Walking among the clouds - Crossing the Montagna Grande

A high-altitude itinerary connecting two villages rich in history. In one side lies Pescasseroli, the capital of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and the starting point of the historic Tratturo Regio. On the other, Scanno, made famous by the photographs of artists who immortalized its cultural and artistic heritage, from the traditional women’s costume to age-old rituals. Ancient paths guide us through mysterious forests of twisted trunks and wide ridgelines, where the green of the high pastures blends with a fascinating lunar landscape.

The history of the Central Apennines is deeply intertwined with that of pastoralism. Over the centuries, shepherds have shaped the land more than any other human activity, transforming the natural environment to their advantage. Their presence has influenced not only the landscape but also the culture of local communities, leaving its mark on traditions, language, art, and gastronomy.

Highlights

A welcoming mountain refuge, strategically located for a full immersion in nature, will be our base for the entire weekend.
The crisp mountain air, the wind-swept pastures, and the warm light of the setting sun create a suspended landscape that, in autumn, takes on intimate and nostalgic tones.
From the ridgelines of Monte Argatone and Monte Terratta, the view opens across the very heart of the Park: the peaks of Mount Marsicano, Lake Scanno, and, on clear days, even as far as the Gran Sasso and the Maiella.

Costs

from 140,00 €

What's included

Guide and organization
Accommodation in a mountain refuge
Dinner and breakfast
Packed lunch
Headlamps
Internal transfers

What is excluded

Travel insurance
Extra and personal expenses

Essential tips and useful details for a smooth and enjoyable stay

Temperatures can range from +5°C to +24°C. We recommend that you bring warm, easily removable clothing, allowing you to adapt and remain comfortable throughout the tour. Waterproof hiking boots are mandatory and you will not be allowed to join the excursion if you do not have them.

CLOTHING
Waterproof jacket with hood
Warm jacket
Lightweight trousers
Lightweight t-shirts
Worn in hiking boots or shoes
Warm hat
Thin gloves

BAG AND SLEEPING
Rucksack (30+ liters)
Sleeping bag liner
Ear-plugs
Personal first-aid kit
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Quick-dry towel
Alcohol hand-gel
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Water bottles or water bladder (at least 1 l)

Whether you are going on a day hike or a multi-day trip, it is essential to prepare properly to ensure your safety and enjoyment. See our guidelines on how to equip yourself for each season.

During the tour, we will be based in a characteristic mountain cabin located in one of the most remote areas of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park. Staying overnight at high altitude allows us to fully enjoy the sunset and sunrise, maximizing our chances of spotting wildlife.

The basic accommodation consists of shared rooms, with access to toilets, hot water, and electricity. The food served at the refuge is sourced from local producers, reviving traditional and typical local cuisine, and welcoming our guests as if they were at home.

For extra energy on the return journey, we offer a rich breakfast, including cakes, biscuits, cereals, yoghurt, fresh bread, and jams, as well as a savory option with eggs and cheese.

Due to the particularly dry periods in recent summers, the manager may restrict the use of water for showers.

This trip generates an average of 13,1 kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities and guides.

But what does that mean?

Is it still difficult to understand your impact on the planet? To get a fuller picture:

Driving 1000km in an average car is equivalent to about 300kg of CO2 (or 150kg per person if there are two of you).
A return economy class flight between London and Rome Fiumicino is equivalent to about 670 kg per person.
It is estimated that 10 trees in a temperate forest remove about 250kg of CO2 from the air over a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing?

We are working with all our partners and suppliers to develop long-term carbon reduction plans. We are working with Rewilding Apennines to ensure that this journey achieves net zero emissions by supporting their programmes and ensuring the protection and restoration of natural environments outside protected areas.

FAQ

Of course, a good percentage of the participants in the trip wolf weekend Tales of wolves and sheperds of through the most interesting areas of the Abruzzo National Park are single travellers.

Our tours are usually made up of singles, couples and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, most of whom are between 25 and 50 years old. These adventures are suitable for solo travellers and attract people with a common mindset: a love of nature, a desire to go further and meet like-minded people.

We regret that we cannot accept dogs at the weekend Walking amoung the clouds. If you love your dog, you certainly love wild animals. To protect them and not to disturb them, certain precautions are necessary. For this reason, in the National Parks of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise and in many other protected areas, there are paths and areas of integral reserve where our pets cannot accompany us.

The recommended minimum age for climbing Montagna Grande mountain range is 14 years, and participants must have previous hiking experience. Younger children may be able to participate on other dates and on a private basis, if requested.

The climate is typically Mediterranean, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful sunsets in the spring and autumn months. Of course, it is possible to have a day of bad weather, which can have an impact on the single excursion. Our guides will adapt the itinerary to the weather conditions to ensure the best possible experience.

Remember to bring all the necessary equipment and recommended clothing and before you arrive, feel free to ask your guide what to expect for your specific trip dates.

Ask for a private tour if you need an exclusive experience. Whether you are a wildlife lover, photography enthusiast or simply in search of moments of peace and contemplation, our tailor-made itineraries will allow you to discover hidden corners and breathtaking landscapes in a unique and unforgettable experience.

We are a fully licensed tour operator, and all our guides are qualified professionals with professional indemnity insurance. It is easy and quick to take out additional travel insurance with major insurance companies. In addition to medical, baggage, and personal accident cover, you can also add cancellation cover travel insurance. Contact us for more information.

We understand that life can sometimes be unpredictable and we are here to help you in any way we can. We strongly recommend that you take out an additional insurance policy that includes a cancellation option. This can also be requested at the time of booking.

Day Tours
- Cancellation is free up to 48 hours prior to departure. Cancellations made after this time will incur a 100% cancellation fee and will not be refunded.

Multi day tours
- Up to 30 days prior to arrival, no charge.
- 29 to 15 days prior to arrival, 50% cancellation fee.
- Less than 14 days before arrival or no show, 100% cancellation fee.

Pescasseroli is the most important village of Abruzzo National Park, the oldest Italian protected area. It has guaranteed a life in harmony with nature for almost a century. You can easily reach it by car through three access points. FROM ROME (Highway A24 Rome – L’Aquila): from Rome highway A24 until Pescina exit, proceed on SR83 or on SP17 until Pescasseroli. FROM PESCARA (Highway A25 Roma – Pescara): from Pescara highway A25 until Pescina exit, go on towards SR83 or towards SP17 until Pescasseroli. FROM NAPLES (Highway A1 Naples – Rome): from Naples highway A1 until Caianello exit, enter SS85 towards Venafro and then proceed on SR83 until Pescasseroli.

You can arrive by bus thanks to daily connections from Castel di Sangro and Avezzano. Check the timetable on Tuabruzzo. Connections by train are only until Avezzano station. For those who come from Rome it is possible to check the timetable of LineaRoma or Prontobus company that connects Roma and Ciampino airports to Avezzano.