FRANCE TO ITALY BY BIKE

From Nice to Genova, in Liguria, here is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in a picture made of blue sea, jagged coast, pastel-colored villages, the Mediterranean climate and an incredible combination of food and wine review.

With this tour experience the beauty and tranquility, often panoramic of secondary roads, sometimes internal, where there are some climbs that are not too long or tiring.

Only a few stretches will take you to the Aurelia. Through a combination of cycle path (mostly on former railway tracks) secondary roads and internal alleys, we propose a beautiful route, but suitable only for adults fit enough for a few climbs. The entire route is sign-posted, but it is recommended to use GPS tracks to simplify the route.

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 during breakfast, bikes will be delivered and you will be given a tour-package including road book, maps and luggage tags.

It starts by climbing on slopes that are not too steep along the beautiful scenic route called Haute Corniche. This pass 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. You will than 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 to stop and visit Vieux Menton and the Basilica. Shortly after, you pass the border to Ventimiglia and enter Italy.

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. This might be a great opportunity to visit Bussana Vecchia, a village destroyed by an earthquake and then restored by a group of artists who lived 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.

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. You then 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.

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.

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.

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.

on request

 

Additional nights

Quote for groups

Accommodation in 3* hotels and one 4* hotel

Breakfast Buffet

Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel

Road book, maps, tourist information in English

Telephone service hotline

Transfer from origin to starting point and return

Meals and beverages

Entrance fees to churches, museums and so on

Tips and personal expenses

Everything not listed under item “Included in the tour price”

To book, fill in and send the registration form to info@aemmeviaggi.it;
pay 30% of the foreseen cost, provide for the balance 6 weeks before departure.