Time of the Bear

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – The Abruzzo National Park, the last Italian Bear stronghold

Free arrival in Pescasseroli, in the afternoon, settling in at the hotel and presentation of the guide. At 4pm, departure for a first easy hike until sunset. In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

2 hours walk · 4 km length · 200 m climb · 200 m descent

DAY 2 – A bear spring landscape

Departure at sunrise for a close-by wildlife watching session. After a hearty breakfast we embark on a delightful excursion through the forests of bear country. Surrounded by the astonishing beauty of the luxuriant mountain scenery, these well-preserved forest habitats closely represent the actual primordial stage of the beech-forest ecosystem in the Apennines. We’ll get to know the inhabitants of our beech woods ecosystem. We may not see any wild animals, but our guide will show you many interesting signs of them: bears, wolves, pine martens… they all live here and we are nothing but the humble visitors in their home. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

5 hours walk · 9 km length · 400 m climb · 400 m descent

DAY 3 – Snow water

Last day’s adventure ended late, but bears usually move very early in the morning! After a good coffee we will set off for a wildlife watching session in the Southern area of the park. Once the sun is high on the horizon we’ll head to the nearest village to pack our equipment and prepare for the next long excursion to the karst area of Lago Vivo, a small natural lake fed by the melting snow water. A long descent will take us to the enchanting springs of the Rio Torto, located in a cave where pure waters flows. We’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon to relax. Dinner and overnight stay.

5 hours walk · 13 km length · 400 m climb · 400 m descent

DAY 4 – Beyond the park

As a result of improved ecological conditions outside the national Park, our bears stories are no longer confined to the boundaries of the protected area but extend further into the areas that the species is slowly reclaiming. On our last day together, we’ll explore some of the areas on the borders of the National Park to see first-hand the actions and the efforts being made to improve the coexistence between human activities and wildlife in the so-called Bear Smart communities. End of activities in the afternoon, departure of participants.

5 hours walk · 9 km length · 300 m climb · 300 m descent