An adventurous 5 winter days in the wild Central Apennines. We will explore the extraordinary social life of wolves, following their paths in the Abruzzo Wildlife Parks ON SKI’S!

Wolves and Bears are definitively European preditors that attracted people’s imagination more than all the others since ancient times. Extraordinary, intelligent and adaptable predators. They travel long distances and survive in hostile environments and with scarce food resources. Less than 100 wolves and 30 bears survived in the central-southern Apennine around the end of the 1960s. Recently, however, the wolves and bears have slowly but progressively expanded their areas through rewilding efforts and spontaneous recolonization.

During this five-day experience, we will explore the extraordinary social lives of wolves and Marsican Brown Bears, following the paths and the valleys of the Park, and also participating to beautiful evening hikes. Staying in boutique hotels and private mountain huts. We will discover the roles of these apex predators, their great adaptability to Italian territory, but also the historically difficult, yet tremendously improving relationship with us, humans.

Language

English or Italian
Accomodation

Boutique hotels & private luxury mountain cabin
Best season

May-October
Meals

Most dietary requests are possibilities
Minimum Age

12

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary social realm of the elusive Marsican Brown Bear, the mystical Appenine wolves, graceful deer, and other fascinating wildlife.

A captivating 4 to 5-day guided hiking adventure through the untamed landscapes of the Central Apennines, where nature’s wonders come to life. This journey invites you to follow in their footsteps within the Abruzzo Wildlife Parks, forging a deep connection as you spend nights surrounded by their natural habitats.

Why this trip?

Tracking wildlife with our local nature guides, the expert wildlife trackers.
Classic high-end Italian food and tasty local wines.
Stay in private mountain huts in the middle of the park.
Beautiful boutique hotels in genuine mountain villages to begin and end your adventure.

Day 1 :

Immersion in Italy's Natural Heritage Protection

Flight, map reading toward Pescasseroli or a mountain village in the middle of the Abruzzo National Parks. Arrival and check into your comfortable rooms before we gather for an introduction, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. Take a short walk to acquaint yourself with Italy's oldest park, followed by a delightful dinner featuring local products. Overnight stay in the midst of nature's embrace.

2 hours of a leisurely walk · 200 m ascent · 200 m descent

Day 2 :

Enchanting Forest Exploration: Sights, Smells, and Sounds

Embark on a wildlife watching session at sunrise, setting the tone for an adventurous day. After a hearty breakfast, traverse a UNESCO heritage old-growth forest, immersing yourself in the beech woods ecosystem. Though wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed, your knowledgeable guide will reveal intriguing signs of bears, wolves, and pine martens, asserting our role as humble guests in their habitat. Return to the hotel late in the evening.

6 hours of exploration · 400 m ascent · 400 m descent

Day 3 :

Wolf-Howling at Dusk: A Symphony in Nature

Following last night's late-night adventure, rise early to witness the morning movements of wolves. Enjoy a coffee and explore the panoramic southern slope, a picturesque territory inhabited by wild ungulates. Visit the Apennine Wolf Museum in Civitella Alfedena during the day. After lunch and some hotel rest, embark on an evening walk. Dinner featuring local delights caps off the day.

6 hours of discovery · 600 m ascent · 600 m descent

Day 4 :

Unveiling New Rewilding Territories

After breakfast, venture north to the Sirente Velino Regional Reserve. The Central Apennines reveal their character through limestone mountains, expansive karst plateaus, and valleys adorned with deciduous forests. Experience the allure of semi-open landscapes, natural forests, and wildlife encounters with species like the golden eagle, griffon vulture, peregrine falcon, and lanner falcon. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay, having explored captivating landscapes and encountered diverse wildlife.

4 hours of exploration · 300 m ascent · 300 m descent

Day 5 :

Farewell Amidst Nature's Beauty, Relax, Reconsider and Return Home

As dawn breaks, savor a final wildlife watching session, cherishing the magic of your surroundings. After breakfast, conclude these five truly captivating days in the company of your knowledgeable guide and fellow nature enthusiasts. Bid farewell to this enriching journey, carrying with you the memories of an immersive experience in the heart of Italy's natural wonders.