Immerse yourself in the culture of the Abruzzo Gran Sasso by discovering the ancient traditions still present within the area.

We are offering some great hikes available within walking distance of the Sirente Velino Regional Park and the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.

Immersed in nature, you will get to know the medieval villages, the old farming villages of the mountains, the ancient hermitages of the saints, the natural caves and the many traditions remain alive within the area. You will also have the opportunity to taste the local produce and- if you would like- participate in a short cooking class taught by the locals! Every night you will be stay in a bed and breakfast or in a home located in the medieval villages within the area and eat the typical foods and dishes typical of Abruzzo cuisine.

Our itineraries include the involvement of a qualified instructor who will be responsible for taking care of all the practical and organizational aspects of the trek in order to reduce stress and leave you to enjoy the trip.

ITINERARY

• DAY 1 - Welcome

  Arrival individually or move to arrival point and accomodation in the medieval village of Castelvecchio Calvisio, which is characterized by its original elliptical shape. A guided tour of the countryside and its old cellars. Dinner with local recipes and meeting with the guide for an explanation of the tour and further instructions.

• DAY 2 - Life of the Shepherds

  Walk to Castel del Monte, one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval villages, known for its ancient farming and herding traditions. Visit to local dairies where you will be able to witness first-hand how cheese is produced. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, to discover the customs, habits and objects common in the daily life of the ancient shepherds. In the evening the possibility to taste cheeses.

• DAY 3 - The Path of Lenticchie and Cicerchia

  Trekking from Santa Stefano di Castelvecchio Calvisio a Santo Stefano di Sessanio while passing through the cultivated fields of grass, peas and lentils- enjoy a visit to the delightful old town of Santa Stefano di Sessanio, one of the “most beautiful villages in Italy” and a “jewel” of Abruzzo. In the evening there is a possibility of a cooking workshop for lenticchia or cicerchia.

• DAY 4 - Free Day

  Day without planned excursions. Guests are free to decide how they would like to spend the day: resting, a visit to Campo Imperatore or Fonte Vetica, a visit to the Cantina Valle Reale, or a visit to the city of Sulmona.

• DAY 5 - The Fortress of Calascio

  Walk to the beautiful fortress of Calascio, where several movies such as Ladyhawke and Nome della Rosa were filmed.

• DAY 6 - The Tratturo Magno

  Walk from Castelvecchio Calvisio to Peltuinum by passing along the major sheep path: the ancient path followed by the shepherds for centuries in order to bring their flocks to pasture in Puglia. Medieval architecture suggests that starting at the time of Roman rule the history and traditions of the many settlements along the Tratturo were born. In the evening a traditional shepherd dinner.

• DAY 7 - The Saffron Route

  Trekking from Castelvecchio Calvisio Navelli with visits to places of saffron production. We will be guests in Gina’s greenhouse to learn the secrets of preparing “red gold” (the name given in this area to saffron). visit to the villages of Navelli and Civitaretenga. In the evening a possibility of a cooking workshop about saffron.

• DAY 8 - Departure

  Your departure to return to your place of origin. See you soon!