At a Glance
Walk the wild heart of the Italian Apennines on a special 6-day walking expedition deep into the soul-stirring Abruzzo mountains. Guided by skilled naturalists, you will hike through rugged landscapes and gain an intimate understanding of the vital conservation work protecting this pristine wilderness. This immersive experience invites you to witness the delicate balance between humans and the wild, traversing bear corridors, rising with the dawn to track wolves, and finding solace in the quiet of a remote mountain refuge for a night. Explore one of the more remote regions of Italy and let the raw beauty of the Italian Apennines forge an unforgettable connection between you and its extraordinary wildlife.
Your rewilding Apennines adventure begins in Rome before travelling to Pescasseroli, the gateway to Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park. ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5 nights’ accommodation, including 4 nights in a deluxe hotel and 1 night in a mountain refuge on a twin-share basis
- Immersive itinerary with all transport (private minibus and 4×4s) and listed activities
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
- All breakfasts, 4x lunches, 5x dinners
- Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Itinerary
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Arrive in Rome and transfer (about three hours) to the charming mountain-tucked town of Pescasseroli, our home for the adventure. Once settled, meet with your tour leader and the small group of travellers who will share the journey. It’s also a relaxed moment to get acquainted and hear what lies ahead in the wild landscapes of central Italy. To set the scene, we gather for a fascinating introduction to the region’s wildlife and conservation work with Mario Cipollone of Rewilding Apennines. His stories and insights, especially about the rare Marsican brown bear, bring the surrounding mountains to life. Following the introduction, we meet our nature guide for the trip, either Valeria Roselli or Andrea De Angelis, and then head out on a short walk nearby. Get to stretch your legs, take in the scenery, and begin connecting with both the landscape and each other. By evening, a welcome dinner hosted by our tour leader brings us together again. Draw a toast and enjoy the first of many memorable meals to come. The Albergo Villino Quintiliani is housed in a refined Art Nouveau mansion with a refined, private-club vibe. Inside, guests are welcome to unwind in 11 rooms, each with free Wi-Fi and either mountain views or a fireplace, plus an on-site traditional restaurant which offers al fresco dining on a garden terrace during the summer months. |
Villino Quintiliani Hotel, Pescasseroli 
Dinner  |
Approx. 4 km (2 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 300m (984 ft), Elevation loss: 300m (984 ft) Today’s focus is on one of the true symbols of the Abruzzo Mountains, the critically endangered Marsican brown bear. For context, only around 60 of these grizzly giants are believed to remain in the wild, and today, we learn about the important work the team at Rewilding Apennines is doing to help protect them. Our journey transports us to one of the region’s Bear-Smart Corridors, part of a wider network of “coexistence corridors.” These areas are designated to help people and bears live side by side, with local communities, businesses, and residences learning practical ways to reduce conflict between humans and bears. Our focus is on one of the participating communities; here, more than 100 electric fences have been installed to safeguard farms and livestock. At the same time, bear-proof waste bins have been incorporated into efforts to prevent bears from being attracted to human food. As we explore the area, you can see firsthand how these corridors work, not only protecting the bears, but also the human life living alongside, leading to a safer living environment for both. |
Villino Quintiliani Hotel, Pescasseroli
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
Approx. 13km (8 miles), 5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 400m (1310 ft) Before the sun rises, and after a quick coffee, we follow our nature guide into the mountains in search of wildlife, well within the quiet hours of dawn. This gentle three-hour walk (approximately 3 mi / 5 km; ascent: 985 ft / 300 m; descent: 985 ft / 300 m) takes us along the scenic landscape of the Apennine mountains, which is home to many species, including the Apennine wolf, wild boar, red deer, and Apennine chamois. Learn more about the realities of human-wildlife coexistence as we walk through this scenic landscape, before returning to the hotel around mid-morning for a well-deserved breakfast. Following a refresh, we set out again, this time heading deeper into the wilderness with sights set on the Terraegna Mountain Refuge, our home for the night. Our route winds through beautiful beech forests bathed in moss and lichen, then follows a quiet valley with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. We reach the refuge in the evening, arriving beneath a sky full of stars, and, if we’re lucky, the soft glow of fireflies dancing through the forest. Dinner tonight is a celebration of the region’s flavours. Think Maccheroni alla chitarra, handmade pasta prepared with a special stringed tool; hearty bean and wild spinach soup; gnocchetti with foraged greens; barbecued meats; and a selection of local cheeses such as Pecorino, Ricotta, Caciocavallo, and the rare goat ’s-milk cheese Marzolina. The Terraegna Mountain Refuge, perched at 1,780 meters, offers a cozy, solar-powered accommodation with basic comfort amenities. More than just an Apennine retreat, guests not only enjoy local cuisine, but also have good opportunities of spotting Marsican brown bears and wolves. |
Terraegna Mountain Refuge, Bisegna
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
Approx. 13 km (8 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 200 m (656 ft), Elevation loss: 600 m (1,969 ft) Wake up to all-round views of the rugged Apennine mountain peaks, then ease into the morning with an early wildlife-tracking hike through the highlands. We return to the refuge after the walk for a simple mountain breakfast, then set out again for a midday hike with an exciting picnic lunch in the wilderness. The route we tread offers sweeping views across the mountains, and on clearer days, we may see distant summits such as Gran Sasso d’Italia, Monte Velino, and the impressive Majella Massif. Our guide also shares stories of the region's past as we go, with local history stretching back more than a thousand years. By afternoon, return to Pescasseroli and savour the opportunity to relax over a late coffee or wander through the village at your own pace. Come evening, we head out again for a short wildlife-watching session in the countryside just beyond the village. |
Villino Quintiliani Hotel, Pescasseroli
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
Approx. 13 km (8 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 500 m (1,640 ft), Elevation loss: 500 m (1,640 ft) Today, we set out on a scenic hike through the wild landscapes of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park. Our trail takes us past rocky cliffs, deep glacial valleys, and beautiful beech forests. As we move quietly through this habitat, we have a good chance of spotting one of the park’s most important populations of the graceful Apennine chamois as they graze among the pastures and rocky slopes. Nearby, we enjoy a packed picnic lunch right in nature, before we head back to the hotel, with time to relax and recharge. The evening brings with it our final wildlife-watching experience. We make our way to a panoramic viewpoint at sunset, the time of day when animals such as the Marsican brown bear and Apennine wolf are most active. Tonight, we gather for a memorable farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy a very sumptuous meal, share stories, and relive highlights of our adventure together. |
Villino Quintiliani Hotel, Pescasseroli
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel, perhaps followed by one last Italian coffee in the village square of Pescasseroli, before our onward journey to Rome. We leave Pescasseroli at around 11 am and have two drop-off points today. The first is the Roma Termini railway station, where we arrive at approximately 1:30 pm. If your flight is later, you may wish to store your luggage (for an additional cost) and spend a little more time exploring the Eternal City. Alternatively, we continue to Rome Fiumicino Airport, arriving at around 2:30 pm for those catching onward flights home. Should you welcome the idea of staying longer to explore Rome, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Breakfast More Info
- The departure and finish point is Rome.
- The start hotel is approximately three hours’ drive from the airport. There will be one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight. Due to the distance between the airport and hotel, we highly recommend you join the group transfer.You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Please contact us for the group arrival transfer times. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
- The closest airport to Rome is Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), commonly known as Fiumicino Airport. It is located approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) southwest of Rome's city center and is the main international airport serving the city.
Some walks take place at altitudes up to 7,220ft (2,200m), where temperatures can be cool and there are high levels of humidity. Please ensure you pack appropriate clothing. The climate of the Italian Apennines presents a distinctly stratified temperature profile dictated by its varying elevations. During the summer months between June and August, the region offers a temperate alternative to the intense heat of the coast, with daytime maximums averaging a comfortable 20°C to 25°C, followed by significantly cooler evenings. As the year progresses into the winter period from December to February, temperatures routinely descend below freezing. The higher elevations experience sustained sub-zero conditions and substantial snowfall, while the transitional seasons of spring and autumn maintain moderate, albeit fluctuating, temperatures. When preparing to explore these mountainous corridors, you should anticipate pronounced daily temperature variations and a crisp alpine climate that shifts decisively throughout the year.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 3 Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
Catching your return flight: There’s a group transfer leaving Pescasseroli around 11am. There are two drop-off points. We reach Roma Termini rail station around 1.30pm and Rome Fiumicino Airport around 2.30pm. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Walks: There are four days of walking in mountainous terrain with transport to and from the start/end points of the walks. Some days are quite long, sometimes involving an ascent of 2,295ft (700m) followed by a similar descent. The paths are rocky and steep in sections but generally well maintained.
Activity hours: Walking hours stated are given as approximates only and include lunch and photo stops and vary depending on the group’s pace. Typically, days average about two to five hours and up to 8mi (13km).
Heights: This trip is not advised for severe vertigo sufferers.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 100 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 100 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 100 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 100 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
