Abruzzo National Park Trail Ride

The morning is yours to enjoy as you wish. You may sleep in, take your time over breakfast, or do whatever you like. 

Before lunch, there will be a safety briefing. After that, we'll groom and saddle up the horses, followed by a short demonstration of western riding. 

After lunch the trek starts. For about 4 hours we will ride through forests and hilly pastureland before we arrive in San Pietro Avellana, our daily goal for today, where the horses will stay in a paddock. 

We return by car to the farm-house but before going to bed we get served a delicious dinner in the new Bistro of our host.

In the morning, we gather and head to the horses. By around 10:30 a.m., we mount up and begin our journey along the historic Tratturo Celano-Foggia, a 2,000-year-old track still used for seasonal cattle migrations from the south. 

Our picnic stop is in Montedimezzo, once belonging to the Bourbon royal family and now housing a museum in its former hunting lodge, protected by UNESCO as one of Italy's four designated forests.

Continuing along the Tratturo, we follow small paths after reaching the Sangro River, where sunbathing lizards scurry away and the air is infused with the aroma of Italian herbs like rosemary and thyme. Ascending through a forest, we arrive at Roccaraso, situated at 3,600 feet above sea level. This renowned ski resort town provides the backdrop for our evening meal and overnight stay, offering a glimpse into local mountain culture and hospitality.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Roccaraso and venture into the scenic Piano delle Cinque Miglia, where we enjoy an exhilarating long canter. As we approach the end of the valley, towering mountains flank us on either side, leading us along a gravel road towards Montagna Spaccata (Split Mountain), where inviting benches under ancient oaks beckon us to pause.

Continuing along a narrow, stony path that ascends steadily, we reach a water trough where horses quench their thirst while we admire the valley vista. Pushing onward, we ascend until a clearing in the forest suddenly reveals a stunning panorama. Here, we dismount and lead the horses on foot to "Agriturismo Jovana," a mountain hut renowned for its award-winning ricotta cheese, where we'll enjoy a hearty lunch.

Following lunch, we follow a gravel road upward to Scanno. At the outskirts, we leave the horses at the  riding center and transfer to our hotel in the village. Dinner awaits at a restaurant nestled in the historical center of Scanno, offering a perfect end to the day. Post-dinner, we often take a leisurely stroll through this charming village.

Today promises to be a challenging adventure as we leave behind the civilized world and venture into the pristine wilderness of Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, where motor vehicles are forbidden. Riding through untouched mountain landscapes, we may encounter wild boars or deer, while the presence of wolves and bears is more elusive amidst the sound of hooves.

Following a babbling brooklet that guides our path through the mountains, we embark on a steep ascent to 6,300 feet above sea level, where we pause to admire panoramic views of snow-capped peaks that endure into late spring. Descending on foot due to the rugged terrain, we regroup at the correct path and resume riding through expansive forests.

A picturesque meadow offers a perfect setting for a picnic, where if weather permits, a restful nap may be enjoyed. Continuing through the forests, our journey concludes in Pescasseroli. After this rewarding day of riding, we gather for a well-deserved dinner at the delightful Eleonora, savoring the comforts and cuisine of this lovely place.

This morning, enjoy a leisurely start with a late breakfast, inviting you to savor extra sleep. Pescasseroli, known as the "heart" of Abruzzo, offers glimpses into its lively atmosphere. Take a stroll to explore attractions like the Museum of Nature, FaunaPark, or the Apennin-Garden, or simply soak in the town's charm with a coffee on the piazza.

After lunch, we embark on horseback once more into the untouched wilderness. The terrain becomes more rugged as we reach a valley, where a thrilling canter awaits. Continuing our journey, we ride to Opi, a quaint town with just 400 residents, where both riders and horses will spend the night.

Dinner will be served at a traditional restaurant, offering a taste of local flavors and a cozy end to the day's adventures.

After breakfast, we saddle up and journey to Val Fondillo, embarking on an exhilarating four-mile trail alongside a scenic river. This trail leads us through one of the National Park's most protected areas, Camosciara, where we pause for a picnic amidst pristine surroundings.

Continuing our journey, we catch sight of Lake Barrea in the distance, nestled deep to our left. Our path then winds through a different type of forest terrain until we eventually arrive, likely tired but fulfilled, at Riding Centre, where our trail concludes.

For our final evening together, we unwind at the center with our horses, enjoying pizza and reflecting on our week-long adventure. It's a time to reminisce before retiring to our comfortable rooms for a well-deserved rest.

Departure after breakfast.

N.B. Due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances the programme may have to be adapted.