Italy
Country
5 days
Duration
February-December
When
Moderate
Difficulty
Half board
Board
Self-guided
Tour type
Yes
Dog friendly

Step into the enchanting world of the Ligurian Alps with our captivating hiking holiday that commences and concludes in the medieval village of Ceriana. This village, nestled atop a cliff at the end of the Armea Valley, is the heart of an extensive trail network connecting the French Alpi Maritimes to the west and meandering for hundreds of miles along the crescent-shaped bay of Genova to the south.

Tour Highlights:

  • Medieval Marvel: Ceriana, poised on the precipice of the Armea Valley and just a stone’s throw from the Riviera, is an authentic Ligurian mountain village brimming with history. Discover the rich tapestry of Ligurian mountain culture as you explore the narrow cobbled streets and charming old-world architecture.
  • Alpine & Coastal Views: On this self-guided adventure, you’ll traverse a tapestry of trails, meandering from one village to the next. Behold awe-inspiring vistas of the northern Alps and the shimmering Mediterranean, just a few miles to the south-west. Capture the region’s remarkable contrasts as you immerse yourself in both mountain grandeur and coastal allure.
  • Culinary Delights: Every evening, anticipate indulgent three-course meals and restful slumbers in comfortable accommodations. With manageable daily hiking distances, you’ll often find time for leisurely evening strolls through the captivating villages. Relish the opportunity to savor the flavors of the region’s heavenly cuisine.

Your Ligurian Alps Adventure Awaits:

Unveil the hidden gems of Alpi Ligure in this short yet invigorating weekend break amidst the Italian countryside. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes, authentic culture, and delicious food that make this region a true unspoiled pearl. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the Ligurian Alps’ beauty and charm. Your Italian escapade begins here.

Included Services

  • Five day hiking holiday
  • Phone support
  • GPS maps
  • Half board
  • Flight
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunch

FAQ

What is your refund and cancellation policy?

If you cancel your tour 60 days or more before the departure date, you will lose your deposit. If you cancel your tour between 60 and 45 days before the departure date, you will lose 50 per cent of the total tour price. If you cancel your tour within 45 days of the departure date, you will lose the full amount. If you fail to turn up on the first day of your tour, Outdoor Europe may not be able to make arrangements for you to join the rest of the tour, and you will lose the full payment. If, for any reason, Outdoor Europe has to cancel your tour, you will be offered an alternative tour or a full refund.

How do I book my tour?

You can book your tour directly on the Outdoor Europe website. Choose the tour from the dropdown menu, select the date you would like to start, and the number of participants in your group. You can either pay a deposit (60 days or more from the start of your tour) or pay the full amount. Click ‘book’ and follow the instructions. Once we have confirmed your payment, you’ll receive your confirmed tour itinerary within 10 days. There may be seasonal variations in the time it takes us to arrange everything. Please note that programmes on the tour pages are only examples — there may be several differences in the final programme you receive.

How do I pay for my tour?

When booking your tour, you can choose to pay by credit/debit card or direct bank transfer. Direct bank transfers will generally take longer to process, while credit and debit card payments are processed instantly. You are, by default, asked to pay a deposit of 25% of the total cost of the tour. If you choose this option, you will be asked to pay the remaining 75% one month before your tour. Please be sure to follow the payment links you receive in your invoice or reminder email, which we will send you when the second payment is due.

Do I get my own room?

This depends on the individual tour and when you book it. When hiking in the Alps, most people stay in dorms or shared rooms as the availability of single, double and family rooms are limited. We can only guarantee your own room on certain tours such as in the Lys and Ayas Valleys — but only if you book in time. If this is your preference, we will do our best to ensure you get your own room, but please expect to spend some nights in shared accommodation if there is limited availability.

Is baggage transfer included with all your Alpine tours?

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer this service with all our packages. Often, the huts or hotels we work with are in locations that can only be reached by foot or helicopter. Indeed, when choosing a tour that includes baggage transport, there may be one or two exceptions depending on the route. This will appear clearly on the tour page and in the program you receive when your booking has been confirmed.

How many days do your tours last?

All our tours include the day of arrival and the day of departure. This means that a six-day tour will include five nights of accommodation, a seven-day tour will include six nights, and so on. On the first day, guests are usually expected to arrive in the afternoon. And the program does not include any activities except for a briefing by our representative on the first evening. On the day of departure, guests are free to decide if they want to leave directly after breakfast or go on a shorter tour before their journey home.

What meals are included in your Alpine adventure tours?

Most of our tours will include Half Board (HB) services, which means breakfast, a three-course dinner, and a light-packed lunch. Please check the individual tour page for details, however, as variations occur with certain tours.

What is a self-guided tour?

We specialize in self-guided tours. These tours are designed for travelers who love the independence of hiking, skiing, or running on their own but want to know that everything else is taken care of. In some cases, we are able to offer luggage transport to lighten your load as you enjoy the Great Outdoors.

Do you offer group tours?

Whether you’re already a group of friends, business colleagues or a sports club looking for an active mountain adventure, we can design and organize your Alpine tour for you. However, Outdoor Europe does not offer group tours for individual participants.

Can you create a tour just for me and my friends?

Yes, absolutely! Outdoor Europe can design the perfect mountain adventure for you and your friends or colleagues. Whether you want to hike, ski, run, cycle or climb, we have the expertise and experience needed to create a bespoke package for any level of experience or physicality. Please contact us if you would like us to create a customized package for your group.

Are your outdoor adventure tours family-friendly?

There are few better ways to spend time with your children than with an active holiday in the mountains. Sharing a mountain adventure with your child is a memory that will last a lifetime. We try to design child-friendly variations (marked ‘family’) of all our Alpine tours. Children can hike, ski or bike a lot longer than you might expect, as long as you make it entertaining for them. However, they will respond instantly to the way you behave, so please consider whether you are able to create a safe environment for your children when faced with the many different challenges of an alpine environment.

Do you offer discounts for children?

Yes, we are able to offer a discount for children on most of our tours, provided they are not yet 13 years of age on the first day of the tour. Please see the individual tour page for our child discounts.

Can I travel on my own?

Many single travellers chose Outdoor Europe due to our high level of service and our expertise in self-guided mountain tours. And the safety of one of our representatives will only ever be just a phone call away. However, please expect additional costs, as our prices are based on two persons — the industry standard for outdoor tours of this nature. Private rooms and other services are often more expensive for individual travellers. You can find information about any additional costs for individual travellers on the tour page.

Will I manage?

We are all different. Some of our clients are 70+ and have lived an active lifestyle all their life. Others may be twenty years younger and have barely left their office chair. It is very difficult to judge the physical and mental ability of a person on the basis of a phone conversation. If you are in doubt, each tour is rated for level of physicality, which you can learn more about here. You are of course welcome to call us and we will do our best to advice you. Find your level of physicality here (link to Find your level page).

What if I get lost?

Our local partners know every square inch of this beautiful Alpine region. During the introductory briefing, you will receive an app, physical maps and a phone number to call if you need advice. In some cases, you’ll be able to forward your location to a local guide with the press of a button. This may prove helpful if you become lost.

Do I need travel insurance?

We recommend that you speak to your insurance provider to ensure your existing policy covers mountain-based activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Please note that any costs relating to emergency situations and the potential need for evacuation are the sole responsibility of the client.

Will I be able to cope with the physical challenge?

We are all different. Some of our clients are more than 70 years old and have lived an active lifestyle all their life. Others are twenty years younger and have barely left their office chair. It is very difficult to judge the physical and mental capabilities of a person on the basis of a phone conversation. If you are in doubt, each tour is rated for the level of physicality involved, which you can learn more about on our Find Your Level page. You are, of course, welcome to call us, and we will do our best to advise you.

Can I bring my dog?

Enjoying the mountains with your best friend can be a joyful experience, which is why we try to make our tours dog friendly wherever possible. Unfortunately, it is not always possible due to local rules. Selected tours are marked ‘Dog Friendly’ on the tour page. This means that your dog can stay with you in your private room or, in a few cases, the hut will have a separate or external room for dogs. Please refer to the individual tour page for more information.

Hike the Ligurian Alps

Discover the authentic back country of Italy’s “food chamber” and hike from mountain village to mountain village between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea.

Tour data
Distance: 42,8 km
Up: 2592 m
Down: 2641 m

1

Day 1

Our local agent will meet you in Ceriana (350M) and guide you to your apartment. Having made yourself comfortable in your house and taken in the beautiful view, you’ ll have plenty of time to discover the ancient streets of Ceriana, before having dinner at the local trattoria. The three course meal will be a typical, local menu with plenty of pasta and polenta. Beware, when Dario, the host offers you his homemade Grappa!
2

Day 2

When you have enjoyed your breakfast on the terracce or local cafe, you will begin your hike towards Bajardo (900m). First part of the hike is fairly steep, but the views of the Armea Valley and the sea are magnificent. After an hour and a half, you will reach the ridge of the first mountain and the toughest part of is done. From here you will walk along the ridge, accross a small mountain road and further up the mountain towards Bajardo, which has an amazing 360 degree view. Your room and a shower will be ready for you in a local B&B and later, a hot three course meal, including a range of local dishes.

3

Day 3

The next morning you will begin your hike towards Badalucco with a lunch break on Monte Ceppo (1650m) on the way: This will be the most spectacular scenery on the way with the Mediterranean on one side and the Alps on the other. Bring a sandwich and a drink, an you will be able to enjoy your lunch in the most beautiful landscape imaginable. After lunch, you’ll continue, mostly downwards, to Badalucco, a larger village with several restaurants and bars.

4

Day 4

The next day you will continue back to Ceriana, crossing the ridge, you walked along the first day. This trail runs through forrest mostly, but you will also find excellent view points on the way with views to the sea and the valleys on both sides. Depending on the season, you might spot wildlife such as rabbits, deer and wildboars. Back in Ceriana, your apartment will be ready for you and a lovely hot meal at Dario and Esmeraldas trattoria.

5

Day 5

After breakfast at home or at the local cafe, it is time for departure. We can arrange your transfer.Arrivederci!

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