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Roberta Ferraris, Il sentiero e l'altrove, 2016, Ediciclo Editore
Day 1 – From Noli to Valle Ponci
Independent arrival at Spotorno-Noli railway station at approximately 11:00 a.m.
A short bus ride takes us from the station to Noli.
After visiting the beautiful Church of San Paragorio, we begin the ascent towards the Telegrafo area and the Manie Plateau. A pleasant gravel track leads us into the secluded and fascinating Valle Ponci.
Dinner and overnight stay in the selected accommodation.
Technical Information: 10 km • 3.5 hours walking • +510 m ascent • -360 m descent
Day 2 – Valle Ponci to Varigotti and Back
A circular walk leads us to the sea and the picturesque fishing village of Varigotti, passing the charming Church of San Lorenzo and the watchtower of Punta Crena.
We then climb back through vineyards towards the Manie grasslands and return to Valle Ponci.
Dinner and overnight stay in the selected accommodation.
Technical Information: 10.6 km • 3.5 hours walking • +460 m / -460 m
Day 3 – Valle Ponci, Val Landrazza and Rocca di Corno
Two circular excursions with a lunch break at a local trattoria.
In the morning, we set out in search of wild orchids; in the afternoon, we explore ancient rock engravings and look for the distinctive blue blossoms of a rare bellflower species.
Dinner and overnight stay in the selected accommodation.
Technical Information: 13.6 km • 4 hours walking • +650 m / -650 m
Day 4 – From Valle Ponci to Finalborgo and Perti
A beautiful descent through pine woods brings us back to the coast at Finale Pia. From there, the route continues gently through the historic alleyways towards Finalborgo, one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval villages, enclosed within its ancient walls.
A short final walk leads to Perti, beneath the ruins of a hilltop castle surrounded by olive trees, where we celebrate the end of the journey with lunch in a traditional trattoria.
Technical Information: 10.7 km • 3 hours walking • +370 m ascent • -500 m descent
Arrival at Finale Marina railway station at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Accommodation in a shared double room with breakfast, as per the programme3 dinners as included in the itineraryCertified Environmental Hiking Guide (GAE) for the Piedmont Region – Roberta FerrarisEntrance fees and visits included in the programmeBus and train transfers during the journeyMedical, baggage, Covid-19, and trip cancellation insurancePre-departure video call to present the hike and itineraryA special welcome gift
Anything not specifically listed under "Included Services"Highlights of the Journey:
The Journey:
The Manie Plateau is a world of its own, a peaceful rural landscape where herds of cattle often graze on meadows dotted with wild orchids. Although the sea cannot be seen from the plateau itself, it lies just beyond the final stretch of woodland and can be reached within a couple of hours beneath the cliffs of Capo Noli.
The sea also appears from the summit of Rocca di Corno, where we search for ancient rock carvings, crosses, and cup marks that testify to the area's long human history, stretching from prehistoric times to more recent centuries.
The Romans also left an important legacy here. Through Valle Ponci they built the Via Julia Augusta, the consular road that connected Italy with Transalpine Gaul. The route crossed the valley before encountering the dramatic cliffs of Capo Noli.
Today, the cliffs attract a different kind of visitor: rock climbers, whose agility can often be observed on the limestone walls of Rocca di Corno.
The final destination of the journey is Finale, a town whose medieval heart survives within the walls of Finalborgo. From its historic alleyways we continue on one final walk through history, following the route created for a Spanish princess travelling north to marry an emperor, along a road specially built to connect the coast with Milan.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Type of Journey: Semi-stationary walking holiday. Luggage transport is available upon request. Walking takes place on trails, gravel roads, short sections of paved roads, and pedestrian walkways.
Departure: Spotorno-Noli Railway Station at 11:00 a.m.
Arrival: Finale Marina Railway Station at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Food & Local Products: Savona-style panissa made from chickpea flour, ratatuia, borage ravioli, trofie pasta, rabbit dishes, and the local Pigato and Granaccia wines.
Territory, Society & Environment: The Finale region is one of Italy's leading destinations for outdoor tourism. Over the years it has successfully promoted activities such as road cycling, mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking, becoming an internationally recognised destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Guide: Roberta Ferraris, Environmental Hiking Guide – Piedmont Region.
For further information, contact the guide at +39 334 226 5612.
Write to us to receive information about our tours or to design your next journey together.
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