Liguria and Monte Carlo Magnifica Cycling Tour

NOTE: Tour available for private groups only.

On this Magnifica cycling program we’re going off the beaten path, and for good reason.  Between Cinque Terre and Portofino (east) and the French border (west), lies a thin, narrow, arch-shaped region that has the potential to become an adventure traveler’s favorite Italian destination. Liguria has an outdoor soul.

Aside from Cinque Terre, Liguria is not well known.  The region has one of the highest population densities in the country and most people live in the coastal areas. While it is easy to think of Liguria as solely a coastal region, the territory has the Alpine mountain range just a few miles inland with several peaks over 5,000ft.  When you Google Liguria you get overwhelmed with results for Cinque Terre. And while Cinque Terre is a hiking paradise, western Liguria is known in Italy as a great destination for cyclists thanks to its beautiful windy roads, stunning views, and mild weather.

Western Liguria is characterized by small resort towns such as Sanremo (yes, the one of the famous Milano-San Remo classic cycling race). We explore the gorgeous Riviera delle Palme (Palms Riviera) and Riviera dei Fiori (Flowers Riviera) - major destinations for Italian and European tourists since the early 1950s. This unique region is a beautiful maze of fortified medieval villages and small fishing towns with strong connections to the north and to Piedmont, and deep traditions of sailing, fishing, and trading on the Mediterranean Sea. Trading made Genoa one of the wealthiest places in the Mediterranean (and perhaps the world) between the XIII and XIV centuries.

Just when you get comfortable with Liguria, you’ll enter the French Riviera where a grand finale that takes us to Monte Carlo awaits. The Côte d'Azur has long been one of the great attractions for visitors to France, for the glamour, sunshine, beaches and sophistication of resorts such as Nice, Saint-Tropez and Cannes - a reputation that is well deserved. The Côte d'Azur is a lovely region to explore, with many lesser-known gems to discover among the more famous. We spend the last two days in this area but technically we do not finish in France.  Monaco, being an independent principality, is not France. It is quite an extraordinary sight, seeing a small bay on the Mediterranean so completely crammed with highrise buildings, especially when seen from the cornice road above the city. Monaco has half the surface area of Central Park in New York and it is the richest country per capita in the world. Montecarlo, the luxury capital of the world and host city of the most famous F1 race circuit, has an interesting story that bridges fairytale and utopia. On the French side, we will tackle the notorious Col Madone, training ground of many cycling pros that call the French Riviera their home.

On this cycling tour you will encounter a fascinating coastline bustling with activity, scenic backroads, and many enchanting  hamlets.  History, art, culture and farming tradition are the elements of a week of stunning riding.

Highlights:
Relax by the stunning beaches of Finale and Laigueglia
Shopping in the Budello (tiny inner street), typical of the villages of the Ligurian Riviera
Ride the coastal bike path from San Lorenzo to Sanremo
Quench your thirst after a ride with delicious micro-brewed beers
Discover Finale Ligure, Riviera’s outdoor capital and multifaceted medieval town
Indulge in the thermal waters of Pigna
Gran finale in Monaco
Italy, the French Riviera, and Monaco in one tour
Climb Col Madone and ride Milano - Sanremo final miles
Two-night stay in luxurious Monte Carlo
The Mediterranean diet prepared with the best Ligurian ingredients