Abruzzo - Wild Majella National Park - 7 days

Arrive in Pescara or Roma airports and take a train to Chieti. If you arrive early, take a stroll in the tiny streets of this nice medieval village, located at 600m altitude on the slopes of the Majella Massif. Enjoy having a glass of wine sitting on the bench of the panoramic terrace in front of the accommodation.

A morning transfer to the start of the walk near Pretoro (near Colle Faggio). The route is well marked but the trail is sometimes hard to see. Along the walk you will encounter several dry stone “tholos” hut. You come out on an open level with great views of the Maielletta Mountains. In the higher section of the itinerary you walk through beeches and coniferous forests. If you are lucky you can spot deer, foxes and wolves You stay in a good hotel in Passo Lanciano, a small ski hamlet in the beech woods.

Today’s destination is the hamlet of Decontra a charming and magical place that seems unaffected by time. You will walk along the ridge enjoying spectacular views over the Majella mountains and the surrounding valleys.

Soon after leaving Decontra you walk along an old panoramic mule track that plunge into the deep and narrow Orfento Valley formed by the erosive action of the river through the millennia, that has contributed to the creation of one of the most singular and spectacular areas in the Apennines, both from an aesthetic and naturalistic point of view. Because of its natural characteristics, the valley is a protected and restricted area.

The day’s route runs along the Giumentina Valley's on dirt roads through wide pastures and fields with breath-taking views. It is possible to make a detour to visit the charming S.Bartolomeo Hermitage; it is also possible to visit the ancient graves named "Tholos" which have been recently recovered.

A short transfer takes you to Sant’Eufemia where the day’s walk to Pacentro starts. The walk is a gradual climb predominated by the spectacular views of and from the Morrone Mountain that sits majestically behind Caramanico Terme. All along the walk, on beautiful mature beech forests and high altitude pastures, you have great views of the soaring peaks of the Majella massif, the Gran Sasso (2800m), the highest mountain outside the Italian Alps and the Monti della Laga. Once over the San Leonardo Pass, a steep descent down to the tower of the magnificent medieval village of Pacentro that offers great views on the mountains of the Abruzzo National Park and the town of Sulmona.

The trip and our services end after breakfast. Make your own way to the airport by public transports unless you have pre-booked a private transfer with us.