Rewilding The Apennines

After arriving in Rome, journey to the quaint mountain town of Pescasseroli (three hours’ drive, read the Joining Instructions for more information) and check into the Villino Quintiliani Hotel. After settling into our rooms, we enjoy a special presentation on rewilding in the area by the Team Leader of Rewilding Apennines, Mario Cipollone, and are introduced to our Nature Guide for the trip, Valeria Roselli or Andrea De Angelis. Accommodation: Villino Quintiliani Hotel (or similar)

After breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy an exclusive visit to the bear corridors with Mario, who guides us through the measures taken here. In one of the Bear Smart Communities, we see how they have dramatically reduced bear damage and increased social acceptance of the animals through the installation of about 100 electric fences since 2015, along with the deployment of bear-proof waste bins. We also see 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 to hear their stories about the local wolves and bears. Ascent: 985ft (300m); descent: 985ft (300m) Accommodation: Villino Quintiliani Hotel (or similar)

We have an early morning start to look for wolves and other wildlife in the valley and learn about human-wildlife conflict and mitigation. After, we return to the hotel for a hearty breakfast. (Three-hour walk; 3mi/5km; ascent: 985ft/300m; descent: 985ft/300m) After breakfast, we start our hike to the Mountain Refuge Bisegna. We enjoy dinner with local wines and cheese at the refuge and gaze at the stars before a good night’s rest. (Two-hour walk; 5mi/8km; ascent: 1,310ft/400m) Accommodation: Terraegna Mountain Refuge