The Great Itineraries

Though Italy abounds in natural landmarks, several great itineraries deserve a special mention because of their historical or scientific value or their naturalistic and environmental value. Like pilgrimages to Mecca, these are inevitable, longed-for hikes in the logbook of every hiker or trekker.

The E5 European Path. This itinerary starts from Lake Constance in Germany and finishes at the Adriatic Sea. The stretch of the E5 European Path in the heart of Trentino needs at least a one-week hike during which tourists can enjoy a galaxy of spectacular landscapes. The route is well served with numerous rest points (hotels, inn and mountain lodges).

The Bonascossa Path. In the lovely mountain chain, on the border between the Valle di Non and the South Tirol, long days of peace and quiet almost isolated from the rest of the world are to be found crossing these mountains little frequented even in high season. The complete journey takes 3 to 4 days and it is possible to stay overnight in the refuges.

The Marchetti Glaciological Path.

Starting from high up in the Val Genova, where next to the Rifugio Citta di Trento (2,400 metres) the Payer Study Centre has been set up to monitor and conduct research on the activity of glaciers, the route comes across the immense Mandrone plateau and also passes the Rifugio Lobbie where Pope Wojtyla stayed while skiing in July 1984. This means a rather difficult journey on the glacier for which the correct measures and precautions must be undertaken. It takes from 2 to 3 days, staying overnight at the numerous comfortable mountain refuges at a high altitude. The itinerary is very popular and each summer tourist agencies set up a calendar of tourist visits for hikers not to make the landmark overcrowded. Staggering holiday schedules help tourists to get proper service at rest points and en route.

Mesotrekking. This is an “archaeological" itinerary which leads from Trento (Mesolithic shelter) to the heart of the Lagorai mountain chain where Mesolithic man once hunted the ibex. The path, devised, laid out and marked by archaeologists, covers a number of important archaeological prehistoric sites and areas as it winds along country roads, cart tracks and old paths through the Upper Valsugana area, the Pine plateau and the Regana valley. A perfect blend of history and the environment makes this itinerary both fascinating and educational.

b) Answer the following comprehension questions:

Why are the above-mentioned itineraries worth visiting?

2. What is a distinguishing feature of the E5 European path?

3. How long does it take to get to the final destination of the E5 European path?

4. What type of hikers will Bonascossa path suit?

5. What has the Payer Study Centre been set up for?

6. What was the purpose of Pope Wojtyla’s visit to the Rifugio Lobbie?

7. Why must hikers undertake some precautions while following the Marchetti Glaciological Path?

8. What do tourist agencies set up a calendar of tourist visits for?

9. What is a peculiarity of Mesotrekking?