In the footsteps of Sigerico: the Via Francigena and lots more
The pilgrims on the Via Francigena must have been awed and relieved as they gazed over the plain after the epic crossing of the Alps. Re-live their feelings with this tour, enjoying the ride up and down one slope after another on minor roads, through woods, old villages and wonderful scenery. Without forgetting that we are in territory of Erbaluce and Carema, which can be tasted in a well-deserved “merenda sinoira” (combined snack and dinner) or with a lunch of traditional local produce.
| TYPE | Road bike |
| DIFFICULTY | @@@@ |
| TIME | 2 days |
| DISTANCE | about 140 km (65 first day + 75 second day) |
| TERRAIN | byroads |
| PLAN | small group with leader (at least 4 adults) |
| DATES |
Contact us for booking. |
| PRICE/PERSON |
245 Euros in double room 235 Euros in triple room 315 Euros single occupancy double room The price includes: 2 nights in a 3*Lux hotel, breakfast included, bike tour guide and assistance, 2 meals in traditional local restaurants, merenda sinoira (traditional combined snack and dinner) |
Day of arrival
You can arrive at Hotel Sirio whenever you want, the important thing is to give yourself plenty of time to have a good night’s sleep to be ready for the next day! If you have time, it’s worth getting here early: Hotel Sirio is the perfect place for those who love nature and good food. A walk around Lake Sirio or a stroll through the old town of Ivrea are the best way to get yourself into a holiday mood.
First day on bike
After going down into the town from Hotel Sirio and crossing the river Dora, we leave Ivrea heading towards the Aosta Valley on the Royal Turin Wine Trail, which in this part is an easy ride on byroads through the countryside, to the bridge at Tavagnasco (17 kilometres covered). Here, after crossing the river, we meet the Via Francigena as it descends from the Aosta Valley parallel to the main road, passing through the towns and villages at the foot of the steep rocky ridge that borders the valley. From the centre of Settimo Vittone we climb across the hillside, passing in front of the Romanesque Church and Baptistery of San Lorenzo and continue uphill until we reach the road for Nomaglio-Andrate. When we get to Croceserra (12 km climb covering a height of 870 m), we go downhill towards the Biellese area on a lovely road through the woods that near the village of Sala give way to wide clearings within the borders of the Serra ridge. When we reach the Taglio Grosso above Broglina di Magnano, we start the rapid descent that takes us back onto the Canavese side of the Serra to Bollengo. From here after an easy climb to the top of the hill at Burolo, we ride quickly down to Cascina Bedria (55 km covered) for a well-deserved “merenda sinoira (a real dinner but early) after which we return to Ivrea on easy secondary roads, with 65 km on the clock and having climbed 1600 m.
Programma
@ ore 09,30 am meeting with the group and briefing
@ ore 10,00 am set off for the tour from hotel Sirio
@ ore 12,30 pm meal
@ ore 05,00 pm merenda sinoira at Cascina Bedria
@ ore 07,00 pm return to hotel Sirio
Second day on bike
From Hotel Sirio we go down towards Ivrea town centre and join the Via Francigena that soon leaves the town heading east. After leaving the main track, after a relaxing ride on the flat, we start to climb the moraine between Azeglio and Settimo Rottaro, ready to face the steep climb that takes us to Masino Castle, where the view from the terrace repays us for all our hard work. We set off again on enjoyable back roads that provide an unusual approach to Lake Viverone where a plentiful meal awaits us in an “agriturismo” (farmhouse). After lunch, we start riding along the Via Francigena again, in the direction of Ivrea. After passing through Viverone, set among the Erbaluce vineyards, we find real masterpieces of Canavese Romanesque architecture such as the Gesiun (big church) at Piverone and the church of San Pietro e Paolo at Bollengo. Continuing along the pilgrims’ path in the opposite sense, we return by the Panoramic road to the hotel in Ivrea, where at the end of the day we have ridden 75 km and climbed 950 m.
Programma
@ ore 10,00 am start of the tour from hotel Sirio
@ ore 12,30 am lunch at the agriturismo Tra Serra e Lago
@ ore 05,30 pm return to hotel Sirio
Price per person
in double room 245 Euros
in triple room (3 adults over 14 years old) 235 Euros
in single occupancy double room 315 Euros
The price includes:
- bed and breakfast at Hotel Sirio 3*Lux
- guide and assistance for 2 days biking
- 2 meals in traditional local restaurants (2 courses, 1 glass of wine, water and coffee)
- merenda sinoira
Extra nights: in double room 42.50 Euros; in single occupancy double room 75 Euros
Half board supplement: 25 Euros (3 courses, drinks excluded)
Hotel Sirio facilities: car park, bike cleaning and garaging, Wi-Fi charge
Changes to the itinerary
While we intend to respect the programme shown, slight changes may be made due to organisational reasons or weather conditions, also on the spot.
Diets and special requests
At the time of booking, please state whether you are vegetarian, celiac or have any food allergies, etc. Last-minute requests will not be accepted. In the event of allergies and/or food intolerances we reserve the right to request a medical certificate. It is important for us to be informed of any health problems you may have, in order to best satisfy your needs. We will do our best to satisfy your needs, however we cannot guarantee for the variety of dishes.
Minimun compulsory equipment
〈 Road bike with all parts in good working order
〈 Water bottle or camelbak with personal water supply
〈 Helmet and glasses
〈 Backpack
What to bring…
We recommend clothing suited to the altitude of the tour, you should not underestimate the differences in temperature that occur during the day. In the central part of the tour you will be riding in a mountainous environment and since the pre-alpine areas are particularly subject to rapid meteorological changes, it is a good idea to have with you windproof/rainproof clothing.
You should also have a camera for the views!
Insurance
Third party liability – included.
Optional healthcare and medical insurance – estimate upon request
How to book
1. After choosing your tour, download or ask our office for the technical sheet and general conditions of the contract and carefully read all parts of the documents.
2. Check availability by sending an e-mail to info@bikearound.it stating the tour desired, starting date, number of people (adults and children), number and type of rooms (double, triple, single/single occupancy double) and any extras required (more nights, half board supplement, bike hire, insurance).
3. bike@round will send you availability, an estimate and the period by which confirmation should be received. You should then fully complete the form and sign the contract, pay 25% of the total cost of the tour by bank transfer (stating name and surname of the group leader), send the form and receipt or Bank Operation Code of the payment to info@bikearound.it or by fax to +39 0125 421245.
4. The booking will be considered firm and the contract concluded only when bike@round sends confirmation by e-mail or by fax, attaching the contract form countersigned for acceptance.
5. The balance should be paid within no later than 20 days prior to the tour starting date. Please make a note in your diary, we won’t remind you. Then send us straight away the receipt or bank operation code of the bank transfer (stating the name and surname of the group leader).
6. bike@round will send you further information about your tour by e-mail or by fax.
If you should have any queries or requests, write to info@bikearound.it or call +39 0125 45174.
