Western Berici Hills Loop from Lonigo

This tour features a mixed terrain, including paved roads, dedicated cycle paths, and significant unpaved sections like gravel paths, dirt tracks, and occasionally grassy or cobbled areas. For this reason, a versatile touring bicycle, ideally a gravel bike or mountain bike, is highly recommended over a road bike to comfortably navigate the varied surfaces.

The tour is a ring tour, meaning you can start and end at various points. The official komoot tour starts near Lonigo. The Altavia dei Berici, which this tour follows, is divided into 11 sections, and each stage can be accessed by car. You can look for parking in or around Lonigo or other municipalities along the route.

The terrain is quite varied, offering a mix of surfaces. You'll encounter paved roads, dedicated cycle paths, and a significant portion of unpaved sections, including gravel paths, dirt tracks, and some grassy or cobbled areas. While generally rideable, be prepared for changing conditions and some challenging sections.

This tour is rated as 'difficult' and is generally considered a demanding route due to significant elevation changes and mixed terrain. It requires good to very good physical preparation. While individual segments vary, the overall ring tour is not recommended for beginners. However, it can be tackled in parts or as a multi-day tour, making it adaptable for different abilities if planned carefully.

The route is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You'll pass through wooded valleys, vineyards, olive groves, and enjoy panoramic viewpoints. Highlights include the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer (Cathedral of Lonigo), Villa San Fermo Giovanelli, ancient caves, archaeological sites, and picturesque rural villages. You might also spot views of the ancient Fimon Lake and, from higher points, the Piccole Dolomiti and Euganean Hills.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other trails. You'll find yourself on parts of the Sentiero n. 55 di Orgiano, Sentiero n. 45 di Alonte, Sentiero dei Monti di Lonigo, Sentiero dei Monti di Meledo, Sentiero delle Fontane, Sentiero n. 51 di Villa del Ferro o del Donatore, and Sentiero delle Grotte di Sarego, among others. It also connects with national and regional trails like the Via Postumia and Via Romea Strata.

Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons for cycling the Berici Mountains. The weather is typically milder, and the landscape is vibrant with blooming flowers or autumn colors. Summer can be quite hot, especially on exposed sections, while winter might present colder temperatures and potentially wet or icy conditions on unpaved paths.

While the Altavia dei Berici is generally open to cyclists, specific regulations regarding dogs on cycling paths or unpaved sections are not explicitly stated. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or other users, and to ensure they are well-behaved and can handle the varied terrain and duration of the ride.

No specific permits or entrance fees are required to cycle the Altavia dei Berici or other trails within the Colli Berici. The route is generally accessible to the public. However, always respect private property and local regulations, especially when passing through villages or near historical sites.

Yes, the Berici Hills are known for their rich culinary heritage. You'll find opportunities to taste traditional cuisine, local wines, and regional specialties in the various municipalities and villages along the route. The division of the route into stages also makes it suitable for multi-day tours, with options for accommodation available in the area.

Given the tour's difficulty and mixed terrain, you should bring a well-maintained gravel or mountain bike, appropriate cycling gear, a helmet, sufficient water, and snacks. Navigation tools (GPS device or komoot app with the downloaded tour) are essential as the route is well-signposted but covers a large area. A basic repair kit and spare tube are also highly recommended.