The Marquisate of Saluzzo Cycling holidays in Italy, Piedmont, Saluzzo, Alps by bike

Abbeys and ancient chapels, orchards and castles: a small, enchanting territory full of treasures.
In this fertile land kissed by the sun and bathed by the torrents that descend from the six surrounding alpine valleys, in the 12th century a small independent kingdom was born and remained so, despite the proximity of powerful France, for four centuries: as many as fourteen marquises alternated in the government of the small happy state. In the delightful setting of the Alps, we proceed in gentle ups and downs to discover castles, abbeys, small villages, chapels that preserve frescoes with a late Gothic flavor; all around the green of the hills covered with vineyards and the splendor of orchards and cultivated fields in the name of a love for the land and for the traditions that have never been lost here. A dream stay in an authentic noble residence immersed in the green of a vast park on the hills of Costigliole Saluzzo and equipped with a swimming pool and wellness center.
The route is easy, but not completely flat, every day you have to face some (really) small differences in height, a little more accentuated near Cuneo and Fossano and to go to the Ciciu Park; you cycle on secondary roads, some of which are also dirt. 
The planned tours can obviously be done in a different order, keeping in mind that the Harp museum is closed on Saturdays and is also open on Sundays in the months up to May, and from Monday to Friday from June onwards.    
The hotel is located in an ancient 15th century castle that after centuries has come back to life to offer, in the flavor of history, moments of peace in harmony with nature, includes a wellness center with swimming pool, is far from noise and pollution and is the ideal place to spend a pleasant holiday. 

1st day Individual arrival in Costigliole Saluzzo
1st route Dronero and the Maira Valley  45 km
In Dronero we are awaited by the spectacular bridge known as the "devil's bridge" at the entrance to the Maira Valley; in Villar San Costanzo the park where the "Ciciu" are located, curious "mushrooms" of clay and quartz that arise in the middle of the woods; finally, in Busca, numerous churches including the chapel of S. Sebastiano with late-Gothic frescoes
2nd route the Harp Museum and the Varaita Valley 26 km
Today we head towards the Varaita valley, one of the greenest and most beautiful in the region. The villages we cross are a typical example of the mountain life of this area. In Piasco you can visit the harp museum, unique in Italy (open from Monday to Friday). You arrive in Brossasco, the capital of mountain furniture with the wood museum, then on the way back we find Venasca, a medieval town, since 1400 an important reference market and Rossana with its Gothic church; short stage but a bit difficult due to the return to the hotel on dirt road with slight uphill stretches 
3rd route  Fossano and Savigliano  63 km
A beautiful route that will allow us to discover two of the most important towns in the province: Fossano and Savigliano. Both cities retain much of the houses from the medieval era with the typical arcades. In Fossano you can visit the Acaja castle, the historic center and the park with a beautiful view of the Stura stream valley and in Savigliano take a regenerating break in Piazza Santarosa, with the surrounding medieval buildings and the seventeenth-century palaces; finally, the beautiful castle of Lagnasco deserves a stop
4th route Cuneo and surroundings 51 km
Today's destination is the capital of the province: Cuneo. The city, located on a cliff overlooking two rivers, owes its name to its wedge shape, narrow between the Gesso stream and the Stura river. The city is rich in monuments and museums, such as the Archaeological Museum, and beautiful squares and walks, such as Piazza Galimberti and the elegant and very green Viale degli Angeli. Small villages (San Chiaffredo, San Pietro del Gallo, Passatore) are scattered along the way out and back. You cycle partly also through the orchards
5th route Saluzzo and the Staffarda Abbey km 61
Saluzzo, rich in splendid medieval buildings and Manta with its frescoed castle are the towns to visit in the morning, then we head towards Castellar, famous for the open-air museum of scarecrows that can be seen throughout the town and then we go towards the famous Staffarda Abbey, one of the greatest medieval monuments in Piedmont.
7th route end of services after breakfast.

Travel type Self guided

Departures minimum 1 person; every day from March to October

Duration 7 days/6 nights

Difficulty level easy, with some small daily differences in height

Total km 265

Type of bike touring bike

Luggage transport no

Information meeting/briefing in the first hotel  no

Bike rental only yes

Tour price per person € 580.--

Price includes

Overnight stays in a **** hotel with buffet breakfast

Free access to the swimming pool
Gpx tracks
24-hour medical/luggage insurance
Emergency telephone support 
Registration fee

Price does not include

Round trip to Costigliole Saluzzo

Lunches and dinners

Drinks with meals

Tours and entrance fees

Tips

Personal extras

Anything not specified under "Price includes"

On request

Tour cancellation insurance
Additional nights
Airport transfer to the hotel

Bike guide
Quotes for pre-formed groups

To book, please fill in and send the registration form; pay 25% of the participation fee; pay the balance approximately one month before departure.