New Year’s Eve in the wildest area of Abruzzo

In addition to the charm of New Year’s Eve there is the enchantment of snowy mountains, hikes in nature, an intimate and almost exclusive atmosphere. Five days in the heart of the most ancient and renowned protected area of Italy, with the opportunity to see deers, wolves and chamoises and visits to villages rich in history and traditions.

But it’s not all you can do. Choosing a New Year’s Day in contact with nature means rediscover the rhythms of life closer to your personal balance. We eat all together around the table and we will be heated by the fireplace and by a dog rose infusion or a glass of Montepulciano wine. We will tell each other stories and we will share life experiences. Beating heart of the Apennines, Abruzzo is a land full of surprises and strong ties with nature, and it can give you deep emotions and unforgettable memories.

Bookend long days in the wilderness with classic Italian food and tasty local wines in genuine mountain villages

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 · 150 m ascent · 150 m descent

DAY 2 – Discovering Vallis Regia
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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 300 m ascent · 300 m descent

Prices
€ 540 / per person

Accommodation can be organized by our tour leader in small lovely small family managed hotel, in double and triple rooms. Lunches are not included, you will buy packed lunches from the guesthouse or local shops and bakeries each morning to take with you.

Each evening you’ll be tucking into traditional Italian dishes including maccheroni alla chitarra – a special type of spaghetti, soup with orapi (wild spinach) and beans, gnocchetti and grilled meat. The region has a strong sheep rearing culture, so plenty of local dairy products are available such as pecorino, ricotta, caciocavallo and a rare goat’s cheese called Marzolina.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request on your passenger info form.

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