Who we are
In English the name of our group Cinghiali della Val Tidone means Wild Boars of Tidone Valley. Just like this precious dweller of our woods we like to explore our beautiful hilly territory riding our bikes or just walking in a natural landscape.
The Tidone Valley
The Tidone Valley begins on the slopes of Penice Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Apennines of Piacenza, 1460 mt. above sea level. The area is mainly hilly, rich of woods and well preserved natural corners, small rivers and rural lakes, fields and vineyards, a little paradise just 1 hour drive from Milan.
The hills of Tidone Valley are dotted with castles and fortified houses, some of them can be visited: Rocca d’Olgisio rising on a cliff near Pianello Val Tidone offers a panoramic view on the whole Pianura Padana and the Tidone river, the Zavattarello Castle (province of Pavia) is another imposing monument that is worth a visit. In the close Luretta valley we suggest a visit in the beautiful Agazzano castle where you can see the medieval fortress and the villa.
Extremely pleasant also a rest in one of the characteristic villages of Tidone valley Pianello Val Tidone, Nibbiano, Caminata and Pecorara and of Luretta valley, Agazzano, Piozzano and Gazzola. If you are interested in ancient cultures you can visit the Archeological Museum and the archaelogical excavations of Piana di San Martino in Pianello Val Tidone, the Folk Wisdom Museum in Piozzano.
For lovers of nature and night skies two interesting points: the astronomic observatory of Lazzarello and the botanical garden of Pietra Corva in Praticchia.
Guided hikes and tracked loop routes
We wish to let people discover our territory thanks to planned activities and trips but trekking and MTB lovers can also enjoy the beauties of our area independently and without fear of getting losta thanks to the 100 km of tracked and tabulated loop routes winding through old roads, trails and woods in the Tidone Valley.
The routes start and return in Pianello Val Tidone and cross the hills of Pianello Val Tidone, Nibbiano, Pecorara and Piozzano between 200 and 800 mt on sea level. You can choose betweet 4 itineraries or plan your trip on the main loop route that combines the four loops into one 46,68 long path. Itineraries are also marked for different difficulty levels so you can choose the most suitable to your capabilities and feeling.
April to October we propose monthly guided hikes, often during village festivals when we are used to celebrate together after the tour. When you arrive in Pianello Val Tidone you can rent a bike: front, full suspension and also assisted pedal, for one or more days. Contact us for more information.
Bicycle meet
Yearly we organize a bicycle meeting for adults and children (with mountain bike masters), during the day there also is an exhibition and sale of local products such as wines, cheese and sausages.