ALONG THE PO FROM THE SOURCE IN PAVIA

After the collapse of the USSR, the project for a network of long-distance cycling routes was born that would embrace the entire continent, finally contributing to unite it beyond any geopolitical division.

The European Cyclists' Federation (ECF), together with some British and German cycling associations, therefore laid the foundations for what is now known as the Eurovelo network.

The Eurovelo routes are numbered from 1 to 17. In general, the odd numbered routes run across the continent from north to south; those with even numbers instead from west to east.

If you love the enchanting scenery of the Alps and the spectacle of nature, if you want to listen to their sounds, observe the animals that live there, perceive the harmony of colors, immerse yourself in greenery and at the same time discover castles, fortresses, medieval, Romanesque and baroque, Savoy royal residences,  well, do not miss this trip. 

It starts from Pian del Re, at the foot of the Monviso, where the great river is born; descend passing from the Alps to the hills on which the splendid Saluzzo rises with its medieval charm up to the plains of Racconigi and Stupinigi, both locations of Savoy residences surrounded by large parks. You then reach Turin, the first capital of Italy, a city with a discreet and somewhat mysterious charm that will surprise you and then, still pedaling in the green of the Po Parks among flights of herons and egrets, you cross the Monferrato at the height of at the foot of hills covered with fine vines to finally reach Lombardy, the ancient city of Pavia where the beautiful Certosa stands, an exceptional example of Renaissance art. The tour is part of the Eurovelo 8 route, the large trans-European network consisting of 45,000 km of cycle paths and of the BicItalia 2 route, the Italian cycle network that crosses all regions.

 

The medieval town perched on the hill at the foot of Monviso is a small jewel. Former capital of the homonymous marquisate, an antiques fair is held here every year, an activity for which it is renowned.

2nd day Saluzzo - source of the Po (by minibus) - Saluzzo;
descent by bike to Saluzzo and excursion to the Manta castle approx. 40 Km.; in case of snow at the source it is possible to take a path of the castles around Saluzzo up to Savigliano. A memorable journey immersed in one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes offered by our Alps, letting yourself go down next to the sparkling waters of the stream that will later become the largest river in Italy.

Along country roads that cross the orchards and vineyards of the area you reach Cavour with its fortress, a moraine hill - today a protected area - which rises in the middle of the plain. Overnight in the delightful Pinerolo, home to the historic riding school, which for centuries formed the Savoy cavalry. 

Following beautiful cycleways, first at the foot of the mountains, then along the Sangone torrent - a tributary of the Po - you reach the hunting lodge of Stupinigi, a Savoy residence, masterpiece of the Juvarra,( Italian architect, scenographer and goldsmith, one of the main exponents of the Baroque) and then along the very green area of the Po river park you arrive without realizing it not even noticing it in the heart of Turin, an elegant city with a vaguely french charm.

After a quick visit, you leave Turin always along the river towards the east; once in Chivasso, follow the Cavour canal for a short distance, which here originates from the Po, and soon you are in the middle of the Crescentino rice fields, in a typical rural landscape, splendid in May, when the rice fields are covered with 'water.

From Crescentino, a small village with an atmosphere that has remained unchanged over time, we continue among rice fields and enchanting views of the Po to Casale, a lively and charming town that leads to Monferrato, a land of wines and good cuisine, and then reaches the surroundings of Valenza, the most important goldsmith's art center in Piedmont.

Leaving Valenza, continue towards Lombardy and then towards Ticino, the historic river that marks the border with Piedmont; the landscape changes and you pedal for a while along this river in a particularly beautiful stretch full of bends; then continue along rural roads flanked by canals and then enter Pavia via the beautiful covered bridge over the Ticino.

To return to Saluzzo: by train, about 5 hours or by private minibus

 

1) 8-day tour with two overnight stays in Turin and without ascent to the source

2) 7-day tour without the ascent to the source

3) 9-day tour with two overnight stays in Turin

4) 3 days tour from Saluzzo to Turin

5) 3 days tour from Turin to Casale

 -Individual travel type

 -Departures minimum 2 people; every Saturday from March 27 to October 29; other dates to be chosen for a minimum of 4 people

 -Duration of the trip 8 days/7 nights

 -Difficulty level: easy

The itinerary is totally flat and therefore suitable for everyone and takes place on cycle roads or quiet secondary roads; However, some sections are unpaved, so the use of a mountain bike or city bike with sturdy tires is recommended. The departure from Pian della Regina will be possible - snow permitting - only from May / June onwards. Alternatively, the first day tour on the Saluzzese cycle roads.

 -The number of Km is indicative because they change if you go along the right or left bank of the Po.

 -Type of bike requested: city bike or touring bike

 -Luggage transport: yes

 -Information meeting / briefing in the first hotel: no

 -Bike rental only:  yes

 -Luggage transport only: yes

 -Travel customization: yes

- Possibility to have a guide with a minimum of 10 people.

TOUR PRICE 2021 

cost per person in a double room

8 days version € 725 .--

7 days version € 670 .--

	8 days	7 days
Half board not available	not avail.	not avail.
Single room eur	205	185
Bike rental  eur	110	110
Electric bike rental  eur	210	210
Helmet  eur	5	5

THE PRICE INCLUDE 

 -Overnight stays in *** / **** hotels and agritourisms with breakfast

 -Luggage transport from hotel to hotel

- information material, maps and detailed description of the itinerary

 -24 hour medical / baggage insurance

 -Emergency telephone support

 -Entry fee

 - The journey to reach the meeting places and back

- Lunches and dinners

- Drinks with meals

 -Visits and entrances

 -Tips

 -The extras usually of a personal nature

 -Anything not specified under "the fee includes"

 -By train: arrival in Turin and by bus to Saluzzo

 -By plane: arrival in Turin and by bus to Saluzzo

 -By car directly to Saluzzo

To book, fill in and send the registration form to info@aemmeviaggi.it;

pay 30% of the foreseen cost, provide for the balance 6 weeks before departure.