2-Day Tour: From the Alps to the Sea - Via del Sale Trekking -From Garessio to Borghetto Santo Spirito
From the Alps to the Sea, Salt Road Trekking
Traveling the ancient salt routes, from Garessio to Zuccarello and Borghetto S.S., amid stories of traders and smugglers. A journey that immerses you in the past!
2 days and 1 night - May 24 - 25, 2025
A 35-kilometer adventure from the Alps to the sea. Starting in Garessio (CN), one of Italy's most beautiful villages, we cross the San Bernardo Pass, where Piedmont meets Liguria. Along the historic salt route of Val Neva, we discover hidden corners such as Cerisola and Erli, to reach Zuccarello, another jewel among the most beautiful villages in Italy. Finally, you reach Borghetto S.S. along a ridge that offers breathtaking views.
Program
Day 1- Garessio - Zuccarello through the ancient salt routes between Liguria and Piedmont. Approximately 20 km, elevation gain 410 m uphill, 900 m downhill.
8:30 a.m. Meet at Ceva train station. Transfer by private car to Garessio.
Briefing and getting to know the group. Breakfast included and departure.
We begin our walking adventure with a short but interesting guided tour of the historic center of Garessio, which has always been a popular resort. Once the visit is over, our route through the woods will begin, leading us in short order to Colle San Bernardo, from where we will enjoy magnificent views of the Alps and the valleys leading to the sea. We will continue following the ancient salt road through unique and remote places such as Cerisola and the different townships of Erli. This section takes place largely along the creek Neva with some stretches that require attention and are not recommended for those with severe vertigo. Accommodation in the Erli/Zuccarello area. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2- Zuccarello - Borghetto S.Spirito. 15 km approx. Elevation gain 870 m uphill, 990 m downhill.
Breakfast and departure. After a short tour of the historic center of Zuccarello, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, we will face, with the right charge, the most challenging section of the route, but the one that will eventually give us the satisfaction of having reached the sea. After following for a stretch the Auzza Stream we will go up to Poggio Grande to continue along a magnificent ridge that will take us to the Mount High, at Mount Cross and finally to the Mount Piccaro. Surrounded by Mediterranean scrub we will enjoy wonderful views of the coast and the island of Gallinara. Our walk will end at Borghetto Santo Spirito, on the beach, where you will also have a chance for a refreshing swim before returning home.
Return: possibility of returning by train from Borghetto S.S. station.
Dedicated to all those who like to immerse themselves in another dimension, made up of remote places and times.
Time will be marked only by our footsteps.
The Guide may decide not to allow those who do not have the proper shoes or those who are deemed unfit to participate in the trek.
More details
Route about 35 km long. Day 1: Garessio - Zuccarello through the ancient salt routes between Liguria and Piedmont. Approx. 20 km, elevation gain 410 m uphill, 900 downhill. Day 2: Zuccarello - Borghetto S.Spirito. Approx. 15 km. Elevation gain 870 m uphill, 990 downhill.
Trekking \
Mixed fund
Clothing fleece, rain jacket (alternatively cape), hat or bandana, sunscreen
Shoes: Comfortable hiking boots, possibly not new.
What to bring: It is a trek backpack therefore, a light backpack with the bare minimum is recommended during the walk, which should include: small first aid kit with basic medicines (remember especially the usual ones, if you take them), water bottle (at least 1 liter), fleece, rain jacket (alternatively cape), hat or bandana, sunscreen, underwear for the night and spare T-shirt. On the route from Zuccarello to Borghetto we will be exposed to the sun for several hours, hat and sunscreen are recommended. Hiking poles. Comfortable hiking boots, possibly not new.
