New Year’s Eve in the wildest area of Abruzzo

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Discovering Vallis Regia

Arrival in Pescasseroli (L’Aquila), introduction of the guide and description of the programme. In late afternoon there will be a short hike and accommodation of participants in the b&b in Villetta Barrea that has an arrangement with us.

2h of walk · 4 km · 100 m ascent · 100 m descent

DAY 2 – Terraegna and the old growth forest

A nice hike will bring us to an observation point, from where you can see the main peaks of the Central Apennines and admire the patches of old-growth forest of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. In the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park scientists have found the oldest beech forests of Europe. It is a complex and very rich ecosystem, whose functioning we just start to understand. Now we want to tell you its story. Packed lunch. In the evening, dinner and visit to the village of Civitella Alfedena and to the papier-mâché life size crib. At 9:30 p.m. we will attend to the torchlight procession that, through human figures, expresses a wishing message for new year; this festival is held in “Piazzale di Santa Lucia” square; there will be a a big bonfire and we will drink a glass of mulled wine.

5h of walk · 13 km · 400 m ascent · 400 m descent

DAY 3 – Monte Meta, a terrace over three region

At dawn, we will be protagonists in the beautiful scenery of “Pianoro Le Forme”, at the foot of Mount Meta and of the Mainarde mountain range. A strong emotional impact place, characterized by rugged and wild mountains, fascinating for those who live far from this kind of landscape. There will be a hike until “Passo dei Monaci” to try to spot deers and chamoises. In the afternoon visit to the historic centre of Barrea village and its fortified stronghold. In the evening there will be the end of the year dinner with the guides and celebrations.

6h of walk · 10 km · 500 m ascent · 500 m descent

DAY 4 – The ancient forest of Pescasseroli

A soft awakening will allow us to observe an ancient beech wood where the trees are keepers of tradition, history and biodiversity. Here we can found the presence of the rare white-backed Woodpecker or the the more mysterious and rare Rosalia longicorn beetle. All this makes the ancient forest of Pescasseroli a very special place. Free afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay.

4h of walk · 6 km · 250 m ascent · 250 m descent

DAY 5 – Valle di Ziomas and Ferroio di Scanno

The Ziomas Valley greets us silently in a wonderful winter setting where slopes and karst sinkholes are softened by the snow cover. The patterns left by the wind, the traces of wolves and foxes guide us as if in a fascinating tale. From the saddle that opens onto Ferroio di Scanno, the gaze is lost in the beauty of the landscape. A grandiose scenery, dominated by the peaks of Mount Godi and Mount Marsicano. After this soft hike we can have some polenta in a mountain hut. In the afternoon departure of participants.

4h of walk · 8 km · 300 m ascent · 300 m descent