Product Club Reggio Tricolore - Itinere offers a 4-day, 3-night package.
7 hours of walking per day on average - arrivals scheduled for mid-afternoon for each stage.
Day 1: meeting at 9.00 a.m. at the Canossa Castle car park for departure.
Canossa - Carpineti 26 km 1000 m. altitude difference
We begin the Via Matildica del Volto Santo walk at the foot of Canossa Castle, symbol of these lands of Reggio Emilia, and head towards Val Tassobbio, an area of enormous natural and historical interest. We follow the course of the river of the same name until we reach another Matildic manor, the marvellous Sarzano Castle (958 AD). Under Bonifacio di Canossa first and Matilde later, Sarzano became part of the castrense system of the present-day Lands of Matilda, which provided for three lines of fortified constructions covering the entire Reggio territory from the first hill to the ridge: a nodal territory for the passage of troops and goods between the various possessions of the Gran Contessa, exactly halfway between Langobardia and Tuscia. Sarzano occupied a median position in the second line of fortifications, the same as the strongholds of Canossa and Rossena. Leaving the castle behind, we descend to Casina and then climb up to Migliara and through centuries-old chestnut woods we arrive at the Marola seminary. We take the tarmac road that in 7 km takes us to Carpineti, the final stop of the day. Marola Abbey was founded and donated to the Benedictines by Matilda of Canossa in 1092.
Day 2:
Carpineti - Toano 19 km 900 m. altitude difference
From the picturesque Carpinete Castle overlooking the Secchia Valley, we enjoy a breathtaking view of the Apennine ridge of the Tuscan-Emilian National Park. The Carpinete Castle (dating back to around the year 1000) was also one of the many possessions of Matilda of Canossa and a strategic point for the defence of her territories. We descend steeply via asphalt towards Val Secchia and after crossing the bridge over the river of the same name, we begin to climb towards Cavola, a village well known for its truffle festival held every November. Here by way of a path we climb towards the beautiful village of Manno until we reach the top of the historic and well-preserved Pieve di Toano. The Pieve di Santa Maria di Castello stands in an isolated position on the top of a hill overlooking the village of Toano below, a small hamlet nestled in the beautiful landscape of the Reggio Emilia Apennines. The parish church is counted among the most significant monuments of Romanesque architecture in the Reggio Emilia area and among the oldest religious buildings in the Reggio diocese (980 AD).
Day 3:
Toano - Gazzano 19 km 780 m. altitude difference
In this stage nature takes over. We begin to climb towards the Reggio Emilia Apennines, where the gentle valleys give way to dense beech forests and gorges carved by streams flowing down from the mountain peaks. The paths are marked by the tracks of wild boar, roe deer and wolf droppings. We will be followed by the peaceful gaze of our sleeping giant: Mount Cusna. Pure energy, I assure you. We begin to descend towards the narrow valley crossed by the Dolo river in the direction of the Apennine ridge. We continue along the path, crossing the Malpasso crags in a highly suggestive environment of steep cliffs that plunge for hundreds of hectares down to the bed of the impetuous Dolo river. Arriving at the village of Gova, on a road with very little traffic, we reach the bridge over the Cervarolo river. Having crossed the river, we ascend steeply along a path through the woods until we reach the village of Gazzano, famous for its nativity scenes.
Day 4:
Gazzano - San Pellegrino in Alpe 18 km 1000 m difference in altitude
From Gazzano we head towards Fontanaluccia, where we can admire a beautiful artificial lake embanked by a large dam, and from here we continue towards Madonna di Pietravolta. We are on the historic Via Bibulca or Imperial Way, so called because it allowed the passage of a pair of oxen, which was practised both by the Frignati tribe, who often went as far as Lucca and Pisa for their raids, and by the Romans, efficient organisers of the territory. We then continue south to Roncadello and pass the Colle del Morto (Dead Hill) at an altitude of over 1300 metres. With a gradual ascent we reach Passo delle Radici followed by a short descent to San Pellegrino in Alpe with its spectacular view of the Apuan Alps.
*Equipment (with luggage transport organised by us): hiking shoes, at least two litres of water, packed lunch, hat, protective cream, windproof jacket, blister plasters. (This is for the rucksack you use for walking).
COST:
*This rate is valid for a minimum number of 6 participants Below and in the event of a higher number of participants, a new quotation will be prepared.
THE FEE INCLUDES:
Presence and support of environmental hiking guide for the entire duration of the walk, at all stages and overnight accommodation facilities. Luggage/backpacking baggage transport service for all stages of the walk;
Day 1: Canossa-Carpineti, dinner (first/second/dessert, coffee, water and ¼ of wine) and overnight stay in a double room at an agriturismo/hotel in the area. Half board treatment with breakfast on day 2.
Day 2: Carpineti-Toano, dinner (first/second/dessert, coffee, water and ¼ of wine) and overnight stay in a double room at a local hotel. Half board with breakfast on day 3.
Day 3: Toano-Gazzano, dinner (first/second/dessert, coffee water and ¼ of wine) and overnight stay in double room at local hotel. Half board with breakfast on day 4.
Day 4: return transfer by minivan from San Pellegrino in Alpe to the meeting point in Canossa.
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Possible accident insurance.
Day 1: lunch
Day 2: lunch
Day 3: lunch
Day 4: lunch and dinner
Transfer to the meeting point in Canossa
Everything not expressly indicated in "price includes".
