4SA250A - Mediterranean Alps Extreme
Bienvenidos, amigos! It’s a real pleasure to welcome our amazing group from El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Costa Rica to the Mediterranean Alps Extreme Tour. You’ve been part of the Edelweiss family for quite some time now, and it’s clear: this is more than just travel – it’s friendship, passion, and a shared love for the ride. This time, you’ve truly stepped it up. The Mediterranean Alps Extreme isn’t just any tour – it’s a challenge. With nearly 30,000 curves, narrow mountain passes, and legendary roads, this route is made for experienced and passionate riders. And that’s exactly what you are. Not everybody can handle this tour – but you can. And we’re proud to have you here with us. Over the coming days, we’ll ride some of Europe’s most demanding and beautiful roads, explore hidden villages, cross into two countries, and enjoy good food, good wine, and even better company. Tonight, at our Welcome Briefing and Dinner, we celebrate the beginning of an unforgettable journey. So raise your glass – to great roads, great friends, and a great adventure ahead! ¡Salud y bienvenidos!
Our first day on the road took us from Vence to Valberg over 279 unforgettable kilometers, with the theme of the day clearly written in stone: canyons. From the twisting curves of the Gorges du Loup to the towering cliffs of the Gorges du Verdon, we carved our way through some of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes. The Verdon, often called Europe’s Grand Canyon, drops over 700 meters and stretches for 25 km — a true masterpiece of nature that left us in quiet awe. In the afternoon, we rolled into Entrevaux, a medieval gem nestled beside the Var River. Entering through its old drawbridge, we wandered through narrow stone alleys beneath the watchful eye of the citadel above — a fortress redesigned in the 17th century by Vauban, the famed military engineer of Louis XIV. With its Middle Ages flair and fortress-like calm, Entrevaux offered a moment of stillness before we dove into our final canyon. The Gorges de Daluis brought an entirely different mood — narrow roads, blood-red cliffs, and tunnels hewn into rock. A thrilling ride through what felt like another planet. We ended the day in Valberg, a peaceful alpine town and ski resort, where the mountain air and winding roads behind us made sleep come easy.
We kicked off the day in the Gorges du Cians, where fiery red cliffs and narrow tunnels created a stunning, otherworldly ride. The river carved out this deep canyon, dropping over 1,600 meters in just 25 km – pure riding magic. From there, we climbed towards Ilonse, a perched village high on a mountain ridge. The road was narrow, twisty, and absolutely thrilling – clinging to the cliffs with no guardrails and endless views. It felt like riding into the sky. After that, the rollercoaster continued through the Var Valley, and then up the scenic M32 to La Madone d’Utelle. Six hairpins led us to the sanctuary above the Riviera. The view? Endless. The legend? The Virgin Mary appeared here in 850 to two sailors saved from a storm. We ended the day in Roquebillière, a quiet mountain village – the perfect place to breathe out after a day full of cliffs, curves, and awe.
The Col de Turini isn’t just a mountain pass – it’s a legend carved in tarmac. In the 1960s, it became the dramatic climax of the Monte Carlo Rally, especially during the infamous Night of the Long Knives, when rally cars pierced the fog with high beams and brute horsepower. Riding it in daylight gives us time to feel each switchback, sense the narrow shoulders, and imagine the roaring engines of Group B monsters echoing through the pines. Today, we take it slower – but the ghosts of the rally still ride with us. From there, the road carried us over the Col de la Lombarde, a stunning 2,350-meter gateway between France and Italy. The climb is smooth and majestic on the French side, opening up to vast alpine panoramas, while the descent into Italy narrows and roughens – a perfect metaphor for crossing into a different rhythm of life. It’s not just a border; it’s a transition. Cultures shift, languages change, and even the coffee tastes different. One mountain, two worlds. We ended the day in Vicoforte, a town steeped in serenity beneath the towering dome of the Santuario di Vicoforte – the largest elliptical dome in the world. Built around a miraculous fresco and centuries of devotion, the sanctuary watches over the region with timeless grace. We didn’t stay there, but we had dinner at the old monastery next door – the Casa Regina Montis Regalis. Under ancient arches, where monks once walked, we enjoyed handmade pasta, local wines, and a calm that no engine could match.
Today’s ride took us from the rolling hills of Piedmont to the blue shores of Liguria – a day filled with curves, colors, and contrast. We cruised past vineyards, olive groves, and hazelnut orchards, through sleepy villages and along endless twisty backroads. The rhythm was relaxed, but the roads were pure joy. In Cortemilia, the heart of hazelnut country, we stopped for a coffee and sampled the local delicacies made from Piedmont’s finest nuts – soft cakes, sweet spreads, and crunchy pastries. A delicious reminder of how rich and proud this region is of its harvest. The highlight of the ride was the Parco Naturale delle Capanne di Marcarolo, the largest greenbelt of the Genoa province. Just 10 kilometers from the Ligurian Sea, this protected area is filled with rivers, forests, and panoramic views – a peaceful contrast to the coastal towns beyond. We descended toward the sea and reached Rapallo in the afternoon, just in time to check into our hotel and toast the day with a glass of red wine on the terrace. The Mediterranean sparkled below – a perfect end to a scenic, flavorful ride.
Today we traded horsepower for sea breeze. Our rest day in Rapallo gave us the chance to explore the legendary Cinque Terre – five colorful cliffside villages on the Ligurian coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. We started the journey by train to Monterosso, the northernmost village, before hopping on a ferry to admire the coast from the water. We stopped in Vernazza and Manarola, each with their postcard-perfect views. From Manarola, we walked a scenic stretch to capture those classic Cinque Terre photos – pastel houses clinging to steep rock faces, waves crashing below. The next ferry brought us to Riomaggiore, where we enjoyed a relaxed lunch (and may or may not have met "the Godfather" ;-)). In the afternoon, we returned to Monterosso, went for a swim, had a final drink by the beach, and soaked in the last bit of that coastal magic before heading back to Rapallo. Cinque Terre has been inhabited since the early Middle Ages. With no roads connecting the villages until the 20th century, they developed in isolation, creating a unique culture of terraced vineyards, steep trails, and seafaring life. Today, the area remains protected – and feels like a step back in time.
Our fifth riding day started with a literal bang—a morning fireworks show in Rapallo sent us off in style as we hit the legendary coastal road SS1 under a blazing Ligurian sun. Our first scenic highlight came early: the stunning Monte Fasce, with its panoramic view over Genoa. From there, we climbed further to visit the peaceful Santuario di Nostra Signora della Guardia, perched high above the region and steeped in devotion and history. By midday, the heat reached its peak. Fortunately, our lunch stop in Campo Ligure offered not only delicious Ligurian specialties but also a well-deserved rest in the shade. Due to extreme temperatures, we made a group decision to shorten the planned route. Safety and comfort first—especially when the Mediterranean is calling. We reached our final destination, Hotel del Golfo in Finale Ligure, with enough time to unwind. A dip in the sea and pool was the perfect way to cool off after a stunning but intense day on two wheels.
Our final riding day began with a tinge of nostalgia — after so many unforgettable curves, climbs, and coastlines, it was hard to believe this was the last leg of our Mediterranean Alps Extreme adventure. Leaving Finale Ligure, we hugged the coastline, weaving through charming seaside towns, palm-lined boulevards, and the shimmering blue of the Ligurian Sea beside us. The riding was smooth, scenic, and filled with the aroma of salt air and blooming summer. A coffee stop in one of the many picturesque Riviera villages gave us time to relax and reflect on the week’s adventures. Laughter was shared, photos were taken, and helmets were reluctantly put back on. Crossing into France, the terrain subtly changed — slightly more rugged, a little more dramatic, yet equally beautiful. As we approached Nice, the traffic picked up, but so did the excitement. We had made it. Pulling into our final hotel, we were met with cheers, handshakes, and a deep sense of accomplishment. Six days of high‑intensity riding, majestic scenery, and incredible camaraderie came to a perfect close on the French Riviera. The Mediterranean Alps Extreme had delivered on its promise — and then some.