This is not an off-the-shelf journey. Let's design it together.
The journey, at a glance
A historic 85 km trek following the ancient paths used by merchants to carry salt from the sea to the Po Valley. The route starts from the medieval village of Varzi in the Valle Staffora, crosses the Apennines and reaches the sea at Portofino, passing through four Italian regions: Lombardy, Piedmont, Emilia Romagna and Liguria.
Map, and itinerary
DAY 1
The hardest stage, with a climb to Monte Chiappo (1,700m), the highest point of the Via del Sale
DAY 2
Walking almost entirely on the ridge with panoramic views; possible sightings of fallow deer and roe deer
DAY 3
Mostly through woodland; you may encounter wild horses on Monte Bado
Read the full itinerary
DAY 4
The final stage in the Portofino Regional Natural Park with sea views
Already included, everything else we design together
The base journey is complete as it stands. Every experience is personal: you can adjust stages, add services or extra days before you set off. All of this happens in your consultation call.
Already included
- Dedicated 30-minute consultation
- Full trip organisation
- Bed and breakfast stays
- 24/7 phone support
- Sports medical insurance
- Dedicated personal adviser
- Pilgrim credential
- GPS tracks
- Full travel documentation
- Gift box shipped to your home
- App with built-in GPS map
Customise
- Return flights
- Backpack transfer
- Private transfers
- Cancellation insurance
- Private guide
- Trip extensions
Every addition is discussed in your consultation. No hidden costs.
Three ways to walk the route
We don't offer tiers of value. Same route, same method, three different hospitality contexts.
Grounded · Essential · Shared
The most direct form of the walk
Not available for this journey
Understated · Functional · Pragmatic
The essentials, in private
Your own space, without excess. Privacy without seeking superior comfort.
Less form. More function.
from · flights excluded
Relaxed · Protected · Fluid
Walking with a lighter mind
More comfort, more attention to rest. A journey designed to ease the mind.
Fewer worries. More care.
from · flights excluded
It's not a price scale. It's not a value scale. It's a scale of attitude and context.
Let yourself be inspired, photos from the route
What they say, those who've walked with us
592 reviews verified
Questions, the most common ones
How much does Via del Sale from Varzi to Portofino cost?
From 315€ per person in a double room for 5 days: hand-picked accommodation, luggage transfers between stages, roadbook and assistance included. From there the trip is tailored to your dates and preferences.
How many stages does Via del Sale from Varzi to Portofino have?
4 stages covering 85 km in a 5-day formula. The pace can be adapted: shorter stages or extra nights are arranged in your proposal.
Do I need to train for Via del Sale from Varzi to Portofino?
You need to be used to walking, not athletic training: stages average 21 km per day, with your luggage transferred for you. A few walks in the weeks before are enough to enjoy it.
Why are there no fixed departure dates?
Every journey is designed around you: choose the date that suits your schedule and leave whenever you like, with no groups and no imposed calendars.
Is it safe to go alone?
All our routes are personally tested for safety and signage, and can comfortably be walked without a guide or companion.
What does Solo & Friends mean?
Solo & Friends journeys are unique experiences that let you explore the world on foot, in full independence and on your own terms. Every journey is tailored to you, with no groups or guides.
Can I book my own flight?
Absolutely, you can book your flight independently. If you book through us, it'll be included in the travel contract and covered if you take out cancellation insurance.
How does cancellation insurance work?
With cancellation insurance in place, you can cancel your journey up to the morning of departure for certified reasons.
What if I have a problem during the journey?
For any issue during your trip, you can reach our support team, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Why aren't dinners included?
Our philosophy is that you discover the culture of a place through its food and wine. We don't include dinners to avoid fixed menus of poor quality. We've hand-picked hotels and guesthouses steps away from the best local restaurants.
What's the difference between Essence, Minimal and Serenity?
They are three hospitality styles, not three levels of journey quality. Essence means shared accommodation in a hostel. Minimal means a private room in simple, functional properties. Serenity means top-choice properties with greater comfort. Our organisation, the route and the support are identical across all three lines.
Is Essence a budget option?
Essence isn't a low-cost line. It's the choice for those who prefer shared hospitality and want to experience the walk in its most direct form. The price is lower because the accommodation is simpler, not because the service is lesser.
Does the organisation change between lines?
No. All lines include: tailored route planning, logistics, support before, during and after the journey, and all our standard services. Only the hospitality level changes.
Via del Sale from Varzi to Portofino
The Via del Sale follows the historic route used by merchants for centuries: an 85 km trek from Varzi to Portofino with spectacular mountain scenery and panoramic sea views.
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