Italian Clarion based in Piemonte. An area in the north west of Italy. Alps to the north & west, Ligurian coast to the south. We offer cycling holidays through the striking Italian Piemonte countryside and into the Italian, Swiss and French Alps.
We live is in the region of Asti, just south east of Torino.
The area is famous for; Fausto Coppi - the greatest rider ever? -that’s what Merckx says to divert self acclaim; Truffles; Ferrero Rocher; Barolo & Barbaresco fine wines are grown here, as well as the sparkling Asti Spumante.
The area is an undiscovered Tuscany as far as riding goes, in fact it’s better, probably because it’s on our door step & cheaper in comparison to the more touristic Toscana. Within a 2 hour ride you can be in the Alps. There are some fantastic climbs that are really worth making the extra effort to do. However, I'm mostly satisfied with the local hills.
We’ve lived here for over 3 years now and know you don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy good food and drink. Just 5€ at our local pizzeria for a tasty Margherita and with just 1,30€ / litre you can buy the locally produced Freisa wine at our cooperative cantina!
The climate is ideal for riding thanks to the 450N latitude.
We have many different experiences to offer. Be it places to go, ride, eat & drink, just take it all in. Well, as those of you who have been to Italy will know, it’s great for all these things. If you like your bike riding flat, hilly or mountainous, we’ve got it all here in Piemonte.
With your experienced English - Italian speaking guide you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery on offer in the surrounding areas, you’ll be thrilled to be on your bike.What is special about Italian Clarion is the local knowledge of riding routes and unique food and accommodation experiences ensuring you have a memorable trip.
Good food is simple, such is Italian cuisine, buonissimo. For example, one evening enjoy a feast prepared at an agriturismo with wines from a neighbouring vineyard, and on another evening stay in a basilica with unrivalled views across Turin, (depending on the itinerary chosen).
Itineraries include:
‘Coppi – il campionissimo’ – seeing all things Coppi; famous rides; the gran fondo; velodromo; museum; home; jerseys; memorials; etc.
‘Giro d’Italia’ – seeing a stage or 2, the Giro came to Cuneo, Pinerolo & Turin in 2009, and in 2010 visited Novi Ligure and the time-trial was from Savigliano to Cuneo. In 2011 it starts in Turin, ALRIGHT !!!. You can see the riders & ride some of the famous stages.
‘The Italian Job’ – essentially taking in great rides from the Piemonte region but including one day visiting each location used in the famous film which was set in Turin, also including riding up col del Gran san Bernarde and around the test track on top of the old FIAT factory.
‘The Gran Fondo’ – you can take part in one of the numerous organised cycle events (gran/medio fondos) like the ‘Tour of Lombardy’, 'Milan - San Remo', 'Colnago GF', 'Kappa Marathon'. Due to the high demand of the most popular events like Dolomiti Stars etc, they are very difficult to ensure entry. Also, a lot of the fun is lost due to problems negotiating a route around other riders. So we tend to avoid such huge events.
Check the Itineraries page for the full list of events. Click on each event for further details.
Our standard service includes private airport transfers, forward luggage transfers, 1/2 board accommodation, plus guides with race experience (who pace the rides). See the 'Questions' page for more details.
An itinerary can be tailored specifically for you or your group with our 'Bespoke' service. Click here for further details.
For information about your guides click here.
Italian Clarion is a section of the National Clarion Cycling Club. We have recently formed and are in the process of designing our team kit. You could help. It needs to be stylish (we are in Italy !!!), but traditional & bold referring to the Clarion's historic roots. Any ideas? Let us know info@italianclarion.com
Membership of Italian Clarion includes membership of National Clarion as well as our team kit (cycling shorts & short sleeve jersey) and costs just 100€ for 1 year (January to end of December).
To download a membership form click here. Upon completion, scan & email back to us. We can then advise payment details.
For the National Clarion current rules and constitution, click here
