Cycling Holidays at Villa Sampaguita

Experience the wonderful Langhe and Monferrato hills of central Piedmont on two wheels

The Monferrato and Langhe hills provide a wonderful terrain for both bicycling and motorbike touring, with vine-covered hills, beautiful hilltop villages with panoramic views of 3 Alpine ranges, and above all some of Italy’s best regional cuisine and wines. For bicyclists the rides vary from easy hills and flat valleys, to some challenging hill climbs. A short drive allows you to access easily exceptional rides into the western Alps. Motorcyclists will be in heaven with the range of panoramic rides.

Villa Sampaguita is located about 9 km from the centre of the historical city of Asti. We are in the centre of the famous Monferrato and Langhe wine hills of Piedmont (Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera) and a short drive or train ride to Turin. Milan’s international airport is an hour and a half by car.

We can arrange bicycle or motorbike rentals or you can bring your own wheels.

Take a look at some ride reports from groups that have visited Villa Sampaguita and raved about both about the facilities and the stunning rides in the area: Slow Travel Review #1561

Villa Sampaguita provides special care for cyclists:

• Secure covered shelter for bikes with cycle racks.
• Cycle carrier for car available for getting to more destinations.
• Workshop with tools for repairs (including spare tubes, chain lube, etc.).
• Complete maps and list of suggested cycle routes, plus places to see, restaurant and winery recommendations.
• Laundry facilities .
• "Power breakfasts".
• Half board available or dinner a casa (4 or more persons).
• Train station (gratis) or airport pick-up (taxi or mini-bus) can be arranged.
• Bicycle or motorbike rentals can be arranged with bicycles delivered or guests brought to rental shop.
• English-speaking cycling guide available for trail bike tours .

  Villa Sampaguita can cater for different types of cyclist holidays:

Dedicated cycle tourists not using a car.

• We pick-up from train station or arrange airport pick-up and bring to bicycle (or motorbike) rental shop for bike pick-up
• Half-board at Villa Sampaguita with breakfast and supper (minimum 4 people and 3 nights)
• We prepare a list of circular routes around and about Asti.
• Can arrange for drop-off at start of rides away from Villa Sampaguita
• English speaking cycling guide available on request (needed for off-road trails).
• Short taxi ride to Asti for eating out or shopping

  Occasional cyclists with own car

• We arrange bicycle (or motorbike) rental and prepare a list of suggested routes both near to us and in classic areas such as Barolo, Langhe, Bormida, and Monferrato.
• We can provide bicycle carrier for car.
• Guests eat out in evenings or at Villa Sampaguita under normal dinner arrangements (or picnic here)
• English speaking cycling guide available on request (needed for off-road trails).

  Bicycle tour groups with support bus

• We can assist with logistics and local route planning.
• English speaking cycling guide available on request.
• Option for normal B&B, half-board or self-contained apartment.
• Maximum capacity 14 people. Minimum 3 nights.
• Contact us for details, prices etc.

  Cyclists on tour by bicycle

• Half board at Villa Sampaguita, minimum 2 nights and 4 people
• Ideal for rest stop, local rides, doing laundry, or short ride into Asti or around neighbourhood.
• We can arrange transport into Asti for sightseeing
• Sorry, we are not set-up for overnighters, but if we can fit you in we will try, please ask us

Two classic bike tours from Villa Sampaguita:

(of course there are many variations depending on fitness and length of ride desired)

Some other suggested tours from Villa Sampaguita:

• Riviera di Monferrato - Ride to Abbazia Vezzolano, over the next ridge to Cocconato and return via Cortanze Castle and Cinaglio- 80 km, hard ride
• Monferrato, Langhe and Roero wine country - Ride to San Martino Afiero, cross Tanaro river, up to Costigliole d'Asti, and then to Calosso and Neive, cross river again and return via Castagnito and San Damiano - 95 km, hard ride.

Suggested Tour itineraries away from Villa Sampaguita (bicycle transport needed to start/end point):

• Monferrato Basso and a Sacred Mountain - the tranquil Northern Monferrato hills leading up to the Sancturia di Crea - 60 km - medium.
• Barolo valley Wine Tour - Classic Barolo wine tour by bike - 55 km - medium
  

Motor Cycle Tours

Motorcyclists have the advantage that they can do all of the bicycle tours without needing to be transported, we have a complete set of maps for Piedmont and can make many suggestions depending on the rider's requirements

Useful Links - click on logo

	Cicli Giorgi is located in San Damiano, 20 minutes ride from Villa Sampaguita. It is a complete cyclist shop with a full range of bikes and accessories and repair shop. Rental of street and mountain bikes and delivery to our place.
	Very comprehensive site loaded with information for cyclists, including a large selection of route maps, elevation profiles places to stay and restaurants.
	A selection of routes in Asti province with maps and local information.
	Complete site for bicycle touring in the Langhe and Roero around Alba, including local information, routes and elevation levels. (English translation)

Site Design by Erin Brewer