BIKE - The Best Villages of Western Liguria

An unforgettable cycling holiday in the heart of Western Liguria, where the Mediterranean Sea meets rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards, and charming historic villages. This authentic journey explores the Riviera dei Fiori and its inland valleys, following scenic roads through landscapes shaped by centuries of tradition and rural life.

Cycling among terraced hillsides, olive groves, and vineyards, riders discover some of the most beautiful villages in Liguria, many of which have been awarded the prestigious Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club. From Perinaldo to Seborga, from Triora to Dolceacqua, each destination reveals unique traditions, local culture, and authentic flavors.

The itinerary follows roads perfectly suited to e-bikes and cycle touring, combining enjoyable rides with visits to historic centers, tastings of local specialties, and opportunities to discover the famous Taggiasca extra virgin olive oil, regional wines, and traditional Ligurian cuisine.

An ideal tour for cycle tourists, couples, and groups seeking to experience the most authentic side of Liguria in an active, sustainable, and relaxed way, with no particular technical riding skills required.

• PROGRAM

  DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN BORDIGHERA

  Arrival on the Ligurian Riviera by your own means and hotel check-in. Before dinner, a welcome briefing and tour presentation will introduce the itinerary and the week ahead. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

  DAY 2 – Bordighera – Val Verbone – Perinaldo – Seborga – Vallebona

  After breakfast, the first ride begins towards the Ligurian hinterland. Following the Verbone Valley, the route passes through villages renowned for the production of Rossese wine. After a rewarding climb, riders reach Perinaldo, the birthplace of the famous astronomer Giovanni Domenico Cassini.
  A series of switchbacks winding through olive groves leads to the summit of the village, much of which can be explored while remaining on the bike. A well-earned coffee break and refreshments provide the perfect pause before continuing along quiet and scenic back roads that gently rise and fall through small hamlets and rural landscapes.
  The route then reaches the ancient Principality of Seborga, where a picnic lunch featuring local specialties awaits. From here, an enjoyable descent leads to the final village of the day, Vallebona. A stroll through its cool stone alleyways reveals charming corners built with centuries of craftsmanship and tradition.
  Return to the hotel in the afternoon for some well-deserved relaxation. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

  Difficulty: Moderate
  Distance: Approx. 45 km
  Elevation Gain: Approx. 750 m+
  Maximum Altitude: 600 m

  DAY 3 – Bordighera – Sanremo – Bussana Vecchia – Badalucco – Triora

  After breakfast, a short ride along the coastal road leads to Ospedaletti, where Liguria’s most famous cycle path begins.
  Following a route that is almost constantly overlooking the sea, riders pass through Sanremo before reaching the enchanting village of Bussana Vecchia, a unique artists’ community and the perfect place to enjoy a cappuccino and pastry.
  Continuing along the coast for a few more kilometers, the route enters the Argentina Valley, famous for its spectacular agricultural terraces that have shaped the landscape for centuries.
  Upon reaching Badalucco, a stop is planned for a tasting of premium Taggiasca extra virgin olive oil, followed by time to explore the village’s charming squares and narrow streets.
  The journey then continues with a gradual but steady climb through ancient hillside hamlets before arriving in Triora, the legendary “Village of Witches.” Free time is available to relax and discover the fascinating medieval village, known for its history and mysterious atmosphere.
  Accommodation in a local guesthouse or hotel, dinner at a traditional restaurant, and overnight stay.

  Difficulty: Moderate
  Distance: Approx. 50 km
  Elevation Gain: Approx. 800 m+
  Maximum Altitude: 800 m

  DAY 4 – Triora – Colle Langan – Pigna – Apricale – Dolceacqua

  After breakfast, the day begins with a descent to Molini di Triora. From here, a beautiful mountain road climbs towards Colle Langan, a spectacular mountain pass separating the Argentina and Nervia valleys.
  A breathtaking 1,000-meter descent follows, with endless views stretching towards the sea through alpine meadows, forests, and traditional dry-stone walls, eventually reaching the village of Pigna for a coffee break and visit to its historic treasures.
  Following the road along the Nervia River, riders arrive in Isolabona. An optional detour of approximately 2 km and 200 meters of climbing leads to Apricale, one of the most iconic villages in Liguria and a symbol of the determination and ingenuity of the Ligurian people.
  After a tasting of local products, the route descends once again through the valley before reaching Dolceacqua, renowned for its harmonious architecture, medieval bridge, and the imposing Doria Castle overlooking the village.
  Accommodation, dinner at a traditional restaurant, and overnight stay.

  Difficulty: Moderate
  Distance: Approx. 50 km
  Elevation Gain: Approx. 750 m+
  Maximum Altitude: 1,200 m

  DAY 5 – Dolceacqua – Airole – Bordighera

  After breakfast, there is free time to explore Dolceacqua before setting off for the final cycling stage.
  A beautiful country road climbs towards the ridge separating the Nervia and Roya valleys, where spectacular vineyards dominate a landscape stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to peaks rising over 2,000 meters.
  A walk among the vines or an optional wine tasting provides a relaxing break before the final descent.
  The bikes are then left behind to explore Airole, the ninth and final Orange Flag village of the tour. Its harmonious historic center preserves the charm of a bygone era.
  Following a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, the group visits the remarkable A Trincea Estate, an ancient agricultural settlement where vineyards are still cultivated among thousands of square meters of historic dry-stone terraces.
  A final wine tasting makes this visit a memorable conclusion to the journey.
  Transfer by minivan back to the hotel in Bordighera. Accommodation and free evening for dinner at leisure.

   

  Difficulty: Moderate
  Distance: Approx. 25 km
  Elevation Gain: Approx. 500 m+

  DAY 6 – DEPARTURE

  Breakfast at the hotel before departure by your own means.

• WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • 5 nights' accommodation with breakfast, including tourist taxes
  • 4 dinners and 1 lunch at selected local restaurants
  • Professional cycling guide throughout the tour
  • Support vehicle for luggage transport and assistance during the tour
  • 4 picnic tastings with drinks included
  • Visit to a local olive mill with olive oil tasting
  • Visit to a winery with wine tasting
  • Minivan transfer on Day 5
  • Technical organization and local support by Ligurian Life
  • Travel medical and luggage insurance

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned in the program
  • E-bike rental (see supplements)
  • Coffee breaks
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Transfers not included in the itinerary and any transfers required for personal reasons during the tour
  • Anything not expressly listed under “Included”
• USEFUL INFORMATION