Valle Croce, Cavatore — Ring tour

Embark on the Valle Croce, Cavatore — Ring tour, a difficult 11.9 miles (19.1 km) hike that takes approximately 5 hours and 33 minutes to complete, featuring a substantial 1608 feet (490 metres) of elevation gain. This route guides you through an oak wood along a comfortable cart track, past former lavender fields, and up to Monte Capriolo. You will descend towards Cavatore on an asphalt road, eventually reaching the historic streets of the village, all while enjoying diverse scenery including vineyards and, on clear days, distant views of the Alpine arc.

To best experience the trail, consider visiting during the gorse blooming season when the yellow flowers are most vibrant. The route begins in Valle Croce near a farmhouse, and you will pass by the Animal Walk farm and the small San Sebastiano church before reaching Cavatore's municipal building. Clear days are ideal for enjoying the extensive panoramic views from various points along the trail, including the medieval village of Cavatore itself.

This trail is a significant segment of the larger "Anello delle Ginestre," or "Ring of the Gorse," named for the abundant gorse bushes that line its paths. It connects the thermal town of Acqui Terme with the medieval village of Cavatore, allowing you to explore both natural beauty and historical settlements. Don't miss the ancient tower in Cavatore, dating back to 1100, which offers an exceptional panoramic viewpoint, or the unique Animal Walk farm where you can see llamas and alpacas.