Abruzzo Park Adventure

Introduction
Abruzzo/Molise Italy
If you are looking to travel deep into nature beyond the reach of cars and technology, look no further than the Abruzzo National Park!

This park was founded in 1922 to protect nature and save certain species from extinction. It encompasses over 50,000 acres of protected forests and mountains. The landscape is characterized by mountain chains, karst phenomena, rivers (including the Sangro River) and streams. It is here that certain species such as the Marsican brown bear (40 bears), golden eagle, Apennine wolf, deer, otter and chamois have found refuge and their habitat amongst remote valleys and inaccessible mountains. Keep your eyes peeled to find these elusive creatures! The Abruzzo Park is the ideal place to spend pleasant days in close contact with nature and to admire uncontaminated landscapes, a rich flora and varied fauna. Dotted among the landscape are 25 small towns, a few of which we will visit and stay. The locals are very warm and welcoming and excited to meet new faces. You will never go hungry with the richly splendid dishes that you will be served!

This ride is perfect for the intermediate-leveled rider who enjoy long hours in the saddle in the wonders of the wilderness around them with a few chances for some faster canters. Riding along mountain slopes and diverse landscapes will keep you alert and excited for each new view. Journeying on horseback allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature and unwind from your busy life. A perfect combination of culture, nature, and adventure!

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights will be spent in different accommodations. You will be staying in 6 different locations total.

Description
All accommodations except the farmhouse have private bathrooms. Most of the accommodations do have WIFI access on this trip. There are no laundry facilities available on this trip.

Accommodation Itinerary -  subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Farmhouse
Night 3: Hotel in Roccaraso
Night 4: Hotel in Scanno
Night 5: Hotel in Pescasseroli
Night 6: Hotel in Opi
Night 7: Hotel in Alfedena



Farmhouse in Carovilli
Your host welcomes you in his farmhouse, dating from 1885, which is at an elevation of about 3,000 feet (a little over 900m). The house is on the edge of a forest and overlooks a beautiful valley.
The house is not very big, but can comfortably accommodate for up to 8 riders. It has been completely renovated in 2003. There are three guestrooms (two double and one dormitory accommodating six) and two bathrooms. Guests can relax in the living room, by the fireplace. 
If you prefer more privacy, we can arrange for a room (with private bath) in the nearby B&B (8 minutes by car) for an extra charge.

Hotel in Roccaraso
This hotel offers basic accommodation and great views of the surrounding mountains. All the rooms come with a TV, free Wi-Fi access and private facilities with hairdryer.

Hotel in Scanno
This charming hotel has been run by the same family for over 50 years. The building displays an architecture typical of the area, mixing wood and cement. The interior is tastefully decorated.
There are 23 comfortable guestrooms, all featuring a TV, a phone, free Wi-Fi access and a private bathroom with hairdryer.
Visitors are welcome to walk through the garden or relax in the common area, by the fireplace.

Hotel in Pescasseroli
This lovely house is set in the small village of Pescasseroli, in the heart of the Abruzzo National Park. It has 9 bedrooms, all simply decorated and featuring a TV and private facilities.

Agriturismo in Alfedena
This Agriturismo is located at the foot of the Montagna Spaccata Lake, on the edge of the Abruzzo National Park. It offers 9 rustic style bedrooms, each fitted with a TV, free Wi-Fi access and a private bathroom with hairdryer and toiletries.

Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, a single supplement fee applied.
Single room accommodations are subject to availability.



Meals
All meals are included for this trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8.

You can be assured that at all these destinations you will be comfortable and very well fed. The food is wonderful with great care being taken to provide local specialties cooked with fresh ingredients.  Carmine used to own a restaurant and this is apparent from the wonderful recipes he shares with his guests. The tiramisu is the very best!
You will never go hungry here! Our own testers called the food 'imaginative and delectable' and 'original and sumptuous'!

Breakfast is usually 'continental'. Expect a lot of delicious pasta, salads, cheese, and bread. You will also taste the juiciest, sweetest tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, tasty salami, and other delights like tiramisu and fresh peaches.
Lunchtime often consists of salami, cheese, and bread picnic-style, accompanied with a glass of crisp wine.

Wines and beers are included during meals. All other drinks must be paid for.

Fund for refreshments and snacks
For the trek we collect Euro 30 per person to go into a mutual fund for refreshments on our way plus drinks and snacks other than at meals.

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

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

Riding


Riding Level
Riders must be at least intermediate level to attend this ride. This means you are able to control a horse at ALL gaits, can mount and dismount unassisted, and are in good physical condition. There are areas where you will need to dismount and lead your horse. Therefore, you need to be in good shape.
We ride with western tack but experience in western-riding is not required.

Pace
The ride includes 5.5 riding days with long days in the saddle (7-9 hours). The horses have to climb and go down a lot. Therefore, the pace is generally not very fast. However, in the plateaus and in the valleys we make long canters. The safety of the rider and that of the horse is of paramount importance to us!

Horses
The horses have been selected for their character, looks, and intelligence. The horses are willing and easy-going. They were all born in the mountains, so they are very reliable.
All year-long, they live in a herd which makes them a close group- besides, most of them are related in some way or the other. They can choose from the paddocks around the house or the stable, which is at a distance of 30 feet from the house.
The horses are trained gently and with a lot of patience.

Staff
Carmine is a certified guides FISE (Federazione Italiana Sport Equestre). He speaks Italian and English.

Age Restriction
We require all riders to be 12 years if traveling with and adult or 16 years if traveling alone.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary- subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
We will pick you up from the Isernia train station for 7:45pm and drive you to the farmhouse. After a welcome drink there will be dinner with your host/guide. A three-course Italian dinner will be served every night, accompanied by local wines.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse

Day 2 (Sunday): Ride to San Pietro Avellana
The morning is yours. You may sleep late, take your time over breakfast, do whatever you like. Before lunch there is a safety-briefing. Then we groom and saddle up the horses, followed by a short demonstration in western riding. After lunch the trek starts. For about 4 hours we will ride through forests and hilly pastureland before we arrive in San Pietro Avellana, where the horses will stay in a paddock. We return by car to the farm-house but before going to bed, we get served a delicious dinner in a lovely Bistro.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse

Day 3 (Monday): San Pietro Avellana to Roccaraso
In the morning we are transferred to the horses and at about 10.30 a.m. we get in the saddle and follow the Tratturo Celano-Foggia. A Tratturo is a 2.000 years old track that is still used to move cattle from the far south where grass is scarce in summer. Picnic is taken in the forest. We continue along the Tratturo until we reach the river Sangro. Here we leave the Tratturo to follow smaller paths. Sunbathing lizards take to their heels. The air smells like an Italian kitchen: rosemary and thyme grow everywhere. Finally, we climb through a forest and reach Roccaraso. Here, we dine and spend the night. Roccaraso is at an altitude of 3,600 feet a.s.l. It is locally a well-known ski-resort.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Roccaraso

Day 4 (Tuesday): Roccaraso to Scanno
After breakfast we leave Roccaraso behind us and reach the Piano delle cinque Miglia (the valley of five Miles). Here we enjoy a long canter! At the end of the valley the first tall mountains loom up at either side, a gravel road takes us to the Montagna Spaccata (split mountain) where benches and old oaks tempt us to stop. The narrow, stony road, going up and up, takes us to a water trough where the horses can drink, while we enjoy the view over the valley. We continue our climb and all of a sudden there is an open space in the forest that offers a beautiful panorama. After this, we lead the horses on foot until we reach “Agriturismo Jovana” where lunch is served. The owner has won various awards for his ricotta cheese. After lunch, we follow the gravel road which takes us upwards to Scanno. Outside the village the horses are left in riding centre “Il Ranch”. We will be transported to the hotel in the village. Dinner is at a restaurant in the historical center of Scanno. After dinner we usually make a walk around this adorable ancient village.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Scanno

Day 5 (Wednesday): Scanno to Pescasseroli
Today is going to be challenging! We leave the civilized world behind us and ride through the unspoilt nature of the mountains of the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo where no cars are allowed. With a bit of luck we should come across wild boars or some deer. The wolves and bears keep away from the clatter of hoofs. A brooklet shows the way through the mountains. After a long climb, we halt at 6,300 feet and enjoy the panoramic view. Here, the mountain peaks are covered by snow until late spring. Then we lead the horses down on foot. It is too steep here to stay mounted. Having reached the right path, we mount again and ride through extensive forests. In a meadow, we have our picnic lunch, and if the weather is fine you might like to take a nap. After this, the route continues through the forests until we reach Pescasseroli. After the long ride, we deserve a good dinner and that is what we are going to have at the lovely place of Eleonora. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Pescasseroli

Day 6 (Thursday): Pescasseroli to Opi
This morning invites you may sleep longer and have a late breakfast. You can take a walk around Pescasseroli is the “heart” of the Abruzzo. There is a Museum of Nature, the FaunaPark and the Apennin-Garden to see or just enjoy the flair of the town with a coffee on the piazza. After lunch, we return on horseback to unspoilt nature. The route gets steeper and having arrived in a valley, there is a canter to enjoy. From there. we ride to Opi, a little town with 400 inhabitants, where we will stay for the night. The dinner will take place in a traditional restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Opi

Day 7 (Friday): Opi to Alfedena
After breakfast, we ride to the Val Fondillo. On the way, there are almost 4 miles of very exiting trail along the river, leading to one of the most protected areas of the National Park: Camosciara. Here, we stop for our picnic. After many miles, we reach Lake Barrea deep down on the left. And on we go, this time to a different type of forest until, most likely exhausted, we reach Sandra's riding center. Here the trail ends. For the last evening we enjoy a Pizza and go to bed in the comfortable rooms.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Sandra's Riding Center

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Departure after breakfast. Departure transfer around 08.30 a.m. from Alfedena to Isernia railway station (possible with an extra cost).
Meals included: Breakfast

Due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances the program may have to be adapted.

Rates and Dates for Abruzzo Park Adventure

Dates Note: * no fixed schedule in 2024, please inquire with desired dates to check availability

Other Info
Meeting: Carovilli
Airport: Naples
Transfer: Isernia Train Station

Climate:
                                                Vastogirardi area