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www.artholidaysinitaly.com
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Holidays and Walking Holidays in Emilia Romagna, Italy
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THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN THE AREA
Day walks and nature trails
There are many, interesting walks including trails which visit ancient fountains from which you can drink the mineral water which, it is believed locally, has curative properties. Some walks offer dramatic views of mountains, others meander through pastures with wild flowers and butterflies underfoot, then there are many trails through natural woodland, or alongside rivers. We have maps, walking routes and guidebooks you can use.
We may also suggest walks which are part of the long distance routes below.
The Bismantova Rock
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An unmistakable limestone flat rock which rises about 3000m and which dominates the landscape, The Bismantova Rock is spectacularly beautiful and a 'must see' if you are in the area. You can walk up in 30 easy minutes and the plateau is 1km x 250m - a grat place for a picnic!. The 360' views from the top are breathtaking. Beneath the southeast face is a Benedictine hermitage dating from before the 14th century. A well marked trail also makes a complete tour of the rock.
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The
Bibulca Route
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The
Matilda Path
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Sentieri
Spallanzani
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The
Grand Apennine Excusion
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The
Romea Nonantolana Route
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Climbing
The Bismantova Rock is one of Northern Italy's most important training grounds for free climbing with 212 routes on the face which rises 300m above the surrounding plain. There is also lots of bouldering around the base.
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Click here for free climbing and bouldering information or here,
You tube links for climbers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TpA0JTgmkI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL8wQnDDy_c&feature=fvst
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH7Sv7IS9mA&feature=fvsr
In winter the taller peaks such as Mount Cusna, Alpe de Succhiso and Mt Marmagno offer the chance of ice gullys to climb.
Rivers
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Rivers and mountains streams, rock pools and water falls.....naturally beautiful and cool in the summer.
Via Ferrata
Translated as Route of Iron, these walks have metal aids such as steel ropes, ladders, and suspension bridges to help you over difficult or steep terrain. For the more adventurous perhaps? We have found some routes in the next valley and hope to find more!
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Cycling
Many of the walking routes are suitable for cycling and the roads are not busy either. There are many marked cycle routes, one of which passes the house - 'La terra e cielo'. As for mountain biking, there is a ski slope called Abetone with lifts for 57km of pistes in the winter. In the summer they hire out mountain bikes and gladiator style protective gear so you can take the bikes up in the lifts and race down the pistes. This is a great fun day out.
Horse riding
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There are stables within walking distance and horse riding can easily be arranged.
click here for the horse riding site
Birdwatching/lovers of nature
This National Park is one of the greatest successes in Italy with regard to the resurgence of natural habitats which have created an abundance of species of flora and fauna. There are deer, boar, wolves, roe, birds (including golden eagles) and alpine type amphibians. Butterflies, dragonflies and other beautiful beings are seen daily.
Winter sports
'Settimana Bianca' (Snow Week) is the name of the traditional Italian winter holiday. We have often gone on a 'ski holiday' in which not everyone skis, so we really like the idea of 'snow week'. You can ski, snow-board, cross-country ski, sledge, build snow-men, go on snow shoes, walk, take beautiful photos, or just chill out in front of the wood burning stove with a good book and a glass of wine.
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There is skiing at Febbio which is not far away. Both Pheona and David are skiers and boarders and are able to offer beginners' lessons to those who want to try either out. And when the weather's not too good we can always find something fun to do! Below the snow dragon!
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Cross country skiing is apparently the local winter sport. You can hire skis and go on the walking routes of the summer on skis. We have used the skis a few times and really hope to have the opportunity this year to try out this local past time.
Festivals and Fiestas
There are many festivals (usually concerning food or wine!) throughout the year. If they coincide with your holiday we will be sure to let you know.
There is a military museum in Villa Minozzo which chronicles the events of WW2 in which the heroes of the Risurgimento fought on the side of the Allies.
Villa Minozzo is famous for having kept alive the tradition of 'Maggio' a particular form of dramatic folk art. (July and August)
Also' The Festival of the Porcini' is the 2nd Sunday in September, and the 'Festival of Chestnuts and New Wine' is the 2nd Sunday in October, in Villa Minozzo.
If you are a car lover you may be interested in visiting the Lambourghini museum or the Ferarri museum. There is also a Ducati factory museum for the bikers.
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Or the Fiat 500 rally which takes place the last Sunday of August in Villa Minozzo.
Food and Wine
Emilia Romagna boast of being the gastronomic capital of Italy. It is the home of Parmesan cheese, and many other speciality cheeses, also Parma hams, porcini mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, lunigiana honey, lambrusco and several other red wines. All food is fresh, and we also grow our own frut and vegetables organically. So you will find that it is a sensory delight to be eating and drinking here.
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And the local market in Villa Minozza is every Thursday.
Sports Centre in Villa Minozzo
There is a sports centre in Villa Minozzo with a gym, tennis courts, roller skating arena, archery field, bowling green, play park for children, and an outdoor swimming pool (in summer).
Towns and Cities of Interest
There are many towns and cities of interest. Castellerano has amazing Ventian style architecture in its old town. Florence, Parma and Bologna can be visited for the day, or you may wish to extend your stay by visiting Venice or Rome for a few days. Each of the local villages has its' own character and you will see many different forms of architecture around you.
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Children
Apart from all the natural playground such as rivers and mountains, trees, fruits to pick, nuts to gather etc there is also the local open air pool which has a toddler pool too. A good day out for children is Cerwood adventure park. http://www.cerwood.it/
For more information on Italy try the web site
http://www.italiansrus.com
Your guide to Italy & Italian Culture on the Web. Enjoy as
you learn more about the traditions, heritage and way of life that make
Italians who they are