Highlights and tour details
An ideal route to discover an area of true beauty which explores the province of Vercelli: from the chequered sea to the wine lands, a delightful 95 km loop itinerary which explores the area of the Rice Paddies and the Wine hills.
Departure: Vercelli
Arrival: Vercelli
Distance: 95 km
Time: approx. 8 h
Rating: difficult
Recommended period: spring and autumn
Terrain: paved
Itinerary: From the railway station of Vercelli take the flyover of Corso Gastaldi and follow it in the direction of Olcenengo and Casanova Elvo, where you can admire the Castle (pre 12th century) and the majestic Church of S. Martino in the main square. Continue on to Formigliana, taking the time to observe the Monte Rosa Massif that frames the ancient farmhouses you meet along the road. Crossing the Cervo torrent, continue for Balocco, where you can admire the 15th century Castle and the Church of S. Michele, which preserves a triptych of Giovenone; cross the towns of San Giacomo Vercellese and Rovasenda, and continue for Gattinara. A stop here is mandatory, to visit the city and its surroundings, whose hills produce the homonymous DOCG wine. The city centre features important historical-artistic buildings such as the Parish Church of San Pietro, dating to the early Middle Ages and Castelle Tower which overlooks the city from the surrounding hills. Continue on the route, crossing the River Sesia and reaching Romagnano Sesia, moving to the left bank, entering the territory of the hills of Novara. Here, in succession, we meet Ghemme, Sizzano and Fara, a hilly region that produces excellent DOC wines. Cycling back towards the River Sesia, we pass Carpignano and Landiona, to reach the towns of Recetto with a historic centre featuring an ancient castle and the boundary wall of the 13th century and San Nazzaro Sesia with the Abbey of Saints Nazario and Celso, example of the fortified medieval abbeys, dating to the 11th century. From here, continue on crossing the towns of Villata and Borgo Vercelli, to return to the city of Vercelli.