated 150 years of experience and professionalism with the inauguration of the Relais del Nazionale. Happy achievement dictated by long years of maturity and dedication to the hotel business, to which over five generations have contributed, the Relais del Nazionale marries splendid forms of ancient mountain stories and modern technology, offering its guests all the best of the mountains .

Palazzo Lovera is a boutique hotel located in the historic center of the city of Cuneo, in the pedestrian area of stately buildings and medieval porticoes.

* All breakfasts, lunches, dinners
* One certified regional guide for every 8 guests, one bike mechanic and one SAG van driver
* Snacks, sport drinks, beverages, energy bars during the tour
* 2 different itineraries every day with different experience levels
* Guest pick-up / drop-off to and from the airport or other meeting point
* Daily bike maintenance and cleaning
* Daily laundry service for bike gear
* Custom Hirides.com cycling kit: bib shorts, jersey and socks
* Private guided tours at museums, historical sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
* All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
* Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
* Professional bicycle rental (e-bike or muscle) or transport of your beloved bicycle to Italy
* Baggage transfers, handling and assistance
* Civil Liability Insurance and Italian health insurance for non European citizens

  • Guide gratuities
  • Ttransportation to and from your HiRides trip start & end locations
  • On-your-own meals & activities
  • Additional cycling kit
  • Travel Protection Plan (highly recomended).