Adventurous cycling stages along the Via del Sale
From Limone Piemonte, we make our way up into the Maritime Alps, where ancient trade routes and military roads wind through the mountain landscape. High mountain passes, magnificent views, and roads with a fascinating history await us here.
Along the way, we cycle past old fortifications and stone buildings reminiscent of the time when these mountain passes were of great importance for both trade and defense. In several places, the landscape opens up, and on clear days we can see far across the mountains and down toward the Ligurian coast.
Eventually, we leave the high mountains behind and cycle down toward the Mediterranean. A wonderful contrast – from fresh mountain air and rocky mountain roads to palm trees and Italian coastal life!
Varied terrain and exciting challenges
We ride full-suspension electric mountain bikes, mainly along old military roads, gravel roads, and some narrower trails. The surface varies, and we will encounter long climbs, rocky sections, and descents that require concentration and good bike handling skills.
The e-bike provides great assistance on the uphills, but this is still an active trip where you need to be comfortable cycling on uneven terrain.
Some sections offer a bit of an extra challenge, while others give us a great opportunity to find our flow, look up, and enjoy the surrounding mountain landscape.
Accommodation
For the first two nights, we stay at the mountain huts Rifugio Don Barbera and Rifugio Allavena. Here, the standard is simple and the atmosphere informal, with dormitory-style rooms and cozy communal areas.
After a day out on the bike, it feels great to arrive, settle in, and gather around the dinner table. The mountain huts are part of the experience – giving us the opportunity to stay right in the heart of the mountain landscape we are cycling through.
On the final night, we stay at a hotel on the Italian Riviera. Here, there will be time to relax and perhaps take a dip in the Mediterranean before the journey home.
Italian food – simple, local, and flavorful
At the mountain huts, we gather for pleasant dinners (included), featuring simple, local food that tastes especially good after many hours out on the bike. A three-course meal is served here, giving us plenty of time to share the day's experiences around the table.
Lunches (not included) are arranged along the way. Some days we pack a lunch from the mountain hut, while other times we can stop at an eatery along the route.
On the final evening of the trip, we gather for a farewell dinner (included) at a local restaurant by the coast. A wonderful conclusion to three days of cycling, mountain adventures, and great camaraderie.
