Camping at one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy"
We really enjoyed the ride from Verona to Borghetto. We rode across country and up and down hills feeling good at how much stronger we have become. Our goal was to camp at Salzone (Bikeline: you let us down!). When we got there we realized that this was not for cyclists. This development of 100's of mobile homes are crammed together and they are not interested in one night stays. No tenting in this campground! So we moved on to Agricampeggio Borghetto. A quick phone call assured us that we would be welcome and that there was lots of room. We Arrived at dusk and were impressed by the spacious quiet setting with a panoramic view. Casarina (spelling?) welcomed us and showed us the recently converted chicken barn that houses the bathrooms and will eventually have a kitchen, eating area and lounge for tenter/cyclists like us. Music to our ears. Their philosophy is to give campers space and quiet, so the trailers and tents are spread around the perimetre of a huge field (.once a peach orchard). Our first night we paid 15 euros and the second night we upgraded to a private bathroom for 25 euros. We like this concept of a 3 room bathroom with shower, toilet and wash area as it gives us the comforts and privacy of home, plus it will give us shelter during the predicted thunder storms. The village of Borghetto is only a 5 minute walk so we'll explore in the morning. That is, after we enjoy fresh buns from out hosts that they'll deliver at 8 am. We like these people and this place.
The tiny village of Borghetto has been voted "one of the most pretty villages in Italy".
We hiked up countless stone stairs to visit the castle at the neighbour village of Valeggio. What a great view we had of the area. This is the castle we have enjoyed looking at (especially illuminated) from our campsite.
Valeggio is famous for its handmade tortorella filled pasta. There are 6 small factories that make this specialty in the village. This window display is at one of the "house" factories.
The church in Valeggio had a plain exterior but delightful art from the 19th century and a rare Venetian working pipe organ. We didn't take photos as Sunday Mass was in progress.
The bridge leading in to Borghetto is an impressive 650 m long and 35 m wide. Riding in to Borghetto at dusk on our bike on this illuminated structure dating back to 1393 was a memorable experience.
Oh, Italians do know how to make great coffee. When we can, we get an Americano (or Canadiano) - espresso with hot water from the espresso machine. Usually when you order an Americano coffee they give you an espresso in a large cup and provide you with hot water to add.
