Tag: itinerary

Cycling between Umbria, Lazio and Marche: an itinerary for everyone – Italian Cuisine

Traveling by bicycle does not just mean sweating and sweating. The important thing is to choose the right itinerary, or in any case the most suitable one for us. This, for example, will take you to pedal between the medieval villages and the timeless landscapes of Central Italy, without suffering too much and with great satisfaction. Culinary too

When you think of the bicycle trips, inexorably climbs, sweat and cramps come to mind, and the desire to leave is less. But there is nothing more wrong, because the secret lies in choosing the right route, or in any case more suitable for us. In addition – of course – to a comfortable bicycle e robust, which allows you to ride even on dirt roads. If you are looking for ideas, the new guide pedal Italy (edited by Albano Marcarini, ediciclo editor, € 14), collects twenty itineraries on two wheels among the most beautiful in Italy and, above all, suitable for everyone, including children.

Among the most interesting tours proposed in the book is the one that runs through the Marmore cycle path, the first long cycle path in Central Italy, and the Via Salaria from San Benedetto del Tronto to Rome, which we will "break" here to complete a unique itinerary, from Assisi and San Benedetto del Tronto in 9-10 days. Let's start!

1st stage Assisi – Bevagna
It is a very short section, just 28.6 km long, and takes place mainly on asphalted country roads and some stretch of cycle path, very useful for running in the estate on the saddle. If you arrive in Assisi the day before or early in the morning, visit the Basilica of San Francesco and its extraordinary frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue and Simone Martini is indispensable. Access to the cycle path is from the Santa Maria degli Angeli station towards Cannara and, along the way, more or less halfway, we recommend a detour with a stop at Spello, a medieval jewel with the splendid Villa Fidelia and the alleys of flowered vases. First night in Bevagna (to sleep: The Monastery of Bevagna, in the heart of the medieval village, a former convent of the sixteenth century used as a hotel in the early twentieth century; in addition to a large park, it also houses the ancient church of Santa Maria de ponte lapidum. Tel: 0742 361636/320 6779 656).

To eat: At La Locanda del Postiglione (Spello) you can taste some picchirilli with broad beans, bacon and fabulous pecorino, as well as tagliolini with cheese, pepper and truffle (tel: 0742301164). From Oscar's trattoria … and so on (Bevagna), chef Filippo Artioli awaits you with his strictly seasonal menu, which he prepares with products from local farms (tel: 0742 361107/373 7694483).

2nd stage Bevagna – Spoleto
Here too, just 25 km and all flat. Before Spoleto a stop must be made at Sources of Clitunno, a spring area with ponds, islets and poplars, also evoked by Carducci and Lord Byron, and considered sacred by the Romans. In Spoleto, visit the Duomo, one of the treasures of the Umbrian Middle Ages. Even if here, between uphill and steep descents, there will be some effort. To sleep: Hotel Charleston, located just minutes from all the main attractions of the city (tel: 0743-220052). To eat: The temple of taste with the best of the Umbrian tradition appropriately revisited (tel 074347121).

3rd stage Spoleto – Sant’Anatolia di Narco
The former Spoleto-Norcia railway is today a fun cycle path like "a roller coaster, He swears in Ride Italy Alberto Marcarini. Which also guarantees its accessibility and "little effort". Along the way prepare to cross (with the front light on, I recommend) the gallery of Caprareccia pass, 3 km reserved only for cyclists and pedestrians and whose descent at the exit, "from 617 to 290 meters in height", writes Marcarini, "is nothing short of amazing". To sleep: B&B dell’Osteria, located behind a historic abbey of 1200 and built entirely of stone (tel: 347 136-9077). To eat: The Abbey, in the inner courtyard of the abbey, serves excellent Norcia ham, first courses with truffles and other delicacies.

4th stage Sant'Anatolia – Terni
Instead of heading to Norcia continuing on the Nera Cycle Route, head towards the descent of the river and walk along its banks, crossing naturalistic oases and historic centers, some very special and worthy of a stop. In Ferrentillo, for example, the Museum of mummies in the crypt of the church of Santo Stefano it collects bodies of the dead of ancient times. But there are even less "strong" attractions (in Scheggino, Ceselli, Arrone and in San Pietro in Valle). Terni can be reached in 35 km and 255 meters in altitude, and from here – after an excursion to Marmore waterfalls – the next day you can take the train to Cittaducale (42 minutes, 4.5 €), from which to start the second part of the cycle tour. To sleep: Residence Bizzoni, a stone's throw from the historic center but surrounded by greenery (tel: 0744 44241); to eat: Umami restaurant, with chef Diego's seasonal menus, from tagliatelle with cream of black garlic, licorice, mozzarella and mint to crispy pork in oriental sauce and sesame with steamed bread (tel: 0744 427629).

5th stage Terni – Cittaducale (with visit to the Marmore)
Admired by San Francesco, designed by Leonardo Da Vinci, even mentioned by Dante The divine Comedy and then celebrated by the greatest English poets of the nineteenth century, Lord Byron primarily, the Marmore Falls are one of the natural wonders of our country. If you are in Terni, that is, just 7 km away, you cannot miss them. For info on guided excursions, timetables and reservations, visit the website here. Wonder is assured. On the way back, take the train and arrive at Cittaducale in the province of Rieti: founded in 1308 by King Charles II of Anjou, it belonged to the province of Aquila for more than six centuries, until its passage into Lazio in 1927. To sleep: Casa Vacanze Bianca, a charming recently renovated apartment in the heart of the medieval city, which can accommodate up to 5 people (tel: 347 6064559). To eat: La tagliata, a butchery that makes excellent burgers with homemade rustic sandwich and first courses of fresh pasta.

6th stage Cittaducale – Cittareale
Travel on the bike continues along the spectacular Gorges of the Velino, very deep ravines dug by the Velino river and interspersed with waterfalls, precipitous walls and very scenic caves (of San Quirico, Oscura, Romualdo, Strambo del Paladino and Fosso di Portella). Continue along the state road and some abandoned sections, carefully avoiding the tunnels and arriving in Cittareale, also in the province of Rieti, after stopping at Antrodoco, home of the first battle of the Italian Risorgimento. Curiosity: Antrodoco is one of the municipalities that is proclaimed Central Italy, in competition with its capital Rieti (Umbilicus Italiae), Urbino (Center of the world) and Foligno (At the center of the world). To sleep: Agriturismo Lu Ceppe, family atmosphere in close contact with nature, with simple but accurate cuisine (tel: 0746 947085).

7th Cittareale stage – Arquata del Tronto
The Torrita pass, at an altitude of 1017 meters, marks the border between the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic sides. The climb is a bit steep, but after skirting the Scandarello lake you can stop at Accumoli, a mountain village of 1100 painfully hit by the 2016 earthquake. Following the route of the old Via Salaria you arrive in the Marche and continue towards Tufo and, subsequently, Arquata. To sleep: B&B Trisungo (tel: 0736 803901). To eat: Typical mountain cuisine with grilled meat, porcini mushrooms and truffles, at the Il Ponticello Restaurant Pizzeria (tel: 0736809728).

8th stage Arquata del Tronto – Ascoli Piceno
After Acquasanta Terme you will pass on the other side of the Tronto, arriving at Ponte d’Arlì, in the heart of Sibillini Mountains National Park. Follow the old Salaria route passing through the narrowest gorges of the Tronto valley, up to Mozzano (to eat: Pizza in the square, via don Rossi). Then, following the Franciscan Way of the Marca, you will arrive in Ascoli, where there will be a coffee and priest's hat with rum at the historic Caffè Meletti in Piazza del Popolo. To sleep: Hotel Sant’Emidio, historic 18th century building in the heart of the historic center (tel: 0736 258626). To eat: At La Locanda del Medioevo the atmosphere of the 1300s is found in the menu with Ascoli specialties and typical dishes of the time (tel: 0736250695).

Last stop: San Benedetto del Tronto
Head towards Pagliare, a locality of the Oasis immersed in the countryside with renaturalised lakes obtained from former quarries. Then follow the cycle path that runs along the bank of the Tronto (you will be right on the border between Marche and Abruzzo) until you reach Porto d'Ascoli and the mouths of the Bilge nature reserve. From here take the Adriatic Cycle Route for 4km, which will take you to the San Benedetto del Tronto coast, the arrival point of your trip. To sleep: B&B La Casa Sulla Spiaggia, where the name doesn't lie (tel: 338 713 5040); to eat: I Perdigiorno, whose menu is prepared every day depending on the availability of the gardener and the butcher (tel: 0735 586113). «Few dishes to remember, says the claim of the room. A bit like the spirit of this itinerary on the road.

itinerary in Valle Maira between nature and typical cuisine – Italian Cuisine

Proximity tourism is the key to 2020 holidays. An interesting destination could be "the other" Piedmont

Piedmont is a popular destination for many, with unique destinations between mountains, lakes, nature, perched villages and historical monuments. In addition to the undeniable richness of food and wine, known all over the world.

Today we want to tell you about a part of the region a little less traveled: the mountains of the Maira valley, a territory full of charm that faces west, on the border with France.
Defined by many as the Unknown Valley, it is perfect for that type of tourism defined slow.

How to get there, what to do, what to see, what to eat

The Maira Valley it is about 45 km long; easily reachable from Turin and Milan, taking the Provincial Road 422 from Cuneo towards Dronero.
It gives unique emotions and unexpected paths, with different levels of difficulty in mountain excursions and regenerating overnight stays in the refuges.
It is ideal for those who want to think of a real holiday of relaxation, good food and sunbathing in a cool and windy climate.

We start from an interesting excursion to Villar San Costanzo, a few kilometers north of Dronero, between nature reserves and Romanesque architecture.
The stone Ciciu del Vilar (the stone puppets), about 600 meters high. In geomorphology they are called Earth pyramids, 12 thousand years old: columns of very compact earth surmounted by a stone boulder, are located at the entrance of the Maira Valley, in the Villar nature reserve. They closely resemble the chimneys of the Cappadocia fairies.
In the same place, to visit: San Costanzo al Monte and Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Located in a privileged position, in the middle of the woods, on the slopes of Monte San Bernardo.
For info and visits to the Sanctuary of San Costanzo al Monte, tel +39 0171 917080.

TO Droneroamong other things, we go for medieval architecture and its Ponte Vecchio, a fifteenth-century structure, renamed Ponte del Diavolo.
On the old woman Via degli Acciugai, where once men left for the Ligurian coast (between September and May) to buy anchovies: the return by train and the sale by street vendors, on wooden carts, where the kegs full of salted anchovies were loaded.
TO Macra cells, the Mountain Community has set up multimedia stations to remember this tradition and the hard work of the anchovies.

There Maira Valley cuisine it is simple, made of few ingredients, but it is a sincere cuisine, very often contaminated by the Provencal flavors of nearby France. Flavors that were brought back here by women who migrated for the season (from the olive harvest to the mimosa) or for nannies.
Potatoes, chestnuts, mushrooms, legumes. Many soups (pumpkin, vegetables and nettles), gnocchi, prepared with Prazzo potatoes, Ravioles (typical of Occitan cuisine), anchovies and Bagna Cauda with them.

Let Macra and Celle move towards Marmora. For a long regenerating break at the Relais Alpino Brieis, a popular hotel that is located in Borgata Brieis in Marmora.
An inn with every comfort, perfect after long walks, excursions on foot or by MTB. The small spa, with Finnish sauna and a beautiful wooden tub with hydromassage. A restaurant offering typical local dishes, in the kitchen the young chef Francesco Marullo.

Elva
In a lateral valley of the Maira Valley stands Elva, at 1637 meters above sea level. It was a possession of the Marquisate of Saluzzo. Between the end of the eighteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century the Elvese specialized in a curious profession, i pelassier or hair traders, who bought in Northern Italy, and then made wigs that were sold all over the world.

Where to sleep in Elva
Le Colonne Resort, inn with spa and restaurant offering typical cuisine, is located in Borgata Serre, the capital of Elva.

Elva refuge
La Sousto from Col – Colle San Giovanni (Colle delle Cavalline), tel +39 346 782 4680.
Overnight only by reservation. Kitchen service from Thursday to Sunday, better to book.

What to buy in Elva

Honey
Elva honey by Floriano Turco, mountain honey, nomadic organic beekeeping; we are more than 2000 meters above sea level, in Elva Floriano Turco has the honey extraction laboratory in a renovated high mountain hut.
Location San Giovanni. Receives by appointment only, tel +39 338 2030388.

Typical cheese
Toma di Elva, also called Case of Elva or Toumo de Caso (house toma in the Occitan language). It is produced by the Elvese Dairy, Serre Capoluogo township, Elva; La Meira Dairy, Borgata Meira.
Dairy Sarvanot (in Stroppo – Borgata Cucchiales, 20) for Toma di Elva and Berulet, raw sheep's milk cheese. The dairy does not sell directly; it is possible to buy the products on Friday morning in the Valle shops (Ape Maira in Stroppo, La Gabelo in Prazzo)

Mountain huts for overnight stays

Stroppia refuge
To be seen: The Stroppia waterfalls, the highest in Italy (only in spring, because in summer the natural basin from which the waterfalls originate dries up).
Rifugio Gardetta, Plateau Monte Rocca.

Locanda Mistral Borgata Ponte Maira, Acceglio (Cuneo).
Organize an excursion in the mountains, in contact with nature, and overnight in Acceglio at Locanda Mistral. The owner, Renato Botte, is also an expert mountain guide and can accompany you on various excursions.
In the kitchen Manuela, Renato Botte's wife, who will make you taste the cuisine and traditional dishes of the Maira Valley, rigorously made with local products.
They propose an interesting Weekend package (three days and two nights) until October 18th.
It is part of Green Pearls Unique Places, a platform specializing in sustainable tourism.

Out of town itinerary: Carmagnola, Racconigi and surroundings – Italian Cuisine

The province of Turin and Cuneo are, together, an immense collection of unique places where to stop, even if only for a small regenerating break. If you have time, organize a long weekend

An itinerary to discover the beauties of Carmagnola, Racconigi and surroundings, where it is possible to walk in the royal residences, sleep in an old estate of the late eighteenth century and make a delicious stop in Carignano, to eat an excellent homemade ice cream.

What to do

Carmagnola
December 8 is the Patronal Festival of the City of Carmagnola which is devoted to the Madonna of the Immaculate Conception, a secular bond and very felt by the local community.
On this day there will be a special event of 3D mapping in the central Sant’Agostino square.
On December 15th, the 11th Exhibition of the Porro Lungo Dolce di Carmagnola takes place and the 27th Regional Beef Cattle Show of the Piedmontese breed and the Giora. The protagonists are the sweet leek of Carmagnola, a different product from that of Cervere as it is whitened longer. Treatment that makes it particularly sweet.

The day
With this term, whose etymology derives from the Greek "jerà", that is old, a cow is defined as being abandoned by reproductive activity. With fresh meat you also get an excellent and tasty salami, as well as various cuts of meat. In the preparation of the salami carrè, thigh, shoulder, ugly and good are used, to which are added, after grinding, cubes of pork lard, salt, spices (usually ground white pepper and nutmeg) garlic and Nebbiolo or Barbera wine. In this way a precious sausage is obtained, to be eaten raw after a few months of seasoning: a gastronomic specialty considered niche, with a unique flavor.
Following a precise specification, it is defined Salame by Giora di Carmagnola and recognized as a Product of the Basket of the Metropolitan City of Turin. Try the Azienda Agricola Cascina Savoiarda in Pralormo (To).

To be seen

Not everyone knows that there is the Naval Civic Museum in Carmagnola. The museum is divided into four sections: the history of the Italian Navy, naval activities from the Italian unit to the present, the marine environment and ship modeling. Exhibits exhibits and objects belonging to the National Association of Sailors of Italy.
Curiosity
In Turin, near the Valentino Park (just below the Isabella Bridge), it is possible to see one of the best preserved naval historical finds. It is about Submarine Andrea Provana, which was named in honor of the Piedmontese admiral. The submarine was built in the San Giorgio della Fiat shipyards (in 1915) located in La Spezia and was launched in 1918. The submarine is located within the Parco del Valentino since 1933.

Racconigi
Royal Castle and Racconigi Park Via Francesco Morosini 1.
It became property of the Savoy from the second half of the fourteenth century. The royal family spent the vacation in Racconigi. The residence was built by Guarini for the Princes of Carignano and the majestic park that surrounds it was the work of the garden architect Xavier Kurten, at the service of the House of Savoy since 1816. For visiting hours and tickets we recommend consulting the site of the Royal Residences .

There fourth Sunday of the month, in Racconigi, is held on Antiques Fair, an unmissable event for lovers of vintage things. This large collecting market takes place in the streets and squares of the historic center of Racconigi.

Where to eat

Trattoria del Viaggiatore in Sommariva del Bosco (Cn).
Double soul for this place, which sees two local protagonists in the same structure: on the ground floor the Seyssel Caffè, winery with kitchen. The restaurant is on the first floor.
An interesting menu that crosses tradition with a beautiful interpretation of Piedmontese dishes: Gnocchi with fondue from Castelmagno, the rooster in carpione, the head salad with red onion, stewed veal tripe. A tasty stop if you find yourself in these parts. Seyssel Square 2.

Where to sleep

Tenuta Berroni
A splendid estate surrounded by greenery, it was built in 1773 for the noble de Laugier as a holiday residence. The furnishings and interior decorations were commissioned to the same artists who worked on the decorations at the Racconigi Castle. The Tenuta Berroni apartments are very large, with a kitchenette and a large living room. The first has a double bed and the other has two single beds, they are the ideal place even for extended stays for those wishing to discover the area.
The room price includes a kit (which is found on arrival) which includes coffee, milk, juices, snacks and the yoghurts produced on the estate.
Greedy news: those who stay at Tenuta Berroni are entitled to a 10% discount at the L’Arancera restaurant, which is located within the Estate, but which has an independent management.
Via Tenuta Berroni- Racconigi (Cn).

Carignano
Taste the fabulous Homemade ice cream by Marco Serra, Master of Taste of Turin and Province, while he walks through the beautiful historic center of Carignano. Or order one of his fabulous cakes, a mix of high quality ingredients. Not to be missed. Via Trento 8.