Olive trees are said to represent peace, faith, victory and justice.
That is why we, at Batani Select Hotels, are very fond of this generous tree that also stands for strong, reliable bonds, like its roots.
The olive tree also symbolizes Easter that, this year, falls on March 27th. Spring is approaching and we all look forward to getting out of “winter lethargy”. When thinking of spring, many of us imagine their stiff and rusty body – forced for months into the lazy routine film-sofa-blanket – trying to slowly move some muscles in order to get them become active again!
To help you out in this hard task, we invite you to discover two beautiful bike itineraries absolutely “Made-in-Romagna” that will take you through the realm of olive trees, ideal for your perfect Easter week-end.
Bike tour amongst olive trees: Cervia-Longiano-Cervia
Distance: 59 kilometers
Uphill: 200 mts
Type of road: asphalt
This panoramic cycle tour starts from the beaches of Cervia and takes you to the discovery of a beautiful area covered in olive trees and overlooking the sea. Leaving Cervia, you will cross the Etruscan salt pans and will have the opportunity to admire the stunning fauna of pink flamingos.
Inland, will you cross the ancient Roman centuriation, i.e. a network of country narrow roads surrounded by greenery. Longiano is located on the first hill and offers a stunning view on the Adriatic Riviera, from Rimini to Ravenna. Its ancient Malatesta stronghold dominates all the village and can be reached through three main gates. Nearby you can visit the Museo del Territorio an exhibition of all the ancients handicrafts made by blacksmiths, carpenters, builders and peasants, but also women’s work i.e. weaving and children rearing. The museum occupies two floors and takes you to the discovery of our fathers’ way of life.
Going downhill from Longiano, you get to the Ancient Turchi Oil Mill, founded in the XV century by a Turkish merchant, Amin Saud, who exchanged his fleet for some land on the Balignano hills. The merchant immediately understood the potential of such a deal and accepted. At the time in fact, this region was the official main wine supplier of the Venetian fleet and of all the ships sailing the Adriatic sea.
Today, the Turchi family still runs the business with great passion and has set up a real “taste oasis” that includes the small village with its church, the inn and the oil mill. You can spend the night in the ancient oil mill and enjoy the recipes of the tasty traditional cuisine.
On your way back to Cervia, you will reach Cesenatico and its ancient port canal designed by Leonardo da Vinci. There, take a glance at the Museo della Marineria, the only floating museum in Italy!
Maria Cristina Merloni is a specialized cycle touring guide and a training tourist guide. She has taken her bicycle to every continent, but she is convinced that Romagna is the most beautiful place in the world where pedalling can be real fun. She is a graphic designer by profession and makes cycle touring promotion also for the Batani Select Hotels group (www.digibike.it). Info: cristina@cristinamerloni.it – +39 338 8684258