Day 1
Where: Finale Ligure
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 15 mi or 24 km
Meals: L, D
You will be picked up at the airport and transported to Finale Ligure, a town with white sand beaches and lush mountains. The area has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era and important artifacts from the past are on view at the Civic Museum. Our hotel is located in the center of Finale Marina, just a few feet from the coast. By its elegant look you wouldn’t guess that it was a fish processing facility in 600’s! Finalborgo, the old part of Finale Ligure, dates back to medieval times in its actual shape, but every historical period and domination has left its mark and can be seen in the original architectural attributes, giving it a timeless feel. It has been recognized as one of the best-preserved hamlets in Italy.
Today’s warmup ride features a climb to Manie, a fertile high plane 920 ft above sea level. It is known for its agriculture: vineyards, olive trees, and fruit trees such as apricots and figs. The area known as Finalese extends around Finale from sea level up to 3280 ft. A series of steep valleys are surrounded by important rocky formations that have made Finale Ligure a world-renowned rock climbing destination. We’ll cycle the roads around the larger and smaller valleys that are abundant with mediterranean vegetation.
Dinner is at one of the best and most authentic Trattorias of Finalborgo.
Hotel: San Pietro Palace
Day 2
Where: Laigueglia
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 52/60 mi or 84/97 km
Meals: B, L, D
Today’s ride gains elevation via a steady climb up the Melogno Pass. This landmark is a fortification dating back to the Napoleon era. The road winds through a woodland filled with beech trees. Once we leave the busier coast, the secondary roads are almost unlimited and you can climb for several thousand feet. These peaks are actually the Ligurian Alps joining the Apennines and you’ll enjoy astonishing views from the top! In fact, every climb is rewarded with spectacular views. In Bardineto we will visit a local farmer and cheesemaker.
Our final destination of the day is Laigueglia, a charming seaside town that is very easy to visit on foot through its pedestrian strip that the locals call carrugio. A carrugio is a narrow alley where Ligurian coastal villages come alive with commercial activities, filled with bars and restaurants, and where Italian families leisurely spend their time when they are not sunbathing. We ride a loop that is the classic ride of local cyclists, featuring winding roads set among olive groves that have been cultivated into terraces in the mountain to compensate for the gradient of the slops.
Hotel: Hotel Splendid
Day 3
Where: Borgomaro
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 36/51 mi or 57/82 km
Meals: B, L, D
Today we head away from the coast and switch locations by cycling into the valleys and ridges heading east. The ride takes us climbing up a few passes with gentle grades, but expect some sudden steeper portions at times. The highest point will be by Passo del Ginestro (2221ft) where you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Corsica from the summit! We will stop at an olive oil producer for a visit and tasting. Ligurian olive oil is scarce in production but extremely high in quality. For riders wanting to do more, we have designed a beautiful loop of 18 miles and 1,800 ft of elevation gain. Our next hotel is Relais del Maro and it is an Albergo Diffuso, made up of dwellings distributed in the ancient village of the Maro. This type of accommodation is probably the best for charm and authenticity. This evening we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at the local restaurant Censin Da Bea.
Hotel: Albergo Diffuso Relais del Maro
Day 4
Where: San Remo
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 45 mi or 72 km
Meals: B, L, D
Feel like one of the pros taking part in the Milano-Sanremo, one of the oldest (since 1907) and most prestigious races in Europe, on your ride today through Cipressa and Poggio. Our arrival in beautiful San Remo (the Italian capital of flower cultivation) will be the perfect ending to a fantastic ride! However, this ride wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Milano-San Remo museum. This museum is a rideable gallery that was once a railroad tunnel. It is a fantastic experience. Dinner will be preceded by a walking tour of Sanremo.
Hotel: Villa Sylva (alternative Nazionale Best Western)
Day 5
Where: Pigna
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 36 mi or 58 km
Meals: B, L, D
Today’s ride has three possible lengths with different elevation gains. You can decide with your guides which one will make your riding day the best yet. We will depart San Remo heading inland to Bajardo, Dolceacqua, and then Triora. Just upon leaving Sanremo, we’ll climb the infamous Poggio. Not an alpine climb by any means, but one where the dreams of Milano-Sanremo riders can become reality or be totally shattered. Triora is famous for its witch trials in the XVI century and is listed as one of the best hamlets in Italy; it is a magical place and we can take advantage of one of its local osterias for lunch before retracing our way back to our final destination: Grand Hotel Terme in Pigna. This area is called the Argentina Valley and it’s one of the best-kept secrets in Liguria. Our hotel in Pigna boasts a great outdoor pool (as well as an indoor one) with thermal waters that spring at 86F (30C). What better way to end a day of demanding, yet stunning riding in Liguria?
Hotel: Grande Hotel Terme - Pigna
Day 6
Where: Monte Carlo
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 50 mi or 80 km
Meals: B, L, D
It’s time to cross the border into France and to eventually enter the tiny country of Monaco, where we will spend the last two days of our tour. The ride starts by ascending the pristine Roya River Valley, and then deviates west to cross the Alps toward Sospel. You are now in France! Lunch is planned in Sospel (the Ligurian lunches unfortunately behind us). On the way to Monaco, we’ll stop in Menton, a charming seaside resort on the French Riviera. If time allows it, we will visit the Museum Cocteau -Collection Severin Wunderman (an American businessman of Belgian origin). We will pay a visit to a remarkable site before continuing on: Menton’s old castle cemetery. It is built atop the Colla Rogna hill, on the site of the old castle, above the old town.
The arrival in Monaco is breathtaking. It’s a rocky coastline only a few miles long with a cluster of high rises that are built inland just as far as the French border allows. The Princes Castle, Le Palais des Princes, reminds us that this is a country like no other. Our hotel is centrally located and affords a stunning view of the bay. We will explore Montecarlo with a guided tour before heading to dinner. You will learn about the pivotal role of the Casinò in the history of the Grimaldi Family. And of course the sad fairytale of the American Princess: Grace Kelly.
Hotel: Monte Carlo Bay Resort
Day 7
Where: Col de la Madone
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 38 mi or 61 km
Meals: B, L, D
On our last ride we tackle Col de la Madone. This climb is used by many pro riders living in the French Riviera as a testing ground. But it was Lance Armstrong who made The Madone a legendary climb. The Texan used to frequent it in his preparation for the Tour de France. If he was able to set a good time, he knew he was ready to fight for victory at Le Tour de France.
The climb itself is quite consistent, with a couple of flat spots here and there and an average gradient of a little less than 7%. But it’s pretty easy to find a comfortable rhythm and tap away as you enjoy the views. If you’re the sort of rider that likes to stop and take photos, you’ll stop several times. But if you like to push yourself to the limit, the time to beat is 29 min 40 sec (Richie Porte – Team Sky).
Back in Montecarlo, we will have some free time to linger by the pool. Later in the afternoon we have a visit planned to Grimaldi Palace. A celebratory dinner awaits us in the old part of Monaco.
Hotel: Monte Carlo Bay Resort
Day 8
Where: Monte Carlo
Meals: B
This morning we say good by, au revoir, and arrivederci. A group transfer will be arranged this morning to the Nice airport.