http://www.piccolaraieda.it/

Agriturismo Piccola Raieda is a typical farmhouse in the Apennines between Tuscany and Emilia, surrounded by green pastures and centuries-old woods within the pristine nature reserve of the Pliocene Spur, just 20 minutes from Bologna and 45 minutes from Florence. It is located exactly on the official route of the Via degli Dei, immediately before the climb to Monte Adone and a few hundred meters after the Monte Adone Exotic and Wild Fauna Protection Center, about 1km from Brento. Starting from Bologna, the agritourism represents a convenient first stop with overnight stay and food all in the same facility, without having to move again until the next day. Pets are welcome. On the 15 hectares of pasture and forest, horses are raised, lavender and vegetables are grown, and honeys and jams are produced. Boxes or paddocks are available in the farm's new stables for annual, seasonal boarding, for riders passing through or for those who want to spend vacations with their horses. In fact, the farm is specialized in horseback riding vacations and offers guests saddle christenings for children, basic western riding lessons for beginners in the uncovered sand arena (40x20) as well as rides for those who already have experience (from one hour to full day or treks from 2 to 7 days). A full calendar of walks and treks that can be viewed on the farm's Facebook page is offered annually, including the Path of the Gods on horseback. Hiking and mountain-biking enthusiasts can also enjoy wonderful trails within the Pliocene Spur Nature Reserve (trail maps available at the farmhouse). In the immediate surroundings of the farmhouse there is the possibility of sports activities such as climbing at the famous Rocca di Badolo rock face (just 2 km away), sport fishing in the lake (1 km away) and golf at an 18-hole course 8 km away. The Piccola Raieda farmhouse has a studio apartment, a two-room apartment and two double rooms (one of the latter is set up for guests with mobility difficulties). All rooms have en suite bathrooms and were made out of the old stable and barn. Breakfast and meals are served in the old barn, where a cozy dining room with a fireplace has been created; during the summer months it is possible to eat outside while enjoying a picturesque view and with the background of the roar of lions and the cries of animals from the nearby wildlife center. The cuisine that is offered is homemade. The menus, which are fixed and different for each day of the week, are prepared with ingredients from the farm itself or from farms in the area and are accompanied by wines from the hills of Bologna or the region. Different menus can be arranged in case of food allergies or intolerances, as well as vegetarian menus. The restaurant is open by reservation only, preferably one day in advance.