The path to reach the entrance is eight hundred metres long. Once there, a journey into the heart of Mount Cucco begins. You'll be walking by stalactites and stalagmites, large rooms, labyrinths and tunnels to discover a world that you only dreamt about. A walk through the centre of the mountain is the most complete experience to stay in touch with nature. The caves, where the perception of space is alterated by the lack of reference points, will embrace you into a silence that you've nevere experienced before and the deep darkness that our guides create by turning off the lights for a few seconds is definately one thing you must experience at least once in your life.

• Accompanying service with a hiking guide
• Helmet

Lunch

hikes are permitted from the age of 8 and under, and minors must in any case be accompanied by a responsible adult - animals are not allowed - do not carry bulky rucksacks, but small rucksacks for personal belongings: it is advisable to take water and a snack with you (there are no refreshment points or springs along the way), sunglasses and also a pair of gardening gloves to protect your hands from the cold on the handrails of the ladders and walkways. - the hike is not suitable for those with severe physical handicaps - the temperature inside is cold and constant at any time of year, even in summer it is around 6°C with humidity close to 100%. The temperature difference between the outside and inside route, especially in the summer months, is significant - layered or 'onion-shaped' clothing is required, suitable for an easy mountain hike, hiking boots or trainers with a sturdy, carved sole, long, comfortable trousers, a T-shirt (a second one for a possible change), a sweatshirt or fleece and a light jacket or kway for inside the cave.

The total duration of the excursion is about 4 to 5 hours, and includes a round trip from Pian di Monte and a visit inside the cave. Departure is from Pian di Monte (1197 metres above sea level), where the guides are located and the car park where cars can be left. The excursion begins on a comfortable path, with a difference in altitude of 193 metres and a length of about 1,800 metres, from which the East Entrance of the Grotto, located at 1,390 metres above sea level, is reached. Access to the cave is through the Miliani Shaft, 27 metres deep, equipped with a metal staircase; from here, through an internal path on earth, stairs and steel footbridges, you reach enormous halls in rapid succession: the Cathedral, the Sala Margherita, the Sala del Becco, the Sala delle Fontane, until you reach the Secret Passage, which is very suggestive, and the Sala Terminale. After the 800-metre-long internal route, you exit onto the northern slope of the mountain, via the ascent of an 8-metre-long shaft, equipped with a sailor's ladder. Here you are welcomed into the spectacular scenery of a large natural terrace from which you can enjoy the wonderful panorama of the Apennines and, on clear days, even the Adriatic Sea. The excursion concludes with a descent to Pian delle Macinare or a return to Pian di Monte, via high-altitude paths that overlook the Chiascio Valley and the historic centres of the Park (about a 1-hour walk, with a difference in altitude of 250 metres).