AN ENVIRONMENTAL MYSTERY: WHO KILLED THE WILD CAT?
Location: Monte Cucco Park
Technical info: Difficulty: E; Elevation gain: 200 m; Distance: 8 km

Monte Cucco Regional Park is a stunning natural gem, home to numerous habitats protected under the Natura 2000 network. In its extensive monumental beech forests, various mammals thrive, including wolves and wild cats. One such wild cat, Felix_39, monitored as part of a conservation and reintroduction program, was recently found dead.

When Felix_39’s GPS remained stationary for an unusual period, experts feared the worst. A healthy 4-year-old male with a vast territory, his loss marks a setback for the program. More troubling is that his carcass, upon initial inspection, showed no signs of natural death, such as wounds or disease.

Your mission is to uncover the circumstances and cause of Felix_39’s death, ensuring justice and the continued growth of the wild cat population.

The hike takes you through the ancient beech forests of Monte Cucco, following a circular route starting and ending at Pian delle Macinare.

This immersive experience promises both nature exploration and thrilling fun with friends and family!

A WALK WITH FLAVOR.
We’ll head to the Biscina farm near Gubbio, along the renowned Via di Francesco, connecting the La Verna Sanctuary to Assisi. Here, Lucia will guide you through her olive grove, introducing the characteristics of local olive varieties, their agricultural requirements, and the complex calculations behind producing high-quality 100% Umbrian olive oil.

Afterward, enjoy a lunch featuring typical local products at the farm. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Castel d’Alfiolo and the Abbey of Santa Maria d’Alfiolo, a historical complex dating back to the 11th century!

To end the day, take a stroll in the medieval town of Gubbio, famed for its quirky “Madman’s License” tradition and the delicious crescia sul panaro served with friccò!

TRUFFLE HUNTING.
A few kilometers away, we’ll reach the Isola locality in Nocera Umbra, near the border with Gualdo Tadino, for a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Truffles, precious hypogean fungi, are one of Umbria’s natural treasures.

With the help of Nora and Stella, two Lagotto dogs—the only breed certified for truffle hunting—you’ll embark on a quest for the “black diamond,” as it has been called since ancient times.

The experience begins with an introduction to truffles, their natural growth environment, and the studies that led to cultivated truffle orchards in Umbria. Learn about cultivation methods, truffle varieties, and associated plants. The second part is hands-on: hunting for truffles in the field with the Lagotto dogs.

The harvested truffles will be used in a tasting session at the end of the experience. Discovering this unique world and the bond between truffle hunters and their dogs is captivating and memorable.

To conclude, a visit to the medieval village of Nocera Umbra is recommended. End of services.

Suitable for both traditional and electric mountain bikes.