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Abruzzo-Round trip
- Incontaminate, natural and wild habitat
- incredible biodiversity with over 25.000ha of complete wilderness, 2100 different plant species, 140 endemic
- The Pan Parks Majella National Park
- The Gran Sasso National Park
- The Abruzzi National Park
- Historical, archaeological and architectural treasures
- Strong link to old customs and traditions
- Well preserved, small medieval towns
- Really friendly and hospitable locals
- An unexpectedly rich variety of local foods and wines
From: 435 €
Tripcode: ITDD040
3 Comfort
Level 1 - EN:
Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.
Level 1 - EN:
Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
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1 Difficulty
Level 1:
Walking levels:
Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.
Cycling levels:
Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 1:
Walking levels:
Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.
Cycling levels:
Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
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Duration: 8 days
Details
Walking in Majella Natl. Park
Stroll along the slopes of beautiful mountains, covered with flower meadows and ancient beech forests. There are animals living in these 3 parks of Abruzzi, such as brown bears, chamois, lynx and even wolves that has become rare elsewhere in Europe! On the lower slopes you will find vineyards, wher the the famous Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is produced. Along this trip you will visit picturesque villages like Scanno and Sulmona and enjoy great walks and landscapes as in the Gran Sasso Nat. Park. In the Mediterranean PAN Park Majella you will find limestone massifs, clear rivers and dramatic spectacular gorges.
The Majella National Park has been recognized by the PAN Parks Foundation as an excellent European protected area which offers wilderness: a huge territory with untouched nature! By Participating in this trip, staying in the Majella Nat. Park, you will contribute to protect the last great natural areas in Europe.
What is a PAN Park Foundation
PAN stands for Protected Area Network. A PAN Park means you-can visit the last true wilderness boarding Europe. A PAN Park is for real and strictly protected, pristine wilderness, high quality tourist facilities and a sustainable development of the local economy. Majella National Park is member of the PAN Parks network, which ensures that you are visiting a park also encompassing the best of Europe’s wilderness.
Itinerary
Expand itinerary Collapse itineraryDay 1: Arrive in the Abruzzi National Park
Arrive at Rome or Pescara airport. Pick up your rental car and drive to Civitella Alfedena, in the Abruzzi National Park. Dinner on you own and overnight at the accommodation.
Day 2: Selection of self guided walks in and around Civitella Alfedena
Today you can choose to make a full day hike through the Val di Rosa to the top of the Monte Capraro, where you have chance of spotting the Abruzzi Chamois. In spring and early summer you can enjoy the lush mountain flora. In summertime you can only do this walk accompanied by a local guide from the National Park.
The other option is visiting Scanno, one of the most authentic villages of the Abruzzi, and then take a walk through the beautiful Sagittario Valley.
While, for good walkers, we suggest a strenuous but wonderful round walk from Pescasseroli, via La Rocca from where you can get great views off the surroundings.
Another choice can be the Villetta Barrea round tour up to the Monte Greco, a relaxing nice walk through fields and beech forests with amazing views of the Barrea Lake.
Dinner is on your own tonight.
Challenge:
Villages along the way: Civitella Alfedena, Scanno, Pescasseroli, Villetta Barrea
Day 3: Drive to the Majella National Park and winery visit with wine tasting in Bolognano
After breakfast drive to the nice hamlet of Decontra di Caramanico, in the Northern part of theMajellaNational Park. Along your way to the Majella N.P. take some time to stop in the medieval “tower village” of Pacentro and then on to Sulmona, where you can also visit the most famous producer of sugar almonds inItaly, which also features a small museum. Continue on to Bolognano, for a pre-booked visit of the Zaccagnini Winery with wine tasting included and then arrive at your accommodation in Decontra. A tasty dinner with biological local products is included tonight at the accommodation.
Challenge: none
Villages along the way: Pacentro, Sulmona, Decontra di Caramanico
Day 4: Self guided round walk through the Orfento Valley or walk to the San Bartolomeo Hermitage through the Giumentina Valley
Today you can choose to plunge into the deep and narrow Orfento Valley, formed by the erosive action of the river through the millennia, creating of one of the most singular and spectacular areas in the Apennines, both from an aesthetic and naturalistic point of view. Because of its natural characteristics, the valley is a protected and restricted area, so you need a permit to enter it (this permit will be provided from the accommodation itself). The walk takes you to the Thermal town of Caramanico Terme, where you can stop for lunch and for a visit of the old centre, then walk back to Decontra.
Another option is a nice walk through the Giumentina Valley. As you pass through forest trails and on vast prairies dotted with stone mounds collected by shepherds through the ages, you come across the ruins of ancient stone houses, typical of the area. Descend into the gorge, where the spectacular San Bartolomeo Hermitage is nested. It is considered one of the most beautiful hermitages of the Majella N.P. due to its peculiarity of being lodged into rocks. Along old shepherd huts and blooming fields you walk back to Decontra.
Dinner on your own.
Challenge:
Villages along the way: Caramanico Terme, Decontra di Caramanico
Day 5: Self guided walk on the Monte Cavallo
After breakfast drive to the Rifugio Pomilio and leave your car at the parking area where the spectacular day’s walk towards the Monte Cavallo (2.171m) begins. This starting point is already high located, therefore the hike is not so heavy. On a clear day you will enjoy great views over the Adriatic Seaand over the peaks of the Majella, Abruzzo and Gran Sasso Massifs. Return to the parking area the same way you came or opt for the shorter way.
After the walk drive to the picturesque medieval village of Pretoro, located at 600m altitude on the slopes of the Majella Massif. If you continue driving on the northern border of theMajellaMountain, you reach Serramonacesca and, just outside this village, you find the impressive 11th century Abbey of San Liberatore, one of the oldest and most beautiful of Abruzzo. Visit the church and be delighted by the peaceful surrounding grounds before driving back to Decontra.
Dinner on your own.
Challenge:
Villages along the way: Decontra di Caramanico, Pretoro, San Liberatore Abbey
Day 6: Drive to the Gran Sasso National Park
After breakfast you leave Decontra. Passing the villages of Bussi and Calascio, you reach the medieval hamlet of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, perhaps the most fascinating of all of man’s achievements in the entire Gran Sasso National Parkand of the Monti della Laga. It is built entirely out of white limestone, which has become dulled with time. All the houses are covered with clay tiles, providing a harmonious overall view to those gazing down on it from the top of the round tower once built by the Medici family, as well as the city gate. The tower was unfortunately destroyed by the earthquake that hit the town of L’Aquila and the area surrounding in 2009. While the gate is still standing there proudly.
Check-in at the accommodation and enjoy a delicious included dinner prepared with local products, accompanied by good local wine.
Challenge:
Villages along the way: Bussi, Calascio, Santo Stefano di Sessanio
Day 7: Selection of self guided walks in the Abruzzo National Park
After breakfast you can choose to do a scenic walk to the impressive Rock of Calascio, one of the highest Castle in Italy (1460m above sea level).
Or you can opt for a half or full day hike on the huge flowery plain of Campo Imperatore, situated at an altitude ranging from 1500 to 2000m that extends about 20 km in length and up to7 km in width.
If you don’t want to walk today, take you car and go visiting the many beautiful villages in the neighbourhood like Castelli, better known as the town of the most famous Italian ceramics.
Dinner on your own.
Challenge:
Villages along the way: Rocca di Calascio, Campo Imperatore, Castelli
Day 8: Departure. Arrivederci!
The trip and our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked some extra services with us.
Practical info
Included:
- Abruzzi National Park: 2 nights in Civitella Alfedena on BB basis
- Majella National Park: 3 nights in Decontra on BB basis
- Gran Sasso National Park: 2 nights in Santo Stefano di Sessanio on BB basis
- 1 dinner in Decontra (drinks included)
- 1 dinner in Santo Stefano di Sessanio (drinks included)
- 1 winery visit with wine tasting in Bolognano on Day 3
- Entrance permit to the Orfento Valley on Day 4
- Road book in English
- 24 hrs / 7 day telephone assistance
- Pan Parks Foundation donation
Not Included:
- Car rental
- Return international flight
- No beverages (no aerated & alcoholic beverages, or bottle water, or tea or coffee
- Meals not mentioned in the programme
- Sightseeing or entrance fees
- Items of personal nature
- Tips
- Personal travel insurance
Reviews
Start: Pretoro
Finish: Sulmona
Dates & prices
Trip availability: From end of April to end of October
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 435 €/person |
| party, twin room: | 490 €/person |
| double room: | 490 €/person |
| single room: | 575 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 440 €/person |
| party, twin room: | 495 €/person |
| double room: | 495 €/person |
| single room: | 580 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 455 €/person |
| party, twin room: | 515 €/person |
| double room: | 515 €/person |
| single room: | 625 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 440 €/person |
| party, twin room: | 495 €/person |
| double room: | 495 €/person |
| single room: | 580 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 435 €/person |
| party, twin room: | 490 €/person |
| double room: | 490 €/person |
| single room: | 575 €/person |