Central Apennine Mountains Ride

Introduction
Abruzzo/Molise Italy
If you enjoy the captivating scenery of the mountains and the inviting culture of Italy, look no further than the Central Apennine Mountains Ride!

Our trek takes you through the second highest municipality in Italy and around the Central Apennine Mountain range. Prepare yourself for exciting climbs and breathtaking views (up to 5,235ft) that has you feeling like you are on top of the world! From the top of Monte Campo, you will get sights of Alto Molise and the Abruzzo, Colle dekk'Orso, the Matese, and the Mainarde! We have our trustworthy horses to thank for carrying us up the mountains and letting us experience the wonders of nature from horseback. Perfect for those who want a bit more diversity in their landscape, this trip also takes you through valleys, meadows, and forests of silver firs- one even protected by UNESCO as it contains a 5--year old beech tree. These areas give us the opportunity to stretch our legs a bit more and have some thrilling canters. Two nights will be spent in Capracotta. The name of this village literally means “cooked goat”. We'll visit a hunting lodge which used to belong to the royal family of the Bourbons, but is a museum nowadays. Then the route leads to “il Re Faione”.

You'll be staying at various accommodations along the way, selected for their character and hospitality. In Italy you never have to worry about going hungry! Our guide used to own a restaurant and has an amazing taste for food! All locally-sourced restaurants, your palate will be dancing with flavours! This ride is sure to please any rider looking for adventure with thrilling views!

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights will be spent in different accommodations.

Description
Three nights are spent at the farmhouse, four nights are spent in various rural hotels, and one night at an Agriturismo.
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 Itinerray - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1, 2, & 7: Farmhouse
Night 3 & 4: Hotel in Capracotta
Night 5: B&B in San Pietro Avellana
Night 6: Agriturismo near Roccasicura



Farmhouse near 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.

B&B in Capracotta
This B&B offers great views over the surrounding mountains thanks to its high elevation: about 1 421 meters above water (about 4,662 ft). It has comfortable bedrooms that all come equipped with a TV, free Wi-Fi, heating and private facilities.

B&B in San Pietro Avellana
This lovely yellow house is located in the center of the small mountain village. It offers spacious bedrooms; all fitted with a TV, free Wi-Fi access, a private bathroom and a balcony. There is also a small patio where guest can relax and enjoy the dolce vita.

Agriturismo near Roccasicura
The house is a beautiful stone building that was recently restored. It offers great views over the valley below. The 6 bedrooms all feature a unique decor and they all have private facilities. There is free Wi-Fi access at this property.

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 40 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 (5-6 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
You are expected to arrive on Saturday evening at the farm-house. 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): Introductory Ride
The morning is yours. You may sleep in, 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 we do a test-ride (three hours) to enable you to get acquainted with the horse you are going to ride on the trek.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse

Day 3 (Monday): Ride to Capracotta
At about 10 A.M. we leave the house. Today’s destination is Capracotta. This little village (500 inhabitants) is situated at 5200 feet, which makes it one of the highest municipalities in Italy. Curiously the name literally means “cooked goat”.
Before lunch we ride through endless fields. After 2.5 hours it is time for a delicious picnic. After this we make a lengthy canter through a long valley. At the end Capracotta dooms up, but it will take about two hours of riding to get there. We are staying in a hotel and dinner is at a restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Capracotta

Day 4 (Tuesday): Ride to Prato Gentile
Today we will make a day-ride and climb “il Monte Campo”. The highest point is at 5235 feet. From here, we get a gorgeous view of “Alto Molise”and the Abruzzo. We follow small paths along the slope of the mountain until we reach our picnic place. After this, we follow cross-country skiing slopes, which lead through a wood of silver firs. A little later, we arrive at Prato Gentile, which literally means “kind meadow”. In the afternoon, we descend to Capracotta and ride through an open landscape with many meadows. The night will be spent at the same hotel, but dinner is at a different restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Capracotta

Day 5 (Wednesday): Capracotta to San Pietro Avellana
After a few canters, we follow a gravel road, which gradually goes uphill. The horses enjoy their breathing space while we riders enjoy the view of four different mountain ranges, namely the Colle dell’Orso, the Matese, the Mainarde and the national Park of Abruzzo.
After the picnic, the trail leads us into the direction of the little village San Pietro Avellana. We spend the night at a B&B in the town. Outside the village we leave the horses in a field where we have to make a paddock with electric wire.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a B&B in San Pietro Avellana

Day 6 (Thursday): San Pietro Avellana to Littorio’s “agriturismo”
After a short ride we pass Montedimezzo, which used to belong to the royal family of the Bourbons. Nowadays, this former royal hunting lodge is a museum. The forest around it is protected by UNESCO. Worldwide this organization protects 256 forests. Four of them are located in Italy; two of which in Molise. We pass this forest and later we reach a Tratturo (Celano-Foggia) which we follow for a while. Mario, a friend of our guide, will invite us to his his place for the picnic lunch.
After this, it will take 2 hours before we arrive at Littorio’s “Agriturismo”, where we sleep and leave the horses in the paddocks.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Agriturismo near Roccasicura

Day 7 (Friday): Ride back to the Farmhouse
After breakfast we follow part of the Tratturo Castel di Sangro-Lucera. A Tratturo is a 2000 years old track that is still used to move cattle from the far south where grass is scarce in summer. Around midday, we reach Pescolanciano. Here we stop for lunch, which will be served at a little restaurant.
In the afternoon, we climb the hills that border on the forest of Collemelucio. This is the other forest protected by UNESCO. The project is called Man and Biosphere (MAB).
The last few miles on horseback take us over open heath land and dense oak-woods. At about 5 P.M. we are back at the farm-house, unsaddle the horses for the last time and enjoy the farewell dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Departure after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast

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

Rates and Dates for Central Apennine Mountains Ride

Dates Note:

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

Climate:
                                                Vastogirardi area