Secrets of the Guardiaregia Campochiaro Reserve Abruzzo/Molise Italy Our journey starts from Morcone, an ancient village of Samnite origin, surrounded by a green hilly landscape covered by olive trees. Discover a beautiful stretch of the royal tratturo Pescasseroli-Candela until we reach the ancient Roman city of Altilia. From there, we will leave the tratturo in order to reach the ancient village of Guardiaregia. It will be from here that we will start to discover all the secrets of the WWF oasis of Guardiaregia-Campochiaro, recognized as a Regional Reserve. This reserve protects spectacular karst landscapes, such as the canyon of the Quirino stream, the San Nicola waterfall, the caves of Pozzo della Neve and Cul di Bove which are among the deepest abysses in Europe. Spanning 3,135 hectares, it is one of the largest and wildest oases managed by the WWF. The Reserve is characterized by the presence of three natural environments: the gorges of the Quirino stream with the San Nicola waterfall, Mount Mutria and the karst area of the Campochiaro mountain. Progressive Ride (no camping) Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Morcone Airport: Naples Transfer: Termoli train station Riders: Min 4 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfer from/to Termoli train station included

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: Arrival
Transfer from the Termoli train station or own arrival to the farmhouse for dinner and overnight stay.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at farmhouse in Morcone

Day 2: Morcone to Guardiaregia 
After breakfast, we get in the saddle. Today, we will cover a stretch of one of the five royal sheep tracks: the Pescasseroli-Candela tratturo. You enter the Tratturo near the border between Molise and Campania. This territory is rich in water and along the route there are fountains and drinking troughs for the animals. The path runs through wide open stretches where the vegetation is reduced to small scattered shrubs and mainly characterized by herbs and wild plants.
We wills top for our lunch break in the majestic Roman city of Sepino (Saepinum). The unearthed city is an incredibly well-preserved testimony of a typical Roman city and is considered by some as a little Pompeii. The city stands at the intersection of two important roads: the Pescasseroli-Candela sheep track and the road that connects the Matese to the coast.
The journey resumes after lunch, towards the village of Guardiaregia, immersed in the green landscapes of the Matese, close to the splendid Quirino gorges.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse in Guardiaregia

Day 3: Guardiaregia-Campochiaro Reserve
This morning, we set off to explore the largest WWF reserves in Italy: Oasis Guardiaregia-Campochiaro. You will be fascinated by its natural treasures and its unique landscapes.
We climb along the Molise side of the Matese Massif and we will stop along the way to enjoy a picnic lunch with a breathtaking view!
The afternoon is dedicated to the deepest secrets of nature reserve and some of the most spectacular abysses in Europe: Pozzo della Neve and Cul di Bove.
The Pozzo della Neve abyss opens up into a beech forest and is characterized by numerous karst manifestations, located a short distance from each other, suggesting the existence of a huge underground karst complex in the area. 
The Cul di Bove abyss, consists of large rooms, crossed by an underground stream that gives rise to lakes and waterfalls.
Return to the farmhouse in the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse in Guardiaregia

Day 4: The three friars
For our last riding day, we continue to explore to the reserve. We will see spectacular centuries-old beech trees called "The three friars", the oldest of which is over 500 years old.
Legend has it that some important historical episodes took place here. Among the many, we remember that of three brothers who were hanged on the spot, in correspondence of the beech trees, for theft of livestock.
Return to the farmhouse for a farewell lunch and transfer to Termoli train station.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

                                                Morcone area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	45	46	52	58	67	76	81	81	73	64	54	47
Average Low Temperature (°F)	36	36	40	45	53	60	65	65	59	52	44	38
Average High Temperature (°C)	7	8	11	15	20	24	27	27	23	18	12	8
Average Low Temperature (°C)	2	2	4	7	12	16	18	18	15	11	7	3
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	6	6	6	7	5	4	2	3	5	5	6	6

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Rainfall is most frequent and heaviest in late autumn and early spring, though of short duration, but lasts longer in winter, with peak levels in November and the lowest levels in July.

The annual average temperature varies from 8°-12° in the mountainous area to 12°-16° in the maritime area; in both areas the difference can be quite extreme and take you completely by surprise.  January and February are the coldest month. In the mountains, it can often drop below zero and an open-fire is very welcome to counter the nip in the air.

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

Description
You will sleep in authentic farmhouses with private rooms and facilities along the way. Please, note that theer is no Wi-Fi access at the accommodations.

Accommodation itinerary - subject to changes
Night 1: Farmhouse in Morcone
Night 2 & 3: Farmhouse in Guardiaregia

Farmhouse in Morcone
This farmhouse dating back from the 19th century was renovated using traditional techniques and materials. All 7 guestrooms are simply decorated and feature a comfortable bed as well as a private bathroom.

Farmhouse in Guardiaregia
This rustic farmhouse offers 18 basic but clean and comfortable rooms with ensuite facilities.


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 lunch 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.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Appaloosa, Paint and Quarter Horses
Pace:		| Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 10 riders

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Passport Note

(a) Italy is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. (b) The regulations stated below also apply to San Marino and the Vatican City.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:

(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;

(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements 

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	1
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.