Hike, Bike and Canoe in Abruzzo
Head to Italy to adventure your way through the lunar landscapes, mountain meadows and wooded riverbanks of the Central Apennines
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesHotel & Lodge
2 nights in an ecolodge, 2 nights in a hotelMeals
All breakfasts and 4 dinnersTransfers
To and from the airport, and everything in betweenEquipment
Fathom Giant e-bike and helmet plus all canoeing gear including life vest, paddles and a waterproof bagSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Hike through the imposing peaks of Italy's great wilderness, known as the 'green lung' of Europe
Scramble to the teetering summit of Corno Grande (2912m), the highest mountain in the Apennines
Canoe the crystalline Tirino River and pedal across the remote Campo Imperatore plateau on e-bikes
Key Information
Day 1
Into the wild
Driving
Hiking
Meet your host at the airport and enjoy the scenic drive to Roccamorice, an ancient stone village nestled within the picturesque Maiella National Park in Abruzzo. Still largely undiscovered, the region of Abruzzo undoubtedly deserves the title of 'Europe’s green lung' thanks to its three national parks and 37 nature reserves. Check into your ecolodge and meet up with your guide, who will brief you on the adventure to come. Then head out for an easy afternoon hike to get your first taste of Abruzzo's natural beauty, walking through the scenic Giumentina Valley and amongst ancient sacred hermitages carved into the rock.
Day 2
Walking on the moon
Hiking
Fuel up on breakfast ready for a challenging trek along the rocky peaks of Maiella National Park. Starting from Pomilio Refuge, you'll climb to Anfiteatro Murelle (2596m), hiking through dense pine scrub and the endemic plant species which miraculously survive in this lunar landscape. If you’re lucky you may even spot the endangered Marsican bear, wolves, Apennine chamois, deer or golden eagles as you look out over the peaks. Reach the imposing rocky amphitheatre of Murelle and enjoy jaw-dropping views over a barren, desolate, moon-like environment. On a clear day, the sea is even visible in the distance. Head back down to the valley, where a beer and a well-earned meal awaits.
Day 3
Italy's 'Little Tibet'
Canoeing
E-bike
Drive to Capestrano where you'll find the azure waters of the Tirino, Europe’s clearest river. In canoes, paddle gently upstream toward the source of this peaceful and serene river, then tuck into lunch at a local agriturismo. In the afternoon, head to Gran Sasso – one of the largest protected areas in Europe – where you'll set out on a sunset e-bike ride across the remote Campo Imperatore plateau. This boundless karst plain, surrounded by mighty peaks, is nicknamed Italy's 'Little Tibet'. Afterwards, enjoy a tasty dinner and get some rest ready for tomorrow's epic summit hike.
Day 4
Summit Corno Grande
Hiking
After breakfast, drive to the trailhead for the hike to summit Corno Grande (2912 m) - the highest mountain in the Apennines. Setting off from Campo Imperatore, the path quickly climbs up towards the saddle of Monte Aquila with views of the karst plateau and the peak's limestone walls in the distance. Tackle some steep exposed sections and scramble closer to the top of Corno Grande for a view of Europe's southernmost glacier down below. Once at the summit, enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and views of a lifetime. Descend steeply into the valley and celebrate your achievement with a hearty meal. You made it!
Day 5
Calascio and the fortified stronghold
Hiking
Driving
Spend your last morning in Abruzzo on a leisurely hike to the fortified hamlet of Rocca Calascio, exploring the ruins of the castle (which featured in the fantasy film Ladyhawke) and passing the octagonal church of Santa Maria della Pietà , surrounded by fields of colourful crops. Savour a last local lunch in the picturesque village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio before bidding farewell to Abruzzo and heading back to Rome. Arrivederci!
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Rome
11:00 on Day 1
Ends
Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Rome
16:00 on Day 5
Transfers
On Day 1 you will be collected from Rome Fiumicino airport. Your host will inform you about exact pick-up logistics and timings prior to your trip, but please make sure you book a flight that lands by 11:00 at the latest. You will then be transferred to your hotel in the town of Roccamorice, approximately three hours away from Rome.
On Day 5, your host will drive you from the village of Castel del Monte to the airport in Rome, for onward flights departing after 18:00.
Travel options
Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome is well connected via numerous flights across the UK and Europe. US travellers can fly direct to Rome from various major US airports including New York, Miami and LA.
Train travel to Rome is an easy and enjoyable alternative for those looking to avoid flying on this trip. Rome Termini Railway Station is well connected to various major hubs across Italy and in neighbouring France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Travellers from the UK can take the Eurostar to Paris, followed by the TGV to Turin and then a Frecciarossa (Italian high-speed train) to Rome, all in a single day (or with overnight stays in Turin or Milan).
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfasts will be a classic international affair with cereals, bread, pastries and regional products.
Lunches are not included. On Day 2 and Day 4 you will be able to buy packed lunches from either the guesthouse or local shops to take with you on the trek. On Day 3 and Day 5 you will have the chance to try some delicious local restaurants and an agriturismo.
Evening meals are included at your accommodation and you'll be tucking into traditional Italian dishes such as maccheroni alla chitarra (a special type of spaghetti), soup with orapi (wild spinach) and beans, gnocchetti and grilled meat. The wider region has a strong sheep-rearing culture, so plenty of local dairy products are available such as pecorino, ricotta, caciocavallo and a rare goat's cheese called marzolina.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Roccamorice
For the first two nights you'll stay at Dimore Montane in the municipality of Roccamorice, an ancient and picturesque stone village nestled within Abruzzo's Maiella National Park. This comfortable ecolodge provides warm Italian hospitality and cuisine, making it a magical spot to rest in the mountains.
Castel del Monte
The final two nights will be spent in Castel del Monte, a small hamlet which ranks amongst Italy's most beautiful villages. Here you'll stay at the comfortable 3-star Hotel Miramonti (or an alternative of a similar standard), with twin-share or double rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and free WiFi.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge (subject to availability). See Optional Extras for the price.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
This trips requires a good level of fitness and is ideal for steady-footed, keen hikers with a head for heights: there are some narrow, exposed sections to contend with on Day 4. The hikes on Days 2 and 4 are of moderate to challenging difficulty with steep, loose sections and although the distances are not too great, the amount of ascent and descent is considerable. However, the views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile! No previous experience is required for canoeing and e-biking as these activities will be conducted at a more leisurely pace and for shorter durations.
What will I need to carry?
You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small daysack to carry personal items during each day of hiking.
Temperatures in the Abruzzo Mountains in the summer months average 20° / 68°F. May and October will be cooler, with averages of around 15° / 59°F. Rainfall is lowest in July and highest in May and October, so be sure to pack a rain jacket, though the region gets a lot of unbroken sunshine in the summer. When high up in the Apennines, especially in early and late season, the weather can be rapidly changeable and cold mountain conditions are possible. Before you arrive, feel free to ask your host what to expect for your specific trip dates.
Great trip, lovely food, great
Great trip, lovely food, great guides.
Excellent hikes
Our guide was fantastic, very caring for the group and helping everyone achieve the challenging hikes/climbs at their own pace.
Would have preferred more hiking, the canoeing day felt like filler activity, but useful for recovery from the hike the day before.
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
This was a fantastic trip. Challenging hikes, exciting mountain biking & truly serene canoeing. Food excellent pre booked & in recommended restaurants. Organisation by Valeria supreme. As ever lovely bunch in group. Highly recommended.
Amazing, well organised adventure!!
Amazing adventure in Abruzzo
Honestly such a great adventure. The guides Umberto and Lorenzo were super professional and friendly. Days were full of challenging hikes and the evenings featured authentic three-course Italian meals. Accommodation was spacious and situated in really cool areas. Had such a blast and can highly recommend this trip.
An amazing experience
Abruzzo is an amazing region with stunning natural beauty and wildlife. Our guides, Fillipo and Francesco were very passionate about the area and we benefited from their extensive knowledge. The hikes were reasonably challenging but doable for anyone with a decent level of fitness. The canoe and mountain biking day were a nice break from the hiking and the biking in particular was great fun. The accommodation was very comfortable and the food was simply fantastic.
Incredible Italian Mountain adventures
It had everything. Well organised. Relaxed and friendly crew with a super group of 20-50s age category. Mountains, rivers, caves, castles, medieval cities.
Great group and guides
Our guides Filippo and Francesco were great - really knowledgeable biologists who really elevated our walks with their explanations. They were people and safety orientated and planned back-up routes in case of inclement weather. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience in beautiful Abruzzo.