Ancient Tratturi Ride

Introduction
Abruzzo/Molise Italy
Go on a horseback riding journey into the past for a sustainable, unique, and memorable experience.

The Regi Tratturi are a series of paths that were used by shepherds to carry out transhumance or to transfer herds and flocks from one pasture to another, on a seasonal basis. In Italy, the intertwining of these roads is estimated at 3,100 km, from the mountainous areas of the Molise-Abruzzo area, to the Tavoliere delle Puglie.

The Regi Tratturi constitute a precious testimony of paths that have remained almost intact for at least seven centuries. Our horse trekking adventure in Molise is like scrolling through unexpected photographs, going from areas with shrubs and tree-lined spots to expanses of olive groves and cereals, from meadows to small or imposing morge (stones)... 

Your trip starts in Colletorto (a small town in the province of Campobasso) and goes through valleys, villages, ever-changing vegetation, and particular rock formations. We will ride slowly to reconcile with ourselves and with the surrounding world.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so nights are spent in different accommodations.

Description
You will sleep in rustic but comfortable farmhouses with private rooms and facilities along the way.

Accommodation itinerary - subject to changes
Night 1: Farmhouse in Colletorto
Night 2: Farmhouse in Castelbottaccio
Night 3: Farmhouse in Civitanova del Sannio

Farmhouse in Colletorto
This charming farmhouse offers 3 simple but comfortable guestrooms equipped with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi access.

Farmhouse in Castelbottaccio
The stonewall country house offers 4 simply decorated bedrooms with private bathrooms and a TV.

Farmhouse in Civitanova del Sannio
This lovely farmhouse offers simple accommodation with shared facilities. There is Wi-Fi access at this property.

Room Occupancy
In case you are a solo traveler, the single supplement fee is mandatory.


Meals
All meals are included from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day. Wine and water are included with meals.

Meals feature local products and recipes.
You will enjoy packed lunches during trail rides.

Dietary Restrictions
We can usually cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Please, note that the itinerary below is to be considered indicative. It may be subject to variations due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.

Day 1 (Thursday): Arrival 
Arrange for an afternoon arrival in the Fortone Valley, in Colletorto. We will assign the horses in order to be ready to leave early the following day.
Welcome dinner and overnight at the farmhouse.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at farmhouse in Colletorto

Day 2 (Friday): Colletorto to Castelbottaccio
After breakfast, we will leave on horseback to reach the chapel of Sant’Elena, in the countryside of San Giuliano di Puglia, the starting point of this journey. In the first kilometers, the tratturo - contrary to its usual north-west direction - points towards the southwest, resuming its “natural” route only after Ripabottoni. Many ups and downs await us crossing the Fortore and Cigno valleys. Shrubs, scrub, cereal crops, and olive groves will paint the landscape around them. The two rivers will be forded as they were for centuries by shepherds, merchants, travelers. The tratturo hasn't changed much since then. Even the smell of broom and dog rose that sometimes envelops riders and horses is always the same.
We will stop on the way to enjoy our picnic lunch and rest a little, before getting back in the saddle.
We will eventually reach the small village of Castelbottaccio, where we overnight.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at farmhouse in Castelbottaccio

Day 3 (Saturday): Castelbottaccio to Civitanova del Sannio
This morning, after a good breakfast, we back in the saddle. The sheep track will be intercepted in the Colle Marasca area, 900 meters above sea level.
From the Biferno river, you go towards the Trigno river. There are many "morge" to watch over the ancient path ... worthy of note is Morgia Sant'Angelo, also known as the "lioness" for the curious shape reminiscent of the feline, seat of a prehistoric human settlement and in the Lombard period voted to the cult of San Michele Arcangelo. 
We will stop on the way to eat our nutritious packed lunch and take some rest.
This afternoon, we will cross the two inhabited centers of Salcito and Bagnoli del Trigno, to conclude the journey in the afternoon in Civitanova del Sannio.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse in Civitanova del Sannio

Day 4 (Sunday): Departure
We ride our horses one last time to ride through the last stretch of our fascinating journey on the Celnao-Foggia sheep track. Today's ride takes place at the foot of the upper Molise and the landscape changes completely. We are around 1000 meters above sea level. The fresh air hits the riders and soften their fatigue. We head towards Carovilli, a municipality in the province of Isernia.
Along the way, we will leave the tratturo to stop for lunch. Transfer to Campobasso or Isernia station after 5.00 pm.
Riding approx. 18 km
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Rates and Dates for Ancient Tratturi Ride

Dates Note: Other departures on request from March to October

Other Info
Meeting: Colletorto
Airport: Naples or Bari
Transfer: Campobasso or Termoli

Climate:
                                                Colletorto area