Italy: Horseback Riding Excursions in Abruzzo: The Majella National Park

Descripción

SISTEMAZIONE:

3 notti in farm

4 notti in piccoli alberghi

Pranzi al sacco lungo il percorso e cene di cucina casereccia a base di prodotti tipici locali (bevande incluse ai pasti – bevande fuori dai pasti a pagamento).

Ulteriori date di partenza su richiesta con un minimo di 5 partecipanti.

PARTECIPANTI: MIN 5 MAX 8

Programa

Day 1:
Abruzzo is one of the regions in Italy that has best preserved its territory. Among its still unspoiled mountains, it is possible to follow beautiful horse trails, in complete respect for nature. A beautiful trek awaits you, through the mountains where indigenous peoples have lived for centuries, who for centuries were nomadic shepherds, and still take care of their livestock and crops in harmony with the surrounding environment.
We will discover the Majella National Park, one of the largest in Italy, covering 75,000 hectares. It is a so-called Pan Park. It is protected by the World Wildlife Fund. Among the highlights, we cannot forget:
Remains of a small Samnite temple, a population originating from Molise who fought the Romans in 79 BC.
Montedimezzo Reserve, the ancient hunting reserve of the Bourbons and nobles of Naples. Today part of the UNESCO MAB (Man and Biosphere) project, it is managed by the Carabinieri forest department.
Pescocostanzo, a picturesque medieval village, part of the "most beautiful villages in Italy".
Roccaraso, the largest ski resort south of the Alps.

ALFEDENA (-/-/D)
Arrive independently in the late afternoon, or transfer included from Isernia station at 7:45 PM.
Welcome drink and dinner with the guides. Dinner and overnight stay at the farm.

Day 2:
ALFEDENA/SAN PIETRO AVELLANA (B/L/D)
Free morning. Meet the guides before lunch for information about the route and a brief demonstration of how to saddle Western-style and prepare the horses.
After lunch, the trekking begins: we ride through meadows and forests along the old Tratturo route for about four hours to get acquainted with our horse.
We arrive at the village of San Pietro Avellana, where the horses will be accommodated in a paddock, and we will stay overnight and have dinner featuring fresh pasta and local truffles.

Day 3:
SAN PIETRO AVELLANA / PIETRANSIERI (B/L/D)
Departure around 10:30 AM along the Tratturo Celano-Foggia, an ancient 2,000-year-old route used to move livestock from the southeastern regions, where grass was scarce in summer, to the mountains of Abruzzo.
We follow the Tratturo to the Sangro River, then climb narrow paths through dense vegetation to reach Pietransieri.
The horses will be stabled at Christian's equestrian center, and we will stay overnight in a small hotel.

Day 4:
PIETRANSIERI / PESCOSTANZO (B/L/D)
Today's destination is Pescostanzo. The route passes through high mountains, offering distant views of the Alto Molise hills. At the highest point, we reach Pietra Cernaia, a rocky pinnacle with a small spring at its base. From this viewpoint, we can admire the Majella mountain, the large valley below, and the village of Pescocostanzo on the hillside at 1,250 meters above sea level.
We gallop across the valley to the stables where we leave the horses. After a long day, we enjoy a drink in the picturesque village square.
Pescocostanzo is a well-preserved medieval village and part of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy” network. Time for a walk. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay in a small hotel in the center.

Day 5:
PESCOSTANZO (B/L/D)
The Majella National Park (75,000 hectares) is one of the largest in the country and part of the WWF's Pan Parks network. Today we explore the valleys surrounding the mountain opposite the village, reaching a remote valley beneath the Majella massif for a picnic lunch.
After lunch, we continue circling the mountain and climb the Forchetta Pass, descending into the Palena valley, where we gallop several kilometers before reaching the stables to care for the horses. Dinner at another local restaurant and overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 6:
PESCOSTANZO/ALFEDENA (B/L/D)
Today is challenging. We head toward Roccaraso, the center of the largest ski complex south of the Alps. We cross the plateau, skirt the village of Rivisondoli, and climb to the pass, entering the vast 5-Mile Plateau.
Without crossing it, we follow its edge and ascend the mountain, always enjoying the incredible view of the valley. At the summit, we enter another valley at 1,600 meters, Aremogna, surrounded by majestic peaks and ski lifts. We gallop across this valley, stopping for a picnic with breathtaking views.
After lunch, we follow a wooded trail leading to the opposite side of the mountain. Emerging from the forest, we are greeted by a stunning view of the Abruzzo mountains, the Molise section of the park, and the Matese range, with Alfedena valley below.
We descend the mountain on foot for a short stretch, as the path is rocky and steep, until we reach Scontrone. Mounting again, we ride to the Alfedena valley, where we spend the night. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 7:
ALFEDENA (B/L/D)
Just outside Alfedena lies a plain perfect for a long canter. Crossing the Zittola Bridge, marking the border between Abruzzo and Molise, we follow the Castel di Sangro-Lucera Tratturo through the Alto Molise hills. After passing Montalto village, it’s time for a picnic.
After lunch, we ride for about 4 hours, arriving home around 6:30 PM. We unsaddle the horses for the last time and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 8:
ALFEDENA/ISERNIA (B/-/-)
After breakfast, depart independently or transfer to Isernia train station at 8:50 AM (€25, payable on-site).

Note: The itinerary described above is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.

Key Information:

(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Difficulty Level: °°° (Intermediate/Advanced)
Accommodation: Farm/Hotel
Equipment: Western saddle
Horses: Reliable Quarter Horses accustomed to the routes.
Pace: 6-7 hours per day on horseback. Riders must be experienced in outdoor horse handling and confident in all three gaits.
What to Bring: Layered riding clothing, including waterproof gear, sunscreen, insect repellent.
Minimum Age: 16 years
Maximum Weight: 80 kg
Type: Itinerant trekking with overnight stays in hotels/farms.

Accommodation:

3 nights on a farm
4 nights in small hotels
Picnic lunches during the trek and dinners featuring homemade cuisine with local products (meals include drinks; beverages outside meals are charged separately).

Incluido en el precio

All meals as per the program
Transfer from Isernia station
Beverages with meals
4 overnight stays in a hotel
3 overnight stays on a farm
5 and a half days horseback riding (6/7 hours per day)
Horses and equipment provided
Support vehicles for luggage transfer
Experienced local guide speaking Italian and English
Basic medical and baggage insurance

No incluido en el precio

Flights, trains, and/or means of transport to reach the starting point of the trekking
Transfer to/from Isernia station at different times (Euro 25 to be paid locally)
Drinks outside of meals
Fund for expenses: Euro 40 per person for snacks and drinks outside of meals
Meals not mentioned, airport taxes, drinks not mentioned, tips, personal extras
Alcoholic beverages
Anything not highlighted in the "What's Included" section
Cancellation insurance

Itinerario

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