Walking holiday in the Majella, Italy

In the heart of Italy’s spectacular and little known region of Abruzzo, the beautiful Majella National Park encircles the mountain massif of Monte Amaro, which at 2793m, is the second highest peak in the Apennine range. Mountain streams tumble down deep gorges and hidden valleys, where secluded rock hermitages from the Middle Ages can be found, and alpine meadows and forests of beech give way at the massif’s highest reaches to an almost desert landscape, with pockets of year-round snow. The Park is home to deer, chamois, wild boar, wolves, otters, and a very small number of bears.

Explore the Majella on foot on an independent break, choose to travel whenever you like, and stay as long as you wish (minimum 3 nights). Holidays include comfortable single-centre accommodation in a traditional village or town, a hire car (carbon offset of course!), a Handbook containing masses of local information as well as a wide range of self-guided walks suitable for all abilities and ages (including children) and the support of a knowledgeable locally based manager.  In addition, if you opt for an 'Original' trip, you will also be able to join 3 organised walks per week, and receive a lavish packed-lunch every day. There are no fixed itineraries – you are free to walk as much or as little as you like.

Types of Trip
'No-Frills Hosted' – includes B&B or self-catering accommodation, hire car, Handbook of self-guided walks and local information, and the support of a local Manager.

'Original' – includes B&B accommodation, hire car, Handbook of self-guided walks and local information, 3 organised walks per week, deli-style packed lunches and the services of a local Manager.

Walking
The self-guided excursions include short, medium and full day walks in the Orfento, high on the sides of the gorge or alongside the rushing stream. Further down the valley you can admire amazing rock formations and splash in the River Orta. The forests and meadows of the Lama Bianca offer shady paths and open grassland, amazing flowers in the spring and wonderful colour in the autumn. Follow in the steps of pilgrims, ancient and modern, to visit the sanctuary of San Bartolomeo, nestled in a hidden valley, or climb high to reach the secluded and dramatic cave church of San Giovanni, last refuge of Pope Celestine V.

If opting for an 'Original' trip, on organised walks you may find yourself exploring a Romanesque church and a ruined castle, stepping through patches of snow in high summer in the rocky cirque of Le Murelle or standing on the grassy crest of Monte Morrone (2061m) - the rare Abruzzan bear still roams its wooded slopes. You will find a warm welcome at the newly restored B&B Antico Borgo, perched on the steep spur of the medieval quarter in the town of Caramanico Terme. Several of the en-suite rooms have wonderful mountain views and there is a delightful grassy terrace on which to relax in the shade of a tree with a good book. Alternatively, enjoy the modern facilities and comfortable en-suite rooms of the Hotel Pescofalcone, which has some rooms with balconies and views across the town to the mountains beyond.

Also available is the option to stay in a rural village. Decontra is situated at 810m altitude in an area of upland meadow on the lip of the mighty Orfento Gorge, and has magnificent views. The village has only been connected to the outside world since the 1970's - until then it had no electricity, and no road. Today, the village has around 80 inhabitants, both young and old. The excellent village restaurant "Il Cervo" also has a bar.

In Decontra we stay at Number 31, in a restored traditional village cottage which offers a self-contained unit of sitting room, 2 charming double bedrooms and a bathroom. It is very comfortable, rustically furnished, with vaulted ceilings and magnificent views from all rooms. It has an extensive garden, including two pergola-covered terraces, and, in season, a natural stone plunge-pool. Anyone wishing to guarantee Number 31 for a one-room booking may do so for a small supplement. Also offering two rooms is the delightful terraced cottage “Il Pollaio” (The Hen House!) which has two bedrooms with views across the village, a bathroom and its own well-equipped kitchen. It is ideal for families and those wishing to cook for themselves on some evenings. If opting for an 'Original' trip, breakfast supplies will be provided. We also stay at the carefully restored Agriturismo Pietrantica which has simply furnished en-suite bedrooms and sumptuous breakfasts. Our guests at Il Pollaio and at the Agriturismo are very welcome to enjoy the gardens and pool of Number 31.

Children under 2 years old: Free. Children aged 2-11 years old: 25% discount.

Family groups and parties of friends – book a group of 6 people or more and one of you will receive a completely FREE holiday! (conditions apply).

Solo traveller prices available. We can book train travel or help research flights.

Travel by train: From London travel by train to Pescara with time for dinner in Paris and breakfast in Milan.