This cycling Via Francigena Aosta to Ivrea section is far more than a pilgrim trail: it is an epic yet easy bike ride from the Alps to the vast and fertile Po River plain, perfect for foodies, wine lovers, history buffs and landscape aficionados.

Starting from the Gran San Bernard Pass, on the Swiss-Italian border, this Via Francigena bike tour skirts alpine lakes surrounded by 3000m peaks and then freewheels down toward the ancient Roman city of Aosta. Follow cycle paths and quiet country lanes, crossing the fast-flowing Dora Baltea river as you leave the Aosta Valley. Continue through a scenic landscape of gentle hills and historic sites on this memorable cycling in Aosta Valley to Ivrea route, stopping to visit castles, chartreuse monasteries, churches and Roman ruins while enjoying the best of Northern Italian cuisine.

N.B. Saint Bernard Pass open from end of June