La Bella Liguria
From the Riviera to the Cinque Terre
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Between the Alps and the sea, Liguria unfolds as one of Italy’s most captivating regions — a slender ribbon of land where mountain ridges plunge into the deep blue Mediterranean. On this exclusive cycling journey, we we ride from the elegant Riviera dei Fiori to the iconic Cinque Terre, discovering medieval villages, sun-drenched coastlines, and winding roads once traveled by merchants, pilgrims, and even Napoleon himself. Each turn reveals a new scene: sunlit terraces of olive and vine, pastel harbors where fishing boats bob gently in turquoise coves, and market stalls alive with chatter and the glimmer of fresh anchovies and golden focaccia. We taste the region’s soul in every bite of trofie al pesto, sip crisp Vermentino by the sea, and listen to the lull of waves against the rocks at sunset. Along the way, encounters with artisans, chefs, and winemakers weave together Liguria’s maritime rhythm, artistic flair, and heartfelt hospitality. From boutique hotels overlooking the sea to the grandeur of Genoa’s gilded palaces, this cycling adventure is a vivid celebration of Italy’s color, flavor, and sound.
Tour Essence
- Ride the Riviera dei Fiori — pedal Italy’s award-winning Cycling Riviera, a stunning coastal path just steps from the sea
- Conquer iconic climbs like the legendary Poggio, Passo del Melogno, and Passo del Faiallo, with sweeping descents to the Mediterranean
- Explore Beigua Geopark, where mountains meet the sea on winding roads and unspoiled landscapes
- Stay at Palazzo Grillo, a 1545 Renaissance palace in Genoa’s Old Town — a masterpiece of La Superba
- Ride through time in medieval villages like Zuccarello and Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena, along ancient routes linking the Alps to the sea
- Follow Napoleon’s path across the Bocchetta di Altare and discover hidden fortifications in the hills of Sassello
- Taste Liguria’s “liquid gold” — savor fine olive oil from Taggiasca olives in a private tasting in Testico
- Master the art of pesto, preparing Genoa’s signature sauce with mortar and pestle in a hands-on class
- Savor Ligurian flavors — zero-mile specialties, fresh seafood, and local wines in charming coastal and countryside hotels
- Sample local wines in a family-run wine shop in Genoa’s Old Town
- Sip the Cinque Terre’s finest, including Sciacchetrà, Italy’s rare and exquisite passito wine
What to Expect
Terrain
Rolling to HillyStart Location
BordigheraEnd Location
PortovenereMileage
Average Daily: 45 miles Total: 310 milesElevation
Average Daily: 4,300 ft Total: 29,700 ft
Once you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.
- Van support
- Expert, bilingual guides
- Ciclismo jersey and water bottle
- Cycling clinics and one-on-one coaching
- 1 olive oil tasting
- 1 pesto-making cooking class
- 2 wine tastings
- Walking guided tour of Genoa
- Shuttle during and at the end of the tour
What’s Included
- Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or Equivalent Carbon Road Bike)
- Garmin Edge Explore GPS loaded with the GPX tracks of your rides
- Two water bottles
- Saddle bag with repair kit
- Optional: Map holder on handlebar
Pedal Options
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
What’s Not Included
- Helmet
- Optional: clipless/SPD pedals with shoes
- Optional: your own saddle
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 6 dinners
2026
Start Location
BordigheraFly Into
Milan, Genoa, Nice (France)End Location
PortovenereFly Out Of
Pisa, Genoa, Milan, RomeBordighera
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
20 milesElevation Gain
1,300 ftRiding Terrain
Flat with one mild climbMeals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Parigi
Nestled directly on the seafront in Bordighera, the elegant 4-star hotel features a private beach, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views stretching from Liguria to Monte Carlo and the French Riviera. With the sea at your doorstep and the cycle path just below, this is the ideal place to begin — and end — your Italian cycling adventure.
Alassio
Meals Provided
Breakfast, LunchAverage Mileage
55 milesElevation Gain
5,500 ftRiding Terrain
Flat, one long climb, rolling descentMeals Provided
Breakfast, LunchAccommodations
Grand Hotel Spiaggia Alassio
The 4-star Grand Hotel Spiaggia, sits directly on the beach, featuring a panoramic rooftop pool, jacuzzi, solarium, and American bar — the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and Ligurian charm.
Finale Ligure
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
50/55 milesElevation Gain
4,900/5,700 ftRiding Terrain
HillyMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
San Pietro Palace
Set in a beautifully restored 18th-century building just steps from the sea, the 4-star Hotel San Pietro Palace combines historic charm with modern elegance. Guests can relax on the nearby beach, or explore the lively town center just a short stroll away. Cyclists are especially welcome, with dedicated bike facilities.
Sassello
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
40 milesElevation Gain
3,900 ftRiding Terrain
One long mild climb and rolling hillsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Pian del Sole
Tucked within the lush greenery of Parco del Beigua near Sassello, this welcoming 3-star retreat offers panoramic views of the Savona hinterlands and the nearby village. The hotel features an inviting outdoor pool with sun-loungers and seasonal cocktail bar, and well-appointed rooms. Ideal for nature lovers and cyclists, the location places you steps from forest trails and meandering bike paths.
Genoa
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
45 milesElevation Gain
4,600 ftRiding Terrain
MountainousMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Palazzo Grillo
The 4-star Palazzo Grillo, built in 1545, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture — an elegant sanctuary that perfectly preserves the artistic grandeur and noble spirit of La Superba, “The Proud One.” The boutique hotel features 25 stylish rooms, set within frescoed halls and marble columns. Guests can unwind on the rooftop terrace, or library lounge.
Genoa Rest Day
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
N/AElevation Gain
N/ARiding Terrain
N/AMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Palazzo Grillo
The 4-star Palazzo Grillo, built in 1545, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture — an elegant sanctuary that perfectly preserves the artistic grandeur and noble spirit of La Superba, “The Proud One.” The boutique hotel features 25 stylish rooms, set within frescoed halls and marble columns. Guests can unwind on the rooftop terrace, or library lounge.
Sestri Levante
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
50 milesElevation Gain
4,600 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling hills with one long climbMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Grand Hotel Villa Balbi
Set on the elegant seafront of Sestri Levante, the 4-star Grand Hotel Villa Balbi is a historic 17th-century noble villa. It features individually styled rooms, beautiful park grounds, an outdoor pool, and exclusive beach access.
Portovenere
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
50 milesElevation Gain
4,900 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling hills with two long climbsMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Grand Hotel Portovenere
Set in a restored 17th-century Franciscan convent overlooking the marina and the Gulf of Poets, this elegant 5-star boutique hotel combines history, design, and modern comfort. Guests enjoy spacious sea-view rooms, a wellness area with massage treatments, and private motorboat excursions.
