Mountain biking with friends – From the Maritime Alps to the Mediterranean

Mountain biking trips

Italy

Mountain biking – From the Maritime Alps to the Mediterranean - Kjetil & Malin

From mountains to coast – mountain biking in Liguria, Italy

Mountain Biking Tour in Italy!

On this tour, you will cycle from the alpine town of Limone Piemonte to Ventimiglia, along the ancient road Via del Sale – a historic route that has connected Piedmont with the Ligurian coast for centuries. A truly spectacular bike ride on full-suspension electric mountain bikes – or a regular full-suspension mountain bike if you prefer.

The Maritime Alps

The Maritime Alps stretch across southern France and northern Italy, separating the French and Italian coastal regions. With impressive peaks like 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, and provides fantastic views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps.

Quick facts about the trip

The tour passes through some of the most beautiful mountain passes in the Maritime Alps. Accommodation will be in charming mountain huts and pleasant hotels. Several of the mountain passes are located at over 2,000 meters above sea level, but with full-suspension electric mountain bikes, the stages become a "breeze"!

A unique combination of history, nature experiences, social gathering, and cycling adventure – from "high-alpine" terrain to a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean Sea!

Navigation via App

You will receive information and instructions for downloading and navigating via the app. In addition, the roads are well signposted along the way.

Adventurous cycling stages in Liguria

Via del Sale winds its way through the Maritime Alps, providing a perfect blend of appropriately challenging trails, magical views, and a historical atmosphere. From Limone Piemonte, you climb up to high mountain areas where the mountain roads wind between dramatic peaks and steep mountainsides. Along the way, you get panoramic views of Piedmont and onwards towards the Ligurian coast.
The route follows old trade and military roads, and you will pass ruins of fortifications and ancient stone buildings that bear witness to the road's strategic importance throughout the ages.

Varying terrain and exciting challenges

The surface alternates between wide gravel roads, somewhat technical climbs, and fun descents. Some sections require good bike control, while others let you enjoy long flow trails through untouched mountain nature.

Accommodation

You will stay in cozy hotels and simple mountain huts with multi-bed rooms, where you can get a good rest after the day's adventures.

Italian food, local and flavorful

As always on our trips, food is important. You will eat locally and get the opportunity to try the unique specialities of Liguria. Perhaps this is Italian cuisine at its best – simple, flavorful dishes made with love for local ingredients.

Quick facts about the trip

The tour passes through some of the most beautiful mountain passes in the Maritime Alps. Accommodation will be in charming mountain huts and pleasant hotels. Several of the mountain passes are located at over 2,000 meters above sea level, but with full-suspension electric mountain bikes, the stages become a "breeze"!

A unique combination of history, nature experiences, social gathering, and cycling adventure – from "high-alpine" terrain to a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean Sea!

Navigation via App

You will receive information and instructions for downloading and navigating via the app. In addition, the roads are well signposted along the way.

Adventurous cycling stages in Liguria

Via del Sale winds its way through the Maritime Alps, providing a perfect blend of appropriately challenging trails, magical views, and a historical atmosphere. From Limone Piemonte, you climb up to high mountain areas where the mountain roads wind between dramatic peaks and steep mountainsides. Along the way, you get panoramic views of Piedmont and onwards towards the Ligurian coast.
The route follows old trade and military roads, and you will pass ruins of fortifications and ancient stone buildings that bear witness to the road's strategic importance throughout the ages.

Varying terrain and exciting challenges

The surface alternates between wide gravel roads, somewhat technical climbs, and fun descents. Some sections require good bike control, while others let you enjoy long flow trails through untouched mountain nature.

Accommodation

You will stay in cozy hotels and simple mountain huts with multi-bed rooms, where you can get a good rest after the day's adventures.

Italian food, local and flavorful

As always on our trips, food is important. You will eat locally and get the opportunity to try the unique specialities of Liguria. Perhaps this is Italian cuisine at its best – simple, flavorful dishes made with love for local ingredients.

Highlights

  • The spectacular views from the Maritime Alps

  • The historic cycle path Via del Sale

  • The contrasts between the alpine mountains and the Mediterranean Riviera

  • The fun descents and flow trails

  • The local Italian cuisine

  • The e-mountain bikes

Available dates & Contact info

from 11,190

Would you like more information about the trip?

Program

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

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

Day 1Arrival in Nice and train transport to Ventimiglia

Venitimiglia i Italia - med Expa Travel

Arrival in Nice. From Nice airport, it is easy to take the train to the hotel in Ventimiglia (Italy), a train journey of approx. 45 minutes.

Check-in and time for sightseeing in the area around Ventimiglia. Maybe you'll take a dip in the Mediterranean?
Along the entire coast from Ventimiglia and eastwards, the old railway track has been converted into a cycle path. It is possible to rent a bicycle at several places in Ventimiglia if you wish to try out this cycle path.

Dinner on your own (not included).

AccommodationAccommodation in Ventimiglia

Day 2Train to Limone Piemonte and bike ride from Col di Tenda to Rifugio Don Barbera

Col di Tenda i Italia - terrengsykkeltur med Expa Travel

Today's goal is Rifugio Don Barbera at 2000 m above sea level.

Right after breakfast, you take the train to Limone Piemonte. Here you will meet our local partner and receive your rental bikes. After briefing, testing/adjusting the bikes, and a review of today's stage, you will start your ride up to Col di Tenda. Along the military road towards the fortifications from the Second World War. There will be lots of uphill, but with the powerful e-bikes, cycling on the narrow gravel roads with fantastic views in all directions will be a breeze.

Arrival and check-in at Rifugio Don Barbera, 2079 m above sea level.

After-bike drinks by the house wall before a pleasant dinner with local specialties (included).

Lunch on your own on this day (bring your own, not included), we recommend that you buy food before you depart from Ventimiglia.

NB! Remember to charge your bike upon arrival, and to order a packed lunch for tomorrow.

MealsBreakfast, Dinner
AccommodationOvernight stay Rifugio Don Barbera
DistanceApprox. 30 km
Elevation differenceApprox. 1300 m

Day 3Bike ride from Rifugio Don Barbera to Rifugio Allavena

Sykkeltur fra Rifugio Don Barbera til Rifugio Allavena | Expa Travel

After a hearty breakfast at the mountain hut, today's stage starts towards Rifugio Allavena. The route goes at altitude, along old mule tracks and historic military roads. The packed lunch is enjoyed along the way (bring your own, not included).

Upon arrival at Rifugio Allavena, you check in before after-bike drinks and dinner (included).

NB! Remember to charge your bike upon arrival, and to order a packed lunch for tomorrow.

MealsBreakfast, Dinner
AccommodationOvernight stay Rifugio Allavena
DistanceApprox. 40 km
Elevation differenceApprox. 800 m

Day 4Bike ride from Rifugio Allavena to the coast in Ventimiglia

Terrengsykkeltur fra alpene til Middelhavet - med Expa Travel

A good breakfast at the mountain hut before starting the last day of the tour along Via del Sale.

From Rifugio Allavena, today's journey heads down towards the Mediterranean! You will arrive at the tour's final destination, Ventimiglia, in the early afternoon. Most of this stage is downhill, on nice, small roads as well as some trails. Several magical Kodak moments along the way.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you will return the bikes and check in. Time for some relaxation with sun & swimming. A walk in the old town of Ventimiglia is highly recommended.

Dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationOvernight stay Ventimiglia
DistanceApprox. 50 km
Elevation differenceApprox. -1500 m

Day 5Departure Day

Vakker natur i de Maritime Alpene - med Expa Travel

Breakfast before checking out of the hotel. Train back to the airport or further on more holiday…

The itinerary is preliminary, changes may occur.

MealsBreakfast

Day 1Arrival in Nice and train transport to Ventimiglia

Venitimiglia i Italia - med Expa Travel

Arrival in Nice. From Nice airport, it is easy to take the train to the hotel in Ventimiglia (Italy), a train journey of approx. 45 minutes.

Check-in and time for sightseeing in the area around Ventimiglia. Maybe you'll take a dip in the Mediterranean?
Along the entire coast from Ventimiglia and eastwards, the old railway track has been converted into a cycle path. It is possible to rent a bicycle at several places in Ventimiglia if you wish to try out this cycle path.

Dinner on your own (not included).

AccommodationAccommodation in Ventimiglia

Day 2Train to Limone Piemonte and bike ride from Col di Tenda to Rifugio Don Barbera

Col di Tenda i Italia - terrengsykkeltur med Expa Travel

Today's goal is Rifugio Don Barbera at 2000 m above sea level.

Right after breakfast, you take the train to Limone Piemonte. Here you will meet our local partner and receive your rental bikes. After briefing, testing/adjusting the bikes, and a review of today's stage, you will start your ride up to Col di Tenda. Along the military road towards the fortifications from the Second World War. There will be lots of uphill, but with the powerful e-bikes, cycling on the narrow gravel roads with fantastic views in all directions will be a breeze.

Arrival and check-in at Rifugio Don Barbera, 2079 m above sea level.

After-bike drinks by the house wall before a pleasant dinner with local specialties (included).

Lunch on your own on this day (bring your own, not included), we recommend that you buy food before you depart from Ventimiglia.

NB! Remember to charge your bike upon arrival, and to order a packed lunch for tomorrow.

MealsBreakfast, Dinner
AccommodationOvernight stay Rifugio Don Barbera
DistanceApprox. 30 km
Elevation differenceApprox. 1300 m

Day 3Bike ride from Rifugio Don Barbera to Rifugio Allavena

Sykkeltur fra Rifugio Don Barbera til Rifugio Allavena | Expa Travel

After a hearty breakfast at the mountain hut, today's stage starts towards Rifugio Allavena. The route goes at altitude, along old mule tracks and historic military roads. The packed lunch is enjoyed along the way (bring your own, not included).

Upon arrival at Rifugio Allavena, you check in before after-bike drinks and dinner (included).

NB! Remember to charge your bike upon arrival, and to order a packed lunch for tomorrow.

MealsBreakfast, Dinner
AccommodationOvernight stay Rifugio Allavena
DistanceApprox. 40 km
Elevation differenceApprox. 800 m

Day 4Bike ride from Rifugio Allavena to the coast in Ventimiglia

Terrengsykkeltur fra alpene til Middelhavet - med Expa Travel

A good breakfast at the mountain hut before starting the last day of the tour along Via del Sale.

From Rifugio Allavena, today's journey heads down towards the Mediterranean! You will arrive at the tour's final destination, Ventimiglia, in the early afternoon. Most of this stage is downhill, on nice, small roads as well as some trails. Several magical Kodak moments along the way.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you will return the bikes and check in. Time for some relaxation with sun & swimming. A walk in the old town of Ventimiglia is highly recommended.

Dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationOvernight stay Ventimiglia
DistanceApprox. 50 km
Elevation differenceApprox. -1500 m

Day 5Departure Day

Vakker natur i de Maritime Alpene - med Expa Travel

Breakfast before checking out of the hotel. Train back to the airport or further on more holiday…

The itinerary is preliminary, changes may occur.

MealsBreakfast

Day 1Arrival in Nice and train transport to Ventimiglia

Venitimiglia i Italia - med Expa Travel

Arrival in Nice. From Nice airport, it is easy to take the train to the hotel in Ventimiglia (Italy), a train journey of approx. 45 minutes.

Check-in and time for sightseeing in the area around Ventimiglia. Maybe you'll take a dip in the Mediterranean?
Along the entire coast from Ventimiglia and eastwards, the old railway track has been converted into a cycle path. It is possible to rent a bicycle at several places in Ventimiglia if you wish to try out this cycle path.

Dinner on your own (not included).

AccommodationAccommodation in Ventimiglia

Day 2Train to Limone Piemonte and bike ride from Col di Tenda to Rifugio Don Barbera

Col di Tenda i Italia - terrengsykkeltur med Expa Travel

Today's goal is Rifugio Don Barbera at 2000 m above sea level.

Right after breakfast, you take the train to Limone Piemonte. Here you will meet our local partner and receive your rental bikes. After briefing, testing/adjusting the bikes, and a review of today's stage, you will start your ride up to Col di Tenda. Along the military road towards the fortifications from the Second World War. There will be lots of uphill, but with the powerful e-bikes, cycling on the narrow gravel roads with fantastic views in all directions will be a breeze.

Arrival and check-in at Rifugio Don Barbera, 2079 m above sea level.

After-bike drinks by the house wall before a pleasant dinner with local specialties (included).

Lunch on your own on this day (bring your own, not included), we recommend that you buy food before you depart from Ventimiglia.

NB! Remember to charge your bike upon arrival, and to order a packed lunch for tomorrow.

MealsBreakfast, Dinner
AccommodationOvernight stay Rifugio Don Barbera
DistanceApprox. 30 km
Elevation differenceApprox. 1300 m

Day 3Bike ride from Rifugio Don Barbera to Rifugio Allavena

Sykkeltur fra Rifugio Don Barbera til Rifugio Allavena | Expa Travel

After a hearty breakfast at the mountain hut, today's stage starts towards Rifugio Allavena. The route goes at altitude, along old mule tracks and historic military roads. The packed lunch is enjoyed along the way (bring your own, not included).

Upon arrival at Rifugio Allavena, you check in before after-bike drinks and dinner (included).

NB! Remember to charge your bike upon arrival, and to order a packed lunch for tomorrow.

MealsBreakfast, Dinner
AccommodationOvernight stay Rifugio Allavena
DistanceApprox. 40 km
Elevation differenceApprox. 800 m

Day 4Bike ride from Rifugio Allavena to the coast in Ventimiglia

Terrengsykkeltur fra alpene til Middelhavet - med Expa Travel

A good breakfast at the mountain hut before starting the last day of the tour along Via del Sale.

From Rifugio Allavena, today's journey heads down towards the Mediterranean! You will arrive at the tour's final destination, Ventimiglia, in the early afternoon. Most of this stage is downhill, on nice, small roads as well as some trails. Several magical Kodak moments along the way.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you will return the bikes and check in. Time for some relaxation with sun & swimming. A walk in the old town of Ventimiglia is highly recommended.

Dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationOvernight stay Ventimiglia
DistanceApprox. 50 km
Elevation differenceApprox. -1500 m

Day 5Departure Day

Vakker natur i de Maritime Alpene - med Expa Travel

Breakfast before checking out of the hotel. Train back to the airport or further on more holiday…

The itinerary is preliminary, changes may occur.

MealsBreakfast

Map

Included & practical info

Included & practical info

Included

Additions

Other information

Guides

Self-guided tours with Expa Travel

Self-guided tour - no guide

This is a self-guided tour. We at Expa Travel have planned the routes for you, and using GPS as a tool, you cycle / walk / drive the stages at your own pace.

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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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