Day 1.

Arrive at Rome airport and transfer to the village of Campo di Giove where we spend our first night in the heart of the Maiella National Park.

Day 2.

Our first full day’s walk leads from Campo di Giove to Pescocostanzo through a high plain framed by the great peaks of M. Porrara and Tavola Rotonda. After a picnic lunch we descend to the extensive pastures which surround Pescocostanzo where we spend the next two nights. Morning 3.5hrs. Afternoon 3hrs.

Day 3.

We drive a few miles north from Pescocostanzo for a few miles to where our walk begins, climbing the northern, beechwood-covered slopes of M.Pizzalto. Emerging above the treeline we continue to ascend to the peak (6,450ft) of this mountain which affords extensive views of the southern Maiella Park. After our picnic lunch we descend to Pescocostanzo for our second night. Morning 3hrs. Afternoon 2hrs. Overnight Pescocostanzo.

Day 4.

We drive the few miles from Pescocostanzo to Roccaraso to begin another full day’s walk which climbs steadily up Valle Arenaro to the great high plain of Piano Aremogna. After lunch we make our way westwards with stunning views to the south and west before descending to the village of Barrea, spectacularly nestling above its lake. Morning 3hrs. Afternoon 3.5hrs. Overnight Barrea.

Day 5.

A gentler walk this morning leads us from Barrea to Civitella Alfedena on the far, western side of the lake, through pastures and beechwoods teeming with wildlife. After our picnic lunch there is an optional afternoon walk, continuing west through the famous Camosciara, a spectacular ring of mountains named for the wild mountain goat which inhabits the area. Morning 3hrs. Afternoon 1.5hrs. Overnight Civitella Alfedena.

Day 6.

After a short drive to the beginning of our walk we climb up to a great open bowl surrounded by beechwoods, in late spring a haven for wild flowers. After lunch we descend to the town of Pescasseroli, our home for the night. Morning 2hrs. Afternoon 2hrs. Overnight Pescasseroli.

Day 7.

Our final walk leads north and east from Pescasseroli through the stunning scenery of the Monti Marsicani where in clear weather the great sweep of the central Apennines is laid out before us. We climb steadily to lunch and then descend steeply to the road a few miles south of Scanno where our vehicles will drive us on to the historic centre and our accommodations. Morning 4hrs. Afternoon 2.5 hrs. Overnight Scanno.

Day 8.

Return to Rome airport by road.

Average hours walked per day: 5.5 Average miles walked per day: 11

The altitude varies from 3,000ft to over 6,500ft. It is not possible to be met by the vehicle at lunchtime on days 3 and 7.

Campo di Giove - charming inn in a lovingly restored C18th palazzo. Pescocostanzo – Four Star Hotel in C17 Baron’s town house. Barrea – Village rooms in two properties located in the centre of the old town overlooking the lake. Civitella Alfedena – Recently converted three star hotel. Pescasseroli – Four Star Hotel in town centre. Scanno – Village rooms divided between two properties in the old town centre.

Maximum number of walkers: 16.