FOIATONDA | COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE
EXPERIENCES TO LIVE
Live an authentic holiday rediscovering tradition and natural beauty.
“Living roots, strong communities, authentic mountain”
Experience the authenticity of the region through unique and unforgettable experiences.
WORKSHOPS | EXCURSIONS | TREKKING
Leave your routine behind and immerse yourself in a journey filled with genuine emotions, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient traditions. Here, every experience tells a story: that of a land rich in culture, nature, and authentic flavours.
Whether you wish to stroll along verdant trails, savour traditional dishes prepared from time-honoured recipes, or discover artisanal crafts that have withstood the test of time, you’re in the right place.
Each activity is designed to make you feel part of an authentic setting, where time slows down and beauty reveals itself in every detail.
Get ready to live experiences that will stay in your heart forever.
Children’s Workshop
with a Woodcraft Artisan
Art, Craft, Nature
Vaccari Carpentry Store | Via Firenze No. 15 – Madonna dei Fornelli (BO)
INFO & BOOKINGS: +39 389 6409004 – info@foiatonda.it
Invent and build wooden objects and toys together with skilled hands, stimulating imagination, creativity, and sensory development.
This craft workshop is suitable for children aged 5 and up.
VALIDITY AND SCHEDULE: To be determined
Trekking along the Flaminia Militare with guided storytelling
Food, Nature, Sport, History
INFO & BOOKINGS:
+39 389 6409004 – info@foiatonda.it
Walk through history immersed in pristine nature. Let yourself be guided to discover the millenary Roman Road “Flaminia Militare” along the Via degli Dei until you reach the ancient paved stones once walked by Roman centurions. Be captivated by the natural beauty and mysteries of the Apennines as you reach the ridge of Monte Bastione on the Tuscan border. A unique place, rich in conifer forests and beech woods that emit unique natural energy properties, offering breathtaking views.
From the ridge, we’ll descend to the Cancelli del Vento, where you can relax with a picnic featuring our local products. Finally, we’ll descend to the charming Castel dell’Alpi lake, the only natural basin in the province of Bologna, then climb back up to the Sanctuary of Madonna dei Fornelli, dedicated to the Madonna della Neve.
TIMES
From 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Program
- 9:30 AM — Meet in Madonna dei Fornelli and registration
- 10:00 AM — Start trekking towards the Roman Basolato on the Flaminia Militare with a brief historical explanation of the site
- 12:00 PM — Arrival at the “Cancelli del Vento” meadow for a picnic
- 1:00 PM — Begin descent towards Castel dell’Alpi lake
- 2:30 PM — Arrival at the lake shore, crossing the dam, then return along the Cà Galeazzi trail
- 5:00 PM — Trekking ends with arrival at the square in Madonna dei Fornelli
Meeting place
Piazza Madonna della Neve – Madonna dei Fornelli – San Benedetto Val di Sambro (BO)
Maximum number of participants
Minimum 4 people – Maximum 30 people
Language
Italian – English
The experience includes
Trekking with a professional GAE guide.
Picnic with local typical products.
Insurance coverage.
Small souvenir of the day.
The experience does not include
Transfer and transport. Available at an additional cost.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 2 days before the experience, no cancellation fee will be charged. After this deadline, the full booking amount will be charged.
Tips and Additional Information
Trekking shoes, comfortable clothing suitable for the Appennine temperatures at the time of year, a windproof K-way, and a water bottle are recommended.
Trekking and cooking class with the ‘zdora’
Craftsmanship, Food, Nature, Sport, History
INFO & BOOKINGS: +39 389 6409004 – info@foiatonda.it
Discover the traditional cuisine of the Apennines and the ingredients that make it truly unique.
Join us on a
trek through woods and cultivated fields as we take you to local farms where you can learn about and sample exceptional products, which we will use to cook traditional dishes together.
During the walk, you will learn to
identify seasonal herbs that we will gather to naturally colour pasta, just as it was done in the past: silene, mint, nettle, or chestnuts in autumn — everything nature provides.
You will dine at a partner venue with a menu featuring the same dishes that you will learn to prepare the following day in the homes of our skilled pasta makers from Madonna dei Fornelli, renowned for their culinary expertise. Tagliatelle and stuffed tortelloni are among the traditional recipes we will share, along with the secrets to preparing them for friends and family.
To conclude, you will receive a lovely memento — your own rolling pin branded Foiatonda.
TIMINGS
From 14:30 on Saturday to 12:30 on Sunday
Program
Saturday:
- 14:30 Meet at Madonna dei Fornelli for a welcome
- 15:00 Start of the trek with a GAE guide through woods and fields, accompanied by our expert in medicinal herbs who will teach you how to recognise and gather them, then cook the typical homemade green pasta
- 15:40 Guided visit to the Ca’ di Monti farm where you will discover Jessica’s goat breeding and be able to taste her outstanding dairy products
- 16:20 Trek back to Madonna dei Fornelli
- 19:30 Dinner with a themed menu featuring a tasting of the dishes you will cook the next day
Sunday:
- 10:00 Meet in the square at Madonna dei Fornelli
- 10:30 Start of the cooking class in the kitchens of our famous mountain pasta makers
- 12:30 End of activities, final aperitif, farewells, and presentation of Foiatonda-branded rolling pins to participants
Meeting place
Piazza Madonna della Neve – Madonna dei Fornelli – San Benedetto Val di Sambro (BO)
Maximum number of participants
Minimum 2 people – Maximum 4 people
Language
Italian – English
The experience includes
All products and raw materials needed to make the traditional green fresh pasta of the mountain tradition.
Trekking with a certified GAE guide.
Guided visit to the goat farm and tastings of dairy products at the Ca’ di Monti farm.
Dinner at a restaurant with a traditional menu.
Overnight stay and breakfast at a local partner accommodation.
3-hour cooking class in the kitchens of our mountain pasta makers.
Apron and hat for the cooking class.
Recipe book of the dishes created and a complimentary Foiatonda-branded rolling pin.
The experience does not include
Transfer and transportation. Available at an additional cost.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 2 days before the experience, no cancellation fee will be charged. After this deadline, the full amount of the booking will be charged.
Tips and Additional Information
Trekking shoes and comfortable clothing suitable for walking and the cooking workshop are recommended.
Workshop: The Ancient Art of Wicker Weaving
Art, Craftsmanship, Nature, History
INFO & BOOKINGS:
+39 389 6409004 – info@foiatonda.it
Discover the ancient art of wicker weaving and intertwine your creativity with the charm of the traditional crafts of the Apennines.
You will learn the artisanal techniques passed down through generations by local communities, putting your manual skills to the test. Guided by the Master basket weaver, who learned the craft from the village elders, you will create a wicker basket in just a few hours to take home as a memento of the experience. Before the workshop begins, you can enjoy a tasting of excellent local products paired with typical mountain crescentine bread and craft beer.
SCHEDULE
From 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Program
- 12:00 pm Tasting of mountain crescentine bread served with local cured meats, cheeses, and craft beer
- 2:00 pm Wicker weaving workshop with the Master basket maker
Meeting place
Piazza Madonna della Neve – Madonna dei Fornelli – San Benedetto Val di Sambro (BO)
Maximum number of participants
Minimum 2 people – Maximum 4 people
Language
Italian – English
The experience includes
All materials and tools necessary for wicker weaving and basket making.
Tasting of crescentine, local typical products, and craft beer.
Insurance coverage.
The experience does not include
Transfer and transportation. Available at an additional cost.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 2 days before the experience, no cancellation fee will apply.
Beyond this deadline, the full booking amount will be charged.
Tips and Additional Information
The workshop is suitable for adults and teenagers over 14 years old.
A reasonable level of manual dexterity is required.
Comfortable clothing appropriate for a craft workshop is recommended.
Photowalking panoramic at sunset
Art, Nature, Sport
INFO AND BOOKINGS: +39 389 6409004 – info@foiatonda.it
Photograph the magic of the sunset at the most scenic viewpoint along the Via degli Dei.
An enthusiastic amateur photographer will accompany you to the summit of Monte Galletto, guiding you to the best spots for your shots.
An experience to dedicate to yourself, to reconnect with nature and absorb all the energy released by the light as it fades behind the mountains.
On your return, you’ll also satisfy your palate with a tasting of craft beers accompanied by a platter of cured meats, cheeses, and local specialities.
TIMES
June: From 6.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
September: From 5.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Route Specifications
Easy route suitable for ages 8 and up. Approximately 5 km. Surface: asphalt and gravel. Total elevation gain: 150 m.
Program
June:
- 6.30 p.m. Meeting in the centre of Madonna dei Fornelli and start of the walk towards the Monte Galletto Wind Farm.
- 8.00 p.m. Arrival at the panoramic area and photographic stop for the entire duration of the sunset.
- Following this, return to the centre of Madonna dei Fornelli for a tasting of craft beers and local speciality products.
September:
- 5.30 p.m. Meeting in the centre of Madonna dei Fornelli and start of the walk towards the Monte Galletto Wind Farm.
- 7.00 p.m. Arrival at the panoramic area and photographic stop for the entire duration of the sunset.
- Following this, return to the centre of Madonna dei Fornelli for a tasting of craft beers and local speciality products.
Meeting place
Piazza Madonna della Neve – Madonna dei Fornelli – San Benedetto Val di Sambro BO
Maximum number of participants
Maximum 30 people
Language
Italian – English
The experience includes
Panoramic photographic walk accompanied by a local amateur photographer expert in the area.
Tasting of craft beers and local speciality products.
Insurance coverage.
Small souvenir of the day.
The experience does not include
Transfer and transportation. Available at an additional cost.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 2 days before the experience, no cancellation fee will be charged.
Beyond this deadline, the full booking amount will be charged to you.
Tips and Additional Information
Punctuality is recommended, as the group will depart at the agreed time to avoid missing the sunset.
It is advisable to bring a camera or mobile phone, fully charged and with sufficient storage space.
A torch is mandatory for the return journey, along with sports shoes and comfortable clothing suitable for the temperatures in the Apennines during the season.
A windproof Kway jacket and a water bottle are also recommended.
Trekking to discover the ancient villages
Food, Nature, Sport, History
INFO AND BOOKINGS: +39 389 6409004 – info@foiatonda.it
Discover the oldest villages of the Apennines such as Zaccanesca and Cedrecchia, already known from the Vatican fresco maps.
Together we will walk a section of the famous Via degli Dei, and along the ancient paths we will meet the small and welcoming communities of our villages.
You will be able to visit Cedrecchia and the beautiful ancient church of San Paolo, which houses a valuable 17th-century altarpiece. From here, we will reach the panoramic viewpoint of Cà di Paiarino, where you can refresh yourself with a picnic of unbeatable local products while admiring a breathtaking view of the Sambro valley.
The small hamlets of Casigno and Fontana Vandesca are just a preview of the rural spirit that will reveal itself shortly after in the pastures of the goats at the Cà di Monti Farm, which will prepare a tasting of its exceptional dairy products for you.
Among myths and legends, we will return to Madonna dei Fornelli where you can visit the Sanctuary of Madonna della Neve.
TIMES
From 9.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Program
- 9.30 a.m. Meeting and registration at Madonna dei Fornelli
- 10.00 a.m. Departure
- 12.00 p.m. Arrival at the panoramic viewpoint and picnic area of Cà di Paiarino
- 1.00 p.m. Departure heading to Cà di Monti
- 2.00 p.m. Visit to the farm with tasting
- 4.00 p.m. Return to Madonna dei Fornelli
- 12.00 p.m. Tasting of mountain crescentine paired with local cured meats, cheeses, and a craft beer
- 2.00 p.m. Wickerwork workshop with the Master basket maker
Meeting place
Piazza Madonna della Neve – Madonna dei Fornelli – San Benedetto Val di Sambro (BO)
Maximum number of participants
Minimum 4 people – Maximum 30 people
Language
Italian – English
The experience includes
Trekking with a professional GAE guide.
Picnic with local speciality products.
Tasting of dairy products and visit to the Cà di Monti Farm.
Insurance coverage.
Small souvenir of the d
The experience does not include
Transfer and transportation. Available at an additional cost.
Tips and Additional Information
If you cancel at least 2 days before the experience, no cancellation fee will apply.
Beyond this deadline, the full booking amount will be charged.
Cancellation Policy
Trekking shoes, comfortable clothing suitable for the temperatures in the Apennines at this time of year, a windproof K-way jacket, and a water bottle are recommended.
Mountain Bike Excursion with Guide
Nature, Sport, History
INFO AND BOOKINGS: +39 389 6409004 – info@foiatonda.it
A three-hour tour to discover the Alpe di Monghidoro, one of the most beautiful natural areas of the Bolognese Apennines, on the border with Tuscany and just a stone’s throw from the Raticosa Pass.
Accompanied by certified MTB guides who are experts of the area, you will reach the Alpe di Monghidoro and the Croce dell’Alpe. Along beautiful technical trails, alternating with short, more challenging sections suitable for well-prepared bikers, you’ll reach Monte Freddi and continue to the Covigliaio Oasis for a tour immersed in centuries-old beech and pine forests.
TIMES
From 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Meeting place
Futa Point – Monghidoro (BO)
Maximum number of participants
Minimum 3 people – maximum 15 people
Language
Italian – English
The experience includes
Experienced guide certified by the National MTB Academy.
Snack with local speciality products in nature.
Insurance coverage.
The experience does not include
Transfer and transport available at an additional cost.
MTB or E-Bike rental available.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 2 days before the experience, no cancellation fee will apply.
Beyond this deadline, the full booking amount will be charged.
In case of bad weather, the event will be postponed to a later date.
Tips and Additional Information
Booking is mandatory.
Technical mountain bike clothing including helmet and gloves is required. A windproof Kway jacket and a water bottle are recommended.
Route: 28 km – elevation gain: 1000 m.
Difficulty level: intermediate/expert.
