Piacenza Valleys, Emilia Romagna, Italy
- Where: Val Tidone & Val Trebbia
- Multi Day Itinerary
- Hikes: day hikes
- Suggestesed Stay: 2-3 days
This is an area of Emilia Romagna that I have never considered before. But it was a huge mistake! As I write, I am planning another weekend to discover more.
The valleys around Piacenza offer landscapes immersed in nature suitable for total relaxation or hiking. They also include ancient villages, castles, and truly unique food and wine specialties ready to be tasted.
They are 4 valleys
- Val Tidone
- Val Trebbia
- Val Nure
- Val D’Arda
but I have focused this itinerary on Val Tidone and Val Trebbia.
This area of Emilia Romagna is not well discovered yet, but it is breathtaking, so I definitely recommend you to go and explore around.
Catch you outside,
Elena
Who is this itinerary for?
This itinerary is for everyone! The places are reachable by car, and there are several hikes around the area. The hikes are not super well-marked, so I recommend having a GPX trace, especially if you don’t speak Italian. The elevation gain of the ones I did is not bad, but as usual, make sure to be well-prepared for any emergency.
Day One: Val Trebbia
- Val Trebbia
- Spots: Brugnello, Bobbio, Cascata del Carlone
- From Piacenza: 1.15h
It seems that Hemingway crossed the Trebbia Valley at the end of World War II and found it the most beautiful place in the world, so I came to see it myself!
What to Visit in Val Trebbia
BOBBIO
Bobbio has been voted the “Village of Villages” in 2019, so it is a must see place!
Don’t miss:
– The Abbey of San Colombano, one of the most important monastic centers in Europe!
– Malaspina Castle, not only beautiful but offering a stunning view of the Val Trebbia!
– The Ponte Gobbo! The true symbol of the city, famous for its 11 irregular arches.
I had lunch at Salumeria Artevi, where I got an Emilia Romagna specialty: the Erbazzone, a savoury pie with a filling of mixed cooked greens enclosed in a thin, flaky crust. The crust, called fuiada, is traditionally made with lard.
BRUGNELLO
Brugnello is an artists’ village perched on a cliff at 464 meters above sea level.
Don’t miss: the charming medieval houses, lovingly restored by volunteer artists and adorned with flowers, wooden carvings, and stone decorations, the quaint medieval church and the incredible panoramic view of the Val Trebbia and it’s river!
The best restaurant in Brugnello (and the only one) is Rocca Rosa! Enjoy a meal of local dishes for €25-35 per person!
CASCATA DEL CARLONE
The Carlone Thermal Waterfall is located in an untouched area in the valley of the Carlone stream near San Cristoforo di Bobbio, a region known for its numerous waterfalls and cascades. At its base lies a thermal water lake with thermomineral properties and a saline spring. The source of the Carlone Waterfall contains saline-bromine-iodine-sulfur waters rich in magnesium, and the waters of the Carlone stream have thermal properties due to the high concentration of mineral salts.
Best Swim Spots in Val Trebbia
Day Two: Rocca D’Olgisio, Val Tidone
- Pianello Val Tidone
- Spots: Rocca D'Olgisio, Grotta delle Sante, Grotta della Goccia
- From Piacenza: 1h
This hike will take you to the ancient Rocca d’Olgisio, which is the gem of Val Tidone: built in a strategic position, it overlooks not only the entire valley but also the Po Plain (on particularly clear days, you can see the skyscrapers of Milan!). It allows you to admire landscapes immersed in nature and small villages and explore the various caves in the surrounding area. It is also accessible by car and open for internal visits. The hike is pretty steep at the beginning so be prepared to get tired! 🙂
Val Trebbia, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and charming villages, offers a unique escape into nature and culture.
From the breathtaking views that inspired Hemingway to the ancient towns and delicious local cuisine, this valley is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re hiking through its picturesque trails, discovering its historical treasures, or simply soaking in the tranquil beauty, Val Trebbia promises an unforgettable experience.
👇🏻Feel free to book a “Discover Italy like a Local” with me 👇🏻
Catch You Outside,
Elena
Frequently Asked Questions
Dog allowed?
Yes, You can take your puppy… but only if you collect their 💩!!
Where to sleep?
I did it with my car and rooftop tent, but there are many cool agriturismi and local hotels in both valleys
Difficulty
All the hikes don’t present any major challenge, but check the conditions of the trails before getting there.
Best months to go?
- It’s area suitable for year-round hiking.
- As usual, check weather forecasts for safety, avoiding the trails during heavy rain or strong winds, but also duringvery hot days.
Can I do it by bike
Yes, you can do the hikes with your bike, but for some sections, you must take a different route, so I suggest you plan it carefully.
What to bring?
- Wear sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes suitable for various terrains.
- Carry trekking poles for stability
- Take the swimmers to go for a swim both in the Trebbia River and at the waterfall.
Trail waymarking
- Not a very well-marked trail with signage.
- Especially if you don’t speak Italian, I would recommend having a gpx map with you.
Getting there & Away
You will need a car.
Permits & Fees
No Permits required.
More info?
IMPORTANT: Pay close attention to the hike data in the descriptions.
They may be incomplete or outdated. The trails may change over time due to bad weather, fires or simply the change of seasons. Check in the comments if anyone has made any reports or recommended any changes.
Do you still have a question?
"Discover Italy Like a Local" Consultation
I always try to write everything I can to give the best possible informations, but if you feel like you need a specific and tailored consultation, feel free to book a one-on-one consultation to address your concerns, answer your questions, and provide support throughout the planning process.❤️
