Walking among bears

An opportunity for awareness and a moment of reflection, a journey to rediscover the rhythms of nature, the measure of time, the silence. To look at life from a different perspective, just like when you look at the landscape from a mountain top… It is a philosophy of travelling different from the one of an organised trip. Long walks in the mountains lead us to remote places where friendships and our self-esteem are fueled. We camp out in a tent or in a cabin, warm up by the fireplace and are cradled by the starry sky.

Traffic, daily life, the hammering work rhythm, deadlines, the whirlwind of passing time. It is not uncommon to feel that everything seems to slip through our fingers – sometimes we would like to pull the plug, take off and regain the control over our lives. Those that choose to get on this road know that there will be obstacles, unforeseen events. They know that it takes physical efforts. That they will have to relate to others and leave frustrations and worries behind them; that only like this they will be able to enjoy the journey.

Beautiful scenery in intimate and wild places, among large beech forests and rare blooms, to rediscover nature’s essence

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

DAY 1 – Italy’s oldest National Park
Appointment in the town centre of Pescasseroli. Meeting the guides, handover of welcome kit and presentation of the schedule. Dinner and overnighy stay

DAY 2 – Sacred and profane, mountains and summits
A short trip by car will bring us to the starting point of the trail. The trip starts off from the plains of Campitelli, a large basin embedded between the austere walls of Monte Meta and the Mainarde range. The route continues inside the beech forest, characterised by unique, tall trunks; seemingly silent, it comes to life by the voice of the water springs and the sound of the wind sneaking into the valley. The forest gives way to large karst sinkholes, overlooked by moraines and ledges of the impressive Monte Meta. Just steps away is the panoramic Passo dei Monaci. In the afternoon we continue on a long and steep downhill towards the Valle del Canneto, a fascinating place of worship with very interesting nature. In the evening, dinner and overnight accommodation.
6h of walk · 800 m ascent · 800 m descent

DAY 3 – Sunrise with the bears
After breakfast, we go up to the valley characterised by water features and small waterfalls. After we have left the river gravel bed of the Melfa stream, the route continues uphill towards the pass of the Tre Confini and until the historic Rifugio di Forca Resuni. The view opens on the wooded Valle Iannanghera and towards the quaint village of Barrea and its lake. In the afternoon we will be watching the Camosciara from above, with its rocky slopes, the centuries-old black pines and many endemic flowerings. Dinner and overnight stay in the bivouac.
6h of walk · 800 m ascent · 200 m descent

DAY 4 – In the heart of the Park
Immediately after breakfast, we will depart to reach Val Fondillo, a very important area in the modern approach to nature conservation. The pleasant route will bring us along the banks of the stream, among countless streams of very clean water. In the evening we go to the guesthouse of the Park, where we can take a shower. Dinner with local products, overnight stay.
4h of walk · 300 m ascent · 600 m descent

DAY 5 – Root of patriarchy
After a lavish breakfast and after having packed our backpacks, we get on or way, following a route characterised by very old trees, the patriarchs, and undulating meadows. Lights and shadows intertwining, crickets singing, and violets with changing colours will all lead to discovering the majestic Maple of Monte Tranquillo, to then go down to the Valle Lattara. A glass of good Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and the warmth of the cabin will keep us company at dinner.
6h of walk · 600 m ascent · 200 m descent

DAY 6 – A balcony on the sky
A route on the ridges, midway between Abruzzo and Lazio, which allows us to overlook the whole territory of the Park and our walk. We will then have the opportunity to touch the beautiful forest of Pesco di Lordo and of Coppo del Principe, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening arrive to the Prati d’Angro.
6h of walk · 300 m ascent · 800 m descent

DAY 7 – Wolves at night
After breakfast a beautiful walk inside the Val Cervara forest’s. The dendrochronological exam of this forest led by the scientists of the Tuscia University allowed them to assess the age of some trees, which in a few cases turned out to be older than 560 years. These trees have been born before the end of the Middle Age and before the “discovery” of Americas by Columbus. Therefore, these are not only the oldest beech trees known in Europe but also the oldest broad-leaf trees of the Northern hemisphere! After the long way at altitude, the time comes to dive once again into the beech forest and to finally get in contact with the civilisation of the valley floor. In the afternoon, there is a short tour of Pescasseroli’s town centre, dinner and closure of the activities.
6h of walk · 600 m ascent · 600 m descent

DAY 8 – Epilogue
After breakfast departure of participants.

Prices
€ 740 / per adult

You’ll stay in a refuge and tent with shared rooms, so we can’t expect to have access to toilets and bathrooms everyday, however we will find a comfortable shower in the village’s family-owned hotel.

Breakfast and dinner are provided in the hotel and in the refuge, lunches are not included; you will buy packet lunches from local shops and bakeries.

The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is an enchanting place where wilderness is offered in many unexpected shapes and colours. The place which more than any other jealously guards its origins, rejects anything too noisy, and still today embraces that ancient connection between humans and nature. A trip to this region could result unforgettable from many points of view, but without a doubt it can help us to rediscover a fleeting inner peace.

During the spring and autumn season the territory offers beautiful scenery and a magical atmospheres. See booking calendar for available dates.

Long day hike in the mountains with a backpack and daily food. On some days we don’t reach the villages. Therefore it is good to make sure to have the necessary equipment with you.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
CLOTHINGS
Waterproof jacket with hood
Warm jacket
Fleece jacket or similar
T-shirts
Long technical trousers
Waterproof overtrousers
Socks
Hikings boot
Warm hat
Thin gloves

EQUIPEMENT
Rucksack (40-50 lt)
Sleeping bag
Rain cover
Water bottles or water bladder (at least 2 lt)
Head Torch
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Towel
Emergency kit (Compeed®,patches,medicines)
Slippers for relax moments
T-shirt and trousers for sleeping
Earplugs (Recommended)