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CICLOVIA DEI CRINALI
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Outdoor Valdaso
All routes
Tipi di percorsi
The Capuchin Way - Bike
These two stages are part of the Cammino dei Cappuccini (link), from Camerino to Montefortino and from Montefortino to Castignano. A route that crosses the Marche region, linking places of great spiritual and cultural importance linked to the Franciscan tradition. It is a journey that is not only physical, but also interior, an opportunity to reconnect with nature and history, following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims in a landscape that has maintained its charm intact over the centuries.
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Up and down the Aso Valley
We start out from Comunanza, the only Valdaso village to rise on the valley floor, an ideal starting point for exploring this land. We pedal along minor roads, immersing ourselves in the green hills, and reach Force, an ancient village that seems suspended in time, with its stone houses and narrow streets winding among picturesque views. After a brief stop, we continue downhill towards the valley floor, from where we begin the ascent on the opposite side. Here, Montefalcone Appennino awaits us, another charming village perched on a rocky spur, where the medieval castle, guardian of centuries of history, stands out. We cannot fail to visit the local museum, which preserves precious archaeological artefacts and works of art that bear witness to the local culture and traditions. We conclude our journey by descending along a minor road, which in the last stretch turns into a dirt road. We reach Comunanza once again, gratified by the views and beauty of these places. The route has little dirt road but two rather long climbs, which require some training. However, with an e-bike they are easily tackled, allowing us to fully enjoy the landscape and the villages.
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On the two ridges
We start from the picturesque village of Monterubbiano and following the Crinali cycle route, which runs along the ridge, we cycle to Petritoli, another enchanting village with its civic towers and breathtaking views of the valley below. We then continue on to Monte Vidon Combatte, where time seems to stand still, and continue to Ortezzano, a picturesque village dominating the surrounding landscape. We descend to the valley floor, cross the Aso river and begin to climb the south ridge, approaching the historic fortress of Montevarmine. The view accompanies us as we reach Carassai, a charming village with its ancient brick houses. Don't miss a visit to the oldest nucleus as far as the small panoramic square. After a short break, we continue towards Montefiore dell'Aso, a village rich in monuments and with the San Francesco museum centre that is certainly worth a visit. Leaving the village, we descend again to the valley floor and tackle the longest climb of the day, six kilometres that lead us to Moresco, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its crenellated tower and evocative alleyways. We conclude our tour by returning to nearby Monterubbiano, enriched by unforgettable views and a unique experience. The route is perfect for ‘road riders’ with the peak of the physical effort in the final climb from 50 m at the bottom of the valley to 440 m at Monterubbiano. With an e-bike you can avoid the greater effort and enjoy the landscapes and places.
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The Capuchin Way - Stage 16
The hiking route starting in Rotella and ending in Offida offers an immersive experience in the beauty of the hills of the Marches, combining breathtaking views with a route rich in history and spirituality. This route, which winds its way through the gentle slopes and mountains of the Marche hinterland, begins in the small village of Rotella, located about 388 metres above sea level. From here, the route runs for almost 22 kilometres, crossing landscapes that alternate green hills and shady woods, until it reaches the historic town of Offida, located at 319 metres above sea level. Along the way, you are constantly accompanied by a variety of natural scenery that changes with the passing of the hours and the altitude. Along the way, views open up, alternating between wide expanses of cultivated fields, lush woods, and glimpses of the surrounding mountains that make one feel the reassuring presence of the high peaks, while remaining on gentler and more accessible paths. Every now and then, between one bend and another of the path, one can catch a glimpse of small villages that seem suspended in time, with their stone houses, narrow lanes and silent squares that tell stories of a simple and authentic life. There is no lack, along the way, of evidence of the profound spirituality that pervades this land. The Cammino dei Cappuccini (link), of which this itinerary is a part, is in fact a route that combines nature and faith, touching places of great religious importance. Each stop is an invitation to reflection, a pause that allows you to breathe deeply not only the pure air of the hills, but also the history and spirituality that these places jealously guard. The route, while offering glimpses of rare beauty and moments of peace, is not without its challenges. The total height difference of over 1,000 metres requires good physical preparation. However, these difficulties are amply repaid by the satisfaction of each step that brings you closer to your destination, and by the feeling of connection with your surroundings that grows stronger with each kilometre. Altogether, this itinerary represents a hiking experience of medium difficulty, stretching some 22 kilometres. The estimated duration to complete the route varies from 6 to 8 hours, depending on the pace of the hiker and the breaks one decides to take to admire the views or visit places of worship along the way. At the end of the journey, the arrival in Offida marks the end of an itinerary that is not only a journey through space, but also an inner journey. Offida, with its characteristic historic centre and ancient traditions, welcomes the traveller with the typical warmth of the Marche, offering the opportunity to appreciate even more the beauty of a region that has much to offer to those who know how to discover it with the right spirit.
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Infernaccio and San Leonardo Gorge
The Infernaccio Gorge is one of the most iconic places in the Sibillini Park and among the most fascinating places in the entire Apennines. Our itinerary begins at the crossroads on Provincial Road 148, where the dirt road leading to the gorges branches off. The first stretch of about 3 km is driveable, so if you want to shorten the route, you can continue by car and look for a resting place along the road, taking care not to be in the way. We advise you, if you can, to avoid the summer weekends because of the large number of tourists who take the route and the consequent number of cars looking for a parking spot. After three kilometres, two concrete blocks block the way for cars and the obligatory walk begins. Another kilometre of wide road and the path proper begins, heralded by the ‘Pisciarelle’, a series of small waterfalls that cascade down the side of the mountain onto the path and on hot days can offer a moment of refreshment. We begin to enter the gorges, climbing among rocks and vegetation and crossing the stream on a small wooden bridge. The start should not be frightening; the path soon softens as we stay alongside the tumultuous waters that have carved their way through the overhanging rocks. This is definitely the section that is both the most fascinating and the most frightening, with breathtaking views of the vertical walls, which are very close in places. After a couple of kilometres from the point where the cars stop (and five from the start of the dirt road), we come to a fork in the road on the right indicating, the Hermitage of San Leonardo. If we continue straight ahead, we can lengthen the route as far as Capotenna, where the springs of the river are; here the valley opens up to reveal the peak of Monte Bove and the surrounding mountains. Up to this point the path remains easy and suitable for everyone, while continuing towards the peaks is reserved for hikers who are more physically prepared and organised to tackle long stretches of mountain. Returning to our itinerary and our crossroads (altitude 970m), we take a right and begin to climb more decisively, reaching after about one kilometre the 1120 m altitude of the Eremo. The Hermitage is a neo-Gothic-style church rebuilt by Father Pietro Lavini of Potenza Picena, who in the 1970s, fascinated by the site, began the solitary enterprise of reconstructing the ancient church, now in ruins; reconstruction that lasted over forty years, until his death. This is where our route ends, which we will have to travel backwards to return to our starting point.
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Valdaso landscapes
Starting from the church of Montottone, easily reached from Petritoli and with parking facilities, we walk south along a quiet asphalt road. After a short while, we turn left onto a dirt road that, amid fields and gentle slopes, leads us towards the ridge. Here, we cross the asphalt road and take a country lane to the left, climbing up the hill to a spectacular viewpoint, where our gaze embraces the beauty of Valdaso at 360 degrees, among hills, villages and, in the distance, the sea. After a break, we retrace our steps to the provincial road, turn right and then left again to return to the church. Nearby we find a park equipped with tables, perfect for a picnic immersed in the tranquillity of this enchanted corner of the Marche.
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Enoturismo a Carassai
A Family Tour with activities for children and parents, focused on the discovery of vineyards, environmental storytelling, and sensory experiences. These are slow-paced paths, with educational stops dedicated to children and moments of play and relaxation. Possibility of creative workshops with the organization of a botanical walk for children or a snack with local organic products.
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Wine tourism in Castorano
Itinerary from the historic center of Castorano (AP) to nature, among the Piceno badlands. A necessary stop for refreshments at the "Cameli Irene" winery.
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Crinali della Valdaso Cycle Route - Stage 04 - from Rotella to Marina di Altidona
We leave Rotella for the last stretch that separates us from the return to the beaches of the Adriatic. The wake-up call is given to us shortly after our departure by a somewhat challenging first climb that then turns into a falsopiano that accompanies us to Montedinove, the first village of the day. The small town, perched on a hilltop, is rich in history and elegant architecture, culminating in the recently renovated piazza-belvedere. It is home to a Sistine museum and the Picene Tombs Museum. Less than three kilometres and we are in Montalto delle Marche, one of the main centres of Valdaso with an extremely interesting and articulated historical centre and with interesting museums to visit, such as the Bishop's Sistine Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Prisons and others. Montalto is also the highest point of today's route, at 530 m above sea level; from here, the road begins to descend steeply, until arriving, after about 10 km, at Carassai, another fortified village with some very valuable views. We still descend for about five kilometres before tackling the last real climb of the day, which will take us up 130 metres in altitude to reach Montefiore all'Aso, listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy, with a well-preserved historic centre, inside which stands the Museum Centre of San Francesco. The interior of the church, now deconsecrated, is embellished with frescoes and works of art, while the rooms of the former convent house a precious polyptych by Carlo Crivelli, recently restored. We continue our descent, with the sea now in front of us, to reach the last town in our necklace of ‘pearls’, Campofilone. The town is known throughout the world for being the centre of production of the well-known durum wheat semolina pasta, made in a semi-artisanal manner, but the town certainly deserves a tour of its historic centre, up to its peak, the so-called abbey garden, today a simple meadow enclosed within ancient walls and with a beautiful view of the valley and the mountains now distant and in the background. Our journey is almost at an end. Just a few more kilometres downhill and we are in Pedaso, which we will cross by taking the Adriatic cycle path along the coast, ending on the cycle/pedestrian bridge where we started, while below us flows the river Aso, which has also reached its destination.
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Crinali della Valdaso Cycle Route - Stage 01 - from Marina di Altidona to Montelparo
We start out from the new cycle/pedestrian bridge that crosses the Aso at the point where it flows into the sea, the junction point between Marina d'Altidona and Pedaso. We immediately begin to climb and in 5.5 kilometres we reach the first town on the ridge, Altidona, at 218 metres above sea level. Altidona is the first ‘pearl’ to ring in our necklace of villages; a small walled hamlet that still retains the flavour of a medieval village. We continue along the route until we reach the junction for Lapedona, a twin village that can be reached by a 3.4 km diversions along a converging ridge; another walled village with a splendid view of Fermo and its land. Back on our ridge, we continue towards Moresco, a small but interesting fortified village characterised by an imposing heptagonal tower that stands out to our left. Just before the village, the small and original small temple of the Madonna della Salute is worth a stop. After visiting the hamlet, we take the road again to enter the historic centre of nearby Monterubbiano, a town of broader scope, rich in churches and historic buildings. The Civic Archaeological Museum inside the former convent complex of San Francesco is interesting. We continue on our way to Petritoli, another town rich in history and charm. Particularly noteworthy is its tall civic tower, dating from 1832, inspired by religious symbolism through various geometric shapes. We continue pedalling to reach our sixth town, Monte Vidon Combatte, a small village-castle with a double-door entrance, softened by loggias and arches. After Monte Vidon Combatte, the road begins to descend to an altitude of 200 m above sea level, then rises again to 300 m in Ortezzano, whose historic core is characterised by a pentagonal tower, evidence of the ancient castle, located in front of the beautiful Suffragio church, with its sinuous Baroque façade, strictly in terracotta. We continue towards the penultimate town, Monte Rinaldo, with its small triangular square where the clock tower stands out and nearby is the important archaeological site of Cuma. The description of this first section of the cycle route ends after about 46 kilometres and 1200 m of elevation gain, in Montelparo, a town rich in history and points of interest.
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Ascent of Monte dell'Ascensione
We set off from Rotella, the historic centre at the foot of Mount Ascension. Our first destination is Poggio Canoso, a charming medieval village where we stop to visit theMount of the Ascension Ecomuseum to better understand the area we are going to explore. After the stop, we resume the route on a dirt road that climbs through the scents and silences of the countryside. When we reach the provincial road, we turn right and continue south, keeping to the left at the first fork. Shortly afterwards, on our left, begins a long stretch of dirt track, well marked and without abrupt inclines, which guides us to the summit of the mountain. The last hairpin bend reveals an unusual and somewhat apocalyptic landscape, dotted with a forest of antennas and repeaters. However, it is worth continuing to the cross, from which a breathtaking view opens up over the plain of Ascoli: below us the crags of the mountain and the white gullies, and in the distance, the city of Ascoli. We begin our descent along the most challenging section of the route, a dirt road with a surface that is not always smooth and with some steep sections. After a few kilometres, we join a smoother dirt road that we take by turning left. After a short uphill stretch, we again descend and, at the first asphalted crossroads, we turn left again to reach the hamlet of Capradosso and continue quietly to Rotella. The uphill dirt road is smooth and without tears, with a good surface even if some sections are a little rough. The descent is the most technical part of the route. Ideal route for off-road e-bikes.
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Wine tourism in Offida
An experiential walk with dogs, led by a dog educator and a GAE guide, aimed at the inclusion of individuals with relational difficulties or social anxiety, or families with pets. The activity promotes the concept of conscious pet-friendly tourism, animal welfare, and respect for nature. Hospitality and wine tasting at "La Valle del Sole" in Offida (AP).
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Lost villages and lonely churches
We set out from Comunanza and, passing through the historic centre, we follow the course of the Aso river. We cycle along dirt roads to Lake Gerosa, skirting it to immerse ourselves in the hilly landscape. Before the dam we cross the river again, near the ancient Roman bridge of Gerosa, which is certainly worth a stop. With the lake on our right, we continue to the short diversions to the Romanesque church of San Giorgio all'Isola with its distinctive architecture and enriched inside with precious frescoes, an ideal place for a refreshing stop. We continue on our way and reach the provincial road, which we take to the left, beginning to climb more steeply. Having passed our maximum altitude of 950 metres above sea level, we continue along the ridge road and, at Propezzano, make another diversions to the church of San Vito di Propezzano, which welcomes us to the hillside in an evocative atmosphere. Continuing on, we reach Polverina, where we detour among the houses to reach along a dirt road the church of Santa Maria Assunta, in a splendid position but still bearing the signs of the last earthquake. From here, we return to the provincial road to leave it shortly afterwards, following a route that takes us to the village of Gabbiano, not before another diversions to the small church of Sant'Emidio, set in a timeless landscape. We then return to the ridge road, and at Croce di Casale we turn onto smaller, unpaved roads to the abandoned hamlet of Nasuto, with its distinctive church of 20th-century architecture. From the meadow behind the church we can say goodbye for the last time to the grandiose panorama of the Sibillini Mountains. We continue with a fairly tough but short climb, and then continue downhill along lovely dirt roads to our return to Comunanza. The route is demanding, but an e-bike can make it easier, allowing us to fully enjoy the places while suffering less fatigue.
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Between villages and nature on the paths of the Aso river
We set out from Comunanza, the only village on the Aso valley floor, passing through its historic core, with the Sistine Museum that tells stories of the past. We leave the village and at the first fork on the right we begin to climb on a road that soon becomes unpaved, surrounded by luxuriant nature. After a long climb, we reach the provincial road, following it for a few hundred metres, and then take the turnoff for Lisciano. From here, a long descent on a dirt road through woods and ridges awaits us, taking us to Palmiano, the first village after 15 km of immersion in nature. We resume the uphill route and reach Provincial Road SP 93, which we take by turning left (turning right, not far away, there is the possibility of a restaurant). After about 1.5 km on the provincial road, we turn left towards Quinzano, a small village with a splendid panorama of the Sibillini mountains. We continue along minor roads to Force, the main town in the area, where we stop to visit the museums and the picturesque historic centre. We retrace our steps slightly to begin the descent towards the bottom of the Aso valley and close the loop at Comunanza. The unpaved sections are well groomed, but include challenging sections that require training on the ascent and technique on the descent. With an e-bike, the route can be tackled without too much effort, allowing the beauty of the area to be fully enjoyed.
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Mountain villages
We start out from the village of Montefortino, a charming hamlet rich in history, with its splendid views of the nearby mountains. We start by following the sub-Apennine provincial road for about 3 km; here we turn left onto a dirt road. A little further on, a diversion to the right leads us to the church of Sant'Angelo in Montespino, an isolated religious building on a hill, where the silence and peace of the setting offer us a moment of pure relaxation. We return to the previous dirt road and descend for a few kilometres, surrounded by greenery, before starting an ascent that takes us along a long route between minor roads and paths. The environment here is wild and fascinating, a true immersion in nature. We finally reach Montemonaco, a characteristic and welcoming village, where we can stop for refreshments and admire the many points of historical and scenic interest. From here we continue our route, keeping at high altitude for a few kilometres, skirting the mountains and enjoying spectacular views, before beginning the descent that will take us back to Montefortino, thus closing our tour. The itinerary includes some climbs that require some physical preparation. However, with an e-bike, these climbs become more accessible, allowing us to enjoy the landscapes without too much effort.
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Gravel bike ring, Rotella - Force
We leave the village of Rotella and tackle the first kilometre and a half of a demanding climb that takes us up Contrada Colle, a long dirt road that winds gently over a ridge of hills offering splendid views of the Sibillini Mountains and Valdaso. As we pedal into the beauty, the outline of the village of Force, our destination, stands out in front of us. Before that, however (at about km 8 from the start), we recommend a short diversions to the left to reach the fascinating ruins of the church of San Taddeo, a place lost in time watched from afar by Monte Vettore. We finally reach Force (km 13), where a stop is a must to visit the ancient village (don't miss the Ramai museum) and to recharge your batteries. We resume cycling on an asphalted section that follows the level lines, which allows us to enjoy a smooth ride to the small village of Quinzano, where we can admire a superb panorama of the Sibillini mountains. A fine stretch of dirt road brings us back to the provincial road, which we follow for about one kilometre northwards. At the fork for Montemoro we turn right and begin the return journey through cultivated fields and vineyards, an ideal route to fully appreciate the rural landscape (with the possibility of wine tasting). Continuing on, we arrive in the compact and ancient village of Poggio Canoso, another small jewel hidden among the hills that offers fascinating views and the sensation of being in a place out of time.The village is also home to the Ecomuseum of Monte dell'Ascensione.From here, the route takes us back to Rotella, closing a ring that combines nature, history and tranquillity, perfect for gravel lovers.
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Franciscan Way of the Marches - Stage 7
This itinerary of about 21 kilometres starts in Comunanza, a village nestled in the heart of the hills of the Marche region, at an altitude of about 438 metres. Comunanza, with its narrow streets and stone houses, offers a perfect starting point for a journey combining nature, culture and spirituality. Leaving Comunanza, the itinerary enters a hilly landscape that enchants with its variety and beauty. The gentle hills of the Marches, covered with woods and cultivated fields, offer panoramic views that change with every bend in the path. It is a route that invites you to walk calmly, to stop every now and then to admire the view, to listen to the sounds of nature, and to breathe in the fresh air that smells of earth and greenery. This route is characterised by a predominantly hilly and wooded environment, alternating between easier stretches and challenging ascents and descents. With a positive height difference of more than 1070 metres, the route requires good physical preparation, but the effort is amply repaid by the beauty of the landscape and the serenity one breathes along the way. The climbs, sometimes steep, are interspersed with gentler stretches, which allow you to recover your energy and enjoy the surrounding nature. The estimated duration to complete the itinerary is about 6-7 hours, a time that allows one to tackle the route without haste, allowing oneself the luxury of stopping for a break, perhaps in one of the many suggestive places encountered along the way. Each step brings us closer to Venarotta, the final destination of this stage. Venarotta is a quiet and welcoming village, situated at an altitude of about 437 metres, immersed in a landscape that invites inner peace. This stage is part of the Cammino Francescano della Marca (link), an itinerary that follows the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi through the regions of central Italy. The route is characterised by a strong connection with spirituality and nature, passing through places that evoke the simplicity and contemplation that were so dear to the saint. Walking along this path means not only exploring the natural beauty of the Marche region, but also immersing oneself in a spiritual journey that invites reflection and deep connection with the surrounding environment.
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From Montefiore dell'Aso to Montecantino Lake
We leave from the centre of Montefiore dell'Aso, after a nice breakfast and a much-needed visit to the beautiful old town, with views of the sea and the Apennines. We leave in the direction of the cemetery, continuing to the entrance. Once in front of the gate, we take a secondary road to the left, shaded and gently descending, which, amidst relaxing views of the countryside, will take us to the shores of Lake Montecantino, a small artificial reservoir hidden in a small valley. We arrive at the dam, which cannot be crossed, but not far to the left, a short descent takes us to a bridge, which we cross. Here begins a steep climb that will take us to via di Fonte Trufo, where we turn right to return to our starting point.
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The Capuchin Way - Stage 14
The hiking route that connects Montefortino to Montefalcone Appennino represents one of the most fascinating experiences for those who wish to immerse themselves in the heart of the Marche region, among mountain landscapes, medieval villages and unspoilt nature. This itinerary, part of the Cammino dei Cappuccini, offers an opportunity to come into contact with the spirituality and history of this region. The stage starts in Montefortino, a picturesque village at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains. Montefortino, with its narrow medieval streets and authentic atmosphere, is the ideal starting point for exploring the Monti Sibillini National Park. From here, the trail winds north-east through a landscape dominated by green hills and deep valleys, offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. The route, about 24 kilometres long, is varied and challenging, with a positive altitude difference of about 1173 metres. The nature of the terrain, predominantly mountainous, requires good physical preparation, especially on the uphill sections. However, any fatigue is rewarded by the beauty of the views along the way. The trail passes through shady forests, flower-filled meadows and ancient paths used for centuries by pilgrims and local shepherds. After about six hours of walking, at a moderate pace, we reach Montefalcone Appennino, a village perched on a rocky spur overlooking the valley below. Montefalcone Appennino is known for its well-preserved historic centre and the breathtaking views from its walls. Montefalcone, with its cobbled streets and ancient churches, is the perfect place to end a day's walk. This route is part of the Cammino dei Cappuccini (link), an itinerary that combines nature, culture and spirituality. Following this trail means not only challenging oneself physically, but also getting in tune with one's surroundings and the history of a region that has much to offer. Every step along the way is an invitation to reflect and enjoy the beauty and peace that characterise these lands. In short, the itinerary from Montefortino to Montefalcone Appennino is much more than a simple hike: it is a journey into the soul of Le Marche, between the spirituality of the Capuchin friars and the majesty of nature that dominates this corner of Italy.
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The Capuchin Way
This route is part of the Cammino dei Cappuccini (link), following the last stages: from Montefortino to Montefalcone Appennino, from Montefalcone Appennino to Rotella, from Rotella to Offida and from Offida to Ascoli Piceno. An itinerary that combines nature, culture and spirituality. Following this path means not only challenging oneself physically, but also getting in tune with the surrounding environment and the history of a region that has much to offer. Every step along the way is an invitation to reflect and enjoy the beauty and peace that characterise these lands.
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