Wolf Tracking in Abruzzo, Central Apennines

The wolf is securely the animal that has attracted people’s imagination more than all the others since the ancient times. An extraordinary, intelligent and adaptable predator, that is able to travel through long distances and to survive in hostile environments and with scarce food resources. A little number (maybe less than 100) of wolves survived in the central-southern Apennine around the end of the 1960s. Then, the wolf has slowly but progressively expanded its area through a spontaneous recolonization process during the last 30/40 years. Nowadays a wolves population organized with a minimum of 7 or 8 packs has been living in the territory of the Abruzzo National Park.

The Wolf Tracking in Abruzzo is an activity of total immersion in the world of the wolf, articulated in a few days experience in which, in addition to real Wolf-watching sessions aimed at the direct observation of free-ranging specimens, we alternate excursions in the habitat of the species in search of signs of its presence, also with the intention of introducing the participants to the complexity of the ecological relationships within a given wolf territory.

Winter is the wolf season. Wolf specimens move in smaller areas in relation to the concentration of potential prey. The snow makes it easier to read their footprints in the territory, and the mating season between wolves finally offers greater dynamics between individual wolves of different families.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – How many wolves are there

Meeting with guides at the Avezzano Bus Terminal at 2 p.m. Transfer to the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and accommodation of participants in the hotel. At 4 p.m. departure for a first easy excursion until sunset. Return to the hotel in the evening, dinner and overnight stay.

2h of walk · 4km · 200 m climb · 200 m descent

DAY 2 – Live like a wolf in a man world’s

At dawn wildlife watching session. After breakfast, departure for a panoramic walk and search for signs of wolf presence. Possibility to observe deer, roe deer and wild boar grazing. Packed lunch and visit to the Apennine Wolf Museum in Civitella Alfedena to learn more about the conservation programmes implemented in Italy. Relax at the hotel and in the late afternoon another short evening excursion with wildlife watching activities and the chance to hear the characteristic howls. Dinner with local products and overnight stay.

6h of walk · 8km · 400 m climb · 400 m descent

DAY 3 – The pack, a couple and the sons

At dawn, we will be protagonists in the beautiful scenery 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 who lives far from this kind of landscape. Guided hike to the Passo dei Monaci to try to spot the endemic Apennine chamois and golden eagle. Return to the valley in the afternoon, hot chocolate and relaxation at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

6h of walk · 10km · 450 m climb · 450 m descent

DAY 4 – From the magic of sacred waters to the return of wild nature

On our last day, we will explore the Giovenco valley. From the beautiful and variegated apple orchards of Ortona dei Marsi, we will visit the areas connecting the Central Apennine national parks, where local communities are working daily to achieve peaceful coexistence with returning wildlife. Return to the valley in the afternoon and last transfer of participants to the Avezzano Terminal Bus.

4h of walk · 6km · 300 m climb · 300 m descent

Due to possible adverse weather conditions during this travel day, we ask that you DO NOT book train or bus out of Avezzano Terminal Bus any earlier than 3 pm.

Highlights

Wolf Tracking in Abruzzo an exclusive adventure guided by expert wildlife trackers
In the authentic setting of the Abruzzo hinterland, long days in nature alternate with moments of relaxation, classic italian food and tasty local wines.
Track the iconic species of the Central Apennines on foot and snowshoes in this biodiversity hotspot

Costs

from 620,00 €

What's included

Expert local Naturalist Guide
Internal transfers
Hotel stay, double occupancy
Dinner and breakfast
Hot drink service with coffee, chocolate and tea
Personal binoculars (Nikon 8x42)
Spotting scope (Nikon and Leica)
Snowshoes and poles

What is excluded

Lunches
Travel insurance
Extra and personal expenses

Participants must be able to walk on medium-difficulty paths and remain silent while waiting and observing.

What to bring

Temperatures can range from -20°C to +10°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.

Daypack (25+ litres)
Raincover
Waterproof jacket with hood
Fleece jacket or similar
Warm jacket
Hiking trousers
Technical t-shirts
Hiking boots
Warm hat
Thin gloves
Waterproof overtrousers
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Water bottles or water bladder

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.

Accommodation is pre-arranged by our tour leader in a small, charming, family-run hotel, in shared double rooms.

Lunch is not included, you will buy packed lunches each morning from the guesthouse or local shops and bakeries to take with you. For dinner you'll enjoy traditional Italian dishes such as maccheroni alla chitarra - a special kind of spaghetti, soup with orapi (wild spinach) and beans, gnocchetti and grilled meat. The region has a strong sheep-farming culture, so there are many local dairy products such as pecorino, ricotta, caciocavallo and a rare goat's cheese called marzolina.

Requests for vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for: please do not forget to advise us of these preferences at the time of booking.

This trip generates an average of 79,2 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.

Reviews

Amazing experience in the wild

December 10, 2024

I had the best time on the wolf tracking. We had amazing wildlife encounters and Valeria was the perfect guide on this tour. I learnt plenty of new things about wolfs and wildlife overall and recommend this trecking to everybody!

David Steinmetz

truely recommendable

February 19, 2025

Umberto, although the weather was not good the first days you brought us to some nice places and we enjoyed the bird watching, the sceneries, the 100+ red deers, the roe deers, the chamois, the wild boars and finally ... the wolves. For us bird lovers having the wolves and the peregrine falcon in one shot was a moment we will remember for long. Thank you for being a good guide and a good host!

Joris De Keijser

FAQ

Of course, a good percentage of the participants to the Wolf Tracking in Abruzzo 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 Wolf Tracking in Abruzzo. 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.

This activity is especially designed for adults as we need to spend four days in high mountains and wait silently a few hours. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

Obviously some day could be cold or rainy: our guides will study alternative propose to offer you the best experience. Be sure to be well equipped for each weather condition. Before you arrive, feel free to ask your guide what to expect for your specific trip dates.

Ask for a private Wolf Tracking in Abruzzo 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.

The tour includes a series of internal transfers, starting from the Avezzano bus station, where our guide will pick you up at 2 pm. If you are coming from Rome, please consult the timetables of the Prontobus and LineaRoma companies, which provide connections from Rome Fiumicino and Rome Ciampino airports or from Rome Tiburtina railway station to Avezzano railway station. For any assistance in organising your trip, please contact us.

For those who want to travel independently 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.

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