Great Valdinievole Loop

This is a challenging road cycling tour that can take over 5 hours to complete, especially given its significant elevation gain and distance. It requires excellent training and endurance.

No, this tour is classified as a difficult road bike ride and is not suitable for beginners. It demands excellent training from cyclists due to its 55.8-kilometer length and substantial 1,470 meters of elevation gain. Some parts may even be unpaved or difficult to ride, potentially requiring you to push your bike.

As this is a ring tour, you can typically find parking in one of the towns along the route, such as Vellano or Avaglio. Specific parking areas are not detailed, but village centers usually offer public parking options.

The route primarily consists of road surfaces. While segments like the Malocchio Climb boast very well-maintained asphalt, it's important to note that some parts of the route may be unpaved or difficult to ride by bike, which adds to its challenging nature for road cyclists.

The tour offers diverse and picturesque scenery. You'll pass through charming settlements like Vellano, where you can enjoy splendid views of Svizzera Pesciatina. From Avaglio, situated at 750 meters above sea level, panoramic vistas of the Valdinievole await. Don't miss the unique Big Bench delle Pietre Cavate, a fun spot for photos.

The route traverses an area with sunny slopes and dense forests, suggesting spring and autumn would be ideal for cycling. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural colors, avoiding the extreme heat of summer or the colder, potentially wetter conditions of winter.

While the route is primarily on roads, some sections may be unpaved. If you plan to bring a dog, ensure it is well-trained for road cycling environments and comfortable with varied terrain. Always keep your dog on a leash, especially in populated areas or near traffic, and be mindful of local regulations.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Malocchio, Vellano and Avaglio — Ring tour. It is a public route accessible to cyclists.

Yes, sections of this route overlap with several other trails. You'll find it intersects with parts of the Sentiero 9 "Colle e dintorni", Sentiero 3 "Colle e dintorni", Il Cammino di San Jacopo - Tappa 3, and the Alta Via della Valdinievole, among others.

The tour passes through settlements like Vellano and Avaglio. These villages, particularly Vellano, are likely to offer options for cafes, restaurants, or basic accommodation, allowing you to refuel or rest during or after your challenging ride.

You'll experience a diverse landscape characterized by sunny slopes, cultivated fields, and dense forests. These forests are primarily composed of chestnut, acacia, oak, fir, and maple trees, offering varied natural beauty as the route lies between the Valdinievole plain and the higher peaks of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.