Main Information
SFIDA GRVL – Alta Via del Sale
Explore historic alpine routes best experienced by a gravel bike.
Trip Overview
Welcome to our SFIDA GRVL Alta Via del Sale adventure. This remarkable journey takes us through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Italian and French Alps.
The Alta Via del Sale is one of the historic salt roads once used to carry valuable salt from the Mediterranean to prosperous regions of Italy and France.
Salt from coastal production areas such as the Rhone Delta (Camargue) travelled along long and demanding trade routes before reaching its final destination.
Transporting salt across this mountainous terrain was no easy task. Over time, a network of roads developed to cross the Alps at strategic points.
History and Landscape
The regions we ride through are rich in history, shaped by centuries of trade and conflict. Our route traverses high mountain passes along the French-Italian border and follows spectacular former military roads (Strada Militare), lined with abandoned forts, fortresses, and other military structures.
What Makes This Trip Different
Unlike our usual SFIDA Cycling Road tours, this gravel journey is shaped by the terrain we ride and supported with an approach tailored to remote, high-mountain conditions.
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Destination |
Italy |
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Dates 2027 |
29 July to 5 August |
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Hotels |
2-3 Stars |
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Meals |
All meals included |
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Arrival |
Malpensa (MXP) |
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Departure |
Nice (NCE) |
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Non-Rider |
N/A |
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Rental Bike |
Available |
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Rental E-Bike |
N/A |
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Price |
€4,250.00 |
- Total distance: 505 km
- Average daily distance: 72 km
- Total climbing: 16,740 m
- Average daily climbing: 2,390 m
MORE INFORMATION
Pricing
- Twin room: 4250 Euros pp
- Single supplement: 650 Euros
- Rental gravel bike: 850 Euros
Payment terms
A deposit of 1,000 Euros is due at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 120 days before the trip begins.
Included
- Eight nights of accommodation in 2–3-star hotels.
- One SFIDA Cycling jersey.
Meals included
- Seven breakfasts.
- Seven lunches.
- Seven dinners.
Not included
- International flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal hotel extras, such as minibar and spa charges.
- Tips for staff.
Support
- Experienced ride leaders and at least one mechanic.
- A staff-to-client ratio of 1:4.
- Fully equipped support vans are available throughout each ride.
- On-ride nutrition and supplies, including gels, energy bars, drink mix, water, fruit, tools, pumps, spare tubes, and tyres.
- A professional first aid kit.
Cancellation policy
In response to post-COVID changes in international travel, and in line with most hotels’ terms and conditions, our cancellation policy is as follows:
- 120 or more days before the trip starts: Your deposit will be refunded, minus any non-reimbursable expenses.
- Less than 90 days before the trip starts: No refund or credit available. Make sure your travel insurance covers all the SFIDA Cycling trip costs.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as you pay your deposit and book your international flights. Please make sure your policy covers the following:
- International flights.
- Reimbursement of amounts paid if you need to cancel for any reason.
- Damage to your rental bike (see our terms and conditions).
Reserving your spot
To reserve your place, the full deposit must be paid. Because hotels are now stricter about holding rooms for groups, we cannot hold or confirm a spot until the deposit has been received.
Itinerary
- Route: 46 km / 1,645 m
- Climb: La Riposa – Alpe Arcella
- Forts and sights: Forte Pampalu
- Gravel/Tarmac ratio: 25/75
- Hotel: Convento Boutique Hotel
- Route: 64 km / 2,975 m
- Climbs: Colle delle Finestre, dell’Assietta, Lauson, Blegier, Costapiana, Col Bourget, and Col Basset
- Historic route: Strada Militare del Colle dell'Assietta
- Forts and sights: Forte Colle delle Finestre, Batteria del Mottas, and Batteria Gran Costa
- Gravel/Tarmac ratio: 93/7
- Hotel: Hotel Cristallo
- Route: 78 km / 2,685 m
- Climbs: Colletto di Costa Treceira, Col Basset, and Monte Jafferau
- Historic routes: Strada Militare della Assietta and Fenil–Pramand–Jafferau
- Forts and sights: Forte Fenil, Forte Pramand, Galleria del Seguret, Forte Jafferau, and Forte Foens
- Gravel/Tarmac ratio: 73/27
- Hotel: Hotel Sommellier
- Route: 55 km / 1,840 m
- Climb: Colle Sommeiller (2,993 m)
- Gravel/Tarmac ratio: 75/25
- Hotel: Antico Podere Saluzzo
- Route: 79 km / 2,735 m
- Climbs: Colle di Balmascura, Colle della Ciabra, Birrone, Rastcias, Colle di Sampeyre, Terziere, and Colle della Bicocca
- Historic route: Strada Militare dei Cannoni
- Forts and sights: Santuario di Valmala
- Gravel/Tarmac ratio: 50/50
- Hotel: Hotel Edelweiss
- Route: 72 km / 2,350 m
- Climb: Colle di Tenda (from Limone) / Col de Tende (from Tende)
- Historic route: Strada Militare de Peyrefique
- Forts and sights: Forte Colle Alto, Fort Pernante, Fort de Marguerie, and Fort de Giaure
- Gravel/Tarmac ratio: 40/60
- Hotel: Hotel Edelweiss
- Route: 110 km / 2,500 m
- Climbs: Colle di Tenda (from Limone), Colle della Boaria, Col des Seigners, and Colle delle Selle Vecchie
- Historic routes: Strada Militare Monesi–Col di Tenda and Alta Via del Sale
- Forts and sights: Forts Tabourde and Pepin, Tornante della Boaria, and Pigna, a historic village
- Gravel/Tarmac ratio: 53/47
- Transfer: After the ride, transfer to our hotel in Nice
- Hotel: Hotel near Nice Airport
After breakfast, we will transfer you to Nice Airport, located just 10 minutes from the hotel.
If your flight departs later in the day, we recommend extending your stay at the hotel and taking a taxi to the airport closer to your departure time.
