Wildlife Tracking in the Apennines

Check into your accommodation before meeting with your European Nature Trust guide. Before dinner, take a short introductory walk into the Abruzzo National Park.

After a hearty breakfast depart the hotel in search of wildlife. Walk through UNESCO protected ancient Beech forests and learn about the inhabitants of this ecosystem. The wildlife can be elusive, however your guide will be on the look out for sign of their presence. Bears, wolves and pine martin all reside in these forests. Set a camera trap in the hope of capturing some footage before a late evening return to the hotel.

An early start today for some wolf howling at dusk and the hope of seeing wolves who are most active very early at the morning. Spend time on the southern slopes of a mountain, home to panoramic views and pastures of deer as well as other wild ungulates. Historically, this area has been frequented by wolves. Later, transfer to Civitella Alfedena to visit the Apennine wolf museum. There will be time to relax this afternoon before another wildlife walk in the evening and a traditional dinner of local produce.

After breakfast take a leisurely cycle ride by e-bike along a panoramic lakeside ring route. Pass the beautiful medieval towns of Barrea, Civitella Alfedena and Villetta Barrea. Meet with local farmers, shepherds and honey collectors, and understand how they live alongside the wolves and other wild animals. This evening travel to the Terraegna mountain refuge, reached by 4WD and on foot (a hike of between one and two hours dependent on fitness levels). Arrive at the isolated mountain cabin where you will dine and spend the night in the wilderness.

After breakfast at the refuge, search for wildlife and check for camera trap footage. Mid morning, arrive in the valley and transfer to Villalago for lunch. Visit one of the Bear Smart Communities and its inhabitants together with experts from Salviamo L’Orso – witness first hand the work being done to reintroduce the Marsican brown bear into these areas, ensuring bears and humans can coexist peacefully. Cross the natural gorge of Sagittario valley to reach Santo Stefano di Sessanio where you will enjoy dinner and overnight.

After breakfast embark on a horseback ride from Santo Stefano di Sessanio to Piana delle Locce in the magnificent plateau of Campo Imperatore. Here admire the Gran Sasso, the Apennines highest peak. After lunch rest at the hotel before an evening walk to the old castle of Rocca Calascio followed by dinner.

After breakfast take to the water for a canoe tour on Tirino, considered the most beautiful river in Italy. Clear waters, rich vegetation and riverside wildlife will be your companions for this fantastic journey. After lunch visit the historical villages of Capestrano and Navelli both rich in history, art and culture and renowned for their saffron production – known as the red gold of Abruzzo.

After breakfast depart for your onward journey.