The All Saints’ Day long weekend is a favourite period for many Italians, who on the long weekend between 29 October and 1 November can take a break and organise a short holiday to discover the wonders of the Belpaese. The Altopiano del Sole is the perfect territory for an escape from daily routine, amidst breathtaking natural landscapes and small villages of timeless beauty. In this new article, we have compiled a guide for you with some tips on what to do on the Altopiano del Sole for the 1st November long weekend.

DAY 1

MORNING – VISIT TO THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF BORNO

The beating heart and number one attraction of Borno is undoubtedly its characteristic Piazza, where the historic 17th-century fountain stands out, surrounded by buildings with interesting arcades and portals.

On the north side, the parish churchyard and the parish church of St John the Baptist, a building that presents itself in all its grandeur and solemnity, tower above the historic centre. Next to it stands the smaller Church of St. Anthony of Padua, which houses a fresco by Callisto Piazza from 1528; a work not to be missed by those in the vicinity.

After visiting the square and the churchyard, you can continue along Via Vittorio Veneto, the main artery where shops and modern establishments alternate with workshops selling handicrafts and typical products, from which numerous small streets branch off, connecting the entire village.

The Villa and Guidetti Park are also well worth a visit, where you can follow an itinerary to discover the Valle Camonica Museum of Historical Photography.

To round off the morning, we recommend a good lunch in one of the restaurants or trattorias in the centre, based on typical dishes of Valle Camonica.

AFTERNOON – CYCLAMEN PATH AND VISIT TO THE CONVENTO DELL’ANNUNCIATA

The “Sentiero dei Ciclamini” (Cyclamen Path) starts near the Borno cemetery: an easy route suitable for everyone, which leads to the Annunciata di Piancogno.

After an initial stretch of tarmac road, the route continues along a dirt track to the turnoff for the Annunciata, which leads through the woods amidst enchanting views to the Capuchin Convent.

A visit to the convent, the catacombs and the cell of the Blessed Innocenzo da Berzo is absolutely recommended, as is a visit to the “Belvedere” area, from which it is possible to admire a beautiful panorama of the entire valley.

On the return journey, one can either retrace the same path, or proceed in the direction of Ossimo Inferiore as far as the bridge that crosses the Trobiolo stream, and then take the path that climbs to the left of the shrine on the site as far as Via Rocca, at the beginning of Borno.

The itinerary with a visit to the Annunciata lasts about three to four hours.

DAY 2

MORNING – TOUR OF LAKE MORO AT ANGOLO TERME

Enclosed in a basin between the mountains of Angolo Terme and Darfo lies Lake Moro: a popular destination for those who want to cool off during the summer season, but also in autumn it is a must-see for those who decide to spend a few days in the area.

From the road that leads from Angolo Terme to the hamlet of Anfurro, turn left to the parking area where you can leave your car before iniziare il cammino che circonda il lago. This is a charming path, which passes through chestnut woods where you can stop to pick the fruit of these majestic trees. But be careful: remember to bring gloves, a basket and a small knife, so that you can remove the chestnuts from their shells without getting stung by the thorns.

After a busy morning, weather permitting, you can have a picnic lunch near the shore, or go to one of the local refreshment points, some of which offer spectacular views of the entire lake.

AFTERNOON – VISIT TO THE PIANCOGNO WINE CELLARS

After lunch, we move on to the vineyards of Piancogno, where you can spend an afternoon discovering the area’s wine products.

The hilly area of Piancogno has always been devoted to the cultivation of grapes and the production of wine, and it is here that some of the Valle Camonica wine and food excellences originate.

Upon request, some wineries organise walks with different walking times and difficulty levels immersed in nature, at the end of which there is always a tasting of the various labels. Below you can find the contacts for booking your visit to the winery:

• Cantina Bignotti – Via Monte Grappa 5, Piancogno – 347.7967563
• Cantina La Costa – Viale Stazione, 13, Piancogno – 348.1517060
• Cantina Letari – Via Bertelli, 1b, Annunciata, Piancogno – 335.481785

DAY 3

MORNING – HIKE FROM VILLA DI LOZIO TO THE BIG BENCH

Another unmissable stop on the Altopiano del Sole is the Valle di Lozio: an unspoilt place, where you can breathe in a magical atmosphere.

Starting from the bus stop at the beginning of the village of Villa di Lozio, it is possible to follow a simple but extremely scenic itinerary, which passes through the most evocative points of Lozio.

Near the ‘Il Ciclamino’ grocery shop, follow the signs for the Sella road – Hermitage of Santa Cristina and once you reach the hermitage, continue towards the hamlet of Sommaprada. Here it is possible to make small diversions and visit the art installation ‘Frammenti di Luna’ (Fragments of the Moon), a work by Michela Berta and Alessandro Pedretti as part of the falía* project. From Sommaprada, the path continues towards the town of Laveno, where once you reach Piazza San Marco, you continue on the left for about 1.8 km to the Big Bench, located in one of the most picturesque places in the area.

If the days at the end of October still offer sunshine and mild temperatures, we suggest you have lunch in the picnic area on site, or return to Lozio where you can find some typical restaurants where you can eat.

The route is suitable for everyone and is 7 km long.

AFTERNOON – VISIT TO THE GIOVETTO PARK AND DOLINES

In the afternoon we head back towards Borno, where the “Boschi del Giovetto” nature reserve is located at Croce di Salven: the realm of the red wood ant, covered in spruce trees and populated by many animal species such as foxes, beech martens, squirrels, hares and roe deer.

Not far from here we find the Doline Park, where it is possible to visit the characteristic cavities of karstic origin formed in the area, but also to relax at the refreshment point, pampered by a hot drink or a generous snack of local products.

DAY 4

OLD OSSIMO-BORNO ROAD AND VISIT TO THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF MALEGNO

Our time on the Altopiano del Sole is drawing to a close, but before returning to our daily routine we treat ourselves to one last walk along the old road that leads from Via Don Moreschi, at the beginning of the village of Borno, to Ossimo Superiore.

A gentle walk through a small valley, trees and a path that leaves plenty of room for views. At the end of the path begins the village of Ossimo Superiore: a small village, but with very picturesque views and a small square where you can enjoy a coffee or a good aperitif.

Returning to the car and descending towards the valley we find our last stop: Malegno, where in Piazza Zaccaria Casari you can stop to admire the Borondo Painting, a true work of art.

What to do on the Altopiano del Sole for the 1st November long weekend? Experience an unforgettable weekend among the wonders of a unique territory.