Our journey through the Central Apennines rewilding area takes us across thousands of hectares of beautiful rugged mountains, deep valleys and extensive beech forest. This region of Italy is a biodiversity hotspot with abundant populations of iconic species such as Marsican brown bears, wolves, deer, wild boars and the endemic Apennine chamois. Little villages still characterized by the traditional lifestyle of the people who live there provide a special mix of culture and nature that makes this area unique in Europe. During the trip we explore the wilderness and learn how to connect with and get closer to nature and it’s wildlife. Together with nature guide we will explore the Park’s wilderness, following the tracks of the large animals and learning how to move in the field, correct approach the wildlife. In particular, we will focus our efforts on bears and wolves, while we will have good chances to see chamois, deers and wild boar. The long days in the field will be concluded with tasty meals from the world-famous Italian cuisine, a bottle of good wine in the friendly atmosphere of a very comfortable hotel. IMPORTANT NOTE: - This is a 5 days experience (it is not possible to book more or less days). - The total price is €780. Therefore, please select all 5 consecutive days in the calendar to book your experience. Youll find the available dates under "Dates & Duration".

Itinerary

ITINERARY DAY 1 – The protection of natural heritage in Italy You are greeted by our staff at our office in Pescasseroli. Once you arrive you can check into your rooms before we sit down for an introduction and get to know each other a bit. We will have a short walk to introduce you the oldest park of Italy. Dinner with local products and overnight stay. 2 hours walk · 4 km length · 200 m climb · 200 m descent DAY 2 – Sights, smells, and sounds in our forests At sunrise departure for a wildlife watching session. After a hearty breakfast we will make a delightful walk through an old-growth forest UNESCO heritage. We learn about the inhabitants of our beech woods ecosystem. We may not see wildlife, but your guide will show many interesting signs of them. Bears, wolves, pine martin they are all here, and we are humble visitors in their home. We return to the hotel late at evening. 6 hours walk · 7-10 km length · 400 m climb · 400 m descent DAY 3 – Wolf-howling at dusk Last night’s adventure ended late, but wolves move very early at the morning. After a coffee we will move along the southern slope of a mountain, a very panoramic territory and pasture area of deers and other wild ungulates. Historically, this area has been frequented from wolves. When the sun is shining transfer to Civitella Alfedena, visit to the Apennine Wolf Museum. We will be free for lunch and there will be the opportunity to rest in the hotel before the evening walk. Dinner based on local products and overnight stay. 6 hours walk · 7-10 km length · 600 m climb · 600 m descent DAY 4 – New rewilding areas After breakfast we will move to the north and we will reach the Sirente Velino Regional Reserve. Central Apennines is characterized by steep or undulating limestone mountains, vast karst plateaus, and valleys with deciduous forests on the slopes and mosaic landscapes shaped by livestock grazing at the bottom. The mixture of mountains and valleys with semi-open landscapes and natural forests is creating very attractive sceneries for willdife. This land has become a centre for wildlife with excellent opportunities to experience species such golden eagle, griffon vulture, peregrine falcon, lanner falcon. In the evening return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay. 4 hours walk · 5-9 km length · 300 m climb · 300 m descent DAY 5 – Time to say our goodbyes After breakfast and at the end of five truly fascinating days together with your guide and fellow nature lovers it’s time to say goodbye.

What's Included?

Guide and organization Professional liability insurance Accommodation in a small hotel Dinner and breakfast Binocular Nikon Prostaff 8×42 Headlamp

Dates & Duration

- Wednesday 18 June 2025 – Sunday 22 June 2025 - Wednesday 9 July 2025 – Sunday 13 July 2025 - Wednesday 3 September 2025 – Sunday 7 September 2025

Food & Accomodation

Accommodation is pre-arranged by our tour leader in a small, charming, family-run hotel, in shared double rooms. Lunch is not included, you will buy packed lunches each morning from the guesthouse or local shops and bakeries to take with you. For dinner you'll enjoy traditional Italian dishes such as maccheroni alla chitarra - a special kind of spaghetti, soup with orapi (wild spinach) and beans, gnocchetti and grilled meat. The region has a strong sheep-farming culture, so there are many local dairy products such as pecorino, ricotta, caciocavallo and a rare goat's cheese called marzolina. Requests for vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for: please do not forget to advise us of these preferences at the time of booking.

Difficulty

Participants must be able to walk on moderate terrain and remain quiet during waiting and observation periods. Participants are expected to be physically active, so it is advisable to dress in layers so that you can lighten up during the day. Warm and windproof clothing is required at sunset, even in the height of summer.

Group size

4-8 people

What 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