Ciclovia Bicknell | An Alps-to-Sea e-MTB Journey
If you are looking for a transborder E-MTB tour following in the footsteps of a pioneer explorer, our Ciclovia Bicknell tour is exactly what you need. Following ancient military roads and historic alpine routes, this unique adventure connects the landscapes of the Maritime Alps with the Mediterranean world that inspired Clarence Bicknell’s explorations.
A journey through ancient military roads, alpine culture and the legendary Valley of Wonders
From the high ridgelines of the Maritime Alps to the Mediterranean coast, the Ciclovia Bicknell follows historic routes through a landscape of mountain pastures, stone villages and traces of Alpine life.
Ride historic military roads above 2,000 metres, discover ancient rock engravings on a guided walk in the Valley of Wonders, explore medieval villages steeped in Alpine culture and enjoy the comfort of a fully supported adventure designed for small groups.
TRIP SUMMARY
Logistics
starting in
ending in
bordighera
bordighera
duration
4 days // 3 nights
ride specs
skill level
beginner
trail level
s1 // s2
total specs
160 KM / +5.300 M / -6.800 M
DETAILS
TOUR INFO
4 // 7 riders
bike
EMTB
AIRPORT
NICE // GENOA
AVAILABILITY
The CICLOVIA BICKNELL has no scheduled departures and is available exclusively as a private tour on request.
Contact us to arranGE custom dates.
RIDE INFO // FROM THE ALPS TO THE MEDITERRANEAN, IN BICKNELL’S FOOTSTEPS
The Ciclovia Bicknell is a guided Maritime Alps e-MTB tour that brings together the wild beauty of the Alps and the ancient history of the Ligurian hinterland. We will lead you across the Italy–France border on a point-to-point journey, exploring the changing landscapes between the high peaks of the Mercantour and the Mediterranean coast.
Following gravel tracks and historic military roads, we connect mountain villages, Alpine landscapes and places that inspired Clarence Bicknell’s explorations. Along the way, we leave our bikes for a guided walk to the prehistoric rock engravings of the Valley of Wonders, before continuing our journey towards the medieval alleys of Triora.
Each day reveals a different side of these mountains, from open high-altitude terrain to forests and villages where Alpine and Mediterranean cultures meet. There is time to ride, look around and discover the stories of the places we pass through, with guiding and logistical support throughout the journey.
A GUIDED WALK TO THE ANCIENT ROCK ENGRAVINGS
RIDE HISTORIC MILITARY ROADS ALONG ALPINE RIDGES
BICKNELL’S HERITAGE
The "Sistine Chapel of the Alps" hidden within the silence of the woods
MEDITERRANEAN FLOW
Explore the medieval alleys of legendary Triora
Planning your CICLOVIA BICKNELL TOUR?
Get the complete Adventure Guide with the day-by-day journey, tour highlights and practical information before you ride.
“Our goal is to add true value to your mountain bike holiday, offering a service tailored to every detail within a relaxed and safe environment.”
You’ll be riding with Certified Liguria Region Guides and qualified instructors from the Federazione Ciclistica Italiana, sharing the trails, landscapes and local history that make this crossing special.
For Stefano, who lives and works in Dolceacqua, these valleys are familiar ground. Together, we’ll take you beyond the route itself, finding time for the villages, local food and traces of the past along the way. The guided walk to the rock engravings in the Valley of Wonders adds another perspective on the mountains we’re travelling through.
GEAR & OUTFIT REQUIREMENT
Having the right equipment is key to enjoying our wild trails. From mandatory safety gear to specific bike setups, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to help you pack like a pro.
TOUR DETAILS // SKILL LEVEL
Skill Level: Beginner
Fitness Level: Intermediate
Is this tour for you? This tour is for riders who are comfortable on unpaved mountain roads and ready for four consecutive days of e-MTB riding. The emphasis is on exploring the landscape along gravel tracks and historic military roads. Expect sustained climbs, long descents and some uneven or rocky surfaces that require confident bike handling. A guided walk to the rock engravings in the Valley of Wonders is also part of the journey.
Bike Type: eMTB with tyres suitable for varied mountain terrain. We recommend having your bike serviced before the tour so you can enjoy each day with confidence.
Vibe: A journey through Alpine history and Mediterranean culture, following the landscapes that inspired Clarence Bicknell, with time for mountain villages, local food and discoveries along the way.
The Riding: Gravel tracks, historic military roads and mountain routes linking high-altitude landscapes with the Ligurian hinterland. Open ridges give way to forests and stone villages as we make our way towards the Mediterranean.
The Support: Guided riding and vehicle support, with luggage transport and transfers as specified in the itinerary. We take care of the daily logistics, leaving you free to enjoy the riding and the places we pass through.
TRAVEL & LOGISTICS
➜ We’ve got the logistics covered so you can focus on the ride.
Meeting Point: We meet at Bordighera at 09:00 AM.
Getting Here: The closest airports are Genoa (GOA) and Nice (NCE).
Daily Schedule: Expect 5-6 hours out on the trails, including a relaxed lunch break in a local trattoria.
PRICES & BOOKING
➜ Tour Price: €1,025 per person for 7 riders // €1,145 per person for 6 riders // €1,1310 per person for 5 riders // €1,560 per person for 4 riders.
Group Size: Minimum 4 riders required to confirm the departure // Maximum 7 riders.
Accommodation: 4 nights in carefully selected accommodation, based on shared double or twin rooms.
Meals: 3 breakfasts are included
Single Room Supplement: Available upon request for an additional fee.
What’s Included: One professional MTB guide riding with you throughout all four days, with a maximum of seven participants. Three nights’ accommodation, daily breakfasts and two dinners, daily luggage transportation, a dedicated driver, shuttle support during riding days, the visits included in the itinerary, and technical and logistical support throughout the journey.
What’s Excluded: Travel insurance, bike and equipment rental, lunches, any dinners not listed as included, drinks and personal expenses. Travel to the tour’s meeting point and onward travel from the finishing point are not included. Additional transfers can be arranged on request at an additional cost.
Booking & Payment: A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place. A reservation is confirmed only after the deposit has been received. Registrations close and the remaining balance is due 30 days before departure.
Tour Confirmation: The tour requires a minimum of 4 riders and will be confirmed no later than 30 days before departure. If the minimum group size is not reached, the tour will not operate and the 30% deposit will be refunded in full.
Cancellation Policy: The 30% deposit is non-refundable, except if the tour cannot be confirmed because the minimum group size has not been reached. For cancellations made more than 35 days before departure, the deposit will be retained. For cancellations made 35 days or fewer before departure, a cancellation charge equal to 100% of the total tour price applies.
Booking Changes: Requests to transfer a booking to another suitable participant or to move the booking to another available Trails Unlimited departure may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Any change is subject to availability, approval by the tour operator and payment of any administrative fees or additional costs charged by accommodation providers and other suppliers. A change of participant or departure date is not guaranteed and does not create an automatic right to a refund.
Travel Insurance: Appropriate travel insurance is mandatory. The policy must provide specific coverage for mountain biking, medical treatment, personal accident, emergency rescue and repatriation. We strongly recommend including trip cancellation and baggage cover.
The travel package is organised in collaboration with SIAM Viaggi, our licensed Italian tour operator. The complete contractual booking conditions will be provided before payment.
TRAVEL TIPS
LOGISTICS
GETTING HERE: The tour starts and finishes in Bordighera, Italy. We meet in Bordighera on the first day, at a meeting point communicated before departure. We will be happy to help you plan your journey. Transfers can be arranged on request at an additional cost.
ACCOMMODATION: The tour includes 3 nights in carefully selected local accommodation, based on shared double or twin rooms. If you prefer a single room, please request it in advance. A supplement applies and availability may vary.
FOOD & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: 3 Daily breakfasts are included, giving you the opportunity to discover the local flavours of the Italian–French border region. If you have any allergies, intolerances or specific dietary requirements, please let us know when booking so we can coordinate with the accommodations and restaurants.
ON-TOUR CARE
YOUR GUIDE & SUPPORT: One professional MTB guide accompanies the group throughout all four riding days. A dedicated driver provides luggage transportation and shuttle support, with technical and logistical assistance throughout the journey.
HEALTH & PREPARATION: Please consult your doctor before travelling if you have any concerns about your fitness or suitability for a multi-day eMTB tour.
WATER: Bring refillable water bottles or a hydration pack. Your guide will help you identify suitable places to refill along the route. Carry enough water for each riding stage, particularly on remote mountain sections.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: Please tell us about any food allergies, intolerances or dietary requirements when booking, so we can coordinate with the accommodations and restaurants.
TRAVEL INSURANCE (Mandatory): Your policy must explicitly cover mountain biking, medical treatment, personal accident, emergency rescue and repatriation. We also strongly recommend coverage for trip cancellation and baggage, including your bike.
FINANCIAL TIPS
CURRENCY & CASH: The currency used throughout the tour is the Euro (€). Bring some cash for small purchases, drinks and stops in mountain villages or refuges.
ATM MACHINES: Plan to withdraw cash before the tour begins, as access to ATMs may be limited during the mountain stages.
TIPPING: Tips are entirely optional. If you would like to recognise good service from your guide, driver or accommodation staff, they are always appreciated.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
Want to know if your bike is right or have questions about the logistics? Chat with us.
Trails unlimited - Guiding services & MTB coaching provided by:
Manuela Corsaro– VAT N° IT09287921218 – Certified MTB Guide (Liguria Region).
Stefano Scialli – VAT N° IT01756140081
– Certified MTB Guide (Piedmont & Liguria Regions) and FCI Certified Instructor.- Technical Travel Organization by our partner Tour Operator Siam Viaggi.