SPRING CYCLE ROUTES AROUND ITALY’S OFFICIAL “MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES” IN TRENTINO

The mountain villages of Luserna and Pieve Tesino, both located in the foothills of the Dolomites, are the latest addition to the prestigious list, which is overseen by L'associazione I Borghi più belli d’Italia (The Association of Most Beautiful Villages in Italy).

Stretching from Lake Garda to the Dolomites, Trentino is home to some of the country’s most diverse terrain, with Alpine woodlands, almost 300 lakes, olive groves and green valleys, dotted with historic towns and villages. In the spring, when the region is awash with vibrant colour and the smell of blossoming flowers, cycling trails offer visitors routes to explore Trentino’s beautiful villages at leisure in milder climates.

Luserna:

Tucked away deep in the heart of the Trentino countryside with breath-taking views across the surrounding mountains, Luserna on Alpe Cimbra sits on the central-southern border of a vast Alpine pasture that sprawls across the areas around Folgaria, Lavarone and the Passo Vezzena. Rich Cimbrian culture is protected, promoted, and celebrated by the Centro Documentazione Luserna, the town’s Documentation Centre, which is also a museum dedicated to history and traditions. Casa Museo Haus von Prükk in the village also highlights the traditions of the local community. The museum is the result of restoration works carried out on an ancient rural Cimbrian farmhouse. To delve deeper, visitors can explore the local walking routes and paths such as the Sentiero dell’immaginario (the Path of the Imaginary), that will take culture vultures on a journey to discover the magical characters of the Cimbrian world.

Cycle: The 12.5km Luserna - Virgo Maria – Milegruam mountain bike trail is a circular route from Luserna that takes in the heart of the Cimbrian land. Passing through woods and pastures into the Cimbrian forest, the trail leads cyclists to the top of Mount Virgo Maria, where at the Baita del Neff mountain hut, Flavio, is an original Cimbrian man ready for a chat. The route then goes on to Malga Millegrobbe, a renowned mountain resort, before travelling on to the imposing Fort Lusérn, witness of the Great War. The route also takes in the “Sentiero cimbro dell'Immaginario”, one of the most beautiful walking trails in Trentino.

Pieve Tesino:

The quaint and historically rich village of Pieve Tesino is home to Alcide De Gasperi Home and Museum and the Tesino Museum of Prints and Pedlars where visitors can learn about the travelling peddlers who set out from the village to reach the farthest corners of the globe to sell artistic prints, set up shops across the world and become publishers. The museum is located within the Casa Buffa Giacantoni building in the historic centre of Pieve Tesino, which was inhabited by print-sellers for generations. The Tesino Arboretum is also not to be missed and extends for 14 hectares in the Rio Solcena valley that takes in meadows, marshes and woodlands.

Cycle: The circular Tesino Bike - Lefre 2308 cycle route is a 13.4 km mountain bike trail starting in the village of Pradellano. After climbing a hairpin paved road to the Monte Lefre Mountain Hut, cyclists can admire the Valsugana valley from a wonderful viewpoint close by. The route continues towards Malga Valle and descends an unpaved path to the Pradellano little lake, a stone’s throw from the starting point.

Stay:
Hotel Al Sorriso Greenpark & Wellness is located near Lake Levico, ideally located to explore the villages of Luserna and Pieve Tesino. The hotel offers a six night stay from £565 for two people. The hotel has a variety of wellness activities to choose from and is located nearby Lake Levico. Based on two people sharing on bed and breakfast basis. Dates: 25-31 May 2022.