The Abruzzo - Castles & Monasteries and incredible mountain scenery - GABR
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Mountains, monasteries & castles
A cultural walking tour through the three National Parks of Abruzzo: great mountain scenery, amazing cultural heritage and beautiful medieval villages in Italy’s green Heart
At only a short distance from Rome, the Abruzzo is one of the most interesting areas of Italy, featuring some amazing mountain scenery, not as famous as the more northern Dolomites, but with a nature so precious that the region now boasts even three main National Parks and a number of regional parks. You’ll find some bits of almost pristine landscape, where even wolves, deer and brown bears still wander around. Nature here is overwhelming and well protected. During this tour you’ll visit all three national parks, very different one from the other, but all equally beautiful. In all this abundant nature we will of course make some wonderful walks, where you seem to be far away from everything.
We visit some of Italy’s most beautiful national parks, among which the Gran Sasso National Park, featuring the highest peak of the Apennines, the savage Maiella National Park, dotted with remote medieval monasteries, some of which founded by the famed Pope Celestine V, and of course the Abruzzo National Park, one of the oldest protected landscapes in Italy.
But nature is not the only feature of this area, so we do not forget about the cultural treasures of this region either. We will walk along medieval villages scattered on the hilltops of the area, monasteries with beautiful frescos and we’ll visit some of the beautiful small cities of the region. We spend some time in wonderful Sulmona, birthplace of the Roman writer Ovidius and one of the most famous popes, Celestinus V, named in Dante’s Divina Comedia, in amazing Scanno, favourite spot of the photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, in the beautifully restored Santo Stefano, and in Pacentro, with its great castle. This journey takes you along abandoned castles on remote mountain tops and amazing churches in the middle of nowhere.
From Rome, the ‘Eternal City’, a great metropolis where thousands of years of history can be found on every corner, we journey inland, into the wild mountainous area of the Abruzzo. First we travel to the wonderful city of Sulmona, ancient Roman city, and privileged residence of many Popes. From here we visit the first of the three national parks, the savage Maiella National Park, with its great mountains and beautiful canyons, dotted with remote medieval monasteries.
Then we travel to the Gran Sasso Park, with the highest peak of the Apennines, rightly called the ‘Big Stone’. A great roundwalk here, starting from the amazing Campo Imperatore makes you believe you are somewhere in the Himalaya. During the last days we’ll travel to the southern part of the region. At first through the amazing Sagittario-canyon to the beautiful traditional village of Scanno, then on to the Abruzzo National Park, one of the oldest protected landscapes in Italy. Here we might encounter deer, and if we are really lucky, even a wolf or brown bear. Some relaxed walks through nature and a last great meal looking out over the great lake of Barrea are a worthy end to this trip.
The Abruzzo area, not yet discovered by mass tourism, presents its real authentic character to the traveller, who is still treated like a guest. The premises where we will stay are all small, genuine, family run hotels. The standard of the tour is 3/4 stars.
Please note: this is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience with walking and a good general physical condition. Most of the walks are on good paths, some of them just recently restored by the local authorities. Average walking times: approx 5 hours each day.
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Day 1 / From Rome to Sulmona
We start our tour from Rome. We meet here in the early afternoon and then travel by private bus to the beautiful city of Sulmona, birthplace of the Roman writer Ovidius and one of the most famous popes, Celestinus V, named already in Dante’s Divina Comedia, yet virtually undiscovered by mass tourism, notwithstanding its many cultural treasures. Our hotel is in the heart of the city. We eat together in a nice local restaurant in the medieval centre and then have the time for a stroll and perhaps a ‘gelato’.
Meals included: 1 dinner
Day 2 / From Sulmona to Pacentro and Caramanico Terme
This morning, after breakfast, we make a short scenic ride up to the medieval village of Pacentro, a very scenic village at the edge of the mountain chain, dominated by the impressive towers of its medieval castle. We arrive at the top end of the village, and we can therefore walk through the whole historical centre with a downhill bias and perhaps drink a coffee on the square. Then we continue our ride into the Maiella National Park, one of the last remaining bits of real wilderness in central Italy. We drive into the Orta valley, which separates the two main ridges of the Maiella National Park. Our minibus takes us to Passo San Leonardo, where we start our walk to Rocca Caramanico, a small hamlet towering on a lonesome rock dominating the valley. Our walk brings us along the edge of the mountain range, a scenic walk, without much climbing. After a relaxed walk we arrive at Rocca Caramanico, where we can stop for a drink, or even eat something in the restaurant. Then we start our descent all the way down into the valley, through which we walk to Caramanico Terme, where we stay for the next two nights. Others can opt to relax, have a drink and board private bus to Caramanico. In the evening we have dinner in a nice restaurant near the hotel, which serves some good local cuisine.
Total walking time: around 4,5 hours (approx. walking distance: 9,5 km). Total driving time today is around 1 hour.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 3 / Caramanico and the gorge of the river Orfento
Today will be dedicated to the wonderful nature of the Maiella, discovering the area’s biggest ‘canyon’, that of the river Orfento. Our walking day starts directly from our hotel door. We walk to the high end of Caramanico, and after a short visit to the nature museum we walk now directly into the canyon of the river Orfento. Although the landscape is spectacular and wild, the walk is not difficult. We’ll descend towards the river and then follow it all the way down through its narrow gorge. At the end of the canyon we walk through a surrealistic landscape of waterfalls and grotto’s. We have a nice picnic lunch somewhere along the river, before returning to the village of Caramanico. We then climb up to the old town of Caramanico and make a walk through the historical centre, beautifully located on the ridge above the river. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for a stroll or a drink in the old town. In the evening we have dinner together again.
Total walking time: around 3,5 hours (approx. walking distance: 8 km).
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 4 / Celestine’s monasteries and hermit caves
Our bus picks us up from the hotel and a scenic ride brings us to the tiny village of Decontra, from where we start walking through an open landscape, dotted with several ‘tholos’, strange stone buildings that seem to be pre-historical, but were used by shepherds until only a few decades ago. We descend into the canyon of Santo Spirito, where we’ll visit the beautifully located monastery of St. Bartholomew, one of the most scenic little churches of the region. This is a good place for a first biscuit stop. From here we climb up again and, we walk to the Convent of Santo Spirito. From here our bus picks us up again and brings us to a beautiful place to have lunch. Then we travel on to yet another national park, the Gran Sasso, literally ‘big stone’. We are dropped off at one of the most scenic medieval castles of the region, in Roccacalascio, Italy’s highest village. We take some time to wander around in this scenic village, now mostly abandoned. Then we walk along one of the most scenic footpaths of Italy towards the great Renaissance church of Santa Maria, and from there on to the beautiful village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, once abandoned and now carefully restored. Here we’ll spend the next two nights. There is time to enjoy a drink along the lake, before going for dinner in the traditional inn next to the hotel.
Total walking: approx. 3,5 (5) hours (approx. walking distance: 9 (14) km). Total driving time today is around 2 hours.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1dinner
Day 5 / Santo Stefano – Gran Sasso National Park – Santo Stefano
After breakfast we make a short drive, directed to central Italy’s highest mountain range, the Gran Sasso (which literally means ‘big stone’), now protected by a National Park. We arrive at the feet of the mountains on the plateau known as ‘Campo Imperatore’ (the field of the Emperor). Here, depending on the weather conditions, we have several options for a beautiful walk. We can opt to follow the ridge towards the highest top Corno Grande (2912 m.), or we can opt for a roundwalk along the vast high plain of Campo Imperatore. We have a nice scenic picnic lunch in the mountains and then walk back to the plain of Campo Imperatore, where our bus waits for us. After may be a coffee or a drink we travel back, along a wonderful scenic road, to the beautiful village of Santo Stefano. Those who want can also opt to walk back all the way to the hotel. Time to refresh and then choose where to go for a hearty meal with local specialties. Dinner is on your own tonight. Total walking: approx. 4 – 5 hours (approx. walking distance: 8/10 km).
Total driving time today is around 1.5 hours.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 6 / Into the Abruzzo National Park
Following a leisurely breakfast, we travel by private minibus to Anversa degli Abruzzi, another nice medieval town dominating the spectacular canyon of the Sagittario river. Here we have a short break and buy our picnic supplies, before our bus brings us up to the hamlet of Castrovalva, nestled on the ridge like an eagle’s nest. From here we make a beautiful walk, first along the ridge, through a nice open landscape of mountain meadows and bits of forest, with spectacular views on the canyon. The walk leads us to the abandoned village of Frattura Vecchia (the old Frattura), a very scenic spot, and continues to the charming little village of Frattura (Nuovo), with marvellous views on the Lake of Scanno. From here we either walk down or take the local bus down into the valley, to the village of Scanno. We have the time to explore the historical heart of this village, may be the most picturesque of the Abruzzo range, famous for its traditional dresses of the women, already immortalised by the photographer Cartier-Bresson in the 1950ies. After a short stroll through its characteristic streets and may be a drink we continue a scenic drive to Civitella Alfedena, where we settle in our hotel in the town centre. We have dinner in the hotel tonight.
Total walking time: around 4 (5,5) hours (approx. walking distance: 9 – 15 km. (Scanno). Total driving time today is around 1 hour.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Day 7 / The heart of the Abruzzo National Park
Following a leisurely breakfast, we have several options to explore the Abruzzo National Park. A number of wonderful round walks can be made here, ranging from more easy to difficult. A good option can be one of the most famous trails of the National Park, the Camosciara, where it’s possible to see the chamois freely wandering or in alternative the Val di Rose walk, which start directly from Civitella. The real hikers can opt for a challenging roundwalk to the Monte Greco. If instead you want to relax you can opt for an easy walk along the lake and a visit the museum dedicated to the wolf, an animal which still populates the mountains of this area. In the evening we go out for our last great meal together.
Total walking time: several options, between 2- 5,5 hours (approx. distance: 5-15 km.)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Day 8 / Departure to Rome
After breakfast this morning, our trip ends. From Civitella we transfer back to Rome by private bus. Those who want to extend their stay can either book some extra days in the Abruzzo National Park, in Sulmona, or in Rome.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
All nights are spent in beautiful, characteristic hotels, mostly historical buildings (generally 3-star; 4-star on some departure dates). All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Accommodation is on B&B basis, in all accommodations. Most evening meals are included, for which we have selected the best available restaurants. On two nights you are free to choose from the wide choice of restaurants in the area. Your guide can give you good tips for these evening dinners.
Almost all (picnic) lunches are included in the tour price. On other days you are free to have your own lunch. Here you have the option to have your lunch in a nice restaurant, or purchase your supplies for a picnic lunch.
Night 1: The first night is spent in beautiful Sulmona. Our accommodation is a good 3-star hotel in the heart of the historical centre.
Night 2 & 3: These two nights are spent in a good 3-star hotel, located in the centre of Caramanico Terme, a thermal resort in the heart of the Maiella Mountains.
Night 4 & 5 : These two nights are spent in the beautifully restored village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Our accommodation is a good 3-star hotel, on the lake shore, at walking distance from the historical centre.
Nights 6 & 7: These last two nights are spent in a charming 3-star hotel in the pretty small village of Opi, renowned for its abundant nature & wildlife.
INCLUSIONS
On our GUIDED WALKING TOURS we include almost everything :
• Private English speaking tour leader for 8 days
• Accommodation: 1 night Sulmona, 2 nights Caramanico Terme, 2 nights Santo Stefano, 2 nights Opi, all in good 3***- hotels
• Meals: all breakfasts, 6 dinners (good restaurants!), 3 lunches
• All private & public transfers as indicated throughout the entire itinerary
• Entrance fees of all sites along the itinerary
• All special activities as outlined in the day by day itinerary
• Guest experts for special places
• 24/24 h local assistance
• Luggage transport
• All gratuities for baggage, porters & hotel service
NOT INCLUDED
• Departure taxes
• Visas
• Travel Insurance
• Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional additional tours or activities
• Tips
• Items of a personal nature
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Moderately easy (2/3): Mostly moderately easy walks, along well maintained footpaths, with nonetheless rough surfaces. On some days some stretches are difficult for those suffering from vertigo (but NOT dangerous!). On these days alternative options are available. Extensions or shortcuts are also possible on most days.
Fitness: High standard of fitness is not necessary but you should be able to walk for up to 5 hours a day in hot sun on dusty or stony tracks.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Arrival: The tour starts in ROME (Centre/Train Station) from where we travel by private shuttle to SULMONA. From Rome airport there are regular shuttle buses to the train station.
Departure:The tour ends after breakfast on day 8 in OPI. A private transfer brings you from here back to ROME (included), from where you can easily continue your travels. In case you do not need to return to Rome, several taxi services are available to bring you directly to your next destination.
 | Places available. You can book this tour with a minimum of 1 person. |
 | Guaranteed Departure. Still some places available. |
 | There are a very limited number of available places on these dates. Immediate booking is recommended. |
 | Availability and prices on request. |
 | Fully booked. Departure closed. |
- Prices are per person and based on 2 people sharing double or twin accommodation.
- Single rooms (mostly double rooms - single use) are available on all trips. The supplements listed apply.
- Prices are expressed in Euro's. There will never be a currency surcharge.
- Actual exchange rates: GB £ - US $ - CAN $ - CHF - DKK - SEK - NOK - Other currencies.
- A 5 % early booking discount applies for several trips.
EXTRA NIGHTS
It is possible to include some extra nights before or after your tour, in any of the accommodations ‘en route’. For those who have never been in Rome an extra day here is strongly recommended.
The tour can also be started from Pescara (airport) and easily be extended with a few days in Sulmona.
At the beginning or the end of the tour there is the opportunity to visit Rome. The tour can also easily be extended with a few days here. Several good accommodations are available. Details and prices on request.
