Woof woof! My name is Kyra, I am a ten-year-old Labrador and I love traveling with my humans.
Today I want to recommend a very nice itinerary, straddling Romagna and Tuscany, in the Upper Savio Valley, among unspoiled nature, spas, walks, outdoor lunches and lots of cuddles.
The itinerary, which I did in the company of my human friends in May, is perfect not only in spring, but also in summer and fall, when you can enjoy the wonderful colors of fall foliage.
From Sarsina to the Ridracoli Dam, via the trails of Monte Fumaiolo, Lago Lungo and the spas of Bagno di Romagna, it was a paw-friendly weekend. If you'd like, follow along stage by stage!
Warning: it is always important to know that we must be leashed on the trails, and that humans must pick up after us. Also, the roads are a bit curvy, best to take that into account if anyone gets carsick!
Here is lots of useful information for humans who want to visit Romagna in the company of their furry friends.
We left early, with the sun peeping through the hills, to reach Sarsina, a quiet and welcoming village.
After parking in the center, in a large square where even I found room to stretch my paws, we took a short walk (about 300 meters) to reach the impressive Marmitte dei Giganti Park.
Humans call these large, egg-shaped rock formations hollowed out by water-they look just like huge pots! At first they were a little scary to me (what were those giants cooking there?!), but with my humans nearby I quickly calmed down.
The Park is well maintained and very green. I was able to walk around safely kept on a leash. Just a nice way to start the trip, among nature, geological curiosities and plenty of space to breathe good air... And then there is a nice picnic area at the top of the trail, very convenient!
After a stop in Sarsina, we took the car and in just over an hour arrived at Monte Fumaiolo, at an altitude of 1,400 meters. Here my humans parked conveniently along the road in the marked parking lots.
We walked down a trail about 500 meters to reach the famous headwaters of the Tiber River. The descent (and then the ascent!) was a bit tiring for me, but with a little patience - and a lot of cuddling - I made it!
The Fumaiolo area is really a paradise for us dogs: lots of trails, cool woods, scents to smell everywhere.
We also discovered the source of the Savio River, which gives this valley its name.
For those who want to go on longer hikes, humans can contact Fumaiolo Sentieri, which also organizes pet-friendly outings.
After the hike, my humans treated themselves to lunch at a facility where I was greeted with a bowl of fresh water and lots of caresses. That's how I like to travel!
After lunch at Fumaiolo, we walked leisurely down to San Piero in Bagno, which we reached in about 30 minutes by car.
Just before entering the village, we stopped at a place perfect for us dogs: Lago Lungo. It is a tranquil body of water surrounded by soft meadows perfect for rolling around, resting or just sunbathing with your humans.
While I enjoyed the fresh grass, one of my masters relaxed by fishing, and the other went mushrooming in the nearby woods, since he has a harvesting license.
While my human friends were chatting with the restaurant managers, I heard that in autumn is here we go chestnut picking and that there are beautiful old trees.
Paw on fire, I can't wait to go back when the leaves turn all orange and yellow!
After an aperitif by the lake, we reached Bagno di Romagna, where my humans were planning a nice relaxing evening at the spa. I don't mind when they relax, because they get even more pampering!
I have heard that this town has been famous for its water even since the days of ancient Rome.
While they soaked in the warm thermal waters - between outdoor pools and healing treatments - with the man cub we went for a walk to the Gnome Trail. It is just a stone's throw from the village, and winds through a cool forest full of surprises.
Along the way there are low wooden houses, funny sculptures, animal silhouettes and small bridges. For a dog like me, with an ever-alert nose, it was a constant discovery of new smells and tracks. Also, don't tell people, but I really thought I saw a red hat poking through the leaves....
Back downtown, we had dinner at a dog-friendly establishment where I had my own bowl. Perfect evening.
The next day we left early in the morning in the direction of Ridracoli Dam, in the Bidente Valley.
We got there after an hour's drive from Bagno di Romagna, over the Passo del Carnaio - a nice drive through curves and woods.
A marvel! I really didn't think there could be such an impressive work of engineering and so well inserted within an intact natural context: in fact, we entered the Natural Park of the Casentino Forests, and from here you can admire the Sasso Fratino Integral Reserve, a Unesco heritage site: a perfect backdrop to the Dam.
We dogs are welcome too! I was able to walk along the dam and even board the electric boat with my humans - what an adventure!
I also tried the canoe, but there I have to say I felt a bit unsteady... Perhaps it is an experience better suited for small dogs. My poodle friend, on the other hand, told me that for him it was one of the most fun things about the trip with his humans!
After the trip, we had lunch outside in a cozy facility, and in the afternoon we visited the Idro - EcoMuseum of Ridracoli Waters, where the little human learned a lot of things about water: such as how precious it is, how many liters of water it takes to produce one shoe, or how important the Dam is to bring drinking water to all of Romagna.
In short, this weekend was really very intense and fun, full of nature, cuddles and freedom. And above all, we dogs were always welcome.
