(+39) 0863.399696 (+39) 339.8395335 info@wildlifeadventures.it 
PERIOD
November-April
DURATION
3 days-2 nights
LOCATION
Pescasseroli, Abruzzo
GROUP SIZE
8 people
ACCOMMODATION
Small hotel
LENGTH
7-10 km per day
ELEVATION GAIN
400 m per day
DIFFICULT
Moderate
Participants should be able to walk in the mountain without difficulties however, there are plenty of stops as you wait silently with binoculars to view wildlife.
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.
During this three-day experience we will explore the extraordinary social life of wolf, following the paths and the valleys of the Park, participating also to beautiful evening hikes. We will discover its role of predator, its great adaptability to Italian territory, but also the historical and difficult relationship with human being.
An exclusive adventure guided by expert wildlife trackers
Bookend long days in the wilderness with classic Italian food and tasty local wines in genuine mountain villages
Of all the species of Italian fauna, the wolf is one of the most fascinating. It witnessed the birth of the city of Rome, lives a life full of adventure largely spent lying in wait in the forests and grasslands, is intelligent as it hunts its prey, aesthetically perfect and was loved by St. Francis of Assisi. After being persecuted in every way possible, in the 1960s it was on the brink of extinction, in the 1980s, protection led to its recovery and today it has once again arrived in the Alps where it had been missing for over 100 years
DAY 1 – How many wolves are there
Arrival in Pescasseroli, in the afternoon check in and accommodation of participants in the hotel and introduction of the guide. At 4 pm departure for an easy hike until the sunset. Arrive to the hostel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
2h of walk · 200 m ascent · 200 m descent
DAY 2 – Live like a wolf in a man world’s
Departure at sunrise for a hike along the southern slope of mountain, a very panoramic territory and pasture area of deers and other wild ungulates. Historically, this area has been frequented from wolves. Then there will be packed lunch and transfer to Civitella Alfedena, visit to the Apennine Wolf Museum. During the afternoon arrive to the hotel and evening hike to try to hear the howling of wolves. Return to the hotel during the night using torches; dinner based on local products and overnight stay.
6h of walk · 400 m ascent · 400 m descent
DAY 3 – The pack, a couple and the sons
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 who lives 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 return to the valley, a cup of hot chocolate, a tasting of local products and departure of participants.
6h of walk · 400 m ascent · 400 m descent
Prices
€ 240 / per person
What’s included
Guide and organization
Accommodation in a hotel (double occupancy)
Binocular Nikon Prostaff 8×42
Headlamp
What is not included
Lunches
Any transports
Extra and personal expenses
Travel insurance
Accommodation can be organized by our tour leader in small lovely small family managed hotel, in double 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.
During winter season Central Apennine became a perfect territory for wildlife watching: check our calendar to see availability.
Friday 3 November 2023 – Sunday 5 November 2023
Friday 8 December 2023 – Sunday 10 December 2023
Friday 5 January 2024 – Sunday 7 January 2024
Friday 26 January 2024 – Sunday 28 January 2024
Friday 9 February 2024 – Sunday 11 February 2024
Friday 8 March 2024 – Sunday 10 March 2024
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
Sure can! Over 30% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
This activity is especially designed for adults and young 14+ as we need to spend 3 days in the mountains and wait silently a few hours.
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.
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.
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.
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 Flixbus or Prontobus company that connects Roma and Ciampino airports to Abruzzo.
