3 giorni di Cammino: La Via dei Monti Da Levanto a Pontremoli, tra mare e Appennino — foto 1

3 giorni di Cammino: La Via dei Monti Da Levanto a Pontremoli, tra mare e Appennino — foto 2

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3-Day Trek: Hike the Mountain Trail across the Ligurian-Tuscan-Emilian Apennines

La Spezia, Liguria

3 days

58 km

2200 m

GUIDA

Francesca0 excursions

Guiddy Difficulty Levels

Intermediate Plus

Description

A linear itinerary of 58 km that connects the sea of Levanto to the mountains of Pontremoli, uniting two different lands intertwined by centuries of exchange: the rugged and fragrant Liguria, and the Lunigiana, land of castles and Romanesque parish churches. It is a journey that crosses the Ligurian-Tuscan-Emilian Apennines following the traces of pilgrims, merchants and medieval shepherds. A rediscovered path that today comes back to life, ready to welcome those seeking profound silences, but also and above all history and nature. This path is not only a hiking experience, but a cultural and spiritual journey: along the ancient medieval route, now completely restored, you walk among historic mule tracks, stone bridges, ancient customs houses and salt roads, accompanied by the genuine hospitality of small accommodation facilities and local communities. Discovering the Via dei Monti means choosing a regenerating path, where every step reconnects with the landscape and with oneself. An invitation to slow down, listen, rediscover.

Booking info

Free cancellation

To receive a refund, you have time to cancel up to 3 days in advance.

Insurance included

Injury and luggage insurance coverage with Unipol Sai.

Group chat

After booking, a few days before the event, you'll be added to the group chat for info about the trek, meeting time, and to coordinate carpooling.

Carpooling

We always organize carpooling, so even if you don’t have a car, don’t worry: we’ll find a way to get you there!

Guide

Francesca

Hi! I'm Francesca – a ski instructor, Level II STF trainer, ski school director, athletic trainer, and certified Mountain Leader registered with the Lombardy Alpine Guide Association. I was born by the sea, but I live amongst the mountains, where every summit tells a story of challenge and every trail unveils a new discovery. I carry the sea within me: that vibrant energy, that desire for freedom and movement that I rediscover every time I strap on my skis or guide someone to high altitudes. I live to share my passion, help others grow (both on the trail and in spirit), and pass on my love for the mountains… with determination, skill, and a smile that’s always ready.

See his other routes

Route data

Elevation gain

2200 m

Max altitude

1000 m

Duration

8 h

Distance

58 km

Map

See how to get there

Program

Day 1

08:00

Meeting point

Levanto to Brugnato (20 km | approx. 6 hours)

Our adventure along the Via dei Monti (Mountain Trail) begins right from the sea! 🌊 We set off from the Ospitalia del Mare in Levanto, a former pilgrim refuge now transformed into accommodation for modern travelers. After walking along Via Guani, in the heart of the historic center, we'll soak up the atmosphere of medieval Levanto. Leaving the town through Porta San Martino, the only surviving gate of the ancient city walls, we head into the countryside. We cross the Ghiararo stream plain and begin to gain altitude as the trail climbs steadily towards Montale and then Vignana. Here, the elevation change becomes noticeable, but the views are more than worth it! From the Tadei Chapel, the panorama embraces Monte Rossola and the Val di Vara. With a spring in our step, we enter the Val di Vara, passing through the small hamlets of Cassana before continuing towards Borghetto di Vara, an ancient Genoese settlement linked to Santa Maddalena – a village steeped in history. Just a few more kilometers, following the remains of a post-medieval bridge over the Vara River, and we arrive in Brugnato, an ancient bishopric. Its narrow streets, the cathedral, and the diocesan museum welcome us into an atmosphere suspended in time. They undoubtedly deserve a leisurely, unhurried visit. ℹ️ Note: The final section between Borghetto and Brugnato is along a paved road.

Day 2

08:00

Meeting point

From Brugnato to Castoglio di Zeri (20 km | approx. 7 hours)

Day two of the Via dei Monti trail takes us from the heart of Brugnato across the border into Tuscany, amidst spectacular views and villages steeped in history. The morning begins with a steady climb along the historic Reigada, an ancient route that once connected Zignago to Brugnato and which, during World War II, became a strategic path for the partisans. After the initial effort, we arrive in the charming village of Serò, with its intimate little square, and continue towards Monte Zignago, where the remains of a medieval village destroyed by fire in the 15th century still stand. We then reach Pieve, the main town of the municipality of Zignago, with its parish church built on the site of the ancient parish church of San Pietro di Cornia. From here, short stretches of paved road alternate with dirt tracks, leading us uphill to Monte Dragnone, topped by a Marian sanctuary. The trail then turns left, heading towards Monte Castellaro, an ancient Ligurian settlement with the remains of a Byzantine tower. Here, the view opens up to Monte Gottero and the splendid Vezzanelli basin. We then descend along mixed sections of asphalt and dirt road to Colle Fiorito, where we leave Liguria and enter Tuscany. Ahead of us, the Apennines reveal their full grandeur, with the Rossano valley ushering us into the Lunigiana region. A wide gravel road leads us to Valle, then through the small hamlets of Paretola and Chiesa, dominated by its imposing parish church on a hilltop. The final stretch takes us to Castoglio, in the municipality of Zeri, where the hospitality of the Alla Vecchia Scuola farmhouse welcomes us for a well-deserved rest.

Day 3

08:00

Meeting point

From Castoglio di Zeri to Pontremoli (18 km | approx. 7 hours)

The third day of the Via dei Monti is the most challenging in terms of elevation gain (+750m), but also the most rewarding. In just a few hours, you'll trek through the heart of Lunigiana, amidst ancient traditions, chestnut forests, and open views of the Apennines. After Castoglio, we reach Piagna, where the tradition of cooking "nei testi" still survives – these are the typical terracotta pans used for baking bread and focaccia. From here, the trail begins to climb steadily towards a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Zerasco territory. The ascent continues to the Pradalinara Pass, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Apennine chain, marking the border and accompanying us for the final kilometers of our hike. A paved section leads us to a dirt track that descends through lush forests and ancient chestnut groves to the village of Torrano, home to the Community Cooperative, a shining example of social and rural revival. Leaving the village behind, the trail leads to Cavezzana Gordana, a tiny hamlet overlooking the stream that flows down from the Zerasco mountains. From here, a paved road leads us to Pontremoli, the final destination of our journey. The entrance to the city is spectacular. We cross the medieval Casotto bridge, with its imposing tower, and enter the historic center. After crossing the Stemma bridge over the Magra River, we are welcomed by the lower part of the city with the church of San Giacomo. The official end point of the Via dei Monti is the church of San Pietro in Confluento, an ancient bishop's seat rebuilt after the bombings of World War II. Inside, it holds a unique symbol: a sandstone labyrinth, a testament to medieval pilgrimage.

17:00

Arrival point

Train back to Levanto OR Return by Train to Levanto OR Levanto by Train: Return Trip

Pontremoli → La Spezia Centrale (approx. 40 min). From La Spezia, take a regional train to Levanto (approx. 20–25 min). Total travel time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes, with one change in La Spezia.

Want to know what happens after signing up or in case of bad weather?

You can find these and other answers in the FAQ.

Go to FAQ

€299.00

per person

Free cancellation

Injury and luggage insurance included

Choose a date and join

Leaving the Province: Brescia

3-Day Trek: Hike the Mountain Trail across the Ligurian-Tuscan-Emilian Apennines

Description

Booking info

Free cancellation

Insurance included

Group chat

Carpooling

Guide

Francesca

Route data

Map

Program

Day 1

Levanto to Brugnato (20 km | approx. 6 hours)

Day 2

From Brugnato to Castoglio di Zeri (20 km | approx. 7 hours)

Day 3

From Castoglio di Zeri to Pontremoli (18 km | approx. 7 hours)

Train back to Levanto OR Return by Train to Levanto OR Levanto by Train: Return Trip

Want to know what happens after signing up or in case of bad weather?

What’s included

Included

Not included

Equipment

Mandatory

Recommended

Booking info