Bird of prey walk near Varese

"I welcome you to my home: these are my beloved birds of prey!"

This is exactly how our falconry guide will greet you at his wildlife home in Casalzuigno, a few kilometres from Varese. And after an introduction to your winged companions, you will set off on a walk through the painted village of Arcumeggia and the natural scenery of Valcuvia.

You can also become the protagonist of a flight demonstration, calling a bird of prey to your fist like a real falconer.

And as a sweet (or savoury) conclusion to the experience, a snack prepared by the hostess!

What we will do

The appointment is 10 minutes before the selected time at the meeting point in Casalzuigno, not far from Varese. We will be welcomed by the guide, who will welcome us into her home for an initial introduction: not only will we feel 'at home' but we will also learn to love her birds of prey just as she does!

Once we have been given all the information we need for a carefree experience, we will meet the birds of prey: the barn owl Yas, the sacred falcon Nut, the Harris's buzzard Daphne and the tawny owl Hanu are just some of the small birds that may soon keep us company. We put on the falconer's glove and hold the bird of prey assigned to us in our fist.

Our walk can then begin: we will walk through the characteristic alleys of the village of Arcumeggia, known as the 'first painted village in Italy'. We will then venture along the Via dell'Amore, a path that enters the woods of Valcuvia. As we walk, the guide will not fail to tell us stories and curiosities about birds of prey and the area.

We will then return to the meeting point, where we will continue ourinteraction with the birds of prey by taking part in a flight demonstration: we will experience the unique thrill of calling a bird of prey to our fist, like a real falconer!

The experience will end in the sweetest (or saltiest) way with a snack (included): this will include baked goods, cakes and jams lovingly prepared by the hostess, accompanied by local products.

The walk will last 1 hour; the total experience will last 2 hours, but we will be able to spend additional time at the centre in the company of the birds of prey and other farmyard animals that live there!

Who it is aimed at

The experience is recommended for ages 7 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult or have authorisation. The experience is also open to children from 0 to 6 years of age who participate free of charge: contact the guide at the contact details given in your booking confirmation email to indicate their attendance.

The centre is not accessible by wheelchair, pushchair or similar due to the lay of the land. The route includes a slight height difference of +100 m.

The experience is of an easy level and suitable for a first experience of falconry.

Other information

The experience takes place from June to November.

There is free parking on site and in the vicinity of the meeting point. The meeting point cannot be reached by public transport.

Each participant may bring a maximum of 2 accompanying persons , who will take part in the experience free of charge without interacting with the birds of prey. Accompanying persons can participate in the homemade snack by paying an extra €10.00 in cash on site.

If you have any food allergies and/or intolerances , please contact the guide at the contact details given in your booking confirmation e-mail to communicate them. Also contact the guide to communicate your preference between a sweet or savoury snack.

Dogs are not allowed on the experience.

Recommended clothing

• Comfortable clothing suitable for the season
• Hiking or trainers