Cycling tour to the Riviera

Turin is the capital of the Piedmont region and the ideal starting point for your cycling tour to the Riviera. In a unique location, surrounded by snow-capped Alpine peaks, lies the former capital of Italy. Many magnificent palazzi and large squares are reminders of the royal past.

You cycle along the Po River for a bit, leaving Turin behind. The bike path leads you to the impressive Stupinigi hunting residence, a rococo masterpiece. After a short photo stop, you continue cycling, always with the magnificent mountain panorama in view. On flat trails, you'll roll to Pinerolo, your overnight stop. Get off the saddle and stroll on foot through the narrow streets of the tranquil, medieval old town.

On today's stage of your cycling tour to the Riviera, you will ride along dreamlike paths past orchards and vineyards. Just before the small town of Cavour, you will discover the Rocca di Cavour, a single moraine hill rising from the flat landscape. Take a short break at the former Cistercian abbey of Staffarda. Refresh yourself in their restaurant with an excellent gelato. Now it is only a few kilometers until you arrive in medieval Saluzzo.

On quiet roads you drive through an agricultural region. Apple trees and kiwi bushes stand along the way, their scent accompanying you for a while. On the last kilometers the landscape changes. You cycle through gentle, lush green hills until you reach Mondovì. The town is divided into two parts: In the lower town are the stores, in the upper town the numerous picturesque squares. Take the funiculare, a cable car (on your own), to the upper town, where the included dinner with wine accompaniment awaits you in a cantina.

The first part of the route on the cycling tour to the Riviera requires vigorous pedaling. But your efforts will be rewarded once you reach the high road. Enjoy the views over the Langhe, one of the most fascinating landscapes of Piedmont. Among the hills, surrounded by vineyards, there are small villages. Unnoticed, you will soon cross the border between Piedmont and Liguria. Your stage destination Millesimo is idyllically situated on the river Bormida and has one of the most beautiful town centers in Italy.

At last, the crossing of the Alps is coming up! Gently ascending it goes to the top of the pass, so the climb is easy. Afterwards you will be rewarded twice: first with a 30 km long descent and secondly with the incredible views of the surrounding mountains and the Ligurian Sea. Exhilarated you roll towards the coast and soon you reach Albenga. Enjoy the evening in the beautiful old town with many restaurants in the narrow streets.

If you would like to arrive in July or August, the itinerary will be slightly different. In this case, you will be transferred from Albenga to Sanremo in the evening. On day 7, you can then cycle along the Riviera at will.

The last day of cycling begins with a transfer to Imperia. A final highlight of your Riviera cycling tour is the spectacular view of the blue sea along the beautiful bike path. There are numerous rest stops along your way before you reach Sanremo. Be sure to extend your bike ride by 1.7 km to go through the bike path tunnel. Crescent-shaped panels on the tunnel ceiling tell the story of the Milan-Sanremo cycling classic.

Your cycling tour to the Riviera already comes to an end today. We are happy to extend your stay if you do not want to leave this beautiful spot yet.