The stunning beauty of the French and Italian Riviera has attracted travelers for centuries. This is
where the Alps meet the Mediterranean Sea creating a dramatic backdrop and rugged coastline.
Starting in Nice (France), a pleasant city on the beach, our itinerary starts off relatively easy along
this coast. We then cross the Liguriuan Alps and the Po plain to head into some of the most remote
areas of the Alps. Midway through our trip, we’ll have a rest day in the small provincial town of
Cuneo to indulge, relax and recover. We’ll be surrounded by natural beauty on very quiet roads,
crossing the Alps again on our way back to Nice.
For those looking for a somewhat easier trip, we offer shorter rides on some of the toughest days.
Below is a summary of our trip. See our brochure for full details including daily itineraries and elevation profiles.
Non-riding partners are welcome to join. The brochure contains information on a full program of
activities that we offer for non-riders.
Summary Itinerary:
Friday September 11th: Departure from the US on an overnight flight to Nice, France.
Saturday September 12th: Arrival at Nice airport and transfer to hotel (15 minutes). In the afternoon you can put your bike together (we’ll help you if needed) and go for a quick test ride.
Sunday September 13th: Nice to Pieve di Teco (distance: 74 mi, vertical: 5,600 ft)
We’ll ride out of town on a beautiful stretch along the Mediterranean coast passing Monaco and San Remo.
Part of it is on a 15 miles long bike path created from a former railway. Then heading into the Ligurian Alps, where almost all of the vertical of the day is. Stay in a quaint mountain town in a small inn.
Monday September 14th: Pieve di Teco to Cuneo (72 mi / 8,400 ft)
A nice stage with some smaller climbs and the first category Colle di Cassotto. Then onto the Po plains for
a short flat run in to Cuneo. It is a cool historic town of a decent size. We’ll be staying there for three nights.
Tuesday September 15th: Colle di Fauniera Loop (68 or 62 mi / 8,800 or 7,200 ft)
Today we’ll climb the enormous Colle di Fauniera. It is a ‘beyond category’ beast with 6,000ft of vertical and topping out at just over 8,000ft altitude. The descent is spectacular and just as long. The optional longer route includes the climb up the tight switchbacks of the Madonna del Colletto (2nd cat) for dessert.
Wednesday September 16th: Rest Day
Today you’ll have time for yourself. You can explore the town and visit its monuments, cafes and shops.
Don’t forget to stop for a cappuccino and get some great gelato!
Thursday September 17th: Cuneo to St Martin Vesubie (76 mi / 10,400 ft)
Our queen stage with one ‘beyond category’ and one first category climb. The Colle Lombarde is one of the
most beautiful climbs in the Alps. It is very remote and quiet with a good chance of seeing some marmots
on the higher slopes. We’ll cross the border into France at the top before we descend over 50 switchbacks
into the Tinee valley. The Col St Martin is much easier but still 11 miles long. Then it is all down to the
pretty mountain town of St Martin (elevation 3,200 ft) for the night.
Friday September 18th: St Martin to Nice (70 or 59 mi / 9,500 or 6,400 ft)
We’ll take the hard way back to Nice. The first climb is the north side of Col de Turini, another ‘beyond
category’ climb. Then you can choose: the long route has an incredibly long descent to the village of
Sospel before the 2nd cat ascent of Col de Braus from the east side. The shorter route takes a shortcut
descending all the way until the routes come together at the foot of the first category climb of Peille. We
then drop down to the spectacular cliffside road along the coast and make our way downhill to Nice.
Saturday September 19th: Nice Hinterland Loop (46 or 39 mi / 5,600 or 4,400 ft)
A great loop to end the week with scenic roads all the way to the first category Mont Chauve, the last climb
of the week with awesome views over Nice and the coast. The steep upper section is an out an back climb
so you can skip it if you like.
Tonight we’ll have a celebratory dinner on the beach to mark the end of our trip.
Sunday September 20th: Flight home
You’ll be taken to Nice airport by private transfer for the flight home.
Our package includes:
– Private transfers to and from Nice Airport for you, your luggage and your bike
– Eight nights of hotel accommodation
– All breakfasts and dinners
– Water, snacks and fruit on the rides
– Laminated stage sheets with ride details and altitude profiles
– Support vehicle during the rides with Carolyn and Pieter guiding on bike
– GPS files of all rides
– Partner program for non-riders
Excluded items:
– Flights to and from Nice
– Travel and medical insurance
– Lunches, drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
Price: $3,495 per person in a shared double or twin room; $4,290 per person in a single room
Please contact us for more information.
Ready to book? Use our online sign-up form.