Genova and the 5 terre Italy by bike: cycling holiday in Liguria; Genova, 5 terre, La Spezia

A wonderful tour departing from Genoa, an ancient seaside town, and arriving in La Spezia in the Gulf of Tigullio, passing through the natural park of the Cinque Terre, among the scents and intense colors of the Levante Ligure. Leaving Genoa, become more beautiful thanks to the restyling operated by the world famous architect Renzo Piano, you take the rack railway (or bus) to Casella with a beautiful view of the gulf and the forts behind the city. Some parts of the journey are quite challenging, but the effort will be rewarded by the landscape offered by small and ancient villages immersed among the olive groves. In Cicagna has been created an ecomuseum dedicated to the typical local stone, the ardesia (slate), with which the splendid Basilica of the Fieschi from the 12th century of Cogorno was built. In the green Val Graveglia you can visit the Gambatesa manganese mine, still active. Starting from Levanto you can enjoy from above the spectacular panorama of the fishing villages set among the rugged mountains of the Cinque Terre. Finally we go down to the sea in the enchanting scenery of the Gulf of La Spezia, with the possibility of continuing to Portovenere, where the English romantic poet Byron lived. The route is signposted, but we recommend using the GPS track.

Day 1 individual arrival in Genoa.
Genoa, for centuries a crossroads of peoples of the Mediterranean, is one of the ancient maritime republics, rivaling Venice; a trace of the ancient splendor is clearly visible in the marble palaces decorated with frescoes and in elegant churches such as the cathedral of S. Lorenzo. The other face of Genoa, the popular one, is discovered in the streets near the harbor full of picturesque little shops. If you have time do not miss visiting the Museum of the Sea and the Aquarium.

Day 2 Genoa - train or bus to Casella - Scoffera - Lumarzo - Carasco - Chiavari (km 65 – height difference 500 mt)
Today a day full of emotions: the historic rack railway will take you to Casella 410 m above sea level; from there it gently climbs up to the mountain pass of the Scoffera, then descends along narrow streets among the olive trees, touching small villages such as Lumarzo, the birthplace of Frank Sinatra's mother. Arrival at the sea in Chiavari along the shady and fresh cyclepath that runs along the Entella river

Day 3 Chiavari - Val Graveglia - Varese Ligure (km 65 - difference in altitude 800 m)
Challenging stage due to the difference in height but without steep climbs. From Chiavari, return to the hinterland passing through the Basilica dei Fieschi, a Romanesque jewel, then take the quiet Val Graveglia where the Gambatesa manganese mine, still in activity, is located, which can be visited if you like. Arrival in Varese Ligure, a small village with lively colors and a characteristic circular shape, unique in Liguria

Day 4 Varese Ligure - Levanto (48 km – height difference 650 mt)
After yesterday's hardships, today we descend among the green inland mountains dotted with delightful villages that resemble the houses of a tale written by Tolkien, until we return to the sea in Levanto , an ideal place to take a swim in the sea or relax in one of the many characteristic and welcoming coffee bars enjoying a good ice cream

Day 5 Levanto - Cinque Terre by boat and / or on foot
Day without bikes dedicated to the Cinque Terre, a unique area in the world where the mountain full of terraces descends steeply into the sea, creating an unforgettable scenery. On the sea by ferry or, in case of bad weather, on the land by train, you will reach the five picturesque villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore; we suggest to make a part of the return journey on foot along the famous "Via dell'amore"

Day 6 Levanto - Cinque Terre - La Spezia - (41 km – difference of height 350 m)
From Levanto we climb slowly towards the sanctuary of Soviore, a welcoming place with a great view of Monterosso, then we continue almost flat along the spectacular road passing through the mountains allowing you to enjoy the beautiful view of the creeks and fishing villages visited the day before. Breathtaking descent on La Spezia, military port where there is an interesting naval museum. Possibility to reach Portovenere by bus or by bike but on a busy road.

Day 7 La Spezia, end of services after breakfast
For the return to Genoa the train is recommended, ca. 1 hour journey

Tour type  self guided

Departures Every Saturday from March 22 to September 20 - minimum 2 pax

Duration  7 days/6 nights

Difficulty level  medium
The routes, on asphalt with some stretch of dirt road, provide some gradients, sometimes consistent, and can be faced with a little training.

Total km   219

Type of bike  Trekking bike

Luggage transport  yes

Information meeting/briefing in the first hotel  no

Participation fee  € 1299.--

The price includes

Overnight stays in 3* hotels with breakfast
Luggage transport from hotel to hotel (1 luggage per person)
GPS tracks
24-hour medical/luggage insurance
Emergency telephone support

The price does not include

The journey to reach the starting point and back

train/bus ticket Genova – Casella

boat ticket to visit the 5 Terre

Meals and beverages

Entrance fees to churches, museums and so on

Tips and personal expenses

Everything not specified under "the price includes"

On request

Travel cancellation insurance
Additional nights in Genova and La Spezia

Estimates for pre-formed groups

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