Tipi Percorsi
Volterra and its Hills by Bike
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, the rolling hills surrounding Volterra offer some of Italy's most fascinating cycling tourism experiences. The e-bike tour guides cyclists, through the practical Bikesquare app, to discover the hidden treasures of this extraordinary region, where ancient history, breathtaking panoramas, and authentic culture converge to create an unforgettable adventure. Starting from our convenient bike rental point in Volterra, this journey promises to transport you through a landscape that has inspired artists, poets, and dreamers for centuries. The adventure begins at our well-equipped bike rental center in Volterra. Before departure, you will receive a comprehensive briefing on the route, notable landmarks, and safety tips to ensure your journey is as comfortable as it is memorable.
Romanesque Church of Palagione
After visiting Volterra's historic center, the bike route continues gently descending into the verdant countryside, where cypress-lined avenues and olive groves create the quintessential Tuscan backdrop. The first destination, Palagione, emerges after about 5 kilometers of relaxed pedaling through this pastoral paradise. The highlight of Palagione is undoubtedly its exquisite Romanesque church, a masterpiece of medieval religious architecture dating back to the 12th century. Standing in serene isolation amid the surrounding fields, this ancient place of worship invites visitors to step back in time. The simple yet elegant façade of the church, characterized by local sandstone and precise geometric designs, exemplifies the Romanesque architectural style that flourished throughout Tuscany. Inside, the cool and silent environment offers a moment of rest and contemplation, while the ancient stone columns and surviving frescoes speak of centuries of devotion and artistic expression. The peaceful churchyard provides the perfect place for a brief stop and perhaps a snack.
Pignano
Leaving Palagione behind, with the e-bikes you effortlessly reach a landscape that unfolds like a living Renaissance painting. The route to Pignano follows ancient paths that have connected these settlements for millennia, offering constantly changing views of vineyards, wheat fields, and distant hilltop villages. After about 7 kilometers of gentle undulations, you arrive at Pignano, a perfectly preserved medieval village that seems frozen in time. This enchanting settlement, with its cluster of stone buildings centered around a historic manor house, embodies the timeless charm of rural Tuscany. Pignano's narrow cobblestone streets invite exploration, revealing hidden courtyards adorned with flowering plants and glimpses of daily life that have changed little over the centuries. The village's elevated position offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with Volterra visible in the distance on clear days. A small café in the center of the village offers the opportunity to sample local specialties, including the region's renowned pecorino cheese, cured meats, and robust red wines.
The Natural Splendor of Mazzolla
The route skirts the edge of the Berignone Forest Nature Reserve, a protected area of remarkable biodiversity. This ancient woodland, home to wild boars, deer, and numerous bird species, offers a strong contrast to the cultivated fields crossed earlier in the day. Mazzolla itself is perched on a natural terrace, giving visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and distant hills. This tiny village, with fewer than 100 permanent residents, is centered around the impressive Villa Viti, a 19th-century mansion built by alabaster merchant Giuseppe Viti. The villa's eclectic architectural style, combining elements of neoclassical grandeur with more whimsical oriental influences, reflects the cosmopolitan tastes of its original owner who traveled the world. The village square, shaded by ancient linden trees, offers an idyllic spot to rest and rehydrate while absorbing the tranquil atmosphere that has remained largely unchanged for generations. Local residents, accustomed to cyclists passing through their village, often greet visitors with warm smiles and, occasionally, tales of local history and traditions.
Return to Volterra
The final stretch of the bike adventure toward Volterra opens up panoramic views of the Val di Cecina, with its mosaic of fields, olive groves, and vineyards stretching toward the distant horizon. The afternoon light bathes the landscape in a golden glow, creating perfect lighting conditions for photography enthusiasts. The ancient city of Volterra gradually appears, with its medieval towers and defensive walls silhouetted against the sky. Your approach takes you past the remains of the Etruscan necropolis, a poignant reminder of the three thousand years of continuous human habitation in this region. The route culminates in a truly spectacular finale with the entrance to Volterra through the iconic Porta all'Arco, an Etruscan gate dating back to the 4th century BC. This ancient portal, with its characteristic three weathered stone heads watching over all who pass beneath, provides an appropriate conclusion to a journey that has traversed both the physical landscape and the rich tapestry of history that defines this remarkable corner of Tuscany.
volterra, a volterra
TARQUINIA / SANTA SEVERA
After ten routes inland, between hills and mountains, the GTL15 returns to the sea, this time north of Rome: it is a simple and quiet stage, about fifty km almost all on the plain, sheltered by the coastal chain of the Tolfa Mountains. This stage follows the course of the future Tyrrhenian Cycle Route, of which there are only a few small sections, following the course of the busy Via Aurelia in parallel and taking advantage of its coplanar and secondary roads. From Tarquinia we lose the remaining altitude by gaining the coast, and from there we head south: on our route, pleasant seaside resorts such as Tarquinia Lido and Santa Marinella, as well as important ports such as Civitavecchia. The track winds around the new Aurelia trying to avoid it in every way, now on the seafront of the villages crossed, often already equipped with safe cycle paths, now on the roads of the hinterland. Our destination, Santa Severa, is embellished by the scenic Castle, which stands right on the sea, on what was the ancient site of Pyrgi, an Etruscan settlement.
a Empoli, in Val d'Arno
Cycling through the Langhe hills on an e-bike is an adventure that captures the essence of this extraordinary land. The gentle undulation of the vineyards blends with the soft hum of the electric motor, while intense aromas of grapes and earth envelop you at every turn. Medieval villages stand out on the horizon, inviting you to explore their millennial history. Each pedal stroke brings you closer to the beating heart of a region where tradition and innovation intertwine, promising an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes and authentic flavours.
Novello
Novello, the starting and ending point of your tour, welcomes you with its discreet charm. Stroll through the streets of the historic centre until you reach the panoramic terrace near the castle. From here, let yourself be enchanted by the view that spans the surrounding hills, a perfect prelude to the adventure that awaits you.
Monforte d'Alba
Monforte d'Alba will surprise you with its perfectly preserved medieval village. Lose yourself among the winding alleys that lead to Piazza Antica Chiesa, the pulsating heart of the town. Don't miss visiting the Horszowski auditorium, an architectural gem nestled within the ancient walls.
Serralunga d'Alba
Serralunga d'Alba is dominated by its imposing castle, one of the best preserved in Piedmont. Climb the tower to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding vineyards. The village, with its cobbled streets, will transport you to an atmosphere of bygone times.
Castiglione Falletto
Castiglione Falletto, perched on a hill, offers one of the most suggestive panoramas of the Langhe. Visit the medieval castle and treat yourself to a break in one of the local wine shops to taste the renowned wines of the area. The streets of the historic centre are an open-air museum of medieval architecture.
Barolo
Barolo, the world capital of its namesake wine, deserves an in-depth stop. The WiMu, an interactive wine museum housed in the Falletti Castle, will guide you through the discovery of the region's oenological history and culture. Walk through the ancient village, stopping to taste the precious nectar in one of the numerous historic cellars.
The Experience
This 40 km e-bike tour is an experience accessible to everyone, thanks to the pedal assistance that makes even the most challenging stretches manageable. The self-guided route, supported by the BikeSquare app, allows you to explore independently and at your own pace, fully enjoying the beauty of the Langhe. Starting and returning to Novello, you'll cross some of the most charming villages in the region, fully immersing yourself in the UNESCO landscapes and food and wine culture that have made these lands famous worldwide. It's an eco-friendly adventure that combines the pleasure of cycle tourism with the discovery of one of Italy's most renowned wine regions, accessible to cyclists of all levels.
in Novello, in Barolo, in La Morra, in Verduno, in the Langhe, in Roero, in Barbaresco, in Neive, in Monforte, in Diano, in Castiglion Falletto, in Alba, in Bra
It starts in Frascati and so you will go through Rocca di Papa's wood. Going up you can see the Castel Gandolfo lake from the Villa Palazzola's terrace. After the wood you will reach the little and joyful city of Nemi. Continuing the tour along the Francigena road you will arrive to the bank of the Nemi's lake, where you can visit the Nemus farm with its pic-nic area and its theatre of straw. Later you will reach Genzano, running along the old volcano you will arrive at Castel Gandolfo and its fantastic lake. After that passing through the lakefront you will come back to Grottaferrata travelling Via dei Laghi.
Fascinating tour for a complete trip of both lakes of Castelli Romani.
Archeobike is an itinerary by ebike that combines history and archaeology with the natural landscapes of the National Park and the local flavors.
We depart from the beautiful Romanesque Church of Sorano, in Filattiera, crucial landmark along the pilgrimage route Via Francigena but also for the archaeology of the area.
In fact here several stele statues have been found, stone monoliths sculpted as male and female figure by the Liguri Apuani, prehistoric people who inhabited Lunigiana before the Romans. Also box tombs dating to the iron age and findings of a Roman mansio have been found in this same area.
From here we will cycle secondary roads across the quiet Val di Caprio reaching a secondary archaeologic site at the foot of the Apennines, where mysterious stone engravings by the Liguri Apuani are hidden in the wood.
It’s time to try some off-road also for those who have no previous experience, we will cycle along a short gravalled path before getting back on asphalted roads as far as the Apennine prairies Prati di Logarghena.
Tasting-lunch at with local products at Agriturismo Podere Conti , before cycling back to Filattiera.
Meeting: 09.30 Tourist Information Office next to the Sorano Romanesque Church, Filattiera. Tour ends approx. 16.30.
Duration: full day
Difficulty: STRENOUS. Lenght: 35 Km. Minimum altitude 150m asl / Maximum altitude 950m asl. It is required a good confidence with bicycle and gears and good health condition.
in 5 terre, in Tosco-Emiliano natural parc, in Argentario, to Santo Stefano's pieve, to Codimonte's pieve, in Villafranca, in Lunigiana
Il percorso
Il percorso è un itinerario dedicato ai luoghi che ispirarono l'ambientazione delle opere di Beppe Fenoglio. Con un'e-bike in poco tempo si potrà facilmente pedalare tra le colline su strade secondarie e poco trafficate raggiungendo le tappe d'interesse culturale. Tutto il tempo guadagnato sarà occasione per scoprire angoli nascosti e nuovi panorami per poi immergersi nella lettura di un frammento delle opere fenogliane che hanno fatto la storia della letteratura italiana. Riscopri la vita contadina di Agostino tra le mura del tipico Pavaglione, o soffermati davanti le rocche dei sette fratelli ad udire sulle righe di Fenoglio, l'eco della resistenza vissuta dal Partigiano Johnny.
Questi sono solo alcuni degli assaggi di un'esperienza dedicata al centenario dalla nascita di Beppe Fenoglio.
COME FUNZIONA L'AUTOGUIDA
Segui l'itinerario lungo il tracciato e raggiungi le tappe contrassegnate dal tag verde. Facendo "tap" su di esse potrete accedere alla scheda dedicata al luogo fenogliano e assaporare, in autonomia o in compagnia, un breve testo ambientato in una delle opere di Fenoglio.
Ringraziamenti
Questo tour tematico nasce da un iniziativa sviluppata in collaborazione con il Progetto "Leggere Ovunque - Biblioteca Diffusa" e il "Centro Studi Beppe Fenoglio".
I diritti sono concessi gratuitamente dagli eredi Fenoglio e tutte le opere sono edite da Einaudi.
in Novello, in Barolo, in La Morra, in Verduno, in the Langhe, in Roero, in Barbaresco, in Neive, in Monforte, in Diano, in Castiglion Falletto, in Alba, in Bra
in Chianti, in Greve in Chianti, in Cavriglia, in Radda in Chianti, in Gaiole in Chianti, in Castellina in Chianti, Eroica, Tuscany in ebike
Un emozionante tour tra i trulli, le abitazioni tipiche pugliesi.
Il percorso ad anello attraversa tre comuni caratteristici e ricchi di antica tradizione, lungo il percorso sarete sopraffatti da panorami mozzafiato tra uliveti, muretti a secco e gli immancabili trulli, piena espressione della tradizione di questa terra. Alberobello, Locorotondo e Cisternino ti attendono, scoprili insieme a noi!
in Alberobello, in Martina Franca, in Locorotondo, along Pirro canal, in Bisceglie, in Cisternino
Departure from the rental point in the castle of Petriolo, which definitely deserves a walk between the alleys, the churches and the cloths on the hills (on all that from St. Martin's Square).
It is set out from the castle, passing under the Torrione (Porta Rondella or Lu Torriò as it is said from these parts) dating back to the early 1500, to continue along a downhill road and arrive towards the scenic and intranquil Via delle Grazie, where you can stop to admire the view over the hills.
It is then continued along the paved road that leads all 'Fiastra abbey, to then make an intimate and panoramic detour along a tract of gravel road and a short dirt stretch.
At this point you go down, again in the paved and untransitioned road, towards the Urbisaglia Archaeological Park (which we recommend you to contact in advance for the visit). If you decide to support here, you will also be able to charge (but you will not need it).
The next stop is l 'Abbey of Chiaravalle di Fiastra, which is reached by the easy dirt trail that is costing the Fiastra River. Here, too, it is possible to make a stop to rest and make a snack with the magnificent products of local farmers or in the bars and restaurants present in the 'area. I inform you that in the antistante area l 'Abbey and in the antistanti meadows it is not possible l 'access to the bikes, which you can take to your hand in the forbidden zone.
We are now embarking on the return to the Petriolo borough, following first a zig zag path near the woods and then returning to tarmac.
At this point you can decide to continue along the trace, which proposes a detour (with possibility of soak in the cellar), or continue along the same stretch of road made all 'gone.
The tour is about 28 kilometers long, or a pair less without the last deviation.
ROAD TYPES
Singletrack : 1.00 km
Path : 8.44 km
Road : 478 m
Strada : 16.9 km
Out of network (unknown) : 1.10 km
SURFACES
Unpaved : 8.87 km
Paved : 336 m
Paved : 5.62 km
Asfalto : 5.62 km
Unknown : 13
Marca Maceratese, nella Marca Maceratese, a Macerata, a Petriolo
The cycle path is suitable for all types of users and, in some sections, is divided into two carriageways. Along the route there are several tunnels that automatically light up as the cyclist passes. Alongside the beauty of the alpine and foothill areas, the route reaches villages and hamlets of remote charm, often located in isolated positions, such as Oneta or Cornello dei Tasso, where time seems to stand still. In these places, the evening lighting of the tunnels also offers breathtaking scenery.
From the cycle path at the bottom of the valley there are numerous itineraries that are perfect for an E-bike trip to discover the hamlets and the beautiful natural slopes of this valley.
What to see in San Pellegrino Terme
A town famous throughout the world for its mineral water of the same name and for its thermal baths that enjoy thermal water that gushes out naturally at 26 degrees. San Pellegrino Terme underwent considerable development in the early 1900s, as evidenced by a number of buildings dating back to the Belle Époque in Art Nouveau style, such as the Casino, which can be visited during the summer, the Grand Hotel and the Spa. The Tempio dei Caduti (Temple of the Fallen), a monument dating back to 1924 and now housing the remains of those who fell during the two world wars, is also interesting.
What to see in San Giovanni Bianco
San Giovanni Bianco is a small town in Val Brembana that owes its name to the town's patron saint and to the presence of numerous outcrops and quarries of light-coloured limestone. The town has a medieval layout and its numerous Romanesque bridges are still passable. In recent years, considerable investments have also been made in the development of the via Priula, built during the 16th century to give Venice, then ruler of the area, a commercial outlet to the north without having to pass through the territories of the Duchy of Milan, then under Spanish rule, with consequent duties amounting to as much as half the value of the cargo.
San Giovanni Bianco is set in a valuable naturalistic context in the middle of the Brembana valley and lying in a basin with imposing peaks, it offers excellent views and numerous possibilities for excursions to the surrounding mountains.
With the closure of the railway in 1966, it experienced periods of depopulation and closure to the outside world. Today, the presence of the Val Brembana cycle route is giving new impetus to tourism, becoming itself a destination for cycle tourism.
What to see in Cornello dei Tasso
Cornello is a village of medieval origin that owes its name to the ancient Tasso family, whose most famous member is undoubtedly Torquato Tasso. The Tasso family already had a company of 'post masters' in the mid-12th century and came to manage the mail service of the Habsburg Empire during the 16th century. In the Middle Ages, the village of Cornello was an important centre for trade and the passage of people and goods thanks to the presence of the via Mercatorum, the merchants' road, which connected Bergamo to Valtellina and linked some of the most important centres in the Brembana Valley.
When, in 1592, the construction of the Priula Road began, commissioned by the Venetian government to directly connect Bergamo to Valtellina without passing through Spanish territories, Cornello dei Tasso found itself isolated and lost its commercial importance, giving way to a period of decline. The new road, in fact, passed along the valley floor, separating the village from the new road system. The isolation of the village, however, favoured the preservation of its original urban structure, which, except for some alterations in the second half of the 20th century, still appears in its medieval appearance, a requisite that has allowed Cornello to be included among "The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy".
in San Giovanni Bianco, in San Pellegrino Terme, in Val Taleggio, in Camerata Cornello, in Dossena, in Valpiana, in Vedeseta, in Zogno
Alla scoperta della Valle d'Itria, partenza dal punto di noleggio di Martina Franca per questo percorso ad anello ricco di meraviglie per gli occhi e per il palato.
Potrete immergervi tra ulivi secolari, muretti a secco e panorami mozzafiato, senza dimenticare qualche peccato di gola, i deliziosi pasticcini alle mandorle della pasticceria Almond, le prelibatezze di carne offerte dalla brasseria Gianfrate carni pregiate, i vini ricchi di sfumature pregiate di Cantine Di Marco e per concludere il re incontrato di questi luoghi...l'olio evo da L'Acropoli di Puglia a due passi dal punto di noleggio di Martina Franca.
in Alberobello, in Martina Franca, in Locorotondo, along Pirro canal, in Bisceglie, in Cisternino
A easy ride in the countryside right outside the city centre.
After crossing the historical city centre, the itinerary reaches Valpantena, the first valley in the east of Verona, and follows little roads among the vineyards, at the bottom of the hills. It reaches Montorio, a small village that features beautiful little lakes and is crossed by small creeks. We follow a nice bike path that runs along a creek, from where we can enjoy beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. The itinerary crosses the outskirts of Verona and reaches the river Adige.
Finally, we ride along the river Adige banks until we reach the city centre.
in Verona, in Valpolicella, in South Adige parc
Part from Lecce, the capital of the Baroque, the first leg of the Ciclovia of the Ionian Salento. And it is immediately a journey between history and nature : as soon as the city leaves the archaeological area of Rudiae with its amphitheatre, the fiabian road of the Cupa Valley and the rural chiesthole of the Madonna della Neve. Then you enter the Grecìa Salentina, touching on Sternatia and Soleto, to stop in Galatin to admire the magnificent frescoes of the Basilica of St. Catherine of Alexandria and the atavics suggestive of the tarantates. You arrive in Nardò that comes with its ancient borgo rich in history.
salento, salento ionico, in salento, maglia, lecce, puglia, nardò, avetrana
Exploring the Langhe hills on an e-bike is like leafing through a living book of history, nature and culture. As you pedal, the landscape transforms into a kaleidoscope of sensations: rows of vines alternate with medieval villages, and wide views open up to breathtaking horizons. The gentle hum of pedal assistance blends with the sounds of nature, allowing you to tackle every climb with ease and fully enjoy the journey. The air, infused with scents of ripe grapes and fertile soil, envelops you, stimulating your senses and awakening your spirit. Each stop becomes an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich local food and wine tradition, savouring the essence of a land where past and present intertwine harmoniously. This route is not just a journey through space, but also through time, promising to leave indelible memories and the desire to return to discover more.
La Morra
La Morra, known as the "balcony of the Langhe", welcomes you with spectacular views stretching from the surrounding hills to the Alps. From the viewpoint, you can admire a breathtaking panorama, trying to identify castles and bell towers of nearby villages. Don't miss the chance to visit the Red Bench in the Santa Maria hamlet, a unique scenic spot. Pedalling through the hamlets, you'll be completely immersed in the vineyards, discovering hidden gems such as the majestic Lebanon cedar, a centuries-old tree that dominates the landscape. La Morra is also renowned for its wineries, many of which offer visits and tastings of DOC and DOCG wines, some certified organic.
Barolo
Barolo, the world capital of its namesake wine, is an unmissable stop. The village, dominated by Falletti Castle, houses the WiMu (Wine Museum), an interactive experience that will guide you through the region's wine culture. Stroll through the narrow streets of the historic centre, stopping at the numerous wine shops to taste the prized "king of wines". Don't forget to visit the curious Corkscrew Museum, which offers a unique perspective on the history of wine.
Novello
Novello, the starting and ending point of your tour, welcomes you with its captivating tranquillity. Explore the historic centre, walking along the belvedere with its panoramic terraces offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Don't leave without tasting Nascetta, a wine produced from a recently rediscovered native grape variety, at the local Wine Shop. Novello is the perfect place to conclude your journey, relaxing and reflecting on the wonders you've discovered along the way.
The Experience
This 26 km itinerary is an adventure accessible to all, thanks to e-bikes that make even the most challenging stretches manageable. The self-guided route, supported by the BikeSquare app, offers you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stopping when and where you prefer. Starting and returning to Novello, you'll traverse some of the most evocative landscapes of the Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site, fully immersing yourself in the rich food and wine culture of the region. It's an eco-friendly journey that combines the pleasure of cycle tourism with the discovery of a unique territory, where each pedal stroke is a caress to the soul and a tribute to the beauty of nature and human ingenuity. An experience that will leave you with the desire to return, to explore these magical hills again and again.
in Novello, in Barolo, in La Morra, in Verduno, in the Langhe, in Roero, in Barbaresco, in Neive, in Monforte, in Diano, in Castiglion Falletto, in Alba, in Bra
Da Cornello dei Tasso si attraversa la Valle dei Mulini verso la chiesa di Sant'Anna per poi raggiungere l'abitato di Oneta
in San Giovanni Bianco, in San Pellegrino Terme, in Val Taleggio, in Camerata Cornello, in Dossena, in Valpiana, in Vedeseta, in Zogno
If you like to live different experiences, if you like the sea, the Sun, the tradition, if you love cycling and if you want to make it more comfortable, this is your tour.
Very relaxed guided tour, where we toured the magnificent Promenade of Torremolinos, address to your Old town with our fantastic Electric Bikes brand Moustachemotor and battery Bosch. Bike ideal for enjoying a walk without effort.
We will arrive to the Old district of Torremolinos by the Carlota Alessandri Avenue. We will give a walk by all the pedestrian streets of the old town, where we will end up in the densely populated Calle San Miguel, the most famous street in the municipality. And you can take a few minutes to shopping in its fantastic shops.
An unforgettable experience for lovers of travel and bikes!
Price: €50
Meeting point: QQ Bikes Shop at the Hotel Barracuda in Torremolinos
PS: Before of the tour we will have an explanation of the characteristics of the bicycle moustache.
Included in the Tour: Helmet safety, liability insurance and a guide every 8 participants.
a Malaga, a Málaga, nella Cosa del Sol
Si tratta di un percorso lungo (ma è possibile percorrerne solo dei tratti) che si sviluppa su strade secondarie e rurali e arriva fino a Libarna uno uno dei siti archeologici più interessanti del nord Italia.
Volete scoprire tutto di questo percorso? Trovate tutte le informazioni relative a questo percorso promosso da 9 comuni dell'area ((Alluvioni Piovera, Arquata Scrivia, Basaluzzo, Francavilla Bisio, Fresonara, Gavi, Pozzolo Formigaro, Sale, Tassarolo) su Cicloturismo Piemonte dove potrete scoprire anche gli itinerari secondari.
in Monferrato, in Campo ligure, to Lerma Castle, to Lavagnina's lakes, in Capanne's natural parc
After kilometers and kilometers of coastline, the fifth stage of the GTL heads inland, to retrace the Tyrrhenian stretch of the Gustav Line, the retreat front of the German army at the end of the Second World War. The strategy imposed by Hitler was to leave death and destruction behind, and the villages in this area still bear the signs of what was the scene of bloody war actions between the Nazis and the Allies. We start from the archaeological excavations of what was once a flourishing Roman city of Minturnae, whose aqueduct is still clearly visible from the Appian Way, and we flank the Garigliano river, which at this point is crossed by a beautiful Bourbon bridge, to go up its course along the Way of San Filippo Neri. The road is slightly uphill and the first few kilometers are immersed in the bush, broken only by spas and dams on the river. The track dances on the border between Lazio and Campania, skirting villages such as Castelforte, Santi Cosma e Damiano, Sant'Ambrogio sul Garigliano. The kilometers before Cassino reveal the first signs of the Ciociaria countryside, with the pre-Apennines in front of us and the imposing figure of the Abbey of Montecassino, a Benedictine monastic complex famous for one of the most violent bombings of the last war, where there are still numerous monumental war cemeteries.
a Empoli, in Val d'Arno
VETRALLA / TARQUINIA
The fourteenth track of the GTL is still immersed in the Etruscan lands, and the hills of Tuscia are the masters in this inexorable descent towards the sea. This inexorable descent, however, hides many small ups and downs that make this stage a little more lively, until it reaches an accumulated difference in altitude of about 600 meters. From Vetralla we exit avoiding the busiest roads, to take the provincial road towards Tuscania: the trend is slightly downhill, the panorama that of the typical countryside of central Italy. Farms, rustic villas and rows of trees frame this first stretch of road without any particular crossings, except for a few herds of grazing cows.The somewhat monotonous wait, however, is rewarded halfway along the route, when we enter the beautiful village of Tuscania: with its medieval walls and churches in Romanesque and Gothic style, closed between the Marta and Capecchio rivers, it is leaning against a tuffaceous block like many villages in the area, and while flaunting a timeless dimension it has known various historical eras: from the Etruscan settlements from which it takes its name (Tuscum) to the Roman ones, up to the Middle Ages of the Aldobrandeschi fiefdoms and the era of the Communes.After Tuscania, the trend becomes a bit fluctuating, although it retains a negative difference in height towards sea level: a nice stop along the way is also the Abbey of San Giusto However, we have to reach Tarquinia, which is leaning against gentle hills that partially block the Tyrrhenian wind: to do so we avoid the most direct road, which is a two-lane provincial road, deviating onto secondary roads in the direction of San Giuliano and then falling back before Montalto di Castro. The destination of GTL14 is universally recognized as the capital of the lands of Etruria, one of the largest necropolises and one of the most important Etruscan museums in the world
a Empoli, in Val d'Arno
The itinerary starts from the Bike Square rental point in Cabella Ligure. From here you take the S.P. 140 and cross the bridge over the Borbera river until you reach the towns of Dovanelli, Dova Inferior, Dova Superior and finally the pass of San Fermo, at crossing point of the Ligurian Apennines with an altitude of 1.129 m at Mount San Fermo along the road which connects Liguria with the Borbera Valley. The pass in the past was very important because it was the direct salt route to Lombardy. On the Piedmontese side of the pass is the chapel of San Fermo with two bas-reliefs from the ancient abbey of San Clemente. From the pass you have a fantastic view of the Borbera valley, Valley Scrivia and Valley Vobbia, on clear days the view reaches the Western Alps, Liguria and sometimes even Corsica. The Chapel of San Fermo is locatedin the on the border between Liguria and Piedmontat a height of 1177 meters above sea level, in the Ligurian Apennines. From the chapel you can enjoy the Ligurian Sea, the Apennines, the western Alps and, on the clearest days, Monviso. The patronal feast is characteristic Ligurian pancakes held at the chapel of the same name on 9 August every year. For the return trip you pass thisugh the towns of Casalbusone and Gordena, typical villages similar to those of the Ligurian hinterland, built with local stone and immersed in an unobstructed nature of beech, oak and chestnut woods.
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in Val Borbera, in Arquata Scrivia, in Gavi, to Borghetto Borbera
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