Ligurian Riviera, from Menton to San Remo

At daybreak, we will take a bus to the small village of Castellar, located at an altitude of 340 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Menton, the starting point of the hike.

The trail begins with a climb towards Roc de l'Orméa, passing the pass and the Saint Bernard chapel (769m), then continues to the border ridge, which is crossed at Passo della Corna (1045m). The descent on the Italian side is easy and offers magnificent views of the sea, following a ridge. Finally, the path leads across a track to Passo dei Sette Camini (424m), and descends to the hamlet of Grimaldi (130m above sea level) via a good trail. We will take a short transfer by bus or taxi (on weekends) to reach Ventimiglia, where we can visit the old town and admire its Romanesque cathedral and baptistery.

Overnight stay in a 2* hotel in Ventimiglia.

In the morning, we take a short train ride (20 minutes) to reach the Roya Valley and the beautiful village of Airole (at an altitude of 110 m). We explore the narrow streets of this picturesque medieval village. After the visit, we begin the ascent to the Sella dei Due Abelli (at an altitude of 750 m), a wild and magnificent route that overcomes the challenges of the terrain.

On the other side, after a few meters along the old strategic road of the Italian Maginot Line (Vallo Alpino), we enjoy a beautiful descent towards the Rochetta Nervina valley. We cross one last olive grove before arriving directly at our hotel (located at an altitude of 200 m).

We are spending the night in a 3-star hotel in Rochetta Nervina.

The day begins with an excursion to the village of Rochetta-Nervina, nestled at the bottom of the valley where two narrow rivers meet. We follow a small path alongside the stream, then embark on a long and rugged climb along a ridge that reaches an altitude of 735 meters. On the other side of the mountain, we descend to the village of Isolabona and the Nervia Valley, a drop of 100 meters. After visiting the village, we face the most challenging part: the ascent to the village of Apricale, perched on the mountainside and listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy, at an altitude of 250 meters. We will spend the night in a 3-star hotel in Apricale.

After exploring Apricale, we'll take a good path that leads us to the ridge where the village of Perinaldo is perched, at an altitude of nearly 600 meters, offering breathtaking views of the sea. Then, we'll descend to Dolceacqua along a pilgrimage route to the Virgin of Sorrows. We'll reach the old village by way of its imposing castle, but Dolceacqua's fame rests primarily on the beauty of its daring medieval bridge spanning the Nervia River, as well as its wines.

After visiting the village, we will travel by regular bus to the village of Pigna, located in the upper Nervia Valley. This beautiful village is home to a magnificent altarpiece and a chapel painted by Canavesio, one of the major artists of the late 15th century in this cultural region of Savoy and Liguria.

We will spend the night in 3-star guest rooms or a 2-star hotel in Pigna.

The route begins at our hotel and leads to the hilltop village of Castelvittorio, situated at an altitude of 412 meters. We cross the village, following narrow, stepped streets, then continue our ascent to the San Sebastiano chapel, located at 700 meters. After a short flat section, we descend to the Bonda bridge, at 500 meters, before beginning the long climb through the forest that leads to the highest hilltop village on our route: Baiardo, situated at an altitude of 900 meters.

In the early afternoon, after visiting the village, transfer by coach to San Remo (1 hour journey, included).
Overnight stay in a 3* hotel in San Remo.

Saturday morning will be dedicated to exploring San Remo, where we'll have the opportunity to visit a must-see: the San Remo market, held every Saturday near the cathedral. After lunch, we'll return to Menton by train (1-hour journey, included). The group will disperse from Menton.