AIDA is the name of a very famous play by Giuseppe Verdi, but it’s also a monumental cycling route of more than 900 kilometres (560 mi) that crosses Northern Italy from Moncenisio to Trieste.

Established in 2016, the Alta Italia Da Attraversare (AIDA) is a project of FIAB (Federazione Italiana Ambiente e Bicicletta / Italian Federation for Environment and Bicycle), an association of which I’m a member and which works to promote the use of cycling as a means of transport and leisure activity in urban areas. Taking advantage of cycle paths and secondary roads, AIDA provides a link between the big cities of the north, such as Turin, Milan, Verona, Venice and Trieste, to stimulate a healthy and environmentally friendly form of economy: cycle tourism.

In this Collection, I present the western part of the route that connects Moncenisio to Verona over 506 kilometres (315 mi). I’ve divided the route into seven stages averaging 70 kilometres (43 mi) but you can always tailor the route to your preferences using the full Tour. For details on the eastern part of AIDA, check out this Collection: komoot.com/collection/1918007.

The western section of AIDA starts in the Alps and then heads into the Po Valley, crossing the Vercelli and Novara provinces, where rice has been grown for centuries. The route meanders past mediaeval castles and abbeys, and explores large cities such as Turin, Milan, Brescia and Verona, where history and modernity intertwine. I’ll not hide the fact that these territories have been profoundly transformed by human presence, but crossing them by bicycle also means reclaiming them, affirming the possibility of experiencing them in a different, slower and more sustainable way.

When possible, the stages end in smaller places to give you the chance to discover lesser-known corners. At the end of each stage, you’ll find B&Bs, hotels and hostels, as well as places to eat and drink.

To reach the starting point of Moncenisio, you’ll need to arrive in Susa by train and organise a private taxi transfer. Alternatively, you can start in Susa, in the valley, which cuts out the first 25 kilometres (16 mi). From Verona, you can take the train or bus.

If you start from Susa, the AIDA can be ridden year-round, although the best times are late spring and early autumn. If you start from the French border, bear in mind that the Mont-Cenis pass is closed from November to May.

Since the amount of elevation gain is very low and there are no technical sections, the AIDA is a route suitable for anyone. It runs on paved roads and compact dirt tracks, so any bike, as long as it is comfortable for a long trip, will do.

To read more about how the AIDA came about, updates on the trail and other useful information, visit: aidainbici.it.