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Salt Road Trek: Varzi to Portofino - 5 Days from the Apennines to the Sea

Varzi, Pavia · Lombardia•5 days · 4 nights•Trekking · 1,700 m
Experience
Multi-day treks
Difficulty ?
DIFFICULT PLUS
Where?
Pavia, Lombardia
On your own?
No problem
Points
+45
Salt Road Trek: Varzi to Portofino - 5 Days from the Apennines to the Sea
Community photos
See all photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS TREK

The Salt Road from Varzi to Portofino

Five days from the Oltrepò to the sea, on the old salt roads.

Group chat before departure
Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

With the Guidders we walk the Via del Sale, the route that best tells the passage from mountain to sea, crossing four regions along old trading paths.

Day 1. From Varzi, in the Oltrepò Pavese, to the Capanne di Cosola. Day 2. From the Capanne di Cosola to Torriglia, through beech woods and open crests. Day 3. From Torriglia to the Colle Caprile. Day 4. From the Colle Caprile to Portofino, with the sea finally appearing. Day 5. Return to Varzi.

5 reasons to come - reaching Portofino having started in the Oltrepò - the old salt trading routes - Monte Chiappo and the Apennine summits - four regions crossed on foot - the moment the sea appears from a ridge

Who it suits A multi-day walk with long stages: good fitness and the habit of walking day after day.

From the mountains to the sea, one step at a time: set off with the Guidders.

GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens before departure: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 21 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy Accident, Medical and Baggage Insurance
Included in the price.
+45 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
Included in the price.
Not suitable for dogs
This time your dog stays at home.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale
DIFFICULT PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
3,500 m D+ · 85 km · 7 h over 5 days
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Train your legs with a loaded backpack in the weeks before: you've got 1 h a day for 5 days in a row ahead. Nights in mountain huts are short: those who go to bed early the night before start better
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
A light backpack for 5 days: a change of clothes, a sleeping bag liner for the hut, a water bottle and poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Overnight and Half Board
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy Accident, Medical and Baggage Insurance
✓Excursions as per program included
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Train
✕Packed lunch
✕Parking
✕Drinks
✕Tourist tax
✕Travel to Varzi
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

Five days, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Elevation gain
3,500 m
Max altitude
1,700 m
Distance
85 km
Duration
5 days
Day 1
1 stop · from 08:00
Day 2
1 stop · from 08:00
Day 3
1 stop · from 08:00
Day 4
1 stop · from 08:00
Day 5
1 stop · from 08:00
Map
5 days · 85 km
Meeting point 8:00approximate
provincia di Pavia, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
HOW TO GET THERE
08:00PARKING
Stage 1: From Varzi to Capanne di Cosola
Trail Length: 21 km Total Ascent: Approximately 1700 m Total Descent: Approximately 630 m We begin at Varzi's Market Square and immediately tackle a long climb towards Monteforte and Castellaro. The trail ascends steadily to the ridge between the Curone and Staffora valleys, where the first open panoramic views await. We'll traverse forests and meadows, reaching Monte Bagnolo and Colle della Seppa, before continuing along the ridge to Monte Chiappo (1701 m), the highest point of the day and the meeting point of three regions. The day concludes with a steep descent towards Capanne di Cosola.

How do you get to Varzi? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for a multi-day trek: you carry everything you bring, so less is more.

Windproof
REQUIRED
Cap
REQUIRED
Swimsuit
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
First aid kit
REQUIRED
Packed snack
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Mosquito repellent spray
REQUIRED
Spray anti-zecche
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Change of clothes
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED

Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.
—
no reviews yet
Itinerary—
Organisation—
Overall experience—
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've never done a multi-day trek, can I do it?
⌄
You need to be fit enough to walk a full day (7 h a day) and carry your backpack for 5 days. Rough and treacherous terrain requiring preparation and experience, equipment, and use of self-belay devices.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 21 days before
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Ibex
Still have questions? Message Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Message Ibex on WhatsApp
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice.
Salt Road Trek: Varzi to Portofino - 5 Days from the Apennines to the Sea

Salt Road Trek: Varzi to Portofino - 5 Days from the Apennines to the Sea

Varzi, (PV) · Lombardia
5 days · Trekking · 1,700 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
3,500 m
Max altitude
1,700 m
Distance
85 km
Duration
5 days
Guiddy points
+45
7 photos
+3 photos
WHY THIS TREK

The Salt Road from Varzi to Portofino

Five days from the Oltrepò to the sea, on the old salt roads.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

With the Guidders we walk the Via del Sale, the route that best tells the passage from mountain to sea, crossing four regions along old trading paths.

Day 1. From Varzi, in the Oltrepò Pavese, to the Capanne di Cosola. Day 2. From the Capanne di Cosola to Torriglia, through beech woods and open crests. Day 3. From Torriglia to the Colle Caprile. Day 4. From the Colle Caprile to Portofino, with the sea finally appearing. Day 5. Return to Varzi.

5 reasons to come - reaching Portofino having started in the Oltrepò - the old salt trading routes - Monte Chiappo and the Apennine summits - four regions crossed on foot - the moment the sea appears from a ridge

Who it suits A multi-day walk with long stages: good fitness and the habit of walking day after day.

From the mountains to the sea, one step at a time: set off with the Guidders.

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
DIFFICULT PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
3,500 m D+ · 85 km · 7 h over 5 days
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Train your legs with a loaded backpack in the weeks before: you've got 1 h a day for 5 days in a row ahead. Nights in mountain huts are short: those who go to bed early the night before start better
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
A light backpack for 5 days: a change of clothes, a sleeping bag liner for the hut, a water bottle and poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Overnight and Half Board
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy Accident, Medical and Baggage Insurance
✓Excursions as per program included
NOT INCLUDED
✕Train
✕Packed lunch
✕Parking
✕Drinks
✕Tourist tax
✕Travel to Varzi

Itinerary

5 days · approximate times
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Map
5 days · 85 km
Meeting point 8:00Varzi
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
08:00PARKING
Stage 1: From Varzi to Capanne di Cosola
Trail Length: 21 km Total Ascent: Approximately 1700 m Total Descent: Approximately 630 m We begin at Varzi's Market Square and immediately tackle a long climb towards Monteforte and Castellaro. The trail ascends steadily to the ridge between the Curone and Staffora valleys, where the first open panoramic views await. We'll traverse forests and meadows, reaching Monte Bagnolo and Colle della Seppa, before continuing along the ridge to Monte Chiappo (1701 m), the highest point of the day and the meeting point of three regions. The day concludes with a steep descent towards Capanne di Cosola.
See day 2 →

How do you get to Varzi? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for a multi-day trek: you carry everything you bring, so less is more.
Windproof
REQUIRED
Cap
REQUIRED
Swimsuit
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
First aid kit
REQUIRED
Packed snack
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Mosquito repellent spray
REQUIRED
Spray anti-zecche
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Change of clothes
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED

Reviews

— · none yet
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
Only from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've never done a multi-day trek, can I do it?
⌄
You need to be fit enough to walk a full day (7 h a day) and carry your backpack for 5 days. Rough and treacherous terrain requiring preparation and experience, equipment, and use of self-belay devices.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Ibex
Still unsure? Message Ibex on WhatsApp →
No date
€679
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed