Guided walking holiday taking you into the hidden gorges of the Beigua National Park and along this impressive range of coastal Alps. In a territory rich in contrasts, between the mountains and the sea, Parco del Beigua is the largest regional natural park in Liguria. It truly represents the features of the region where it is possible to find a great variety of landscapes side by side. A spectacular balcony formed by mountains facing the sea, where nature, history, culture and ancient traditions provide elements of extraordinary value and interest.
What's included | B&B in family run 3-Star hotels |> Holiday schedule and Trip Guide |> Transfers from Genoa airport or mainline railway station for those flying into Pisa |> Daily, guided itineraries with trail notes and maps |> picnic lunches & all transportation during this walking holiday.
Whats not: Flights | Transfers between Pisa airport and Genoa - return tickets cost around 30 euros per person from Pisa.
Request  or email  or call +44
(0)845 0944 669
| Beigua National Park # Mediterranean panoramas # waterfalls # Alpine walking |
|
|
TRIP DETAILS
Day 1: Transfer day, to the Ponente Riviera.
For those flying into Genoa airport, - aim to arrive anytime after lunch. For those flying to Pisa airport, try to arrive before 3:30pm for a comfortable transfer by train to Genoa. We'll meet you in Genoa and take you to your hotel in a pretty seaside village. There will be a short briefing about your holiday itineraries and time to settle before being free to enjoy an evening meal in one of the resorts many restaurants. View photos of your resort village.
Day 2: ALPS & THE GULF OF GENOVA.
7 hrs | 15km | 850m total ascent | Graded: RED.
Route RW02: Traverse of the coastal Alps above the Gulf of Genova.
Twenty-six kilometers of mountain ridges situated close to the Riviera Ligure. From the Colle del Giovo to the Passo del Turchino parallel to the coast, climb the summits of Mt. Beigua (1287 m), Cima Frattin (1145 m), Mt. Rama (1148 m), Mt. Argentea (1082 m), and Mt. Reixa (1183 m). They include grasslands and precious wetlands, thick woods of beeches, English oaks, and chestnut trees, steep slopes and rocky outcrops, maritime pinewoods and belts of Mediterranean vegetation. A mosaic of environments for which the mountain group of the Beigua is considered one of the richest areas in biodiversity in the Liguria region. Our Comment: This walk follows the old trails to the Genova city limits through an area of lush coastal mountains which give a strong impression of a more tropical land. View photos of the coastal Alps & the Gulf of Genova.
Day 3: COASTAL ALPS OF THE PONENTE RIVIERA.
7 hrs | 16km | 935m total ascent | Graded: RED.
Route RW01: Circular walk up into the Ligurian Appenines overlooking the sea.
The territory is known at an international level for the migration phenomenon of the birds of prey (especially the short-toed eagle) which a few years ago allowed the nesting of the golden eagle together with the eagle owl, the rock thrush, and the whitethroat, and more than eighty ornithological species. Along its most isolated routes, there is the wolf, and from the spurs facing the sea it is easy to see the silhouettes of whales passing in front of Varazze, Cogoleto, and Arenzano. In a few kilometers you can find an environmental variety which goes from the typical blooms of the Mediterranean maquis to the high altitude peatbogs which are evidence of the past struggles of ice and rocks to shape the terrestrial surface. Our Comment: One of the toughest but most rewarding of the mountain hikes in this National Park. View photos of the coastal Alps of the Ponente Riviera.
Day 4: LANDS OF THE 'CONTADINI'.
5 hrs | 12km | 360m total ascent | Graded: BLUE.
Route RW11: Walk along ancient mule tracks through the terraced lands of the coastal hill farmers.
A park where it is possible to find multicolored endemic floral species (Viola Bertolonii, Cerastium utriense, Asplenium cuneifolium, Daphne cneorum, Cheilantes marantae) and some animals belonging to the minor fauna like the Montpellier snake, the Alpine newt, the crested newt, the common frog, etc.
A park including three important Regional State Forests ("Deiva" in the Town of Sassello, "Lerone" in the Towns of Arenzano and Cogoleto, "Tiglieto" in the Towns of Tiglieto, Masone, and Campo Ligure) where the typical ungulates of the Ligurian Apennine live: among the others, wild boars, roe deer, and fallow deer. Our Comment: Simply a wonderfully relaxing walk through a landscape where time seems to have stood still.
View photos of the lands of the coastal hill farmers.
Day 5: MADONNA DELLA GUARDIA.
5 hrs | 15kms | 420m total ascent | Graded: RED.
Route RW13: Circular walk traversing the coastal Alps from Cogoleto to Varazze and back.
During the whole spring and the first half of the autumn, Parco del Beigua is "visited" by thousands of Birds of Prey; the sight is simply great. The diurnal birds of prey and the storks are the animals which mainly strike the collective imagination, but the protected area is also visited by considerable numbers of passerines. In these periods, dozens of birdwatchers go to Valle del Lerone to watch the migration of birds of prey. Since this year, many of the activities related to didactics and scientific research in the ornithological field are supported by the Ornithological and Environmental Education Center, in loc. Vacca on the mountains of Arenzano, which the Park Authority has decided to dedicate to the important theme of avifauna. Our Comment: A wonderful hike along the coastal hills, between the high peaks of the Neigua Park and the sea. Truly wild and spectacular coastal panoramas. View photos of the Madonna della Guardia walk.
Day 6: Transfer day for those staying 5 nights.
RIONDO MOUNTAIN REFUGE. for those staying longer.
7 hrs | 19kms | 780m total ascent | Graded: RED.
Route RW40: Circular walk ascending into the high Alpine meadows of the Beigua National Park. Lunch in a mountain refuge.
In the Park there are three State forests of great - naturalistic value. The most extended (1,640 hectares) is the Forest of the Lerone stretching between Arenzano and Cogoleto. It is characterized by large meadows and scenic cliffs of serpentine rocks. In the Town of Sassello, the Forest of the Deiva (800 hectares) can be visited by following a ring-route going through large coniferous woods of spruce and Douglas firs, black and Scotch pines, along with mixed woods of English oaks and other broadleaf trees. In the forest there is also a country house called Bellavista Castle. Finally, the Forest of Tiglieto (740 hectares) stretches in the Municipalities of Tiglieto, Masone, and Campo Ligure and is characterized by an amazing variety of lanscapes. Our Comment: A great day's hike to the higher peaks and back with excellent lunch in a mountain refuge. View photos of the Riondo mountain refuge walk.
Day 7: HIGH TRAIL TO PADRE RINO.
5 hrs | 15kms | 420m total ascent | Graded: RED.
RW41: Circular walk to the peak of Monte Argentea and back.
The territory of the Park is crossed by a vast network of trails allowing the hiker to explore the different natural environments characterizing the area, giving the possibility to appreciate the sites of historic and cultural interest. Going along the paths of the Park on both slopes (Tyrrheanian slope and Po Plain slope) or along the ridge taken by the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri - following the central axis of the protected area - is like glancing through a wonderful book where tales of man and nature are told and represented. Our Comment: Within just a few kilometres from the coast, you'll arrive in a true Alpine enviroment and a world of rocky ravines. View photos of the Monte Argentea walk.
Day 8: PRAGLIA PEAKS.
7 hrs | 19kms | 780m total ascent | Graded: RED.
Route RW39: Circular walk from a mountain spa village to the summit of Punta Martin and back again.
The ascent continues along grassy hairpin bends, flanking on the right side large masses that form the layers of the alluvial fan of the landslide that incised the rocky peaks of Monte Pennello. The rocky walls of Punta Martin dominate the valley up ahead. Along the itinerary, stones and ruins of rural houses, and the same ancient paths that cross the slopes of the watershed give evidence in favour of the primitive presence of man in these uninhabitable enviroments. At the junction with the Alta Via, marvel at the view of Punta Martin stretching out towards the blue expanse of the Ligurian Sea. Our Comment: Probably the best and most impressive views of the Gulf of Genova. View photos of the Praglia Peaks walk.
Day 9: Transfer day, from the Ponente Riviera.
For those flying out of Genoa airport,
Guided walking holiday in the Beigua National Park: Seascapes & Coastal Alps, Italian Riviera. Ideal for experienced walkers used to frequent hill or mountain walking of up to 7hrs a day. All itineraries follow trails marked and maintained by the Alpine Club of Italy, but trails are often rough and demanding. Holiday starts in Genoa. Fly to Genoa or Pisa (railway services to and from airport). Accommodation: 3-Star hotel in a pretty resort village just 20mins along the coast west of Genoa.
Extend your stay Stay an extra day or two and visit Milano, Pisa, Genova or even Monte Carlo for a day.
[1] You should be reasonably fit and able to hike for a full day with ascents and descents. Itineraries are subject to change depending on local weather and mountain conditions..
[2] The base holiday is for 5 nights and 4 full days. Additional days (and nights) of guided walking for those wishing to stay longer - add 100 euros pp per day.
To book:
Check  or email or call +44 (0)845 0944 669
NOTE:
1. Prices in 'euros' and based on 2 people sharing a double room,
otherwise a single supplement applies.
2. Flights not included unless
specified.
3. If you have particularly beautiful photographs of
this area showing it's true character and atmosphere, please forward them to us
for inclusion on our site - photos@xtrallusion.com
4. If you are the owner of charming
holiday accommodation in a special location, whether it be a
hotel, B&B, 'albergo', 'agriturismo' or self-catered apartments
- send us an email with details and we'll consider adding it
to our list - web@xtrallusion.com
|
Not found the holiday you were looking for? Then
please view all WALKING HOLIDAYS in Italy.
Browse through our testimonial pages
and read what people had to say about their holiday with us.
|
|
|
Web-site
best viewed at 1024x768
|
 |
View
| Text Size | Medium
|
|
|
www.xtrallusion.com
|
Xtrallusion Holidays
|
info@xtrallusion.com
|
|
UK 0845 0944 669
|
...with local knowledge 'in
the bag'
|
World +44 1212 886044 (24/7)
|
|
Holidays
& Adventures in Italy and on the Italian Rivieras
|
|
Guided, escorted and independent, self-guided
walking holidays in Italy
|
|
|
