Group Trip - Hamlets and castles on the Via Matildica of the Holy Face

Itinere

Events may vary, always contact the organizers before going on site.

Group trip on request of 3 days and 2 nights.
Period: April - November.
It is possible to request the customisation of the trip.

ITINERARY:
The castles in the province of Reggio Emilia retain their ancient charm and tell the story of the Canossa family and the most powerful woman of the entire Middle Ages, Matilda of Canossa, the Great Countess who played a primary role in the struggle for investitures that decided the destiny of Europe.
Three days of hiking on the Via Matildica del Volto Santo, the itinerary that crosses the territory of 3 Italian regions (Lombardy, Emilia, Tuscany) rich in culture, traditions, landscapes.
From Mantua to Lucca via Reggio Emilia.
And it is precisely in the province of Reggio Emilia that our trip will unfold.

DAY 1:
Late morning arrival in Reggio Emilia (we recommend arriving by train) and pick-up by private minivan of the group.
After a traditional lunch, we will set out together with Elisa (Environmental Hiking Guide) for the first stage of our itinerary. An exceptional tasting experience awaits us to be inebriated by the scent and taste of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia!
(Walking distance: 7 km / + 450 m / 3h30)
The minivan will take us to the restaurant for dinner.
After tasting typical dishes, we will make an evening visit to one of the castles, an architectural jewel of extraordinary beauty.
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 traveller catches his breath and savours 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 captured 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 a more artistic castle’ (Archaeologist and art historian Corrado Ricci, 1885).
(Walking route: 8 km / +400 m / 4h including stops)
After a tour inside the fortress we will enjoy a well-deserved packed lunch.
The afternoon tour will continue to an ancient medieval village.
(Walking distance: 4.5 km / + 200 m / 1h30')
At the end of the walk, we will have time to freshen up and relax at the Relais, enjoying the outdoor Jacuzzi.
Dinner will be in the garden of an old mill, now a farmhouse, located in a 17th century stone hamlet in the valley of the Tassobbio river.
At night we will return to the Relais Borgo Vercallo.

DAY 3
After greeting Relais Borgo Vercallo with a tasty breakfast, the Sentiero Dorato (Golden Path) will show us the way.
We will first reach the highest manor of the powerful domain of the Gran Contessa, elected at the time as the privileged seat for hosting pontiffs, emperors, kings and dukes.
Afterwards, we will discover a precious archaeological site where a fascinating 100-year-old parish church will welcome us.
(7 km/ +620 m /5h including stops)
After a packed lunch, a last visit to the stone museum of the parish church awaits us, and a final descent to be picked up by the minibus, which will take us back to the station (or to the car).

USEFUL INFO:
Luggage:
Participants should travel with a backpack/backpack for excursions and a duffle bag/hand luggage for overnight.

Compulsory equipment (for excursions)
- backpack
- water bottle/camel bag with personal water supply (at least 1 litre)
- hiking boots with lugged 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
- cape and/or waterproof rucksack

Recommended
- trekking poles
- sunglasses

PRICE INCLUDES:
Private minivan for the group; Environmental Hiking Guide service for the entire duration of the trip; Meals (3 lunches, 2 dinners); ticket and guided tour of 3 castles (1 outdoors); visit to the Stone Museum (free of charge); guided tour and tasting in a vinegar cellar; Overnight stay (double room or double room for single use as requested) with breakfast.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Medical-baggage insurance; wine at lunches; tips; entrance fees to museums/monuments not specified; anything not specifically mentioned in ‘price includes’.
­WHERE

­ a partire da 390.00 €

DAYS & HOUR
­INFO & TICKETS
0522 1696020
Viale Ramazzini 72, fraz. Reggio Emilia, 42124, Reggio Nell'Emilia, (RE)

Mon-Fri 9.00 am-1.00 pm, 2.00 pm -6.00 pm