Italy
Abruzzo and Molise – Along the Tratturo Magno. Enjoy Undiscovered Italy on this 8 day small group tour from £2695 per person.
Italy is one of Europe’s most popular destinations. The jewels in its crown are traditionally the ancient and historic powerhouses of Milan, Venice, Florence and other picturesque northern cities. These names trip off the tongue like an incantation of artistic and cultural devotion.
Tread a little further into the less-trodden pathways and still much heralded names abound. Lake Como, The Dolomites, the Italian Tyrol, Puglia and the Amalfi coast. However, fewer travellers take time to venture into the regions of Abruzzo and Alto Molise. This rural adventure following ancient stock routes will surely leave you wondering why.
Starting and ending in Rome, travelling sometimes off-road, on foot and optionally on horseback. The “Tratturo Magno-stock route” is an experience you should try at least once in your life. This is an authentic journey of magic and emotion discovering traditions passed down through the ages.
Meet shepherds who will demonstrate the art of “caciocavallo” cheese making and be happy to regale stories of ancient customs. Revel in superb rural scenery comprising valleys, ridges, rivers and lakes, punctuated by achingly beautiful villages. Lovers of history can enjoy hilltop fortresses, churches and also the well preserved Roman site of Saepinumo.
Undiscovered Italy
Be captivated and delighted in equal measure by the superb cuisine and wine you will be able to delve into on this journey.Immerse yourself in local farmhouse hospitality. The excitement of following in the footsteps of those that have lead their flock for thousands of years from the mountain pastures to the Adriatic Sea is palpable. However, the experience of meeting en route those that are guardians of this ancient route is a veritable treat.
- Fitness
- Off the beaten track
- Culture
- History
- Wildlife
Tour pace
Busy
Tour style
Traveller
Relaxed Pace
Relaxed tours are easy paced with plenty of leisure time built in. The tour will in all probability still be off the beaten track, with the occasional early start and there may still be occasional long drives. In general on a relaxed pace tour you can enjoy easy-going activities and experiences with opportunities to absorb the sights and immerse yourself in the local surroundings.
Moderate Pace
Moderate pace tours are ideal if you want a tour experience that combines activities and experiences with some time to relax. Typically you will be active and busy for part of the day but then also have time to rest and recharge your batteries. In general on a moderate paced tour there may be some long journeys involved but the tour is not an expedition or a road trip. On a moderate paced tour it will be necessary to have some early starts.
Busy Pace
A busy paced tour means that you can expect to be doing, seeing or experiencing something new almost every day, and moving on from place to place to pack in as much as possible. There may be early starts, long journeys and tiring days along the way, but you’ll return home feeling you’ve really experienced as much as you possibly could.
Pioneer Class Tours
On our Pioneer tours, you will be amongst an elite group of intrepid travellers and some of the first to explore a country that few have been privileged enough to discover. Of course, exploring such areas of the world will come with its challenges; it may mean several nights camping, long journeys by 4WD and the need to maintain a degree of flexibility for when carefully laid plans change. These are challenging tours in countries and areas that may have poor infrastructure, high levels of poverty and illiteracy. This can translate in to low standards in hotels, bad roads and poor driving standards among other issues. We try and smooth out as much of these issues as we can but you should be prepared to experience the bad with the good.
Traveller Class Tours
Our Traveller itineraries are at the core of our programme. These journeys are designed for travellers who still want to discover a land away from the tourist crowds but expect minimum standards. Accommodation will be primarily hotel based, although you could still find yourself camping, or the guest of a local family. Depending on the destination and itinerary, you’ll likely be travelling in a private vehicle, with occasional use of public transport. This is adventure travel with some of the rough edges smoothed out.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Rome
Arrive in Rome to start your Abruzzo and Molise tour where you will meet our local representative and transfer to tour hotel. Any time today will be at your own leisure ahead of your adventure into more unknown territory tomorrow. Overnight in a mid-range small scale hotel. No guided activities or meals included today.
Day 2 – Rome - Santo Stefano di Sessanio
The Approx. overall driving time today is 2.5 hrs
This morning depart from the city and our destination is the beautiful hilltop town of Santo Stefano di Sessanio in the region of Abruzzo situated at around 1200 metres above sea level. You will have time for lunch here and a stroll in this exquisite village (borgo), noted as one of the most beautiful in all of Italy. This afternoon visit Rocca di Calascio, standing proud over the Tirino valley and the Navelli plateau, located on a dramatic ridge at 1,460 metres above sea level. Overnight Convento di San Colombo (BLD)
Day 3 – Santo Stefano - Montedimezzo - Roccasicura
Today the approx. overall driving time today is 2 hours
This morning continue our journey south, to the Collemeluccio-Montedimezzo Biosphere Reserve. Explore the reserve combining off road vehicle and on foot to discover this little visited natural paradise. Lunch will be taken at a local farmhouse accompanied by a delightful panorama of the reserve. This afternoon, continue exploring the reserve, once again either by off road vehicle and on foot, or optionally it is possible to arrange a peaceful ride on horseback from the place where you have lunch to this evenings accommodation, and imbibe the tranquillity of nature without the sound of the vehicle. For those not on horseback, once you have finished exploring the reserve, continue to Roccasicura where tonight you will stay in a farmhouse with home cooked food (BLD)
Note
If you choose to do the optional horse-riding then this will take around 2.5 hours. Some prior experience of horse riding is beneficial.
Day 4 - Roccasicura – Agnone – Pescolanciano (Isernia) - Bagnoli del Trigno
Our approximate overall driving time for the tour today is 2.5 hours
After breakfast, start the day with an invigorating 1 hour or so stretch of the legs, travelling back in time along the ancient stock route – the Tratturo Magno. We then detour off road to Agnone, visiting the Marinelli Bell Foundry, the oldest of its kind in the world, boasting production of important bells, such as those of the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii and the Cathedral of Buenos Aires to name but a couple. Enjoy a walk through the centre before lunch in a local restaurant. Continue to Isernia visiting the Paleolithic Museum of Isernia, showcasing finds from as far back as over 700, 000 years ago. A short distance further brings you to Campi Valerio Winery, for a stroll amongst the vines and optional degustation. Continue onward to the extraordinarily beautiful village of Bagnoli del Trigno, known as the Pearl of Molise where you will have time to soak up the superb views from this peaceful place. Overnight in a local farmhouse (BLD)
Day 5 – Bagnoli del Trigno – Frosolone - Guardiaregia
Approximate overall driving time today is 2 hours
Today become immersed in the life of the shepherd. Firstly we start the day with a reviving walk along the ancient stock route in a southerly direction, towards the evocative Molise village of Frosolone surrounded by an eclectic mixture of vertiginous cliffs, verdant forests, open pastures, and interesting rock formations. Continue the journey off road, crossing a number of exciting fords and small rivers before enjoying an outdoor picnic lunch in the exceptional surrounds. This afternoon, continue with the off road adventure before arriving at the hotel home of a local shepherd, to gain a fascinating insight into the customs of these ancient herders, including the preparation of cheese and other milk products. Later, arrive at the country house in Guardiaregia for dinner and your overnight stay where you can be guaranteed superb cuisine from an authentic farmhouse kitchen (BLD)
Day 6 – Guardiaregia - Cusano Mutri - Guardiaregia
On tour today the approx. overall driving time today is 2 hours
Start early this morning to make the most of the alluring morning mountain light as we delve into the Matese Mountains, the most important massif of what is called the Appennino Sannita, an area steeped in history, as well as characterized by superlative nature. Crossing a few kilometers into the Campania region, visit Cusano Mutri, for an unusual activity. Here you will take a river walk clad in waterproof clothing to get a fabulous perspective of the gorges, waterfalls and vegetation up close. After the excitement of the river walk, recharge at a local restaurant for lunch before continuing to Altilia Sepino (Saepinumo), an incredibly well-preserved Roman settlement which we will spend time exploring. After the visit, return to the same farmhouse as last night for more local culinary delights (BLD)
Note
The river trek can be carried out by anyone in good health with no physical pre conditions. It is no problem to change the programme for anyone that does not wish to partake. We recommend that you wear t-shirt and shorts and the waterproof equipment including boots will be provided.
Note
For those that wish, for an extra charge it is also possible to travel by horseback to the Roman site of Altilia Sepino. Please contact us if you wish to add this.
Day 7 – Guardiaregia – Lago di Occhito – Guardiaregia
Today overall approx. driving time is 2 hours
This morning travel to Occhito Lake situated on the border between Molise and Puglia regions. Spend your last full day immersed in enchanting scenery enjoy walking in the tranquil surrounds. A number of walks are possible but we recommend some easy hiking for around 3 hours. You will also be able to take a refreshing dip in the lake if you wish. Optionally, you can explore the area on horseback (extra charge – and recommended to be booked in advance). Later return to the farmhouse in Guardiaregia for a final evening meal after a wonderful off the beaten track Italian adventure. (BLD)
Day 8 – Guardiaregia – Rome for departure
The approx. overall driving time today is 3 hours
After breakfast return to Rome and a transfer to the airport or train station reflecting on your adventure in Abruzzo and Molise – Undiscovered Italy (B)
Dates & Price.
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Tour CodeStartEndTrip StatusPricing
Tour Notes
Minimum/Maximum Group Size
Tailormade Tour
The is a private and tailormade tour of Abruzzo and Molise and therefore does not have a minimum or maximum group size.
Single Supplement
Solo Occupancy Room Supplement from £295.
Flights
Return flights from London to Rome start at £100. Contact us for a quotation.
Travel to Italy by Train
We know that for many of our destinations flying cannot be avoided. But we also believe that for some of our tours, taking the train is a practical, affordable and most of all a very enjoyable alternative. Even flying in just one direction will have a very positive benefit on the environment. To compare the emissions for your next trip take a look at this easy to use emissions calculator – https://uic.org/ecopassenger.
Contact us for further details about how we can help you plan the perfect environmentally friendly addition to your Abruzzo and Molise tour. In addition to train tickets, we can arrange stopovers along the way, including hotels and guided tours.
Take this tour on a private basis?
This tour can also be offered on a private basis starting at £3095 per person based on 2 people travelling together and sharing a room. Or we can tailor your own tour in this off the beaten track region of Italy.
Back to back group tour with Sardinia
Please note that this group tour of Molise can be combined with our group tour of Sardinia.
For expert advice get in touch now with our passionate,
well-travelled team.
+44(0) 191 296 2674 from THE UK
1-800-614-2967 from THE US & CANADA
1-300-956-415 from AUSTRALIA
Tour inclusions.
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Private transport – sometimes 4WD is necessary
- All accommodation – small scale hotels and local farmhouses
- Services of English speaking local guides
- Meals as per the itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
- Water and wine with evening meals from Day 2 to Day 7
Tour exclusions.
- International flights
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Visas if applicable
- Drinks (except water and wine as mentioned in inclusions)
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips (discretionary)
- Optional horse riding activities
Read more about Italy and our other tours
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