La Bella Liguria
From the Riviera to the Cinque Terre
Download a Detailed Itinerary
Our comprehensive itineraries are a one-stop-shop for all the delightful details of our carefully crafted tours, including:
- A thorough daily itinerary
- Details for exact accommodations
- What to expect
- Travel planning tips
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Between the Alps and the Mediterranean, Liguria offers some of Italy’s most spectacular cycling. This journey follows the Italian Riviera from the Riviera dei Fiori to Portovenere, combining dramatic coastal roads, medieval villages, colorful harbors, and the region’s celebrated cuisine. Guided by Ligurian native Enrico Chierici, you’ll ride winding roads once traveled by merchants, pilgrims, and even Napoleon, discovering quiet mountain passes, the historic streets of Genoa, and seaside towns where fishing boats still fill pastel harbors. Along the way, savor regional wines, fragrant pesto, fresh seafood, and the aromas of warm focaccia that have defined Ligurian life for centuries. With elegant boutique hotels and authentic local experiences throughout, this journey captures the very essence of Liguria.
For those who wish to linger, a post-tour hiking extension in the Cinque Terre offers the perfect finale: walking ancient cliffside trails that overlook the sea and connect its fabled villages in timeless beauty.
Tour Essence
- Ride the spectacular Italian Riviera from the Riviera dei Fiori to Portovenere
- Cycle scenic coastal roads, mountain passes, and colorful fishing villages
- Explore Genoa’s UNESCO-listed historic center with a guided walking tour
- Savor Ligurian specialties, including pesto, focaccia, fresh seafood, olive oil, and regional wines
- Stay in elegant boutique hotels overlooking the Mediterranean
- Discover medieval villages, hidden valleys, and the wild landscapes of the Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark
Walking the Cinque Terre
After your cycling journey, extend your adventure on foot and uncover the Cinque Terre’s timeless beauty with tailored hikes from Levanto, thoughtfully designed and led by expert local guide Enrico Chierici. Download the detailed itinerary for the Cinque Terre Hiking Extension.
What to Expect
Terrain
Rolling to HillyStart Location
BordigheraEnd Location
PortovenereMileage
Average Daily: 45 miles Total: 310 milesElevation
Average Daily: 3,900 ft Total: 27,200 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.
- Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle
- Services of expert local bilingual guides throughout the program
- Full van support throughout the tour
- Ciclismo Super Snacks with local specialties and fresh seasonal products
- Ciclismo jersey and water bottle
- Cycling clinics and personalized coaching
- Group shuttles at the beginning and end of the tour
What’s Included
- Cycling Gear Included: Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or equivalent)
- Garmin Edge Explore GPS preloaded with daily routes and GPX tracks
- Ride with GPS navigation and route access for mobile devices (optional)
- Ciclismo jersey and water bottle
- Saddle bag with repair kit
- Optional map holder on handlebars
Pedal Options
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
What’s Not Included
- Cycling helmet
- Optional clipless/SPD pedals and cycling shoes
- Optional personal saddle
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 6 dinners
- Guided walking tour of Genoa
- Two wine tastings featuring regional Ligurian wines
- Hands-on pesto-making class
- Olive oil and amaretti tasting
2027
Start Location
BordigheraFly Into
Milan, Genoa, Nice (France)End Location
PortovenereFly Out Of
Pisa, Genoa, Milan, RomeBordighera
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
25 milesElevation Gain
1,400 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
60 milesElevation Gain
5,100 ftRiding Terrain
Flat, two 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 milesElevation Gain
4,700 ftRiding Terrain
Hilly with two climbsMeals 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
35 milesElevation Gain
3,500 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, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
45 milesElevation Gain
3,500 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling hills with one climbMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, 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, DinnerAverage Mileage
55 milesElevation Gain
5,100 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling hills with two long climbsMeals Provided
Breakfast, 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.
