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Umbria - Family Self Guided Donkey Trek
- Campi and Norcia: 2 ancient towns full of history
- The Monti Sibillini National Park and the Piano Grande with its variety of wild flowers
- Monasteries, chapels, hermitages and churches of great interest
- Small, quiet, authentic medieval villages
- Wonderful mountain landscapes
- Cuddly and friendly donkeys accompany you all the way
- Friendly people, great cheese, salami, truffles and wines
From: 475 €
Tripcode: ITSK020
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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1.5 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
Riding with the donkeys
Immerse yourself in beautiful wild mountains, view the rugged peaks and walk through green hills and valleys. Cross the mystical 'Piano Grande', a natural plateau nestled high up in the heart of the Monti Sibillini National Park and meander through medieval hamlets and fortified towns. Breathe in fresh mountain air and have fun with the friendly and gentle donkeys that carry your luggage and give a ride to tired children. Be delighted by the many wild and colourful flowers and the cool forests. Sample the regional specialties: tasty salami, creamy cheese and the famous Umbrian 'tartufo nero' (black truffle). Following ancient pilgrim and shepherd paths under the Umbrian sun, your spirit shall be uplifted.
Itinerary
Expand itinerary Collapse itineraryDay 1: Arrival in Campi
During the course of the day you arrive in the village of Campi and settle in a comfortable 3* equivalent farm where we have booked a family room with private bathroom. Dinner and overnight at the accommodation.
Villages along the way: Campi
Day 2: Introduction to the donkeys and half day walk
In the morning you drive from Campi to Loc. Pie di Colle near Ancarano, 4 km away from the farm. If you do not have a car, you will be picked up from the accommodation and transferred to where the donkey's live. After an introduction to the donkey and explanation on how to feed, water and take care of the donkeys you set off on a 3-4 hour round walk to the Campiano springs passing the San Salvatore Church and the Madonna della Croce hermitage. The walk is very scenic with great views of Campi up on the hill and the Sibillini mountains as backdrop. The walk is easy on a dirt road that is partly shaded and crosses the fields at the bottom of the valley. Dinner and overnight at the accommodation.
Challenge: 150m in ascent, 3-4 hrs
Villages along the way: Campi, Pie di Colle, Campiano springs
Day 3: Walk from Ancarano to Castelluccio
In the morning you drive or are driven, if you do not have a car, from Campi to Località Pie di Colle near Ancarano, 4 km away from the farm. You take your luggage with you and those that have their own car leave it at the donkey stables. You load your luggage onto the special baskets and then set off for Castelluccio. The walk is very beautiful and panoramic as you gradually climb the side of the valley first passing though the woods then reaching the high mountain pastures. Having passed the Mountain ridge you head down to the village of Castelluccio located at 1400m on a superb, high mountain plateau where lentils and other cereals are planted and bloom beautifully in summer. We recommend you start early to avoid the climb in the hottest part of the day. Overnight in a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment on half board basis. Dinner will be served in a local restaurant near the accommodation.
Challenge: 1000m in ascent, 6-7 hrs
Villages along the way: Campi, Pie di Colle, Castelluccio
Day 4: Castelluccio round walk
Today you have a relaxing round walk though the lentil, barley and spelt fields of the Plains of Castelluccio, Piano Grande and Piano Perduto. In Castelluccio it is also possible to go cycling, horse riding and paragliding; you can arrange this with the accommodation. Overnight in a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment on half board basis. Dinner will be served in a local restaurant near the accommodation.
Challenge: 150-300m in ascent, 3-5 hrs
Villages along the way: Castelluccio, Piano Perduto
Day 5: Walk from Castelluccio to Norcia
Today you cross the Castelluccio plain and then climb uphill to exit the valley from where you have superb views of the Castelluccio plain and the Valley of Norcia. Then a long descent takes you down to the town of Norcia, home of Saint Benedict, the patron saint of Europe and the famous Norcini butchers. Good walking boots with ankle support are recommended today. Overnight in a 3* hotel in Norcia with an excellent sports facility and indoor and outdoor swimming pool, in a family room with private bathroom. Dinner at the hotel.
Challenge: 350m in ascent, 1100m in descent, 6-7 hrs
Villages along the way: Castelluccio, Norcia
Day 6: Free day in Norcia
Today you have a rest day to go sightseeing or relax by the swimming pool at Hotel Salicone. We suggest you to visit the town of Norcia, Spoleto, the San Pietro in Valle Abbey or the Activo Outdoor Theme Park in Scheggino. See more info about what to see in the Information about the area section below. Overnight in a 3* hotel in Norcia with an excellent sports facility and indoor and outdoor swimming pool, in a family room with private bathroom. Dinner at the hotel.
Villages along the way: Norcia
Day 7: Norcia to Loc. Pie di Colle, Ancarano
Today is the last walking day and it starts off going up hill, on a sunny road but as you cross the low ridge you enter the forest and head down towards Ancarano where you will say goodbye to the donkeys. If you have left your car at the stable you drive back to Norcia, otherwise you will be transferred back to Norcia. Overnight in a 3* hotel in Norcia with an excellent sports facility and indoor and outdoor swimming pool, in a family room with private bathroom. Dinner at the hotel.
Challenge: 350m in ascent, 3 hrs
Villages along the way: Norcia, Ancarano
Day 8: Arrivederci to Norcia
The trip and our services end after breakfast.
Villages along the way: Norcia
Practical info
Included:
- 2 nights on half board basis (breakfast and 3 course dinner with drinks excluded) in a family room with private bathroom in a nice farm house in Campi
- 2 nights on half board basis (breakfast and 3 course dinner with drinks excluded in the nearby restaurant) in a 2 bedroom apartment with private bathroom in a farm house in Castelluccio
- 3 nights on half board basis (breakfast and 3 course dinner with drinks excluded) in family room with private bathroom in a 3* hotel Norcia
- Use of the indoor and outdoor swimming pool and of the sports center at the hotel in Norcias
- Transfer from Agriturismo Fonte Antica to the donkey stables
- 2 donkeys for the whole week and their food
- Detailed road book and maps in Englishs
- 24-hour telephone assistance
Not Included:
- Flights and public transportation
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Admissions and entrance fees of any kind (when not previously agreed upon)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal extras and expenses such as meals, drinks, phone calls, etc.
- Any items that have not been mentioned in the program
Optional Services:
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Transfer from Donkey stable to Norcia EURO 25.00
- Additional night/s at any of the accommodations or any other destination in Italy
Getting there and away:
Pisa and Florence and Bologna airports have regular international and low cost flights. There is a regular bus and train service between the airports and the these 3 cities. We can also arrange for you private transportation directly from the airport.
Reviews
Start: Campi
Finish: Norcia
Dates & prices
Trip availability: Departing Saturday, Monday and Wednesday from 01/06 to 31/09
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| quadruple: | 475 €/person |
| quintuple: | 500 €/person |
| triple: | 560 €/person |
| twin: | 715 €/person |
| double: | 715 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| quadruple: | 525 €/person |
| quintuple: | 535 €/person |
| triple: | 625 €/person |
| twin: | 810 €/person |
| double: | 810 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| quadruple: | 535 €/person |
| quintuple: | 545 €/person |
| triple: | 635 €/person |
| twin: | 820 €/person |
| double: | 820 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| quadruple: | 550 €/person |
| quintuple: | 575 €/person |
| triple: | 660 €/person |
| twin: | 855 €/person |
| double: | 855 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| quadruple: | 555 €/person |
| quintuple: | 580 €/person |
| triple: | 665 €/person |
| twin: | 860 €/person |
| double: | 860 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| quadruple: | 500 €/person |
| quintuple: | 535 €/person |
| triple: | 595 €/person |
| twin: | 755 €/person |
| double: | 755 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| quadruple: | 475 €/person |
| quintuple: | 500 €/person |
| triple: | 560 €/person |
| double: | 715 €/person |
| twin: | 715 €/person |
Other prices
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| people and luggage transfer from train station in Spoleto to B&B l'Asino che Rid: | 55 € |
| people and luggage transfer from Hotel Salicone to Fonte Antica: | 35 € |
| optional transfer: | 35 € |
| people and luggage transfer from train station in Spoleto to Fonte Antica: | 60 € |
| People transfer donkeys' stable-Hotel Salicone: | 35 € |
| optional transfer: | 35 € |
| People transfer Hotel Agli Scacchi-donkeys' stable: | 25 € |
| People transfer Hotel Agli Scacchi-donkeys' stable-Hotel Agli Scacchi: | 35 € |
| optional luggage transport: | 50 € |