Majella National Park Ride in Italy

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. 

There is a restaurant where we can enjoy pasta with fresh truffles from the region.

Start your day with an introduction to our horses, ready for the journey ahead. At around 10:30 a.m., we set off, embarking on a ride along the historic Tratturo Celano-Foggia. The Tratturo, a path over 2,000 years old, remains in use today for moving cattle from the far south, where summer grass is scarce. As we follow this ancient track, we are reminded of its rich history and the countless herds that have traversed it over the centuries.

Our route leads us through diverse landscapes, becoming increasingly wild and overgrown as we approach the river Sangro. The Tratturo narrows, guiding us through dense, untamed nature and offering a thrilling ride through the heart of the Italian countryside. We reach the quaint village of Pietransieri, where we find Christian’s riding center. Here, our horses receive exceptional care, and we too are warmly welcomed. 

Our day concludes with a stay at a comfortable hotel just a few hundred meters away, providing a perfect place to relax and recount the day's adventures..

Today's destination is the charming town of Pescocostanzo. Our trail leads us through increasingly elevated mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. As we ascend, we catch glimpses of the rolling hills of Molise in the distance.

Our journey includes a delightful stop at the Pietra Cernaia pass, where we enjoy a picnic while taking in a completely different panorama. From this vantage point, we can see Pescocostanzo nestled about 4,500 feet above sea level, situated directly on the steep slopes of Majella Mountain. The terrain alternates between steep inclines and high plains pastures, providing perfect spots for some exhilarating canters before we arrive at the stables.

After spending approximately six hours on horseback, we will undoubtedly be ready for a refreshing drink. Pescocostanzo boasts a lovely square with several inviting bars and restaurants. A stroll through this picturesque medieval town is a delight for everyone, and architecture enthusiasts will particularly enjoy its historic charm.

We will be staying at a small, cozy hotel, where we can relax and unwind. Dinner will be at a local restaurant, offering the perfect end to a day filled with adventure and stunning scenery.

The National Park Majella, spanning 75,000 acres, is one of Italy's largest and most magnificent natural reserves. As a Pan Park protected by WWF, it boasts a pristine and diverse ecosystem. Within this expansive park, 30 mountains rise to over 6,500 feet, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape.

Today, we embark on a six-hour ride through the surrounding highlands of Majella. This area promises thrilling opportunities for cantering across its open and varied terrain. The breathtaking views and fresh mountain air make for an unforgettable equestrian experience.

After our invigorating ride, we return to our cozy hotel for the night. Dinner will be a special treat as we dine at a different local restaurant, offering us a chance to savor more of the region's culinary delights. 

Prepare for a demanding yet exhilarating day, spending about 7 to 8 hours in the saddle. Our adventure begins with a steady ascent towards a vast valley. Once on the plateau, we can enjoy extended canters across the open expanse, relishing the freedom and thrill of the ride until we reach our picnic spot.

After a refreshing break, we continue our journey through a serene forest, eventually emerging to be greeted by a stunning, unexpected view. The next part of our trail takes us along a long road that descends steadily. Some sections of this road will need to be covered on foot, providing a brief respite for both riders and horses.

In the early evening, we arrive at our destination. We leave the horses in a paddock and head to Sandra’s riding centre. Here, we enjoy a delightful dinner and spend the night at her comfortable hotel, ending our adventurous day with well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Our journey today begins just outside Alfedena, where a vast plain invites us for a long, exhilarating canter. Shortly after, we cross the Ponte della Zittola, marking the border between Abruzzi and Molise. From here, we follow a section of the Tratturo Castel di Sangro-Foggia, meandering through the foothills of Alto Molise.

As we ride past the quaint hamlet of Montalto, it's time to pause for a picnic, enjoying a well-deserved break amidst the beautiful scenery. Following lunch, we saddle up for the final stretch, a four-hour ride that leads us back home.

By around 6:30 p.m., we return to the farmhouse. We unsaddle our horses for the last time, reflecting on the memorable experiences we've shared. The day concludes with a warm and festive farewell dinner, celebrating the end of our incredible journey.

Departure after breakfast.

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