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The bright colours of the 5 Terre
Genoa-Chiavari-Varese Ligure-Levanto-Monterosso-Vernazza-Corniglia-Manarola-Riomaggiore-La Spezia
The CINQUE TERRE is one of the most visited places in Italy. From Genoa (Genova) this suggestive cycle tour takes you through the Cinque Terre, a wonderful stretch of coast protected by Unesco. The small town of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore with their colourful houses built up against the rocks are one by on small treasures. The route continues to Portovenere, a charming village standing on a rocky promontory in front of the island of Palmaria, immersed in the scents and intense colours of the Ligurian coast.
The tour begins with a visit to Genoa, the main port of Italy and also the city where Cristopher Columbus was born. From Genoa the picturesque narrow-gauge railway route to Casella will take you 300m uphill, with beautiful views over the gulf and over the fortresses behind Genoa .
The first part of the tour involves some uphill sections, but the scenery, characterised by little old stone villages surrounded by olive groves, will repay the effort. In Cicagna there is an ‘ecomuseo‘ about the slate, which is so characteristic of the local geology; in the 13th century this slate was used for the façade of the Basilica dei Fieschi in Cogorno. In the green Val Graveglia you can visit the interesting manganese mine of Gambatesa, which is still in use. You come to la Spezia and it is possible to continue with a downhill cycle to the beautiful village of Portovenere and the sea. The name of Portovenere (Portus Veneris) is believed to date back to a temple dedicated to the goddess Venus, which was sited on the promontory where the church of Peter the Apostle (13th century) now stands. If you have time, you can take a boat trip to the green island of Palmaria
The daily program of the 7- day tour
Individual arrival at your hotel in Genoa
Overnight with breakfast in Genoa
Genoa, an important seaport in Northern Italy, has an interesting historical centre with cosy little squares and a ting tangle of alleys. Remains of the old town walls are preserved in the St. Lawrence Cathedral (cattedrale di San Lorenzo; 12th century). Real symbols of the town are the ‘Lanterna‘ (117 m), an old lighthouse, which is visible on sea from 30km distance and the monumental fountain on Piazza de Ferrari, the beating heart of the town. A real attraction is the old fishermen’s quarter ‘ Boccadasse’ with its colourful fishermen’s boats and delicious ice-cream.
From Genoa you go to Casella by bus (with your bike) and then it goes in the saddle to Scoffera, Lumarzo and Chiavari.
Overnight with breakfast in Chiavari
Distance: 65 km / 40 miles
Ascent. + 500 m
Starting from Chiavari you will return on the hinterland passing through the Basilica dei Fieschi, a Romanesque jewel, then take the quiet Val Graveglia where you will pass the Gambatesa manganese mine, which can be visited if you like. Arrival in Varese Ligure, a small village (borgo) nestled in the valley ‘ Val di Vara’ and famous because of its fascinating architecture with a circular town plan.
Overnight with breakfast in Varese Ligure
Distance: 65 km / 40 miles
Ascent: + 800 m
Today you will descend among the green inland mountains characterized by delightful villages. Than you will return to the sea where you will meet Levanto. Levanto is on the coast at the end of a valley with olive groves and pine trees. There is a beautiful 13th century church. This San Andrea with is black and white striped facade and magnificent rose window is a good example of the Ligurian Gothic style.
Overnight with breakfast in Levanto
Distance: 48 km / 30 miles
Ascent: + 650 m
From Levanto you go by boat (without bikes) to the Cinque Terre (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore) to visit each village; the return journey can be made by boat or on foot along the ‘Via dell’Amore’ path, a romantic walking path in the shadow of spectacular cliffs with beautiful views of the deep blue sea.
Overnight with breakfast in Levanto
La Spezia, situated in the most inner part of the Golfo dei Poeti on flat plains that develop in an area limited by the sea and the surrounding hills, lived during the 800’s one of the most important periods of its history thanks to the realisation of the Military Shipyard and the Mercantile Port that changed a fishing village into a modern city. There is the possibility to reach Portovenere by bus or by bike along a busy road.
Overnight with breakfast in La Spezia
Distance: 41 km / 25 miles
Ascent: + 350 m
Departure after breakfast, for the return to Genoa the train is recommended, 1 hour journey
Cinque Terra and Genova
Genoa-Chiavari-Varese Ligure-Levanto-Monterosso-Vernazza-Corniglia-Manarola-Riomaggiore-La Spezia
LEVEL 3
Cycling in a hilly countryside. Routes on asphalt or dirt roads. The significant differences in altitudes of the routes of this tour require a fit condition and experience in cycling. Daily distances between 41 and 65 km /25 and 40 miles.
Total km: 219 km / 136 miles
DEPARTURES:
Every Saturday from 22 March until 20 September 2025.
PARTICIPANTS:
2 or more people
START / FINISH:
Genoa / La Spezia
Umbria & Tuscany: in the footsteps of the Etruscans and Romans
An evocative bicycle tour through the Etruscan and Roman heartlands of Umbria and Tuscany, land of art, nature, food & wine.