What is the best way to discover rewilding if not by directly living it, with a series of field experiences especially designed to put people in contact with wild nature and the local communities living along side with it. The Rewilding Week program aims at deepening the understanding of human-wildlife interaction themes in Central Apennines by spending 5 days on the field together with the Rewilding Apennines team, and learning side by side how to implement co-existence practices in this territory. During this journey, we will meet the real keepers of these lands, who chose to embrace our philosophy and to help us in designing this unique experience. During the stay we will visit small mountain villages, local enterprises, natural monuments, and we will traverse some of the most remote areas in Central Apennines. IMPORTANT NOTE: - This is a 5 days experience (it is not possible to book more or less days). - The total price is €885. Therefore, please select all 5 consecutive days in the calendar to book your experience. You'll find the available dates under "Dates & Duration".

Itinerary

The Rewilding Weeks are carried out based on a schedule defined by the Rewilding Apennines team. Every season will be characterised by different field activities and priorities included in the experience. DAY 1 – The Bear Smart Community Genzana Alto Gizio Arrival at the Sulmona train station or Pratola Peligna bus station afternoon settling at the hotel and presentation of the guide and Rewilding Apennines team. Visit to the Bear Smart Community of Pettorano sul Gizio. 1 hours’ walking – 100 m ascent – 100 m descent DAY 2 – Call to action for a more nature-rich Europe After breakfast we will take action with the Rewilding Apennines team to contribute to habitat-restoration by the removal of small unauthorized rubbish dumps or of decades-old abandoned barbed wire in the mountains, that constitutes both an aesthetic and ecological deterrent for man and wildlife movement. Possibility of observing grazing red deer, roe deer and different birds of prey. Packed lunch and transfer to Ortona dei Marsi, visit to the apple cider brewery Melagusto and tasting of local products. In the evening, brief excursion and wildlife watching activity. Return to Pettorano sul Gizio, dinner and overnight stay. 3 hours’ walking – 250 m ascent – 250 m descent DAY 3 – Bear-living in a men’s world Breakfast and meet with the Rewilding Apennines team. In the morning, we will contribute to the installation of electric fences and bear-proof doors as tools for preventing bear-made damages to small farms, in the name of conflict mitigation. In the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to visit a Bear Smart Community for better understanding the human actors of the corridors, such as residents, small entrepreneurs, students and volunteers, for listening to their co-existence stories but also for tasting some local products. Dinner and overnight stay. 2 hours’ walking – 200 m ascent – 200 m descent DAY 4 – The Monte Velino Nature Reserve After breakfast the Rewilding Apennines team will guide us during a wildlife monitoring activity based on direct observation at sunrise or aid by the use of camera traps. Our day will go on with a focus on the griffon vulture and the activities that the team carries out in the context of the collaboration between the Reparto Carabinieri Biodiversità di Castel di Sangro (environmental law enforcement agency) and Rewilding Apennines. In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay. 5 hours’ walking – 400 m ascent – 400 m descent DAY 5 – Active conservation of the Freshwater Crayfish Our last day on the field will be dedicated to the discovery of two more corridor areas and of the Freshwater Crayfish, a key species in freshwater ecosystems whose numbers are declining in most of Europe. The small excursions planned will moreover allow to visit sites of naturalistic and historical relevance for the opportunity of taking back an unforgettable postcard of this experience! During early afternoon end of activities and departure of the participants. 5 hours’ walking – 300 m ascent – 300 m descent

What's Included?

- Guide and organisation - Professional indemnity insurance - Nikon Prostaff 8×42 binoculars - B&B accommodation - Lunch and breakfast - Internal transfers

How your experience helps rewilding efforts

During Rewilding Week, each day is dedicated to a hands-on rewilding activity, such as building bear-proof fences, monitoring griffon vultures, constructing salamander underpasses, and more. You will actively participate in these vital conservation actions, directly contributing to the restoration and protection of wildlife and their habitats.

Dates & Duration

📅 Upcoming dates: 9–13 July 15–19 October The Week officially starts at 3pm on Wednesday and ends on Sunday at 3pm. Please let us know your arrival and departure dates and time and we will arange the pickup and drop-off accordingly. Pickups and drop-offs can be organized at Sulmona train station or Pratola Peligna bus station (prontobus.it)

Food & Accomodation

- B&B accommodation* - Lunch and breakfast provided *If you travel by train and have to arrive the day before, no stress, we’ve got your extra night covered!

Difficulty

Moderate

Group size

There will be 4 to 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i book on my own? Sure can! Over 30% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.