Group travel on request. It is possible to customise your trip.
Availability: April - November.
Duration: 3 days
Minimum participants: 8
Even today, the castles in the province of Reggio Emilia retain their ancient charm and tell the story of the Canossa family and of the most powerful woman of the entire Middle Ages, Matilde of Canossa: the Great Countess who played a leading role in the struggle for investiture that decided the destiny of Europe.
Three days of walking on the Via Matildica del Volto Santo, the itinerary that crosses the territory of three Italian regions (Lombardy, Emilia, Tuscany) rich in culture, traditions, landscapes: from Mantua to Lucca passing through Reggio Emilia. And it is precisely in the province of Reggio Emilia that our itinerary will unfold.
DAY 1:
- Late morning arrival in Reggio Emilia (we recommend arriving by train) and pick up with the group's private minivan.
- After an initial traditional lunch, we will set out with Elisa (Environmental Hiking Guide) for the first leg of our itinerary. An exceptional tasting experience awaits us to be intoxicated by the scent and taste of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia! (Walking distance: 7 km / + 450 mt / 3h30)
- The minivan will take us to the restaurant for dinner, from which we will enjoy a unique view at dusk with our gaze turned toward evocative matildic bastions.
- After tasting typical Reggio dishes we will make an evening visit to one of the Castles, an architectural jewel of extraordinary beauty.
- The overnight stay will be at the Relais Borgo Vercallo. Suspended between plains and mountains, between past and present, it is the gateway to the treasures of the Reggio Emilia Apennines. A safe haven where the modern wayfarer catches his breath and savors rest. A timeless place that will make us fall in love from the first moment.
DAY 2:
- After a breakfast at the Relais we will be captivated by the wild Tassobbio Valley until we reach Sarzano Castle. “It is one of the most elegant and best preserved fortresses in the Emilian Apennines [...] it appears stupendously picturesque, nor do the old possessions of Countess Matilda have perhaps more artistic castle” (Archaeologist and art historian Corrado Ricci, 1885).
(Walking route: 8 km / +400 mt / 4h including stops)
- After a guided tour inside the fortress we will enjoy a well-deserved picnic lunch.
- The afternoon itinerary will continue to an ancient medieval village.
(Walking route: 4.5 km / + 200 mt / 1h30')
- At the end of the walk, we will have time to refresh and relax at the Relais enjoying outdoor Jacuzzi.
- Dinner will be in the garden of an old Mill, now a farmhouse, located in a 17th-century stone hamlet set in the valley of the Tassobbio River.
- At night we will return to the Relais Borgo Vercallo.
DAY 3:
- Greeting Relais Borgo Vercallo with a tasty breakfast, it will be the Golden Path that will show us the way.
- We will first reach the highest manor of the powerful domain of the Grand Countess, elected at the time a privileged seat to host pontiffs, emperors, kings and dukes.
- Next we will go on to discover a precious archaeological site where a fascinating 100-year-old parish church will welcome us. (7 km/ +620 mt /5h including stops)
- Having had our sack lunch, a final visit to the parish church's stone museum and a final descent to be picked up by the minivan, which will take us back to the station (or to the car), will await us.
USEFUL INFO:
Luggage: Participants should travel with a backpack/backpack for hiking and a duffel bag/hand luggage for overnight.
Mandatory equipment (for hiking)
- backpack
- water bottle/camel-bag with personal water supply (at least 1 liter)
- hiking boots with carved soles preferably ankle-high
- breathable hat
- insect repellent (mosquitoes and ticks)
- breathable layered clothing
- a change of shirt and socks
- fleece for the evening
- waterproof windproof jacket
- waterproof cape and/or backpack cover
Recommended:
- hiking poles
- sunglasses
Services included:
Excluded services:
For info: click here.
