Mountain bike tour with Tor Erik and friends – From the Maritime Alps to the Mediterranean

Bicycle trips

Mountain biking trips

Italy

Mountain bike tour, Via del Sale,

Mountain bike tour from the Maritime Alps to the Mediterranean

We invite you on a mountain bike tour in Italy!

From the mountains of Limone Piemonte to the waves of the Mediterranean – this is mountain biking steeped in history! For centuries, the ancient trade route Via del Sale was used to transport salt from Piedmont to the coast. Today, it has become a spectacular cycling route that winds over mountain passes, between mountain huts, and on down toward the sea.

The Maritime Alps

The Maritime Alps stretch across southern France and northern Italy, separating the French and Italian coastal regions. With impressive peaks such as Mont Bégo (3,204 m), the mountains offer dramatic landscapes, deep valleys, and historic trade routes. The area is perfect for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing, providing fantastic views of both the Mediterranean and the Alps.

  
Through the Maritime Alps and the Ligurian Mountains, breathtaking views, airy heights, and terrain that both challenges and excites await. Several of the passes lie above 2,000 meters above sea level, but with full-suspension electric mountain bikes, you can simply enjoy the climbs.

This is a trip where history, nature, camaraderie, and genuine cycling joy come together – from high mountains to the sea all on one and the same tour!

What can you expect?

Fabulous cycling stages in Liguria
Via del Sale winds through the Maritime Alps, offering a perfect mix of suitably challenging trails, magical views, and historic atmosphere. From Limone Piemonte, we climb up to high mountain areas where the mountain roads snake between dramatic peaks and steep mountain sides. Along the way, you get panoramic views of Piedmont and onwards towards the Ligurian coast.
The route follows old trade and military roads, passing ruins of fortifications and ancient stone buildings that bear witness to the road's strategic importance through the ages.

Varied terrain and exciting challenges
The surface alternates between wide gravel roads, somewhat technical climbs, and fun descents. Some sections require good bike handling skills, while others let you enjoy long, flowing trails through pristine mountain nature.

Accommodation
We stay overnight in mountain huts with dormitory rooms for the first two nights (basic standard). On the final night, we stay at a hotel by the coast.

Italian food, local and delicious
The mountain huts serve simple yet delicious local three-course dinners; dinners are always a highlight. Lunches consist of packed lunches prepared for us at the mountain huts, or we stop at a restaurant in one of the towns/mountain huts we pass along the way.
Farewell dinner on the last evening at one of the restaurants along the coast.

What can you expect?

Fabulous cycling stages in Liguria
Via del Sale winds through the Maritime Alps, offering a perfect mix of suitably challenging trails, magical views, and historic atmosphere. From Limone Piemonte, we climb up to high mountain areas where the mountain roads snake between dramatic peaks and steep mountain sides. Along the way, you get panoramic views of Piedmont and onwards towards the Ligurian coast.
The route follows old trade and military roads, passing ruins of fortifications and ancient stone buildings that bear witness to the road's strategic importance through the ages.

Varied terrain and exciting challenges
The surface alternates between wide gravel roads, somewhat technical climbs, and fun descents. Some sections require good bike handling skills, while others let you enjoy long, flowing trails through pristine mountain nature.

Accommodation
We stay overnight in mountain huts with dormitory rooms for the first two nights (basic standard). On the final night, we stay at a hotel by the coast.

Italian food, local and delicious
The mountain huts serve simple yet delicious local three-course dinners; dinners are always a highlight. Lunches consist of packed lunches prepared for us at the mountain huts, or we stop at a restaurant in one of the towns/mountain huts we pass along the way.
Farewell dinner on the last evening at one of the restaurants along the coast.

Highlights

  • The spectacular views from the Maritime Alps

  • The historic cycling route Via del Sale

  • The contrasts between the alpine mountains and the Mediterranean Riviera

  • The fun descents and flow trails

  • The local Italian cuisine

  • The electric mountain bikes

  • Sharing unforgettable experiences with your group of friends

Available dates & Contact info

Would you like more information about the trip?

Program

The daily itinerary is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel AS makes reservations for any typographical errors or currency fluctuations.

The daily itinerary is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel AS makes reservations for any typographical errors or currency fluctuations.

Day 1Arrival in Nice – via Col di Tende to Rifugio Don Barbera

Overnatting på Rifugio Don Barbera den første natten | Expa Travel

We land in Nice, where our driver is waiting for us. From here, the journey continues to the Italian mountain town of Limone Piemonte, where our cycling tour begins.

After a light lunch (not included), we pick up rental bikes for those who have booked them (not included), and meet our local guide. We receive a briefing on today's stage before we get on our bikes and start the ride up towards Col di Tende.

And we might as well say it right away: There will be uphills! We start at around 1,000 m a.s.l. and head up into the high mountains, with magnificent views and old military roads beneath our wheels. Along the way, we pass historic fortifications before continuing towards today's accommodation. This is where the electric mountain bike truly comes into its own!

The destination is Rifugio Don Barbera, a mountain hut located at 2,079 m a.s.l. Here, a well-deserved post-ride drink awaits in the sun against the wall, before we gather for an enjoyable dinner (included) at the mountain hut.

A proper start to the adventure along the Via del Sale!

MealsDinner
AccommodationAccommodation at Rifugio Don Barbera
Elevation differenceApprox. 2079 m a.s.l.

Day 2Bike ride from Rifugio Don Barbera to Rifugio Allavena

Col di Tenda i Italia - terrengsykkeltur med Expa Travel

After breakfast (included) at the mountain hut, we are ready for another day in the saddle. Today, the route continues towards Rifugio Allavena, with around 40 kilometres of cycling ahead of us.

We stay high up in altitude, where old mule tracks and historic military roads lead us through the mountain landscape. All you have to do here is enjoy the view, the crisp mountain air, and the feeling of being far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Along the way, we find a nice spot to take a break and enjoy our packed lunch (not included). Perhaps with views of mountain peaks as far as the eye can see?

Once at Rifugio Allavena, we check in and settle in. Then there will be time for a well-deserved post-ride drink before we gather around the table for a lovely dinner (included) at the mountain hut.

MealsBreakfast & Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation at Rifugio Allavena
DistanceApprox. 40 km
Elevation differenceApprox. 1545 m a.s.l.

Day 3Bike ride from Rifugio Allavena to the Mediterranean Sea

Hva med en tur over grensen for å besøke Menton i Frankrike? | Expa Travel

After a good breakfast (included) at the mountain hut, we are ready for the final stage along the Via del Sale. And today, a real contrast awaits – from the mountains all the way down to the Mediterranean!

We leave Rifugio Allavena behind us and set our course towards the coast. Most of today's stage is downhill, first on small gravel roads and then on narrow, paved mountain roads. Along the way, the landscape opens up, constantly offering new views that deserve a photo stop or two.

We stop for lunch along the way (not included), before continuing down towards the Italian Riviera. Early in the afternoon, we reach Sanremo, and after around 50 kilometres on the bike, we arrive at the tour's end point.

Upon arrival, we return the rental bikes and check in at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps a dip in the Mediterranean, a stroll along the beach promenade, or just some relaxation in the sun sounds tempting?

In the evening, we gather for a lovely farewell dinner (included) at a local seaside restaurant. A wonderful opportunity to reminisce about three eventful days on the bike – from the high mountains to the Mediterranean!

MealsBreakfast & Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation Sanremo / Ventimiglia
DistanceApprox. 50 km
Elevation differenceApprox. -1500m

Day 4Departure Day

Terrengsykkeltur i Italia | Expa Travel

After three fantastic days on the bike, from the mountains along the Via del Sale and all the way down to the Mediterranean, it is time to head home.

We have breakfast (included) before checking out of the hotel.
At 07:30 we will be picked up for shared transport to the airport, where the flight to Oslo departs at 09:50 (not included).

We travel home with many wonderful experiences in our luggage – and perhaps some new cycling friends as well!

The daily itinerary is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make corrections for any typographical errors, as well as currency exchange rate and/or price changes.

MealsBreakfast
ActivityDeparture day

Day 1Arrival in Nice – via Col di Tende to Rifugio Don Barbera

Overnatting på Rifugio Don Barbera den første natten | Expa Travel

We land in Nice, where our driver is waiting for us. From here, the journey continues to the Italian mountain town of Limone Piemonte, where our cycling tour begins.

After a light lunch (not included), we pick up rental bikes for those who have booked them (not included), and meet our local guide. We receive a briefing on today's stage before we get on our bikes and start the ride up towards Col di Tende.

And we might as well say it right away: There will be uphills! We start at around 1,000 m a.s.l. and head up into the high mountains, with magnificent views and old military roads beneath our wheels. Along the way, we pass historic fortifications before continuing towards today's accommodation. This is where the electric mountain bike truly comes into its own!

The destination is Rifugio Don Barbera, a mountain hut located at 2,079 m a.s.l. Here, a well-deserved post-ride drink awaits in the sun against the wall, before we gather for an enjoyable dinner (included) at the mountain hut.

A proper start to the adventure along the Via del Sale!

MealsDinner
AccommodationAccommodation at Rifugio Don Barbera
Elevation differenceApprox. 2079 m a.s.l.

Day 2Bike ride from Rifugio Don Barbera to Rifugio Allavena

Col di Tenda i Italia - terrengsykkeltur med Expa Travel

After breakfast (included) at the mountain hut, we are ready for another day in the saddle. Today, the route continues towards Rifugio Allavena, with around 40 kilometres of cycling ahead of us.

We stay high up in altitude, where old mule tracks and historic military roads lead us through the mountain landscape. All you have to do here is enjoy the view, the crisp mountain air, and the feeling of being far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Along the way, we find a nice spot to take a break and enjoy our packed lunch (not included). Perhaps with views of mountain peaks as far as the eye can see?

Once at Rifugio Allavena, we check in and settle in. Then there will be time for a well-deserved post-ride drink before we gather around the table for a lovely dinner (included) at the mountain hut.

MealsBreakfast & Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation at Rifugio Allavena
DistanceApprox. 40 km
Elevation differenceApprox. 1545 m a.s.l.

Day 3Bike ride from Rifugio Allavena to the Mediterranean Sea

Hva med en tur over grensen for å besøke Menton i Frankrike? | Expa Travel

After a good breakfast (included) at the mountain hut, we are ready for the final stage along the Via del Sale. And today, a real contrast awaits – from the mountains all the way down to the Mediterranean!

We leave Rifugio Allavena behind us and set our course towards the coast. Most of today's stage is downhill, first on small gravel roads and then on narrow, paved mountain roads. Along the way, the landscape opens up, constantly offering new views that deserve a photo stop or two.

We stop for lunch along the way (not included), before continuing down towards the Italian Riviera. Early in the afternoon, we reach Sanremo, and after around 50 kilometres on the bike, we arrive at the tour's end point.

Upon arrival, we return the rental bikes and check in at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps a dip in the Mediterranean, a stroll along the beach promenade, or just some relaxation in the sun sounds tempting?

In the evening, we gather for a lovely farewell dinner (included) at a local seaside restaurant. A wonderful opportunity to reminisce about three eventful days on the bike – from the high mountains to the Mediterranean!

MealsBreakfast & Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation Sanremo / Ventimiglia
DistanceApprox. 50 km
Elevation differenceApprox. -1500m

Day 4Departure Day

Terrengsykkeltur i Italia | Expa Travel

After three fantastic days on the bike, from the mountains along the Via del Sale and all the way down to the Mediterranean, it is time to head home.

We have breakfast (included) before checking out of the hotel.
At 07:30 we will be picked up for shared transport to the airport, where the flight to Oslo departs at 09:50 (not included).

We travel home with many wonderful experiences in our luggage – and perhaps some new cycling friends as well!

The daily itinerary is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make corrections for any typographical errors, as well as currency exchange rate and/or price changes.

MealsBreakfast
ActivityDeparture day

Day 1Arrival in Nice – via Col di Tende to Rifugio Don Barbera

Overnatting på Rifugio Don Barbera den første natten | Expa Travel

We land in Nice, where our driver is waiting for us. From here, the journey continues to the Italian mountain town of Limone Piemonte, where our cycling tour begins.

After a light lunch (not included), we pick up rental bikes for those who have booked them (not included), and meet our local guide. We receive a briefing on today's stage before we get on our bikes and start the ride up towards Col di Tende.

And we might as well say it right away: There will be uphills! We start at around 1,000 m a.s.l. and head up into the high mountains, with magnificent views and old military roads beneath our wheels. Along the way, we pass historic fortifications before continuing towards today's accommodation. This is where the electric mountain bike truly comes into its own!

The destination is Rifugio Don Barbera, a mountain hut located at 2,079 m a.s.l. Here, a well-deserved post-ride drink awaits in the sun against the wall, before we gather for an enjoyable dinner (included) at the mountain hut.

A proper start to the adventure along the Via del Sale!

MealsDinner
AccommodationAccommodation at Rifugio Don Barbera
Elevation differenceApprox. 2079 m a.s.l.

Day 2Bike ride from Rifugio Don Barbera to Rifugio Allavena

Col di Tenda i Italia - terrengsykkeltur med Expa Travel

After breakfast (included) at the mountain hut, we are ready for another day in the saddle. Today, the route continues towards Rifugio Allavena, with around 40 kilometres of cycling ahead of us.

We stay high up in altitude, where old mule tracks and historic military roads lead us through the mountain landscape. All you have to do here is enjoy the view, the crisp mountain air, and the feeling of being far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Along the way, we find a nice spot to take a break and enjoy our packed lunch (not included). Perhaps with views of mountain peaks as far as the eye can see?

Once at Rifugio Allavena, we check in and settle in. Then there will be time for a well-deserved post-ride drink before we gather around the table for a lovely dinner (included) at the mountain hut.

MealsBreakfast & Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation at Rifugio Allavena
DistanceApprox. 40 km
Elevation differenceApprox. 1545 m a.s.l.

Day 3Bike ride from Rifugio Allavena to the Mediterranean Sea

Hva med en tur over grensen for å besøke Menton i Frankrike? | Expa Travel

After a good breakfast (included) at the mountain hut, we are ready for the final stage along the Via del Sale. And today, a real contrast awaits – from the mountains all the way down to the Mediterranean!

We leave Rifugio Allavena behind us and set our course towards the coast. Most of today's stage is downhill, first on small gravel roads and then on narrow, paved mountain roads. Along the way, the landscape opens up, constantly offering new views that deserve a photo stop or two.

We stop for lunch along the way (not included), before continuing down towards the Italian Riviera. Early in the afternoon, we reach Sanremo, and after around 50 kilometres on the bike, we arrive at the tour's end point.

Upon arrival, we return the rental bikes and check in at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps a dip in the Mediterranean, a stroll along the beach promenade, or just some relaxation in the sun sounds tempting?

In the evening, we gather for a lovely farewell dinner (included) at a local seaside restaurant. A wonderful opportunity to reminisce about three eventful days on the bike – from the high mountains to the Mediterranean!

MealsBreakfast & Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation Sanremo / Ventimiglia
DistanceApprox. 50 km
Elevation differenceApprox. -1500m

Day 4Departure Day

Terrengsykkeltur i Italia | Expa Travel

After three fantastic days on the bike, from the mountains along the Via del Sale and all the way down to the Mediterranean, it is time to head home.

We have breakfast (included) before checking out of the hotel.
At 07:30 we will be picked up for shared transport to the airport, where the flight to Oslo departs at 09:50 (not included).

We travel home with many wonderful experiences in our luggage – and perhaps some new cycling friends as well!

The daily itinerary is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make corrections for any typographical errors, as well as currency exchange rate and/or price changes.

MealsBreakfast
ActivityDeparture day

Map

Included & practical info

Included & practical info

Included

Additions

Other information

Guides

Local guide - on trips with Expa Travel

Local guide - English-speaking

Local guides at home and abroad

Our local guides know the trails, shortcuts, and favorite spots – and will take you to places you would hardly find on your own. English-speaking, passionate, and ready to show you the real destination.

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Owner, founder and tour guide Eric Berglund - Expa Travel

Eric Berglund

Owner and founder of Expa Travel

Eric is the founder of Expa Travel and has over 25 years of experience in the travel industry, including roles as destination manager for Star Tour and purser for SAS. He has worked all over the world and speaks fluent Italian, English, and Swedish. With his commitment and local knowledge, he creates safe and memorable travel experiences.

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Video

Video

Packing list

Packing list

This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.

This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.

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