The 74.095ha Majella National Park, located in the Italian Abruzzo region, is an impressive limestone massif with over 25.500ha of wilderness; it is a little unknown area not far from Rome and the Adriatic coast suitable for nature lovers and families alike. Clear streams, mountain meadow with flocks of sheep, endless beech forests, ancient attractive villages, Romanesque monasteries and solitary hermitages fill the scenery.
In the Majella National Park you can still find wildlife that has become rare elsewhere in Europe. Otters play in the clear water while brown bears, wolves, lynx, Apennine Chamois, red deer and roe deer still wonder through their natural habitat while the Royal Eagle soars above. The Majella National Park is a unique example of mountainous wilderness in the heart of the Apennine range and consists mainly of a limestone massif with hundreds of caves, gorges and rivers and 30 peaks above 2000m. The park is home to 22% of all European flora and lies at a crossroads of climates making it the most Southern Alpine range with over 2.100 different plant species of which 140 are endemic.
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.
6 nights in double rooms in 3* hotels, B&B and agriturismi with breakfast and 3 dinner
B&B Casa Milà is located in Majella National Park at 602 meters above sea level. Rooms are clean, well-furnished and welcoming with private bathroom, free Wifi and TV. Breakfast is very good both savoury and sweet. Owners are kind and courteous.
Hotel La Maielletta is centrally located in Majella National Park in Passolanciano area and 100 meters from the Panoramic ski slopes. Rooms have a mountain style with a simple furniture. These aren't spacious. Breakfast is good. The Hotel has a SPA too. Staff is courteous.
Agriturismo Pietrantica is an organic farmhouse since 2000 promotes a local development project with sustainability in the Majella National Park. Rooms are spacious, bright and relaxing. The cuisine proposes dishes from Abruzzo and breakfast offers natural products. Staff is welcoming and kind.
This B&B is centrally located in Pacentro. It offers clean, quiet and comfortable rooms with TV, free Wifi. Owners are very welcoming and helpful. Breakfast is served on panoramic terrace on warmer months and it's rich and various.
Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Rome Ciampino (CIA) airports are 240km from Pretoro. If you fly to Rome (Fiumicino FCO or Ciampino CIA), take a train to Rome Termini train station and then a train to Chieti Scalo. In Chieti get on the bus to Pretoro.
Pescara airport (PSR) is 40km from Pretoro and 70km from Sulmona. If you fly to Pescara Airport (PSR), take a bus to Pescara train station and then a train to Chieti Scalo. In Chieti get the bus to Pretoro.
From Pacentro take a taxi or a public bus to Sulmona and from Sulmona you can travel by train or public bus to Pescara or Rome airports. For more information please visit www.trenitalia.com.
GPS tracks are available on request.
What is included:
· 6 nights in double rooms in 3* hotels, B&B and agriturismi with breakfast and 4 dinners
· Packet lunch on Day 2
· Luggage transfer
· Map of the Majella National Park
· People transfer Decontra-start of the walk
· People transfer Pretoro-Aia della Forca
· Telephone support 24 hours
· Maps and detailed itinerary
What is not included:
· Journey to the place of arrival and departure
· Lunches and dinners, except where otherwise noted
· Visits and entrance fees - tips
· possible sojourn taxes
· Anything not specified under "The price includes"
Optional Services:
These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:
· Single room supplement
· Any transfer to get to the starting point or to return from the point of arrival, which can be quoted on request.