Italy Cycling Tours Liguria

Mountains And Mediterranean Coastline Cycling Vacations

When you want to ride in Italy it all starts with the famous professional bike race, Milan to Sanremo, the Spring classic or “La Classicissima” an epic journey across the Mountains and along the Mediterranean coastline to the finish in Sanremo. The final kilometres twist along the Italian Riviera sandwiched between the blue ocean and the green terraces, mountains, and Italian Alps. Passing over the Capo Cervo and the famous Cipressa and Poggio before descending into the streets of Sanremo!
Your Liguria cycling tour week starts in true Italian style with a welcome ride over these same well-worn roads that all aficionados of cycling must experience once in their lives, followed by the best cappuccino in the world on the streets of Sanremo.
Welcome to the best of Italian cycling in Liguria.

Challenging Italy Cycling Tours Liguria Mountains

The perfect Italian cycling week is waiting with a centre based location, press on the pedals during the day and relax in the perfect village on the Mediterranean coast at night.
Enthusiasm and motivation are on a high with the perfect start to each day, fueled by Italian breakfast delights and the Mediterranean coast roads to warm up the legs!
It won’t be long before we take one of the valleys away from the coast and among a choice of tranquil, breathtaking climbs ideal cycling each day. What goes up must come down, isn’t it a perfect feeling working hard going up followed by the rewards of spectacular views as you cruise back down to the coast for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Looking for leisure cycling in Italy?

Classic ToursWe also offer our luxury Imperia bike trips on the Italian Riviera. Comfortable ride distances and great restaurant lunch stops for a complete experience of the best of Italian cycling!

View Imperia Bike Trips
Tour Type question mark-01

Challenging Bike Tour

Fully Guided question mark-01

Experienced Cycling Guides & Support Vehicle

Cycling Level question mark-01

Challenging – 70km/43mi – 95 km/60mi

Packages question mark-01

Quality Tour:
5* Hotel Accommodation AUD $4858 pp
4* Hotel Accommodation AUD $3953 pp
Rides Only:
Without Accommodation AUD $3126 pp

Custom Tour question mark-01

Contact Us:
Request a private, customised version of this tour for yourself or cycling group.

Centre Based Cycling

Sanremo, Italy

Season question mark-01

March – October

Duration

7 Days / 6 Nights

Small Group Size

2 to 8 people

Optional Extras question mark 01

Single room – AUD $827
Bike hire – AUD $500

Liguria Centre Based Cycling

The perfect cycling base for Italy cycling tours

The PB team turned their pedals for the first time on the Italian Riviera in 2000, it was both amazing, exciting, and memorable. The Italian classic bike race for women ‘Primavera Rosa’ the women’s edition of the Milan – Sanremo, that same cycling buzz continues today when riding on the Ligurian coast which we can’t wait to share with you.
This strip of the Mediterranean coastline straddling between the south of France and Tuscany is the classic Italian cycling destination. The twisting coastal roads dotted with villages and headlands makes for an ever-changing landscape that we could ride together all day. Although that’s just the beginning, for those who prefer a challenge with their cycling vacation turn off the coast roads and start your cycling adventures with some of the most amazing valley roads.
This area of Italy is also renowned for its famous terraces which make for the perfect cycling climb, continue further for more of a challenge and you’re into the foothills of the Italian Alps, ideal cycling terrain.
Whatever your cycling limits a Liguria cycling tour will have you coming back for more!

A 5* week of Cycling! Thank you again for a great and unique challenging ride week in the Liguria hills. A fantastic choice of ride options with varying terrain and stunning views, the region is magic! Perfect spot to ride and relax.
Testimonial by T. Houghton, T. Owens, J. Hartigan – Australia
T. Houghton, T. Owens, J. Hartigan – Australia

Dates & Price

Join one of our scheduled small-group Italy cycling tours, click the “Book Now” button next to the tour date.

Mid Season

2023
  • 23 September — 29 September Book Now Enquire

Low Season

2023
  • 07 October — 13 October Book Now Enquire

Looking for specific dates?

If you want to travel on different dates, don’t hesitate to contact us about arranging a custom Italian cycling tour!

Contact Us

Liguria Cycling Itinerary

Challenging Italian bike rides each day of 70 km/43 mi – 95km/59mi suitable for regular riders with moderate climbs up to 1200m/4000ft altitude.

Day 1

Liguria Cycling Tour Arrival Day – Sanremo
Arrival Time: Midday
Comfortable Ride Route:
Distance 50km/31mi
Ascent 490m/1600ft
Welcome to Italy and your Liguria cycling tour on the stunning Mediterranean coast! With a midday transfer to your hotel in Santo Stefano al Mare your perfect one center based cycling location for a great week of cycling.
Once checked-in and the bikes are prepared it’s time to get the legs turning with the perfect intro ride along the coast and pinch yourself that you’re cycling in Italy. With these famous Italian roads of the Primavera Classic “Milano – Sanremo” route, stretch your legs on the climbs of the La Cipressa (239m 5.6km @ 4.1%) and Poggio (160m 3.7km @ 3.7%). Many of the greats of Professional cycling historically have raced and won on these very same roads
enjoy the spectacular coastline views and feel the Tifosi cheering you all the way!
Once in Sanremo it’s time to take a cappuccino as we can relax in typical Italian style! Before we ride back to our hotel on the Cycling Riviera pathway.

Day 2

Liguria Cycling Tour - Colle D'Oggia (1187m)
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 70km/43mi
Ascent 1200m/3900ft
Cycling adventures today start with a small section of warmup along the Mediterranean coastline, it’s a fantastic way to begin a bike ride, we are on the Italian Riviera and the pedals turn easier when riding in Italy.
Time to leave the sights and delights behind as we flick inwards and upwards, heading along the Valle Argentinia valley with gentle slopes that follow the For a di Taggia river. This is our first ride into the Ligurian Alps as we target the Colle d’Oggia (1187m 13km @ 6.8%), taking in the views and with a village or two on route to take our breath away!
Undulating roads take this circuit back to the coast after the obligatory café stop, this would not be a cycling tour in Italy without a café stop or two.

Day 3

Liguria Cycling Tour - Apricale
Challenging Ride Route:
Distance 90km/55mi
Ascent 700m/2300ft
A little bit of cycling history this morning as we are on our way towards the border with France, but first the cycling quiz! Once we pass through Sanremo along the Riviera dei Fiori cycle way, our quiz begins as we enter a unique tunnel with pictures and dates of all the winners of previous editions of the Classic Milano to Sanremo bike race. Its a highlight of the week as you must ride slow if you want any chance of guessing your favourite riders correctly.
Enough of the games, time for a café before we get down to some serious pedalling on our route up through Dolceacqua and to the village of Apricale. These secluded mountains of western Liguria begin at the mouth of the River Nervia near Ventimiglia and have some of the most attractive villages of Italy in great cycling terrain.

Day 4

Liguria Cycling Tour - Testico (470m)
Challenging Ride Route:
Distance 95km/59mi
Ascent 700m/2300ft
We will feel like the wind is on our backs today as the bike wheels turn easier than normal on the smooth bitumen of the coastal roads to Marina di Andora. In this region of Italy, streets aren’t measured by kilometres, but by emotions
 perfect for cycling!
This ride wouldn’t challenge the legs, only our eyes as we pass through wonderful towns and villages on this superb coastal road. Once we’ve enjoyed an obligatory cafĂ© stop overlooking the Mediterranean, it’s time to swap the comfortably roads for the challenge of the interior. Find your rhythm on the slopes of the Colle Testico (470m 7km @ 4.6%) this gradual climb winding upwards towards the top of the valley was part of our exciting tour to the 2015 Giro d’Italia.

Day 5

Liguria Cycling Tour - Passo Ghimbegna (898m)
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 95km/59mi
Ascent 1900m/6200ft
You always must throw in a big one with a challenging bike tour week, but don’t worry if we run out of muscle fibres, we can always cut the ride route a little shorter and find a cafĂ© instead!
It’s a long climb the Passo Ghimbegna (898m 21km @ 4%) not overly difficult for those who like to settle into a rhythm and tap it out for an hour, save a bit for the last 7km as we are in the Italian Alps! For the mountain goats we can tag on an additional valley to the village of Pigna close to the border between Italy and France, not forgetting that what goes down, must come up.
The ride back to the coast is a great way to end any bike ride, descending through twisting roads until we arrive at the big blue Mediterranean once again.

Day 6

Liguria Cycling Tour - Diano Arantino (418m)
Challenging Ride Route:
Distance 80km/50mi
Ascent 1000m/3200ft
Our final ride together and after yesterday, we’ll be feeling fantastic or looking for lots of cafes along the Italian Riviera to soak up the atmosphere of Italian cycling at its very best one more time.
Tailoring rides is one of the trademarks at Practice Bicycle Tours, years of experience selecting the ideal route to ensure the perfect cycling holiday week.
The adventure consists of two circuits each heading up into the Ligurian terraces and among tiny villages all with spectacular views back to the coast, both have great climbs Pompeiana (266m 5km @ 5%) and Diano Arantino (418m 5km @ 4%) the perfect finale to your cycling vacation in Italy.

Day 7

Liguria Cycling Tour Departure Day
Departure Time: Midday
Your Italy cycling vacation finishes today, say farewell to Liguria and the Mediterranean as we transfer you to the CĂŽte d’Azur International Airport (France) or Sanremo – Imperia Train station (Italy) for your onward travels.
Until the next time ‘Arrivederci’ from Practice Bicycle.

Am I fit enough for this Liguria cycling tour?

Italy cycling tours offer proven ride routes and are ideal for the avid cyclist looking for quality challenging rides each day.  With a combination of Mediterranean coast roads and hidden valleys into the Liguria Mountains of Italy.

Each cycling route during this Italian cycling vacation will be tailored specifically to your bike riding ability, experience and goals.  With our center based cycling at the ideal location to return each day, there are no time constraints and no getting left behind.  A cafe stop is never far away and in addition Recovery rides are always available to maximize your cycling week.

Do you have a choice of Hotel packages with your Italy cycling tour?

Practice Bicycle Tours offer a choice of personal favourite Hotel offerings depending on availability, be amongst amongst the glamour of Sanremo or more relaxed by the sea. The style & charm of the city of Sanremo with the stunning 5*Royal Hotel Sanremo to the 4* Best Western Hotel Nazionale Sanremo, surrounded by beautiful sights and delights the main strolling place in town, a pedestrian area full of boutiques and bars. Alternatively the quaint seaside town of Santo Stefano al Mare the 4* Best Western Anthrium, accommodation for your Italian cycling vacation, the ideal stay for a challenging week of cycling and perfect for recovery and relaxation.

5* Royal Hotel Sanremo Liguria Italy

5 Star Royal Hotel Sanremo Liguria Italy    5 Star Royal Hotel Sanremo Exclusive Elegance Rooms    5 Star Royal Hotel Sanremo Italy Buffet Breakfast    5 Star Pampering Royal Wellness Spa Hotel Sanremo

4* Best Western Hotel Nazionale Sanremo Italy

Best Western 4 Star Hotel Nazionale Sanremo Italy    Best Western 4 Star Hotel Nazionale Sanremo Comfortable Spacious Rooms    Quintessenza Restaurant Hotel Best Western Hotel Nazionale Sanremo Italy    Best Western Hotel 4 Star Nazionale Sanremo Private Spa

4* Best Western Hotel Anthurium Santo Stefano al Mare Italy

Best Western Hotel Anthurium Santo Stefano al Mare Liguria Italy    Best Western Hotel Anthurium Santo Stefano al Mare Ground Floor Comfortable Rooms    Best Western Hotel Anthurium Santo Stefano al Mare Sweet Savoury Breakfasts    Best Western Hotel Anthurium Santo Stefano al Mare Hotel Restaurant   

What is included in the Rides Only package with this Italy cycling tour?

Our ‘Rides Only’ package allows you to experience the Liguria cycling tour without any add-ons or PB arranged hotel accommodation.
Offering complete flexibility for you and your family to stay where you prefer and join us at a central meeting point in Santo Stefano al Mare just like you would for a ride back home, for the best cycling on the Italian Riviera.
What’s included:
* 6 challenging & epic rides in Liguria a classic Italian cycling holiday
* Spectacular cycling routes including the Mediterranean coastline, terraces and climbs
* Highly experienced ride leader & professional cycling coach
* Vehicle support offering ‘on the go’ mechanical assistance, sports drinks & nutritional bars

If you or your group are looking for a custom experience for your perfect Italian cycling vacation Contact Practice Bicycle today!

Why do you stay in one location?

‘Unpack Once, Ride Everyday’
The one location, one hotel cycling experience is the brainchild of Bridget (Owner/Operator).  On retiring from professional cycling, it was the pure pleasure of cycling that evolved the proven PB Tours formula of one location.  To include everything enjoyable and removing the less pleasurable is our goal of your perfect cycling holiday experience.

Packing and Unpacking each day was tiring, stressful and time consuming. With insufficient time to relax, enjoy and experience the unique location before it was time to move on again.
With a life spent discovering the very best locations to Practice Bicycle, including endless ride options exploring in every direction all from the one hotel.
Experience the very best cycling of your life when you Unpack Once, Ride Everyday!

Which is the closest airport to your Italy cycling tours?

Our Italy cycling tours are in the perfect one location the town of Santo Stefano al Mare, between Imperia and Sanremo on the Italian Riviera.

The closest airport is CĂŽte d’Azur International Airport Nice (France) and serviced by many airlines including, British Airways, American Airlines, Alitalia, easyJet, Cathay Pacific, Jet2 and Ryanair.

For train lovers the Rail Europe network brings you direct to the Mediterranean with convenient stops in both Sanremo and Imperia train stations (Italy).

By rental car for those who are looking for some excitement with their holiday the Highway A10/E80 Genoa-Ventimiglia, Autostrada dei Fiori exiting at Arma di Taggia.
The motorway is connected to the Italian motorways that lead to Milan, Florence, and Rome.  From France, you can reach Italy via the A8/E80 Cîte d’Azur motorway.

Do you have bike hire available with your Italy cycling tours?

For your added convenience we have quality carbon road bikes as an optional extra available to you with all our Italy bike trips.
Many of our guests prefer their own bikes for maximum cycling pleasure. Should logistics and travel arrangements make this too difficult then our bike hire is the perfect solution.
Depending on availability and size, the Italian bike brand Torpado is available in both straight bar road bike and dropped bar road bike. Also, if you are looking for something a little more comfortable the Focus Carbon road bike is your perfect ‘friend’!
Torpado Aluminium Straight Bar Road Bike Hire 50/34 x 13-26          Torpado Aluminium Road Bike Hire 52/39 x 12-25          Focus Izalco Race 9.8 Carbon Road Bike Hire Shimano Ultegra 52/36 x 11-30

Liguria Cycling Tour includes:

  • 6 challenging & epic rides in Liguria a classic Italian cycling holiday
  • 6 nights 5* or 4* Hotel accommodation on the Mediterranean Coast
  • 6 Italian style buffet breakfasts to fuel up for the day
  • Spectacular cycling routes including the Mediterranean coastline, terraces and Italian Alps
  • Highly experienced ride leader & professional cycling coach
  • Vehicle support offering ‘on the go’ mechanical assistance, sports drinks & nutritional bars
  • Transfers from Nice Airport (France) or Sanremo – Imperia Train station (Italy) to your accommodation (Midday tour arrival & departure days)

Liguria Cycling Tour Italy Highlights:

  • Ride the spectacular Riviera dei Fiori cycle path with panoramic views of the Mediterranean
  • Iconic Italian climbs Cipressa & Poggio amonst the man-made terraces, and hilltop villages
  • Challenging Italian cycling week with 500km/310mi & 6000m/20000ft of climbing
  • Imperia Climbs; Colle d’Oggia (1187m 13km @ 6.8%), Colle Testico (470m 7km @ 4.6%), Passo Ghimbegna (898m 21km @ 4%), Pompeiana (266m 5km @ 5%) and Diano Arantino (418m 5km @ 4%)
  • Discover the valleys of Valle Argentinia & Nervia and hilltop villages of Pigna & Apricale
  • Cappuccino or 2 on the Piazza Bresca, Sanremo, plus many more!
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