Tour
Conservation and rewilding in the Central Apennines: Italy
Next trip 6 days from 1 May 2028
Prices from 拢3,195
Booking information
May 2028 鈥� 6 days
Register your interest for 2028 and we will contact you when confirmed details including finalised dates and prices are available.
Journey into Italy鈥檚 Central Apennines region for a fascinating introduction to the concept and practicalities of rewilding. Spend time tracking wildlife on foot in the company of a specialist nature guide, while learning more about the Rewilding Italy project. In addition to the wildlife, experience the region鈥檚 ever hospitable people, their culture and their delicious cuisine.
Nestled in the heart of Italy, the Central Apennines region is renowned for its rugged landscapes, medieval villages and rich cultural heritage. In recent years, it has also become a beacon of hope for ecological restoration and wildlife conservation. The rewilding efforts in this area represent a bold and innovative approach to restoring natural ecosystems, reintroducing native species and fostering biodiversity. This initiative not only aims to heal the land, but also to create a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Explore the region accompanied by an expert from the Rewilding Italy team, who will introduce you to the rewilding projects in the area. Their aim is for the Central Apennines to be a wilder place, with fully functioning coherent ecosystems and abundant wildlife, where natural processes and complete trophic chains play key roles in the regeneration of the landscape.
The group size will be limited to a maximum of 14 and you will be accompanied locally by a tour leader and highly skilled local guides.
In partnership with The Ultimate Travel Company.
Guest feedback
“The guide from Rewilding Appennines was simply magnificent. He was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, committed and a pleasure to be with. His general knowledge of the environment, including birds, spiders and plants, was superb. His knowledge of the area allowed us to be able to spot wolves, bears and Griffon vultures.“
“Of course, seeing bears, wolves and other fantastic wildlife was absolutely great. I also thoroughly enjoyed learning about the rewilding process and how important it is to get artisans and the locals involved.“
Itinerary
This itinerary has been carefully planned, but this type of travel requires a degree of flexibility. Local conditions, weather, transport or other unforeseen circumstances may require changes to the programme. Your experienced tour leader will manage any changes on the ground, and while every effort will be made to operate the tour as described, the itinerary may be amended where necessary.
Day 1: Arrive in Rome, meet the group and drive to Pescasseroli
You will be met on arrival at Rome Airport at around 1pm*. From here, travel to the quaint mountain town of Pescasseroli, a journey time of around 3 hours. Check into to the 4-star Albergo Villino Quintiliani, where three nights will be spent. Located in the heart of the village on the edge of Abruzzo National Park, this restored 1920s mansion is surrounded by pretty landscaped gardens and has an excellent traditional Italian restaurant with a terrace where you can dine al fresco overlooking the park.
Lunch will be under your own arrangements. The remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Before dinner, enjoy a presentation by Rewilding Italy, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to promote nature conservation through rewilding measures in Italy. Learn about the group’s work in the Central Apennines region, the second main mountain range of Italy, characterised by a rich diversity of ecosystems, wildlife species and important habitats, including beech woods, open hillsides and alpine grasslands.
Afterwards, enjoy a welcome dinner with the group.
*Please note for those arriving at Rome Airport after 1pm, you will need to make your own way to Pescasseroli.
Day 2: Travel to Pettorano sul Gizio and learn about bear-smart communities
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Pettorano sul Gizio, the first bear-smart community in Italy, to learn about how bears and local communities can co-exist. By reducing the damage caused by the bears, and by allowing communities to benefit from this, local people will become ambassadors for the area鈥檚 wild nature. Rewilding Italy is focused on reducing bear mortality and conflict, supporting nature-based enterprises in and around corridor areas, and raising awareness among both local communities and people visiting the area.
Here, you will be guided through the measures being taken. You will see how bear damage has been dramatically reduced and social acceptance of the animals has increased through the installation of about 100 electric fences since 2015, along with the deployment of bear-proof waste bins. See just why and how these corridors are vital to the protection of the local community as much as the bears themselves, as we visit local entrepreneurs, farmers and shepherds in the region to hear their stories about how wolves and bears are part of the area, and of their lives.
Lunch will take place at a local restaurant.
You will have a unique opportunity to see an active camera trap located in the beautiful Monte Genzana Alto Gizio reserve and look at some of its previous data, which has hopefully captured some footage. In the late afternoon, you will return to your hotel for dinner.
Day 3: Search for wolves in Abruzzo National Park
In the early morning, you will visit Abruzzo National Park to look for wolves and other wildlife in the valley. Here, you will learn about the human and wildlife conflict in this region and the processes being taken to mitigate this. The Apennine chamois, the Marsican brown bear, the griffon vulture, the Italian wolf, the European otter and the whiteclawed crayfish are some of the key species whose comeback and spread would enhance the restoration of trophic chains and boost natural processes.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
This afternoon, transfer to Civitella Alfedena to visit the Apennine Wolf Museum to learn about the wolf and its habits. There will be time to relax this afternoon before another wildlife walk in the evening to visit a local bear-smart enterprise. Dinner will take place at the hotel.
Day 4: Travel to Ortona dei Marsi
Today, you will visit another of the region’s bear corridors at the bear-smart community of Ortona dei Marsi, accompanied by a Rewilding Apennines expert for insight into the project. Witness the work being done to reintroduce the Marsican brown bear into these areas, ensuring bears and humans can coexist peacefully.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit a local cidery to learn more about the processes required and sample some of the different ciders produced. Transfer to Barisciano and check in to the 3-star Convento di San Colombo Hotel, where you will spend the next two nights.
Day 5: Gran Sasso bear-smart community and Gran Sasso National Park
In the morning, you will depart to one of the Gran Sasso bear-smart communities, where the first male bears are expanding outwards. Focus on how different bear-smart communities perceive bears.
Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to explore Gran Sasso National Park, one of the largest protected and most biologically diverse areas of Europe, which centres around the Gran Sasso mountain peak. At 2912 metres (9554 feet) high, it is the highest peak in the Apennines. Gran Sasso National Park is covered by woods of beeches, firs, turkey oaks and chestnuts. The park contains more than 2000 plant species, some found exclusively in this area, such as the Abruzzo Edelweiss.
In the afternoon, visit the small fortified market town of Capestrano. The historic town is dominated by the 13th-century Castello Piccolomini, which was built in a strategic position on the hill overlooking the Tirino river. Continue to the enchanting medieval village of Navelli, known for its saffron production and narrow winding streets, with steps carved directly into the rock.
Return to the hotel for a final meal with the group.
Day 5: Drive from Pescasseroli to Rome for departure
In the morning, depart Pescasseroli and drive to Rome.
On arrival into Rome, you will be transferred to the airport. Alternatively, you can extend you time in Italy with a couple of days exploring Rome. Please speak to one of the team at the Ultimate Travel Company for suggestions.
Please note that during excursions to search for the elusive Marsican brown bear and other wildlife, you will be required to wake very early, as bears are most active at dawn; however, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and always depend on natural conditions and a measure of luck.
FAQs
Where does this tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Rome Airport, travelling into the spectacular Central Apennines to explore Abruzzo and Gran Sasso National Parks. Accompanied by conservation specialists from Rewilding Italy, you will discover the region’s remarkable wildlife and pioneering rewilding projects. Our partner Ultimate Travel Company can advise on flights and arrange additional nights in Rome before or after your tour.
How fit do I need to be to enjoy this tour?
A moderate level of fitness and mobility is recommended, as the tour includes guided wildlife walks, visits to nature reserves and exploration of mountain villages. You should be comfortable walking for up to two hours over uneven, sometimes rocky or steep terrain, with occasional steps and inclines. Some wildlife excursions involve very early starts and periods of standing quietly while observing wildlife, potentially in cool conditions. Walks will generally be at a leisurely pace, with frequent stops for wildlife watching and expert commentary. Sturdy walking shoes, warm layers and waterproof clothing are essential.
What wildlife might I see?
The Central Apennines are home to some of Europe’s rarest and most remarkable wildlife, including the critically endangered Marsican brown bear and the Italian wolf, both central to the region’s conservation efforts. Although sightings are elusive, early-morning and evening excursions offer opportunities to search for these animals in their natural habitat. You may also encounter Apennine chamois, red deer, roe deer, wild boar and red foxes, alongside birds of prey such as golden eagles, griffon vultures and peregrine falcons. Accompanied by Rewilding Italy specialists, you will learn how these species interact within the ecosystem and how wildlife corridors and community-led conservation are helping populations recover. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
How much travel is involved?
This tour combines wildlife excursions and conservation visits with scenic journeys through the Central Apennines. The initial transfer from Rome Airport to Pescasseroli takes approximately 3 hours, while most subsequent journeys between villages, nature reserves and conservation projects take around 30 minutes to 1陆 hours. Day 4 involves a longer journey through the region, visiting Ortona dei Marsi before continuing to Barisciano, with sightseeing stops along the way. The return transfer from the Barisciano area to Rome Airport takes approximately 2鈥�2陆 hours. Some early starts are necessary to maximise opportunities for wildlife sightings, particularly wolves and bears.
What will the weather be like?
May is a beautiful time to explore the Central Apennines, with spring wildflowers, lush forests and generally mild temperatures. Daytime temperatures typically range from 12鈥�20掳C, although conditions vary considerably with altitude. Higher mountain areas, particularly around Gran Sasso, can be significantly cooler, with temperatures occasionally dropping close to freezing overnight. Rain showers and changing mountain weather are possible, while early-morning wildlife excursions can feel particularly chilly. Warm layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
All of our tours are perfect for solo travellers. If you want your own room, you will need to pay a solo supplement. However, if you are happy to share a room with a fellow guest of the same sex, we will do all we can to match you with another guest so you do not have to pay the solo room supplement.
Booking information
Booking administration
This tour is operated by our trusted partner The Ultimate Travel Company on behalf of New 女生小视频 Discovery Tours. Their specialist team will be your main point of contact from booking until you return home, handling your reservation, payments, travel documents, pre-departure information and any questions about your tour or travel arrangements.
Highlights
- Learn how the rewilding process helps restore nature鈥檚 ecosystems and biodiversity so that wildlife can return and thrive
- Track wildlife on foot in the company of a specialist nature guide
- Discover firsthand the beneficial impact of rewilding and the importance of using wildlife corridors to connect protected areas, thereby supporting the comeback of iconic indigenous species
- Learn about how bear corridors work, as well as how the Rewilding Apennines project is managing conflict between bears and local people
- Discover the flora and fauna of Italy’s beautiful Abruzzo National Park
- Accompanied by English-speaking tour leader throughout
- Maximum group size 鈥� 14 people
Meet the expert
Expert to be confirmed shortly.
What’s included
- The company and insight of your rewilding expert
- An English-speaking tour leader throughout
- Daily breakfast, as well as four lunches and five dinners
- All entrance fees, visits, excursions and transportation listed in the itinerary
- Water, limited wine and tea/coffee with included meals
- Talks and walking seminars from members of the Rewilding Italy team
- All accommodation and internal transport
- Gratuities for drivers, local guides and restaurant staff
- 24-hour support
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Visa/ETA (if applicable)
- Single supplement – 拢250
- Items of personal expenditure (e.g. telephone calls/laundry etc.)
Accommodations
Albergo Villino Quintiliani, Pescasseroli
Albergo Villino Quintiliani is a 4-star property set in the Pescasseroli region located close to the National Park of Abruzzo. The accommodation is surrounded by river and mountains and offers all the standard modern facilities, including ensuite bathrooms, wifi throughout and an onsite restaurant.
Convento di San Colombo Hotel, Abruzzo
A former 16th-century Franciscan convent, this peaceful historic hotel is immersed in a centuries-old forest. It is also home to the Apennine Floristic Research Centre and has a beautiful botanic garden. Dinner is held at a local restaurant.
Please note: If required for reasons beyond our control, we reserve the right to substitute alternative accommodation of equal or higher quality or adapt the itinerary if required.