TRANSPARCO, the only bike traverse of the Casentino Forest National Park

There are places you don’t simply pass through — you live them, the Casentino Forest National Park is one of those places.

A green, silent world, where trails feel almost enchanted in the warmer months, and become completely hidden in winter, when snow covers everything. While Tuscany fills with lively summer crowds, here — right on the border with Emilia-Romagna — you mostly hear silence. Here, nature still has the final word.

Our TransParco is a true bike adventure, taking you across this vast protected area from one side to the other. Three days riding along the Apennine ridge, through ancient beech forests, panoramic crests, mountain passes and places that tell stories thousands of years old — from the Etruscans to medieval pilgrims.

This is more than just a bike trip.
It’s a deep immersion into one of the most authentic and lesser-known areas of Italy.

The idea of “Sacred Forests” reflects the deep connection between these ancient woods and the human search for silence, spirituality and a sense of inner clarity.

Your eyes will fill with deep shades of green. You’ll breathe air scented with earth, freshness and resin. You’ll cross mountain passes shaped by history and visit remote villages where silence still feels untouched.

This is our TransParco.

The journey ends in La Verna, the place chosen by Saint Francis for his spiritual retreat. Here, everything slows down. And maybe this is where you truly feel what this journey is about.

Casentino Forests eBike Tour – Itinerary

Day 1 – From Stia to Marradi

41 km | +1300 m elevation

The journey begins in Stia, in the heart of the Casentino Valley. After a short briefing and bike setup, we head toward the first great forests of the park.

We ride toward Mount Falterona, a symbolic mountain of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines. This is where the Arno River begins — known as Capo d’Arno — starting as a small stream among the rocks.

We cross deep forests and ridge sections before reaching Contea, where we take a train to Borgo San Lorenzo and then to Marradi — a scenic transfer connecting two sides of the Apennines.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Luggage is transferred directly for you.

Day 2 – From Marradi to Passo della Calla

53 km | +2000 m elevation

This is the most intense and wild day of the journey.

The climb to Passo del Muraglione takes us to one of the most iconic mountain passes in the Apennines. From here, we enter deeper into the Casentino Forests, surrounded by vast valleys and dense woodland.

The landscape keeps changing: ancient forests, panoramic ridges, and long stretches of silence broken only by the wind through the trees. This is where deer, roe deer, wild boar and even wolves live.

The day ends at Passo della Calla, one of the most scenic spots in the park.
Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3 – From Passo della Calla to La Verna

50 km | +1500 m elevation

The final stage takes us through some of the most spectacular forests of the entire Apennines.

Near Passo della Calla, we reach the highest point of the TransParco at 1520 meters, close to Sasso Fratino, a UNESCO site known for its ancient beech forests, some over 500 years old.

We stop at the Hermitage of Camaldoli, founded in 1012 by the monk Romuald, surrounded by white fir forests. From here, we continue along the ridge until we reach La Verna.

The Sanctuary of La Verna, built on the mountain given to Saint Francis in 1213, overlooks dramatic cliffs and ancient forests. It is one of the most powerful spiritual places in Italy.

This is where the riding ends… but not the experience.

Once in La Verna, you can choose to return to Stia immediately or stay for the night. In our opinion, La Verna deserves time. In the evening, when the sanctuary empties, the silence becomes deeper and the atmosphere truly special.

Casentino Forests eBike Tour – Highlights

• Full traverse of the Casentino Forest National Park
• Over 80% of the route immersed in forest
• Source of the Arno River and Mount Falterona
• Panoramic Apennine ridges
• Passo del Muraglione
• Ancient Etruscan sites like the Lake of the Idols
• UNESCO-listed ancient forests
• Arrival at the stunning Sanctuary of La Verna
• A journey between Tuscany and Romagna along historic routes of pilgrims and traders

Who is this experience for?

Let’s call it by its name: the Casentino TransParco bike tour is a true crossing of the entire national park.

It is perfect for those who genuinely love nature and want to discover an Italy far from the usual tourist paths.

This journey is ideal for:

• curious cyclists looking for a different side of Italy
• adventure lovers and those drawn to wide natural landscapes
• travelers who appreciate history, culture and spirituality
• anyone looking for an experience that is both intense and accessible

For non-riders, a private transfer is available between stages.

Two riding options, depending on how you want to ride it.

• The smoother route follows compact gravel roads, panoramic ridgelines and more flowing sections, ideal for riding at a steady pace and fully enjoying the landscape without technical challenges. It’s the perfect choice for those looking for an immersive yet relaxed experience, where the rhythm feels natural and the pleasure of discovery comes first.
• The more technical route, on the other hand, takes you along wilder trails, with sections that include roots, rocks, steeper climbs and narrow single tracks through the forest. Here, riding becomes more dynamic and requires more experience, offering a deeper and more direct connection with the terrain.

Logistics – designed so you can focus on the experience

Crossing the Casentino Forest National Park from one side to the other is something quite unique, made possible by careful planning. The route follows the Apennine ridge through remote and wild areas that are not easily connected.

Because of this, every detail is taken care of.

Luggage

Your luggage is transferred daily between accommodations, so you can ride light and fully enjoy the experience.

At the end of the tour, once we reach La Verna, a dedicated transfer takes riders, bikes and luggage back to Stia.

Optional nights

The experience includes three days of riding, with the option to add:

• one night in Stia before the tour
• one extra night in La Verna after arrival

We highly recommend staying in La Verna — it’s a place that deserves time.

Important notes

• The tour runs from June to October
• Guided experience
• Daily luggage transfer included
• Small group for a more personal experience

Parts of the route cross remote areas where phone signal is limited. For this reason, the tour is carefully organized to ensure a smooth and safe experience throughout.

What’s included

• Professional guide (3 days)
• Accommodation in selected hotels and agriturismi
• Breakfasts and dinners
• Daily luggage transfers
• Final transfer from La Verna to Stia (with bikes and luggage)

Lunches are not included.