Life at high altitudes, Mount Velino and the Duchessa Lake

A a breathtaking view over the imposing abyss of the Teve Valley in the Velino regional Reserve

PERIOD
April-October

DURATION
2 days-1 night

LOCATION
Rosciolo dei Marsi, Abruzzo

GROUP SIZE
12 people

ACCOMMODATION
Small hotel

LENGTH
6-12 km per day

ELEVATION GAIN
500-850 m per day

DIFFICULT
Moderate

On the one hand, there are easy ridge passages that can be done without difficulty. On the other hand, a good level of fitness is required to cope with the difference in altitude, especially on the second day.

 

Dates and prices

A two-day experience in the midst of vast alpine meadows, flown over by Griffon vultures and patrolled by wolves, full with rare mountain flowers, with a breathtaking view over the imposing abyss of the Teve Valley. The deep and wild Teve valley unfolds between the borders of two regional protected areas (Montagne della Duchessa and Monte Velino). Starting from the mouth of the valley, the itineraries we propose will allow you to appreciate, on the one hand, the rugged mountain walls and, on the other hand, the gentler depression where the waters of the Duchessa Lake gather. E

nhanced by the width of the open spaces, the feeling of moving “between earth and sky” remains with the walker along the paths, making the sighting of large birds of prey as vivid as ever. The itineraries are ideal for those who love long walks, wide open spaces and the feeling of a breeze on the face.

Itinerary

DAY 1 – Monte Rozza’s Griffon vultures

Meeting with the guide at 12 am in Rosciolo dei Marsi and a short drive to the foot of Mount Velino, Santa Maria in valle Porclaneta, where a majestic medieval church is. Here, in a open landscape of low vegetation (mainly meadows with sparse juniper bushes) a path gradually climbs along a diagonal on one side of Monte Rozza, leading to a breathtaking viewpoint over the rugged Teve Valley. Descent in the evening, transfer to Casali di Cartore, dinner and overnight stay.
5 h walk · 500 m ascent · 500 m descent

DAY 2 – The silent lake
After a hearty breakfast we’ll set off on a fascinating hike through a wooded valley. Finally the beech woods give way to wide meadows, the karst plains where the lake is located. Here silence reigns; in the absence of any direct spring, the lake’s water level depends on rain and snowfall, with the lowest level being reached in the summer, when the combined effects of drought and the abundance of livestock have a strong impact on the lake. In Spring the place and the lake are at their best. Packed lunch, return to the valley floor in the afternoon.
7 h walk · 850 m ascent· 850 m descent

Costs

Prices
€ 130 / per person

What’s included
Guide and organisation
Professional indemnity insurance
Nikon Prostaff 8×42 binoculars
Hotel accommodation
Dinner and breakfast

What is not included
All lunches
Internal transfers
Accident insurance
Extras and personal expenses

Food and accommodation

A few kilometers from the main motorway exit, a gentle path winds through the woods until it reaches for a group of stone houses where Anna and Marco’s Locanda Casali di Cartore beats. Authenticity, hospitality and a fine line between tradition and innovation are the main features of both the accommodation and the cuisine. The rooms are simple but well kept, ideal for those who love the mountains. The rooms are designed for relaxation and comfort, a special place where long sleeps in the silence of the valley are guaranteed.

The requests for vegetarian, vegan or special diets are fully satisfied: just remember to indicate your preferences when booking.

When can i do this?

Just over an hour’s drive from Rome, the Montagne della Duchessa regional nature reserve and the Monte Velino massif offer a deep immersion in nature, thanks to the beauty of the steep rocky slopes and the dense mixed oak woods that are home to an increasingly rich fauna.

The best time to visit these sites is between mid-April and mid-June and again in the autumn, from mid-September to mid-October. Check our calendar to see availability.

Kit list

Temperatures depend on season and time, warm clothes and dress up in layers is recommended: after sunset, in summertime too, it could be very cold.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Soft duffel bag or rucksack
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

WHAT’S INCLUDED
Binocular
Headlamp

Il nostro team di guide conosce perfettamente il territorio e come farvi sentire sempre al sicuro

Make it private!

Are you looking for an exclusive experience in nature? Are you already in a group or are you simply a hiker looking for unique emotions?

Gift this tour

Exciting and unique experience gifts create memories for years to come. Give. Receive. Experience!

Expert Local Guide

Our local guides know the mountain perfectly, what to do and how to be safe.

Frequently asked question

Can i book on my own?

Sure can! Over 30% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Life at high altitude with kids

This activity is especially designed for adults and young 14+ as we need to spend 2 days in the mountains and wait silently a few hours.

Private tour

Ask for a private tour if you need an exclusive experience. Send us an e mail and we’ll answer you back with the quotation.

Bad weather condition

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.

Need to add a travel insurance

Our guides are registered at the list of Collegio Guide Alpine Abruzzo and subscribed a professional insurance.

We suggest you to book on line travel insurance with World Nomads. They offer insurances designed for adventurous travellers across 140 countries that includes overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.

How to get there

Rosciolo di Magliano dei Marsi is easily reached by car from three access points.

FROM ROME (A24 Roma-L’Aquila) By car from Rome, take the A24 motorway and exit at Magliano dei Marsi. Follow the signs for Rosciolo and the Church of S. Maria in Valle Porclaneta. FROM PESCARA (A25 Rome-Pescara) Take the A24 motorway and exit at Magliano dei Marsi. Follow the signs for Rosciolo and the Church of S. Maria in Valle Porclaneta. FROM NAPLES (A1 Rome-Naples) Take the A1 motorway to the Cassino tollgate and continue towards Sora until you reach the SS690 Sora-Avezzano road. At Cappelle dei Marsi continue towards Magliano dei Marsi and then towards Rosciolo and the Church of S. Maria in Valle Porclaneta.

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