Nice - Genova by bike France and Italy by bike: individual tour, the coastal route from Nice to Genova

This cycling holiday from France to Italy, from Nice to Genova, follows the golden turn from Munich to Genova. For centuries, many travelers have come here every year, but especially in the last century, this stretch of coast has become the home of the Beau Monde. Obviously it's not a coincidence. The blue sea, the rugged coastline, pastel-colored villages and the climate are a combination that is rarely found elsewhere. Now it is finally possible to discover it by bike. The coastal road, the Aurelia SS n° 1, is very scenic, but busy and sometimes quite narrow, so you will pedal as much as possible on secondary roads and often inland, where there are some not too long or strenuous climbs. Only a few stretches will take you to
the Aurelia. Through a combination of cyclepath in good part on former railway tracks, secondary roads, and inland lanes, we offer a beautiful journey, but only suitable for adults who are quite fit for a few climbs. The entire route is signposted, but we recommend using GPS tracks to simplify the route.

1st day individual arrive to Nice
After arriving in Nice by plane, car or train, you can visit this pearl of the French Riviera, famous for its promenade along the sea, called the Promenade des Anglais, particularly beautiful in the light of sunset. The next day at breakfast will be delivered the bikes and the package including road book, maps and luggage tags.

2nd day Nice - Ventimiglia 42 Km
It starts by climbing on slopes that are not too steep along the beautiful scenic route called Haute Corniche which passes through La Turbie, where the Arch of Augustus is located, which bears witness to the passage of the Roman army along this stretch of the Mediterranean. The view of Montecarlo is splendid. Then you go down to Cap Martin and continue to Mentone, also known as the city of lemon, a historic city that preserves
a fort on the sea. We recommend a stop to visit Vieux Menton and the Basilica. Shortly after you pass the border to Ventimiglia and enter Italy.

3rd day Ventimiglia - Bordighera - San Lorenzo - Imperia 49 km
The Ligurian coast appears today in all its splendor. Past Bordighera, at the beginning of the 20th century a resort town for the Italian aristocracy, we reach Sanremo, the city of flowers, very elegant and full of ancient palaces and villas surrounded by wonderful plants. Opportunity to visit Bussana Vecchia, a village destroyed by an earthquake and then restored by a group of artists who live there. Otherwise, continue on the beautiful cyclepath with a view of the sea - once a railway - to San Lorenzo. Overnight stay in Imperia /Porto Maurizio. Do not miss in Porto Maurizio the convent of the Poor Clares with its extraordinary white portico overlooking the sea.

4th day Imperia - Diano - Cervo - Alassio 44 km
Continue to follow the coast through the picturesque fishing villages. Brightly colored houses are full of terraces. A very characteristic village is Cervo, which seems to have been set in the coast by the sea itself. The large parish church, which can be seen from afar, is splendid. Continue in the direction of Marina di Andora to find a beach suitable for a refreshing swim. This area is also called the Riviera delle Palme. Then you leave the coast, climb among the olive trees along the shady hills before descending to Alassio, a favorite tourist destination for its elegance and white sandy beaches.

5th day Alassio - Albenga - Finale 48 km
Today the Roman route of the Via Julia Augusta is partly followed up to Albenga, a small town with art treasures such as the Cathedral of San Michele, the 5th century baptistery and the twenty towers. We leave the coast again towards Toirano, a beautiful medieval village famous for its lime stone caves, then back to the sea up to Borgio, where we climb towards Verezzi, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, where every year a theater festival takes place . From here we descend to Finalborgo, another wonderful medieval village surrounded by ancient walls.

6th day Finale - Savona 34 km
From Finale you continue along the sea towards Finalpia and from there you go up overlooking the sea on the Manie plateau, where you cycle along the woods. Spectacular is the descent to Noli, another beautiful village with its medieval towers and the Romanesque church of San Paragorio. Along the Aurelia or along the pedestrian path you get to Sportono, where in front of the island of Bergeggi you can swim in the clearest waters of the whole Liguria. Continuing eastwards, you reach the beautiful seafront of Savona.

7th day Savona - Arenzano 24 km ; train to Genova
We follow the seafront to Albissola, the beach is backed by extensive bathing establishments Continue to follow the coast to Albissola, the beach of Celle Ligure and then the beautiful city of Varazze, with its waterfront. From here the bike path to Arenzano starts on the site of the former railway. Crossing tunnels, railway bridges and with splendid views of the sea you reach Arenzano, where we recommend a stop in the splendid park surrounding the Villa Negrotto Cambiaso, now seat of the town hall. Here you return the bike and receive your luggage. Then take the train to Genoa, the final point of the journey, ancient maritime city with a unique charm.

8th day Genova. End of the trip after breakfast

Travel type  Self guided

Departures  Every Saturday from April 19th to October 4th (minimum 2 people).

Duration  8 days/7 nights

Difficulty level  medium/easy
The route is mainly on roads with low traffic, and in some parts on protected cycle path; there are some climbs to avoid busy roads, and some short stretch on busy road (Aurelia).

Total km   240

Type of bike  city bike or touring bike

Luggage transport  yes

Information meeting/briefing no

Tour price per person  €1265.--

The price includes

Accommodation in 3* hotels and one 4* hotel 

Breakfast buffet
Luggage transport from hotel to hotel (1 luggage per person)

GPS tracks 
24-hour medical/baggage insurance
Emergency telephone support  
Registration fee

The price does not include

The journey to reach the meeting points and back

Lunches and dinners

Drinks with meals

Visits and entrances

The tips

Personal extras

Everything not specified under "the price includes"

On request

Tour cancellation insurance
 Additional nights

Estimates for guided tour

To book, fill out and send the registration form; pay 25% of the participation fee; pay the balance approximately one month before departure.