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Cascade-Affiliated International Tours
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Nice-Pisa: The Italian Riviera
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| Dates: |
Oct. 4 - 18, 2009
12/31/08: sold out! |
| Pace & Distance: |
Total Distance: 763 - 1089 km (473 - 676 miles), depending on choices
Daily Distance: 37 - 117 km (23 - 73 miles), depending on choices
What to expect: Great scenery, exceptional meals, and climbs of 8-12 km at 5-9% with some short steeper sections.
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| Group size: |
10 minimum, 12 maximum |
| Cost: |
€2,500 (double-occupancy, per person)
See pricing details.
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| Itinerary: |
14 nights, 12 days
Arrival: Nice, France - Sunday, Jun. 7
Departure: Nice, France - Sunday, Jun. 21
Highlights: The Italian Riviera villages of Cinque Terre, fresh seafood meals, Piemonte wines, Ligurian olive oil, dramatic seascapes, Italian hospitality.
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Questions? tours@veloski.com or call (877) 835-6754
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This is a truly unique European cycling vacation: the French and Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre hilltop villages, the Ligurian interior countryside, the Tower of Pisa. Even better—it's a route that largely remains off the radar of bicycle tours. Coursing thread-like mountain roads above the Mediterranean, and venturing into remote and tranquil Liguria, you'll experience some of the finest coastline cycling, scenery and cuisine Europe can offer.
You'll begin at the classic French Cote d'Azur destination of Nice and proceed along the rugged coastline, through Monaco, before turning south entering Italy. The impossibly beautiful villages and terraced vineyards of the Cinque Terre enchant, while the serene Ligurian countryside beckons. Wrap this up with the famous stop in Pisa, and you have all the ingredients for a remarkable bicycling vacation! Bon Appétit!
You'll marvel at the worlds of contrast within a mere two weeks of bicycling. From the hustle-bustle of Nice to the interior of Liguria the contrasts are striking. The cerulean waters of the Mediterranean, compelling in both clarity and intensity, easily distract. Yet we are quickly reminded of the nearness of an enterprising economy. The coastal roadways are often exciting—people, scooters, cars and trucks—yet everyone cooperates and shares the road in such a way that North American bicyclists dream of when considering an ideal cycling getaway.
Meanwhile, Liguria is a terrain of field and forest. Locals gather funghi (mushrooms) used liberally in the delicious local cuisine. The serenity of the interior is a welcome complement to the bustling energy of the seaside—and you're sure to treasure the “secret” roads as much as the the local cyclists who ride them on the weekends. Your bicycle tour will explore inland over four days, with out-and-back loop rides, as well and point-to-point routes, before moving back to the Mediterranean.
Next we'll explore the reknowned Cinque Terre by bike, foot or boat. The seafood is fabulous, and the views from the villages perched on cliffs above the sea are breathtaking. From the Cinque Terre we'll cycle quiet roads to the outskirts of La Spezia, and ride around Poets Cove to Lerici for lunch. From there it's on to Marina di Carrara: home of the fabulous marble made famous by Michaelangelo .
Leaving Marina di Carrara, we'll ride beneath the mountains of marble on the local cyclists' favorite route into the walled city of Lucca. This is the town of the great Italian cyclist Mario Cipollini, as well as the great operatic composer Giacomo Puccini (Madame Butterfly, La Boheme). You'll have ample time to explore this historic town—and even ride around the top of the historic wall—before sightseeing and dinner in nearby Pisa.
The transfer back to Nice affords us an alternate vantage point of the Ligurian coast line. Our farewell dinner will be a final toast to all that is wonderful about cycling and traveling. You'll never forget the chance to engage everything this bike tour encompasses—from the unbeatable meals and friendly camaraderie, to the miles of wonderful roads and glimpses into a quiet life still lived day-by-day.
You'll have much to contemplate, and plan for next year, as the cool fall weather descends upon us as we return home.
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Nice - Pisa Tour
Detailed Itinerary
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MEETING DAY / DAY ONE
Nice
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After meeting your flight into the Cote d’Azur airport we will help get you settled into our gateway hotel in nearby Vence. Riding, reading, resting or roaming the Old Town; you decide, we are here to help. Welcome dinner will introduce you to the flavors of Provence.
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Riding: optional
Meals: D
Accommodations: 3 star hotel with pool
Attractions: Historical Vence and St Paul-de-Vence – art, architecture, shopping
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| We ride on quiet roads to the outskirts of Nice, then follow the newly designated bike lane along the Promenade des Anglais to the Port of Nice. The easier-climbing route continues on the coastal road and offers a close-up view of the yachts moored in the bays, harbors and marinas between Nice and Monaco. The climbers' route traverses over the Col d’Eze to join the Grand Corniche road where we have panoramic views of the Cote d’Azur coastline. We descend to the lower road as we leave France and enter Italy at Ventimiglia. The road along the coast passes thru numerous old towns with red tile roofs, numerous bike shops and gelato shops. The climbers route rides up a river valley, then traverses the ridge-tops between villages perched high above the ocean. We finally descend into San Remo for a well deserved post-ride refreshing beverage. Dinner will feature seafood and fresh pastas. Italians love to walk after dinner, so we invite you to stroll along the marble “boardwalk” and sample gelato the Italian way. |
Riding: 93, 114, 141km options available
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: 3 star hotel near the center of town and close to the beach
Attractions: Nice, Monaco, Eze, Cote d’Azur vistas
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The World Rallye Car drivers and professional cyclists from around the world all know about the roads near San Remo, so we will explore many of these wonderful roads leading to hilltop villages. Of course, we must ride over the Poggio to better understand the terror of the peloton as it approaches this final obstacle on the way to the finish of the annual Milano-San Remo Classic each spring.
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Riding: 36, 78, 109km options
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: Same as Day 2
Attractions: Hilltop villages, tiny roads, red-tiled roofs, shopping in San Remo
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We start the day riding along the Mediterranean before climbing into the hills to enjoy another day of quiet roads linking tiny villages, vineyards and olive groves. This is a great day of riding where the local cyclists like to ride and the views are ever changing. Alassio is a much smaller version of San Remo and we will enjoy a nice quiet location near the marina.
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Riding: 55, 101, 127km options
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: Old world elegant refurbished hotel near the promenade.
Attractions: Great roads, seaside riding, quiet roads into the Ligurian Mountains
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The roads are so much fun to ride near Alassio that we are compelled to linger another day for great rides into the high meadows of Liguria. You will return to our seaside hotel wondering why you have never heard of riding in Liguria until now. We will be home with ample time to wander, shop and relax. Dinner is on your own tonight at one of the delightful outdoor restaurants.
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Riding: 76, 147km sensible or epic, you decide
Meals: B
Accommodations: same as Day 4
Attractions: same as Day 4
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Not exactly a household name in cycling circles around Seattle, but this little town nestled high in the Ligurian hills is very popular among local Italians. Along the way we criss-cross the Alta via dei Monti Liguri, the MTB and hiking route that traverses the entire length of the Ligurian Mountains. It is funghi season here, so we can expect to savor delicious mushroom-flavored meals. Sassello is also famous for a delicious soft pastry called Amaretti—enjoy!!
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Riding: 114 km
Meals: B, L, D Grand Picnic at the crossing of the Alta via dei Monti Liguri
Accommodations: Modern family operated hotel conveniently located a short walk from town
Attractions: fresh mushroom sauces and Amaretti (soft pastry)
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Today is simply a riders treat as we take a loop ride that includes a one of the smoothest, twisty, roads that you will wish you could do again and again. We descend into the wine-producing region of Piemonte as we pass thru Ovada, before climbing small roads leading back over the ridges to Sassello.
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Riding: 77km
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: Same as Day 6
Attractions: Long, winding road
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We leave our delightful hosts with fond farewells and retrace the start of yesterdays ride on our way to another great roadway. This time we are nearly suspended in the sky as we traverse the coastal side of the high ridges separating the interior from the sea. We ride where birds soar and sheep graze, while looking toward the sea 800-900m below. We will ride thru a tunnel that almost seems like we are going back in time on the other side, but it is just the relaxed and remote nature of the interior of Liguria. Climbing over a final ridge before descending to Montoggio we see bustling Genoa far below us.
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Riding: 97km
Meals: B, P, D Grand Picnic high above the surf.
Accommodations: 2 star family operated small town hotel
Attractions: the dramatic views riding along the ridges of Monti Liguri
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| We continue riding over hills connecting remote valleys and descending dramatically to the sea at Ricco. Here we MUST sample the local specialty, focaccia of Ricco. After this, we ride from Camogli to Portofino to enjoy a more leisurely lunch on the stone walks that form the “docks” of the marina. Following this meal we continue along the shore and thru Santa Margherita into Rapallo, where we must decide between the coastal road or a strenuous climb into the Ligurian interior. Finally, we arrive in picturesque Sestri Levante and the Bay of Silence. |
Riding: 114km
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: 3 star hotel near the center of this seaside town
Attractions: Focaccia of Ricco, Portofino, Rapallo, Santa Margherita
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DAY TEN
Monterosso
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| The ride from Monteross to the top of Passo del Braco is one of the most popular routes for local cyclists because of the great pavement, stunning views, and thrilling descents. From Passo del Braco it is not all downhill to Monterosso, but we do have a lot of descending today as we enter the Cinque Terre region. The Cinque Terre is one of the more famous regions of Italy; the picturesque villages perched above the sea, the terraced vineyards and olive groves, the delicious seafood and the quaint villages all form the backdrop of our next few days. We arrive early enough to wander the and relax on the beach. |
Riding: 60km
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: 3 star centrally located hotel
Attractions: CinqueTerre views
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DAY ELEVEN
Monterosso
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Today is a “rest day” for riding, but there too many choices for activities to really rest. The famous trail that connects the 5 villages is certainly high on the list of to-do’s. Or, take a more leisurely approach to exploring the Cinque Terre and go by boat; regularly scheduled boats connect all of the villages. Dinner is on your own to allow total freedom of schedule and adventures.
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Riding: optional, hiking suggested
Meals: B
Accommodations: Same as Day 10
Attractions: The CinqueTerre
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DAY TWELVE
Marina di Carrara
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We climb up to a road that traverses above all of the Cinque Terre villages for a birds-eye view of the villages perched above the water. Passing thru the last tunnel of our tour, we leave the Cinque Terre behind and descend to La Spezia. La Spezia has a long tradition of boatbuilding that continues today. Before we enter this bustling port town we take a short diversion to Portovenere for mid-ride café and snacks. From Portovenere we look across the Poets Bay to Lerici, our next destination. Lerici is a fitting stop for lunch amid old villas, large fortresses and fishing boats in the marina. After a ride thru a regional park, we descend to sea level for an easy spin to our hotel in Marina di Carrara.
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Riding: 98km
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: 3 star beach resort hotel
Attractions: CinqueTerre vistas, Portofino, Lerici
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DAY THIRTEEN
Lucca (Pisa)
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Riding along from beach-resort to beach-resort is a favorite among local cyclists and the local drivers are amazingly cooperative. As one local bike shop owner said, “this is Italy, we don’t need bike routes….we share” And share they do along this road from Marina di Carrara to Lucca. Lucca is probably the most intact of all the walled cities of Italy—and we arrive in time to take a spin along the top before settling into our hotel within the walls. We are in Tuscany now and will enjoy fine Tuscan cooking at a special restaurant.
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Riding: 70km mostly flat,
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: 3 star old world elegant hotel
Attractions: Lucca
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DAY FOURTEEN
Nice (Vence)
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| We ride to Pisa for a morning of seeing the sights and shopping for last-minute Italian gifts. Then we van transfer back to Nice for bike packing and our farewell dinner. |
Riding: 25km
Meals: B, D
Accommodations: Same as Day 1
Attractions: Pisa
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THE FINE PRINT
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Pricing
€2,500, double-occupancy, €500 single supplement. These prices are good for CBC Members only until March 15, 2009. Unsold spaces become available to general public and CBC members after March 15 at the non-discounted rate, currently €2,850 double-occupancy and €3,350 single occupancy.
Note: When trips do not fill, to the required level, a price adjustment may become necessary to avoid trip cancellation.
Hotel accommodations are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone, you may choose to be matched with an available roommate. If you prefer single accommodations, a single supplement fee will be charged (see specific trip information).
Sign up
Registration & Payment Schedule
- Deposit: 20% of the trip fee (payable on sign up)
- 2nd Installment: 40% of trip fee (120 days prior to departure)
- Final Payment: 40% of trip fee (60 days prior to departure)
If the trip departure is less than four months away, a 60% deposit is due at time of sign up. If the trip is less than two months away, payment in full is due.
Payments may be made by VISA/MC or personal check made out to Veloski Sports. Late payment may result in a cancellation of your reservation.
Download PDF Registration Form.
Cancellations
Written notice is required to cancel a trip. The following cancellation fees apply: (time calculated from receipt of written notification).
- 90 or more days prior to departure: $100
- 60-89 days prior to departure: 25% of tour costs
- 31-59 days prior to departure: 50% of tour costs
- 30 days or less prior to departure: 100% of tour costs
You may opt to transfer to another Veloski Sports trip, without penalty, 90 or more days prior to your original departure date. Cancellation fees will apply to all other transfers. Veloski Cycle Tours reserves the right to cancel any trip for any reason. In this event, Veloski Sports will refund the land costs in full. Please allow 60 days to process refunds. Veloski Sports is not responsible for any other expenses incurred in preparation for the trip such as, but not limited to, non-refundable airline tickets, medical expenses, equipment purchase/rental or visas. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Trip Inclusions
- Breakfast daily (see detailed itinerary for full meal information)
- Maps & route description information
- On-the-road guide
- Van support (includes: spare parts, wheels, tubes, tires, pumps, mechanical support)
- Luggage transfers and sag vehicle functions
- Ride snacks and drinks
- Ground transport to/from gateway airport,
- Earlier arrival or later departure is an additional expense.
Trip Exclusions
- 2 dinners, lunches
- Airfare
- Insurances
- Alcohol,
- Tips & gratuities
- Bicycle rental - riders bring their own bikes
Please check Weather Underground or other weather sites to view seasonal weather patterns in Europe. In general we have an excellent chance of ideal riding weather on all 2009 European tours.
Rider Testimonials
"I have taken two Tours with Larry Smith & his company VeloSki; the Swiss Alps in 2007 and Austrian Tyrol's in 2008, and both exceeded my expectations in every regard. The routes were scenic and as challenging as one would want. Larry typically has at least two routes to choose from everyday...a challenging one and one less so. The accommodations are typically local 3 (if not better) star…the meals are memorable....not to mention complimentary wine with dinner.
Larry previously led groups for Erickson Tours for many years but since about 2007 has been on his own. He knows the cycling roads of Europe like we know the Burke Gilman Trail! He'll take care of you and your bike from the moment you land until the time you take-off for home. I highly recommend whatever trip VeloSki has arranged."
-Tom Napa
Seattle-CBC Member
"In 2005 I had the pleasure of riding with Larry Smith when he was tour leader on a wonderful tour of Tuscany, produced by Seattle-based Erickson Cycle Tours. Being the slowest rider on a group tour of 24 riders could have been a disaster, but Larry made sure that I was given every opportunity to ride every mile of the tour, with the full support of his crew. He also was a wizard at recommending fabulous local restaurants for lunch and was very conscious of never allowing our group to take over (and therefore over run!) local business along the route. He also went out of his way to make sure everyone enjoyed the trip- whether it's hitting the road hard & fast each day or stopping along the way to get "that" amazing photo of an old church or vineyard.
Finally I would say that the best thing about Larry is that he is truly a world class bike mechanic- he rebuilt my front wheel twice plus added a new, larger back chain ring so that I could make it up those 14% climbs".
-Peter Verbrugge
CBC Event Director, Seattle, WA.
Please visit Veloski Tours for additional rider testimonials.
Important Information
We here at Veloski Sports believe that successful tours require a partnership between guide, guide service and participant. We do our best to provide a safe, enjoyable and rewarding experience. Our goal is to help you choose, plan for and participate on a trip that is best suited to you. Your responsibility is to select a trip that best matches your interests, skill level, physical abilities and timeline.
Flight Plan
Cascade Bicycle Club recommends Elizabeth Holmes Travel for booking airfare. Contact Sarah at 206-647-8361 or visit www.elizabthholmes.com. Please send your itinerary to Veloski Sports no later than 45 days prior to departure. For certain trips, we need this information so that arrangements can be made to meet you at the airport. If you plan to redeem frequent flier mileage make sure to book your flight early, as seats are limited. It is also a good idea to try and arrive one day early, in case of missed flights and to help to any Jet Lag.
Travel Insurance
Any policy you purchase should, at the very least, cover trip cancellation, loss of baggage, accident/life coverage, travel delays, and non-refundable airline tickets. Carriers for travel insurance include Travel Guard and Travelex. You may also consider insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. Travel insurance information will be contained in the trip confirmation packet.
Veloski Sports Expenses
Veloski Sports covers all land costs as part of the overall trip fee. Land costs include hotel rooms, meals as indicated, ground transportation unless otherwise noted, guide services (both Veloski Sports and local guides) and sightseeing (only activities explicitly described in the trip packet). The cost of alternate ground transportation is not included. If a trip is rerouted due to weather and/or road conditions, government intervention, acts of war or terrorism, illness or any other contingency that we or our agents cannot control, Veloski Sports reserves the right to modify the trip fee.
Participant Expenses
The participant is responsible for airfare, personal/travel/medical insurance, passport and visa fees, excess baggage fees, airport taxes and tourist entrance fees. Riders are also responsible for meals prior to or after the actual scheduled trip or meals that he/she chooses as alternatives to the ones offered by Veloski Sports, additional room charges (room service and the like), laundry services, alcoholic beverages (other than wine provided with meals), tips for guides and support staff, medical costs and cost of any hospitalization and/or evacuation required for him/her. There are no bicycle rentals available; riders bring their own bikes.
Veloski Sports Responsibilities
Veloski Sports is responsible for running logistically sound and enjoyable cycling tours. If a trip is rerouted due to weather, road conditions, or any other contingency that we or our agents cannot control, we reserve the right to alter hotel and route itineraries as necessary to ensure the safety of the group. There will be no refunds under these conditions.
Participant Responsibilities
Participants have responsibilities to themselves, Veloski Sports and to each other. They must choose the trip that is appropriate for their interests and skill level. Good physical condition is important on all Veloski Sports trips and is a prerequisite for participation. Proper trip preparation includes but is not limited to, understanding the trip's itinerary, acquisition of the proper equipment and clothing and understanding proper riding safety. Once on the tour, Veloski Sports reserves the right to disqualify a participant from any trip for any reason as deemed necessary by the guide. Safety is paramount to a successful adventure.
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Worried you might not be in good enough shape to tackle the hills? Join Cascade Ride Leaders this spring in the Cascade Training series. We'll be leading rides every weekend geared to getting YOU ready for this summer's big CBC rides. Visit the Activities Calendar for more information and ride listings.
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