The best traffic-free bike rides around Lake Santa Maria

Combai is a picturesque hamlet in the municipality of Miane, nestled between the Prosecco hills and the foothills of the Treviso Prealps. This enchanting village is nationally renowned for the production of Marrone di Combai IGP, a prized and very sweet variety of chestnut to which a famous and historic folk festival is dedicated every autumn, attracting thousands of visitors. The surrounding territory is characterized by a unique landscape, where centuries-old chestnut groves alternate with historic vineyards cultivated on steep hillsides. In addition to its enogastronomic richness, Combai is an ideal destination for nature and trekking lovers, thanks to a dense network of trails, such as the evocative "Troi de la Ròda", which allow you to explore the woods and enjoy wide panoramas of the Marca Trevigiana.

The Castle of Collalto is an ancient medieval manor founded in the 12th century by the noble family of the Counts of Collalto. Strategically positioned on a hill overlooking the Piave plain, the castle soon became the hub of a vast and powerful feud. Over the centuries, the structure transformed from a military fortress into a splendid noble residence, enriched with works of art including frescoes by Pordenone. Unfortunately, its crucial position on the front line during World War I led to its almost total destruction under bombardment. Today, of the glorious original complex, the evocative ruins remain, dominated by the imposing 12th-century master tower, the defensive walls, and the nearby church of San Giorgio, which bear witness to the millennial charm of one of the most important historical sites in the Marca Trevigiana.

Nogarolo is an ancient village of rare beauty located in the municipality of Tarzo, perched on the slopes overlooking the valley below. This small rural center seems to have stopped in time, with its characteristic local stone houses, narrow courtyards, and typical architecture of the Treviso hilly area. ​The village is famous for its panoramic position that offers enchanting views of the lakes of Revine and the vineyards surrounding the inhabited area. Walking through its silent alleys, one breathes a deep peace, interrupted only by the sounds of nature and the agricultural activities that still animate the territory today. Nogarolo is also an important hub for local hiking: numerous trails start from here, venturing into the chestnut and beech woods, making it an ideal destination for those seeking authentic contact with the pre-Alpine landscape and the historical roots of hill life.

Located in a picturesque position along the road connecting Cison di Valmarino to Follina, the small Church of Madonna delle Grazie is an enchanting example of rural sacred architecture. The building features a sober facade and a welcoming portico, historically intended to offer shelter to wayfarers and pilgrims traversing the valley. Inside, the church preserves an atmosphere of authentic peace, with frescoes and decorations celebrating the Virgin's protection over the community and the harvests. This sanctuary is particularly beloved by the local inhabitants for its simplicity and its deep connection to the territory. Its location, immersed in greenery and surrounded by the silence of the Prealps, makes it an ideal destination for a reflective stop during a walk among the villages, confirming the spiritual and scenic vocation of this corner of the Marca Trevigiana.

On May 25, 1964, a fire completely destroyed the first and second floors, rendering them unusable. The efforts of firefighters and artillerymen who rushed to the scene in force managed to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to the nearby building. Despite the negative opinion of the Military Engineering Corps regarding restoration work, public opinion and the Belluno CAI Section pushed for yet another reconstruction, finding valid support in Gen. Pietro Torrazzo. This recommenced under the supervision of the 6th Mountain Artillery Regiment of Belluno. The inauguration ceremony was held on August 31, 1968. The seventies still saw the race to "conquer" a spot for television antennas, both military and civilian. The most imposing one, belonging to RAI, was placed a few meters from the refuge, on the north side, and is still there today. A new period of closure and management uncertainties followed. In 1988, the COMILITER of Padua decided on its renovation, which concluded in 1992. In 1993, the State Technical Office proposed a rental fee, and on May 1, 1994, after five years, the refuge reopened under new management. In 1995, the agreement, still in force, was signed. Today, this place represents an act of gratitude for the survival of a heritage entirely belonging to Belluno.

The idea to erect the first refuge of the CAI section of Belluno was taken during the board meeting of May 20, 1898, and formalized in July 1899. Its function was to support hikers from Belluno and Treviso. The refuge was inaugurated on September 23, 1900, and dedicated to Richard Henry Budden, one of the pioneering figures of mountaineering, proponent of numerous reforestation projects to safeguard the mountain environment, and a sincere friend of the province of Belluno. The construction was built on land donated by the De’ Bertoldi family. After difficult management, also due to the debt situation, during World War I the refuge was set on fire, making it unusable as a shelter. Reconstruction began in September 1938, when a detachment of the 24th battery of the 5th Alpine Artillery Regiment encamped on Col Visentin for the initial excavation operations. It was reopened on August 15, 1946. Based on the project by architect Alfarè, the current small tower was built, adapted into a chapel-shrine for the Fallen of the 5th Mountain Division, a votive tomb that held the lighthouse donated by the Navy and contains the list of brothers fallen in Libya, on Ortigara, on the Carso, on Sabotino, those on the arid Ethiopian plains, and finally those who remained on the fields of Albania, in the Montenegrin gorges, and in the desolate immensity of the Russian steppe.

Located at an altitude of 1764 meters, Rifugio Col Visentin offers one of the widest and most evocative panoramas of the Veneto Prealps. From here, the view stretches from the Adriatic Sea to Monte Grappa, from Montello to the Dolomites, with spectacular glimpses of iconic peaks such as Pelmo, Civetta, Antelao, Cimon della Pala, Croda Rossa, and the Marmarole. On the clearest days, you can even make out the Croatian coast to the East, and to the West, the gaze extends beyond the Berici Mountains. The refuge is a reference point for summer and winter tourism in Veneto, frequented by hikers, snowshoers, cyclists, and nature lovers in every season. It offers accommodation with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is open daily from May to September and on weekends during the rest of the year. Inside the refuge, you will find the highest meteorological station in the Veneto Prealps, as well as three webcams offering real-time images of the landscape. www.rifugiocolvisentin.net

Col Visentin (1,763 m) is the most spectacular balcony in the Prealps, suspended between the glittering Venice Lagoon and the jagged peaks of the Belluno Dolomites. It's a must-see destination for its 360° views, from the sea to Lake Santa Croce, making the climb worthwhile. At the summit is the Rifugio 5° Artiglieria Alpina, a place steeped in history, recognizable by its circular stone tower and tricolor lighthouse. It's the ideal stop to savor local cuisine before continuing along the scenic Sentiero delle Creste.