The Scent of the Sea: Nice – Genoa by Bike

Day 1: Arrival in Nice
After you arrive in Nice by plane, car or train, you will be free to explore this jewel of the Côte d'Azur. You will stroll along the seaside Promenade des Anglais, especially beautiful at sunset. The following morning at 9:30, the bicycles and a packet with the roadbook, maps and luggage labels will be delivered.

Day 2: Nice – Ventimiglia (approx. 42 km)
You will start by climbing gentle slopes on the panoramic Haute Corniche, passing through La Turbie and its Arch of Augustus. With views over Monte Carlo, you will descend to Cap Martin and continue to Menton, the "city of lemons". A stop is recommended to visit Vieux Menton and the Basilica. Shortly after, you will cross the border and reach Ventimiglia, entering Italy.

Day 3: Ventimiglia – Imperia (approx. 49 km)
You will ride the Ligurian coast at its most scenic, passing Bordighera and reaching elegant Sanremo, the city of flowers, with historic palaces and villas. You will have the opportunity to visit Bussana Vecchia (earthquake‑destroyed, later restored by artists). Otherwise, you will continue on the sea‑view cycle path—once a railway line—toward San Lorenzo, then to your overnight stay in Imperia/Porto Maurizio.

Day 4: Imperia – Alassio (approx. 44 km)
You will keep tracing the coastline through fishing villages with bright houses and terraces. You will pass Cervo, with steep winding lanes and a striking parish church visible from afar. Riding toward Marina di Andora, you will find a beach for a refreshing swim in the area known as the Riviera delle Palme. Then you will leave the coast, climb among olive groves on shaded hills, and descend to Alassio, known for its elegance and white sandy beaches.

Day 5: Alassio – Finale (approx. 48 km)
You will follow, in part, the ancient Roman Via Julia Augusta. A stop in Albenga is a must (Cathedral of San Michele, 5th‑century baptistery, towers). You will head inland to Toirano, famous for its limestone caves, then return to the sea as far as Borgio. From there you will climb to Verezzi (among Italy's most beautiful villages; annual theatre festival) and descend to Finalborgo, a medieval town enclosed by ancient walls.

Day 6: Finale – Savona (approx. 34 km)
You will continue to Finalpia, then climb gently with sea views to the Manie plateau through Mediterranean vegetation. A spectacular descent will bring you to Noli, with medieval towers and the Romanesque church of San Paragorio. Along the Aurelia or the pedestrian route you will reach Spotorno, where—facing Bergeggi Island—you may swim. Continuing east, you will reach the seafront of Savona.

Day 7: Savona – Arenzano (approx. 24 km) – train to Genoa
You will follow the coast toward Albissola, Celle Ligure and Varazze. From here, the cycle path to Arenzano begins on the former railway line: through tunnels, railway bridges and wide sea views, you will reach Arenzano. A refreshing stop is recommended in the park rich in Mediterranean vegetation around Villa Negrotto Cambiaso (today the town hall). At Arenzano station you will return the bike and receive your luggage, then take the train to Genoa.

Day 8: Genoa – end of the trip
After breakfast, your journey will come to an end in Genoa.