Abruzzo & Molise – An ancient storytelling along the “Tratturo Magno”

Departure in the morning from Rome by van. We reach Santo Stefano di Sessanio.
Afternoon dedicated to two enchanting visits. We have a pleasant soft trekking/walk to
the Rocca di Calascio, which literally dominates the Tirino valley and the Navelli plateau,
situated on a ridge 1,460 meters above sea level.
The building is so well integrated into the landscape that it seems to be naturally created
by the mountain itself.
We also enjoy a visit to the village of Santo Stefano, included in the Club of the Most
Beautiful Villages in Italy, a true gem set among the mountains.
Under the leadership of Francesco de’ Medici it became known for the wool trade
“carfagna”, a coarse black wool used mainly for military uniforms and monks’ habit,
produced in Santo Stefano and processed in Florence. The Medicean Tower, which has
always dominated the central core medieval, was destroyed by the 2009 L’Aquila
earthquake and is being rebuilt. Overnight stay in hotel.

In the morning we head southwards, to the MAB Reserve of Montedimezzo, one of the
only seven Italian biosphere reserve listed by UNESCO under the “Man and Biosphere”
Program (worldwide there are 329 in 82 countries). The environment is typical of the
inland central-southern Apennines, with variegated forms and predominantly clayey or
fliscioid soils (sandstone and marly limestone). The morning activity includes a mixture of
off-road and soft trekking across this paradise where absolute silence dominates (3h
trekking). The reserve protect deers in difficulty, following their trauma or infirmity and
taking special care of them. One of the aims of the MAB project is to emphasize the
relationship between man and forest: man is therefore not a stranger to the forest
ecosystem but, with his multiple activities, he is influenced and he influences the forest
itself.
Lunch is in a local restaurant in Molise heights. A chance to taste local flavors and enjoy
breath taking panoramic view.
In the afternoon you can continue with the discovery of these areas aboard the
unstoppable Land Rovers, on foot, or, a horseback ride (as an extra optional activity*) of
about 2 hours. This area is ideal for horse riding, away from roads and people. The landscape varies from hilly to mid-mountain with endless fields alternating with beech and
oak forests. Transfer to hotel in Capracotta, one of the highest villages in Italy, which is a
major ski resort.

This day focuses on various interests. We start with a nice walk along a part of the sheep
track – stock route direction Pescolanciano village – which will bring us back in time. We
take a short detour to Agnone, to visit to the Pontifical Foundry of Campane Marinelli, an
Italian metallurgical family-run company, specialized in the construction of bells. Founded
and managed today by the Marinelli family, it is the oldest Italian and among the oldest in
the world. The company boasts the production of important bells, such as those of the
Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompei, those of the Abbey of
Montecassino, of the Cathedral of Buenos Aires and the bell of the Jubilee 2000 “Giovannea”, commissioned by Pope John Paul II. We walk through the historic center and
then lunch in a local restaurant.
We then reach the amazing Paleolithic Museum of Isernia, whose collection includes all the
objects from the archaeological excavation of Isernia La Pineta. At this site Paleolithic finds
from about 600,000 years ago were uncovered, an exceptional discovery that
constitutes a crucial point for the study of Italian and European prehistory. Another short
transfer will take us to the prestigious Campi Valerio Winery, for a walk through the
vineyards and an optional tasting of the wines. Return to Capracotta, for dinner and
overnight stay.
Overnight the hotel or similar.

This morning we walk along the sheep track southwards, towards Frosolone and we
continue off-road crossing the rivers many times experiencing a true adventure.
We take a pleasant picnic lunch* with all comfort in the nature, as an “open-air restaurant”.
In the afternoon we continue our journey with the off-road vehicles. We will be hosted
by a shepherd to learn more about his lifestyle, traditions and how we prepare a local and
delicious cheese or other milk products. Back to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight the hotel or similar. 

*according to the season we might have an alternative experience.

We start the morning driving along the route on the Matese Mountains, the most important
massif of what is called the Sannita Apennines, a place steeped in history, as well as
characterized by a superlative nature. We cross over for a few kilometers into the
Campania region, in Cusano Mutri, for an unusual water trekking (3h)*, a real river walking,
easy for everyone, wearing waterproof suits provided by our local partner. With this
activity you can see the gorges, waterfalls and vegetation along the rivers up close.
Along this path the Samnites and Romans fought for the conquest of Altilia Sepino that
we reach soon after lunch (in a restaurant). Here we admire an incredibly well-preserved
Roman settlement, which clearly shows all the characteristics of the urban structure. It
rises at the point where the sheep-track of the transhumance crosses the road that
connects the Matese to the sea. It was originally a Samnite village, Saipins, built in a
strategic position at 950 meters above sea level. When the Romans invaded it during the
third Samnite war (293 BC), the population was forced to move downstream and the city
became a Roman administrative center. The walls were built later, by the emperor
Augustus, more to give prestige to the center than for real protection needs.
We access the archaeological area through one of the wonderful doors located along the
walls, we observe the remains of the ancient towers and trample the Decumanus, whose
sides are home to the artisan shops, fountains and thermal baths. The extraordinary basilica
is visible, with Doric-style columns and the forum, an ancient place for political-administrative functions.
At the end of the visit we reach our hotel for dinner and overnight.

In the morning departure for Occhito Lake, an artificial lake that rises on the border
between Molise and Puglia, created by the barrier on the Fortore river: a true oasis of
peace. The lake is a fundamental wetland, a stop for migratory birds, including the gadwall,
the wigeon, the shoveler, the tufted duck, the pochard, the wild goose and the cormorant.
We will enjoy a jeep excursion and trekking experience along the lake walking on a
Tratturo. After lunch in a local restaurant it is be possible to continue exploring the area
on foot or on horseback (as an extra optional activity*).
We reach our hotel in Campobasso for dinner and overnight.
Overnight the hotel or similar.

After breakfast transfer by minibus or van to Termini station or Rome Fiumicino airport.

From April to November. 

On request – quotations from 2 to 8 pax.

For further information on the price or a tailor-made quotation please contact us at info@out-of-italy.com.

The wide territorial and altitude extension of this tour means that different types of climate can be found, from Mediterranean to temperate in the lower areas and in the higher ones. Depending on the month, at winds and at the time of day, the temperature may fluctuate from 25 ° C to 5 ° C. Rainfall is scarce from July to October.

Full board treatment except for day 1 and day 7 (HB treatment on day 1, breakfast on day 7)

Minibus or van according to group size.

Itinerary suitable for nature and history enthusiasts, eager for a good dose of adventure that does not neglect comfort.