APENNINE ADVENTURE
Wander in the wild landscapes of the Central Apennines and treat your senses to an unforgettable rewilding experience
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Explore the breathtaking, wild landscapes of the Central Apennines on foot.
- Discover inspiring rewilding initiatives and meet the passionate people fighting back for nature.
- Learn more about the incredible local wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, deer, wild boars and the endemic Apennine chamois.
- Visit key locations from our Why Not Scotland? film, in the company of its protagonist, Flo Blackbourn, and imagine what a rewilded Scotland could look like.
- Spend time in small communities and meet local producers who coexist with the Apennine wildlife.
- Enjoy welcoming hospitality, from charming accommodation to delicious, locally sourced food.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Join an unforgettable journey through the Central Apennines to witness the remarkable nature recovery efforts taking place in this stunning region of Italy.
Known as a biodiversity hotspot, the Apennines are home to thriving populations of brown bears, wolves, deer, wild boars and the endemic Apennine chamois. Traditional villages nestled within the landscape, add a rich cultural layer to this breathtaking natural environment.
Accompanied by our host, Flo Blackbourn – protagonist of our documentary Why Not Scotland? – we’ll explore the regenerating landscapes on foot, and immerse ourselves in their wild beauty. Along the way, we’ll visit key locations from the film and meet the passionate people behind transformative rewilding initiatives. As we journey through rugged mountains, deep valleys and extensive beech forest, we’ll begin to imagine how a rewilded Scotland could look.
DATES
| DATES | GUIDE | STATUS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DATES: 12-17 Oct 2025 | GUIDES: Local Apennine guides | STATUS: Filling up | BOOK NOW |
PRICE
£1750
DEPOSIT
£300
PRICE INCLUDES
- 5-nights accommodation in a room with private facilities
- All meals (breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner)
- All guiding, excursions and presentations
PRICE EXCLUDES
- Flights to and from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
- Travel insurance (it is a condition of booking that a suitable policy is in place)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal expenses
ITINERARY
Our exact itinerary varies according to local factors, including the weather. Here, we present a sample of the experiences and walks we'll enjoy.
Day 1: Arrival
Walking stats: 2h walk · 150 m ascent · 150 m descent in the morning
Upon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, we’ll be welcomed by our host, Flo Blackbourn, along with local guides. From there, we’ll transfer to Pescasseroli and check in to our accommodation.
Flo Blackbourn will be our host for the duration of our trip. She visited the Central Apennines during the filming of Why Not Scotland? – a documentary which follows her on an intensely personal journey as she seeks out examples of nature recovery across Europe. Like many of her generation, Flo is concerned by the state of Scotland’s nature and the uncertainty of the future. However, during her travels, she discovers places, such as the Apennines, where nature is making a spectacular comeback, breathing life back into the landscape and revitalising local communities. Encouraged by these stories of hope and renewal, she is prompted to wonder: why not Scotland?
After settling into our rooms, we will come together for introductions before embarking on a short walk through Italy's oldest park. The day will conclude with a delicious dinner of local cuisine and an overnight stay.
Day 2:
Walking stats: 2h walk · 200 m ascent · 200 m descent in the morning
After breakfast, we’ll meet the Rewilding Apennines team to learn how human impact on natural ecosystems can be mitigated to restore full functionality. We may also have the opportunity to see grazing red deer, roe deer, and various birds of prey.
After enjoying a packed lunch, we’ll head to Ortona dei Marsi, where we'll visit the Melagusto apple cider brewery and sample some of the region’s finest local products.
In the evening we’ll return to Pescasseroli for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3:
Walking stats: 3h walk · 300 m ascent · 300 m descent in the morning; 2h walk · 400 m ascent in the afternoon
After breakfast, we’ll set off for a panoramic walk in search of signs of the elusive wolf. Along the way, there may be the opportunity to see roe deer and wild boar grazing.
Later, we’ll have some time to relax at the hotel and enjoy a leisurely lunch in town.
In the afternoon, we’ll walk through a stunning forest filled with beautiful beech trees, mosses and lichens, and along a wild valley teeming with wild fauna. We’ll take in the raised view of a plateau, home to wolves and bears, hoping to spot these elusive creatures.
The day ends with a delicious locally-sourced dinner, followed by an overnight stay in the Terraegna Cabin.
Day 4:
Walking stats: 5h walk · 300 m ascent · 600 m descent
We’ll start your day with a sunrise wildlife watching experience, as the first light brings nature to life. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a breakfast of local, organic produce to fuel ourselves for an exhilarating hike along the impressive ridge of Montagna Grande, towering over 2,000 metres above sea level.
Leaving the wooded slopes behind, we’ll walk along the ridge that separates the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park from the Genzana Mountain Reserve. The older beech trees here provide an ideal habitat for a variety of woodpeckers, including the very rare Lilford’s White-backed Woodpecker.
After a packed lunch, we’ll return to Pescasseroli in the early afternoon to relax.
For those interested, a sunset wildlife watching session can be arranged before we head out for dinner in town.
Day 5:
Walking stats: 6h walk · 400 m ascent · 400 m descent
We’ll depart at dawn for a scenic hike through the foothills of the stunning Mount Meta and Mainarde mountain ranges. As we explore this breathtaking landscape, we’ll keep an eye out for golden eagles and the endemic Apennine chamois.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to the valley to unwind with a warm cup of hot chocolate at the hotel. The day will conclude with a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 6: Farewell
After breakfast, we'll say our goodbyes and return to Rome Fiumicino Airport.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
What meals are served?
Breakfast and evening meals are taken at the hotel/cabin. In the field, packed lunches will be provided or we will visit a local restaurant.
Reasonable dietary requirements can be catered for, taking into consideration allergies and health conditions, as well as ethics, faiths and cultures. Please indicate your requirements on the booking form.
How do I get there?
Our local guide will meet our group at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) before we transfer to the mountain town of Pescasseroli by minibus (3 hours).
How do we get around?
We use a modern, comfortable 9-seater minibus.
Who are your guides?
Our trip will be hosted by Flo Blackburn – protagonist of our documentary Why Not Scotland?. We will also be accompanied by local, English-speaking, wildlife guides who will lead the activities and explain the local impacts and ambitions for rewilding.
What size are your groups?
We generally work with small groups of up to 8 participants.
Do I need to be fit?
Each day we will walk at a leisurely pace on established tracks and trails. In some places the ground underfoot can be wet, uneven and sometimes slippery. Occasionally, we may need to cross minor burns and/ or shallow rivers, which will require sure-footedness and reasonable agility. The walking distances and gradients are listed on each day of the itinerary provided.
What do I bring?
A full list of necessary clothing and equipment will be provided ahead of your trip.
What will the weather be like?
The typical weather for October in Pescasseroli is best described as changeable. Throughout the day, temperatures are typically around 18°C dropping to around 7°C in the evenings.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Iris in Pescasseroli (4 nights)
Pescasseroli, a quaint mountain town in the Abruzzo mountains, will be your base for 4 nights. We will stay in the Hotel Iris which offers single, double or twin ensuite rooms.
Terraegna Mountain Cabin (1 night)
The Terraegna Mountain Cabin is only accessible by foot and mountain bike – vehicle traffic is limited to ensure the most remote experience possible. Its setting provides a magical place to enjoy a sunset, with the possibility of hearing howling wolves on colder nights. The cabin was refurbished thanks the support of Rewilding Europe and has a dormitory style sleeping area that all guests will share.
