9 days tour

Italy - Abruzzo

Italy - Abruzzo

This tour includes:

Transport

Transfers (minibus/car) Rome - Caramรกnico Terme; Caramรกnico Terme - Castel del Monte and Castel del Monte - Rome Excursion and hiking program as described incl. transfers (minibus/car) Note on flight booking / shared transfer Please contact us if you intend to book the flight yourself. There is only one shared transfer. You should arrive in Rome by 16:00 at the latest. Please plan your return flight from Rome no earlier than 15:00.

Accommodation

8 nights in a double room in simple hotels in Caramรกnico Terme and in Castel del Monte or Santo Stefano di Sessanio Our locations for our hiking week: Our simple but pleasant hotel in Caramรกnico Terme is not far from the center. The rooms are clean and quiet. All rooms have a private bathroom with shower, WC and hairdryer, as well as a TV and safe. Breakfast and dinner are served in the hotelโ€™s own restaurant. Attention is paid to regional products. The restaurant is known for its excellent cuisine. Our second accommodation is either on the outskirts of the picturesque mountain village of Castel del Monte or on the outskirts of the equally enchanting Santo Stefano di Sessanio. The Albergho Parco Gran Sasso in Castel del Monte is a family-run 3-star hotel with 33 rooms, a bar and restaurant. The Residence Il Palazzo in Santo Stefano di Sessanio is located in a 17th century building with country-style rooms. At both locations we enjoy the traditional cuisine of Abruzzo.

Others

Exclusive small group 6 idyllic, enjoyable hikes off the beaten track Wild mountain landscapes in the Maiella National Park and the Gran Sasso National Park Unique hermitages and the rugged nature of the Italian West Medieval towns: Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Castel del Monte and the castle of Rocca Calascio Wild and romantic Orfento Gorge Wine tasting in the Cantina of Cataldi Madonna Requirements: Hikes of up to 5.5 hours walking time or up to 650 meters in altitude with a hiking distance of 9 - 15 km. The hikes are mainly on unpaved paths, which can be bumpy. Some of the terrain is alpine. With some basic fitness and enjoyment of exercise, the hikes are easy to do; surefootedness and hiking experience are important. Mid-height hiking or trekking shoes/boots are required! Always carry food and water or drinks with you, as there are hardly any opportunities to refill them on the way.

Meals

8 x breakfast; 8x dinner

Guide

Qualified, German-speaking Travel To Life tour guide by Tomas Raabe

Not included:

Others

Flight (economy) to Rome and back. We are happy to help you with your booking. Meals not mentioned optional excursions tips

Insurance

Flights

Flight (economy) to Rome and back. We will be happy to help you with your booking. Note on flight booking / shared transfer Please contact us if you intend to book the flight yourself. There is only one shared transfer. You should arrive in Rome by 16:00 at the latest. Please plan your return flight from Rome no earlier than 15:00.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Italy - Abruzzo

  • Day 1 Arrival In Rome (Meeting Point At Rome-Fiumicino Airport No Later Than 4 P.M.)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Arrival In Rome (Meeting Point At Rome-Fiumicino Airport No Later Than 4 P.M.)

      After arriving in Italyโ€™s capital, your tour guide Tomas will be waiting for you at the airport in Rome, then itโ€™s off at around 4.30 pm with a shared transfer in a minibus in approx. 2.5 hours from the airport to your first accommodation in Caramรกnico Terme (approx. 200 km). After arriving at our comfortable home for the first 5 days, you will get to know your fellow travelers at the first dinner together and receive a brief introduction to the trip. Your hiking experience in Abruzzo can begin! (A)

  • Day 2 Hike To Monte Mileto
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Hike To Monte Mileto

      Our first magnificent panoramic tour awaits us: after a short transfer to the Passo di San Leonardo, we begin the approx. 13 km hike to Monte Mileto in the Morrone Mountains. Pietro da Morrone, who later became Pope Celestine V (from 1294), walked in this area around 1270. From the Stazzo di Capoposto shepherdโ€™s hut, the route climbs gently over mountain meadows and through beech forests to a ridge with magnificent views. We soon reach the summit at an altitude of 1920m. Up here there is an extensive grazing area where we may encounter sheep. And if we are lucky, we may even spot some semi-wild horses. (Walking time approx. 4-5 hours, easy to medium, approx. 550 meters ascent and descent). We can spend the rest of the day relaxing or sweeten it with a walk through our village. In the evening, the excellent cuisine awaits us again at our hotel. (F/A).

  • Day 3 Hike "Orfento Gorge
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Hike "Orfento Gorge

      After breakfast, we start todayโ€™s hike into the wild Orfento Gorge directly from the hotel. (Walking time approx. 5 hours, approx. 12.5 km, approx. 450 meters uphill and downhill). Below Caramรกnico Terme, we first hike on the sunny side above the gorge to the neighboring village of Decontra. We walk on ancient cattle tracks, known as "mulattieri", through terraced, open countryside. The views are impressive. The path then leads down into the gorge and along the river back to Caramรกnico Terme. You are sure to find a nice spot by the stream where you can refresh your feet in the crystal-clear water, although this is now actually forbidden. (F/A)

  • Day 4 Hike To The Eremo Di San Bartolmeo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Hike To The Eremo Di San Bartolmeo

      After breakfast, we drive a short distance to Decontra. There we take a different route. Over gentle meadows and past ancient stone shepherdsโ€™ caves, the "Tholossen", we hike down to the Eremo San Bartolomeo, a spectacular hermitage carved into the rock face. The valley and the location have something "sacred" about them. Let yourself be captivated by this unique location and learn about the history of the statue of the saint kept there. The tour then continues to Roccamorice. (Walking time approx. 4 hours, approx. 11 km, approx. 350 m ascent and descent). (F/A)

  • Day 5 At Your Free Disposal
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      At Your Free Disposal

      Today you can organize your day as you wish. On request, Tomas will offer a short afternoon excursion to San Tommaso Abbey or to Bolognano, depending on opening times, taste and consensus within the group. Bolognano was the home of Joseph Beuys for some time and offers interesting surroundings. (optional) (F/A)

  • Day 6 Hike To The Eremo Di Sant Erasmo And Change Of Location
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Hike To The Eremo Di Sant Erasmo And Change Of Location

      Today we leave Caramรกnico Terme and drive to our second location. We break our journey in the remote mountain village of Bominaco, which will surprise you with its abbey church and the unique, early Romanesque fresco cycles inside.

      After visiting this gem, we set off on a circular hike to the Eremo di Sant Erasmo. (Walking time approx. 4.5 hours, approx. 12 km, approx. 420 m ascent and descent). We then continue through magnificent landscapes to Castel del Monte and Santo Stefano di Sessanio. (F/A)

  • Day 7 Hike "In The Valley Of The Cowboys" - Visit Santo Stefano Di Sessanio
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Hike "In The Valley Of The Cowboys" - Visit Santo Stefano Di Sessanio

      Today, a hike awaits you on the Campo Imperatore, which can be adapted to suit your mood today. After a short drive, you will find yourself in this impressive high valley surrounded by high peaks. This Mongolian-style plateau, which is over 25 kilometers long, is named after Emperor Frederick II, who ruled this area in the Middle Ages, and lies at an altitude of between 1600 and 2200 meters.

      Today you and your fellow travelers will explore the so-called "Valley of the Cowboys", which was often the setting for Italian westerns in the 60s and 70s (walking time approx. 3 - 4 hours, between 8 and 13 km possible, approx. 250-350 m ascent and descent).

      Afterwards, on the way back, we make a detour to the charming medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio with its narrow alleyways and small stores. Perhaps you would like to take a packet of the delicious red lentils with you as a souvenir? Or, if you have more space in your suitcase, a "chitarra" to make the traditional Abruzzo pasta at home? The landmark of this mountain village, the Torre di Medici from the 16th century, unfortunately fell victim to an earthquake in April 2009, but was rebuilt true to the original and inaugurated in 2021. (F/A)

  • Day 8 Hike To The Castle Of Rocca Calascio And Wine Tasting
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Hike To The Castle Of Rocca Calascio And Wine Tasting

      A short drive takes us to Calascio. There we lace up our hiking boots and climb up to the castle of Rocca Calascio. The unique castle is enthroned on a rugged rocky ridge and is the highest castle in Italy. The views are breathtaking. Just below the castle is the small church of Santa Maria della Pietร  with an octagonal floor plan. You are sure to take one or two atmospheric photos. Perhaps the castle will look familiar to you, even though you have never been to Abruzzo. This may well be the case, as it has been used as a backdrop in several films, including "The Day of the Falcon" with Michelle Pfeiffer (1985) and "In the Name of the Rose" with Sean Connery (1986).

      (Walking time approx. 3-4 hours, approx. 8 km, approx. 330 m ascent and descent) (F/A)

  • Day 9 Transfer To Rome And Individual Home Or Onward Journey.
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Transfer To Rome And Individual Home Or Onward Journey.

      In the morning, we take the bus back to the airport in Rome in around 3 hours. It is hard to say goodbye to our travel companions. "Ci vediamo in Abruzzo"! If you have booked a flight with us, it will take you home in the afternoon, where you will land in the evening. (F)

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 30 / Max: 75

Age range allowed for this experience.

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