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4.8
| 11 reviews

Hike, Bike and Canoe in Abruzzo

4 nights
Challenging

Head to Italy to adventure your way through the lunar landscapes, mountain meadows and wooded riverbanks of the Central Apennines

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides

Hotel & Lodge

2 nights in an ecolodge, 2 nights in a hotel

Meals

All breakfasts and 4 dinners

Transfers

To and from the airport, and everything in between

Equipment

Fathom Giant e-bike and helmet plus all canoeing gear including life vest, paddles and a waterproof bag

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

4.8
| 11 reviews
Great trip, lovely food, great
September 2024
ELaine L.
Great trip, lovely food, great
September 2024
ELaine L.
Great trip, lovely food, great
September 2024
ELaine L.
Great trip, lovely food, great
September 2024
ELaine L.
Great trip, lovely food, great
September 2024
ELaine L.
Great trip, lovely food, great
September 2024
ELaine L.
Great trip, lovely food, great
September 2024
ELaine L.
Great trip, lovely food, great
September 2024
ELaine L.
Great trip, lovely food, great
September 2024
ELaine L.
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
July 2024
Molly M.
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
July 2024
Molly M.
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
July 2024
Molly M.
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
July 2024
Molly M.
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
July 2024
Molly M.
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
July 2024
Molly M.
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
July 2024
Molly M.
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
July 2024
Molly M.
Amazing, well organised adventure!!
July 2024
Dave S.
Amazing, well organised adventure!!
July 2024
Dave S.
Amazing adventure in Abruzzo
June 2024
Angus S.
Amazing adventure in Abruzzo
June 2024
Angus S.
Amazing adventure in Abruzzo
June 2024
Angus S.
Incredible Italian Mountain adventures
June 2024
Alison C.
Incredible Italian Mountain adventures
June 2024
Alison C.
Incredible Italian Mountain adventures
June 2024
Alison C.
Incredible Italian Mountain adventures
June 2024
Alison C.
Incredible Italian Mountain adventures
June 2024
Alison C.
Exceeded our expectations!!
June 2024
Lorna M.
Exceeded our expectations!!
June 2024
Lorna M.
Exceeded our expectations!!
June 2024
Lorna M.

Hike through the imposing peaks of Italy's great wilderness, known as the 'green lung' of Europe

Scramble to the teetering summit of Corno Grande (2912m), the highest mountain in the Apennines

Canoe the crystalline Tirino River and pedal across the remote Campo Imperatore plateau on e-bikes

Key Information

Day 1

Into the wild

Driving

3hrs

Hiking

3hrs · 7km · 350 up · 350 down

Meet your host at the airport and enjoy the scenic drive to Roccamorice, an ancient stone village nestled within the picturesque Maiella National Park in Abruzzo. Still largely undiscovered, the region of Abruzzo undoubtedly deserves the title of 'Europe’s green lung' thanks to its three national parks and 37 nature reserves. Check into your ecolodge and meet up with your guide, who will brief you on the adventure to come. Then head out for an easy afternoon hike to get your first taste of Abruzzo's natural beauty, walking through the scenic Giumentina Valley and amongst ancient sacred hermitages carved into the rock.

Day 2

Walking on the moon

Hiking

8hrs · 16km · 850m up · 850m down

Fuel up on breakfast ready for a challenging trek along the rocky peaks of Maiella National Park. Starting from Pomilio Refuge, you'll climb to Anfiteatro Murelle (2596m), hiking through dense pine scrub and the endemic plant species which miraculously survive in this lunar landscape. If you’re lucky you may even spot the endangered Marsican bear, wolves, Apennine chamois, deer or golden eagles as you look out over the peaks. Reach the imposing rocky amphitheatre of Murelle and enjoy jaw-dropping views over a barren, desolate, moon-like environment. On a clear day, the sea is even visible in the distance. Head back down to the valley, where a beer and a well-earned meal awaits.

Day 3

Italy's 'Little Tibet'

Canoeing

2hrs · 5km

E-bike

3hrs · 25km · 300 up · 300 down

Drive to Capestrano where you'll find the azure waters of the Tirino, Europe’s clearest river. In canoes, paddle gently upstream toward the source of this peaceful and serene river, then tuck into lunch at a local agriturismo. In the afternoon, head to Gran Sasso – one of the largest protected areas in Europe – where you'll set out on a sunset e-bike ride across the remote Campo Imperatore plateau. This boundless karst plain, surrounded by mighty peaks, is nicknamed Italy's 'Little Tibet'. Afterwards, enjoy a tasty dinner and get some rest ready for tomorrow's epic summit hike.

Day 4

Summit Corno Grande

Hiking

8hrs · 11km · 960m up · 960m down

After breakfast, drive to the trailhead for the hike to summit Corno Grande (2912 m) - the highest mountain in the Apennines. Setting off from Campo Imperatore, the path quickly climbs up towards the saddle of Monte Aquila with views of the karst plateau and the peak's limestone walls in the distance. Tackle some steep exposed sections and scramble closer to the top of Corno Grande for a view of Europe's southernmost glacier down below. Once at the summit, enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and views of a lifetime. Descend steeply into the valley and celebrate your achievement with a hearty meal. You made it!

Day 5

Calascio and the fortified stronghold

Hiking

3hrs · 7km · 250 up · 250 down

Driving

3hrs

Spend your last morning in Abruzzo on a leisurely hike to the fortified hamlet of Rocca Calascio, exploring the ruins of the castle (which featured in the fantasy film Ladyhawke) and passing the octagonal church of Santa Maria della Pietà, surrounded by fields of colourful crops. Savour a last local lunch in the picturesque village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio before bidding farewell to Abruzzo and heading back to Rome. Arrivederci!

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Rome

11:00 on Day 1

Ends

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Rome

16:00 on Day 5

Transfers

On Day 1 you will be collected from Rome Fiumicino airport. Your host will inform you about exact pick-up logistics and timings prior to your trip, but please make sure you book a flight that lands by 11:00 at the latest. You will then be transferred to your hotel in the town of Roccamorice, approximately three hours away from Rome.

On Day 5, your host will drive you from the village of Castel del Monte to the airport in Rome, for onward flights departing after 18:00.

Travel options

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome is well connected via numerous flights across the UK and Europe. US travellers can fly direct to Rome from various major US airports including New York, Miami and LA.

Train travel to Rome is an easy and enjoyable alternative for those looking to avoid flying on this trip. Rome Termini Railway Station is well connected to various major hubs across Italy and in neighbouring France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Travellers from the UK can take the Eurostar to Paris, followed by the TGV to Turin and then a Frecciarossa (Italian high-speed train) to Rome, all in a single day (or with overnight stays in Turin or Milan).

Day 1

Lodge · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Lodge · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3 – Day 4

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Breakfasts will be a classic international affair with cereals, bread, pastries and regional products.

Lunches are not included. On Day 2 and Day 4 you will be able to buy packed lunches from either the guesthouse or local shops to take with you on the trek. On Day 3 and Day 5 you will have the chance to try some delicious local restaurants and an agriturismo.

Evening meals are included at your accommodation and you'll be tucking into traditional Italian dishes such as maccheroni alla chitarra (a special type of spaghetti), soup with orapi (wild spinach) and beans, gnocchetti and grilled meat. The wider region has a strong sheep-rearing culture, so plenty of local dairy products are available such as pecorino, ricotta, caciocavallo and a rare goat's cheese called marzolina.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request this on your passenger info form.

What is the accommodation like?

Roccamorice

For the first two nights you'll stay at Dimore Montane in the municipality of Roccamorice, an ancient and picturesque stone village nestled within Abruzzo's Maiella National Park. This comfortable ecolodge provides warm Italian hospitality and cuisine, making it a magical spot to rest in the mountains.

Castel del Monte

The final two nights will be spent in Castel del Monte, a small hamlet which ranks amongst Italy's most beautiful villages. Here you'll stay at the comfortable 3-star Hotel Miramonti (or an alternative of a similar standard), with twin-share or double rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and free WiFi.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge (subject to availability). See Optional Extras for the price.

This trip has been rated as Challenging

This trips requires a good level of fitness and is ideal for steady-footed, keen hikers with a head for heights: there are some narrow, exposed sections to contend with on Day 4. The hikes on Days 2 and 4 are of moderate to challenging difficulty with steep, loose sections and although the distances are not too great, the amount of ascent and descent is considerable. However, the views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile! No previous experience is required for canoeing and e-biking as these activities will be conducted at a more leisurely pace and for shorter durations.

What will I need to carry?

You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small daysack to carry personal items during each day of hiking.

Temperatures in the Abruzzo Mountains in the summer months average 20° / 68°F. May and October will be cooler, with averages of around 15° / 59°F. Rainfall is lowest in July and highest in May and October, so be sure to pack a rain jacket, though the region gets a lot of unbroken sunshine in the summer. When high up in the Apennines, especially in early and late season, the weather can be rapidly changeable and cold mountain conditions are possible. Before you arrive, feel free to ask your host what to expect for your specific trip dates.

ELaine L.(September 2024)
Great trip, lovely food, great
Great trip, lovely food, great
Great trip, lovely food, great
Great trip, lovely food, great
Great trip, lovely food, great
Great trip, lovely food, great
Great trip, lovely food, great
Great trip, lovely food, great
Great trip, lovely food, great
Great trip, lovely food, great

Great trip, lovely food, great guides.

Rory S.(August 2024)
Excellent hikes

Our guide was fantastic, very caring for the group and helping everyone achieve the challenging hikes/climbs at their own pace.

Would have preferred more hiking, the canoeing day felt like filler activity, but useful for recovery from the hike the day before.

Molly M.(July 2024)
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside
Hiking 🥾 in stunning countryside

This was a fantastic trip. Challenging hikes, exciting mountain biking & truly serene canoeing. Food excellent pre booked & in recommended restaurants. Organisation by Valeria supreme. As ever lovely bunch in group. Highly recommended.

Dave S.(July 2024)
Amazing, well organised adventure!!
Amazing, well organised adventure!!

Amazing, well organised adventure!!

Angus S.(June 2024)
Amazing adventure in Abruzzo
Amazing adventure in Abruzzo
Amazing adventure in Abruzzo
Amazing adventure in Abruzzo

Honestly such a great adventure. The guides Umberto and Lorenzo were super professional and friendly. Days were full of challenging hikes and the evenings featured authentic three-course Italian meals. Accommodation was spacious and situated in really cool areas. Had such a blast and can highly recommend this trip.

Diarmuid P.(June 2024)
An amazing experience

Abruzzo is an amazing region with stunning natural beauty and wildlife. Our guides, Fillipo and Francesco were very passionate about the area and we benefited from their extensive knowledge. The hikes were reasonably challenging but doable for anyone with a decent level of fitness. The canoe and mountain biking day were a nice break from the hiking and the biking in particular was great fun. The accommodation was very comfortable and the food was simply fantastic.

Alison C.(June 2024)
Incredible Italian Mountain adventures
Incredible Italian Mountain adventures
Incredible Italian Mountain adventures
Incredible Italian Mountain adventures
Incredible Italian Mountain adventures
Incredible Italian Mountain adventures

It had everything. Well organised. Relaxed and friendly crew with a super group of 20-50s age category. Mountains, rivers, caves, castles, medieval cities.

Martine G.(June 2024)
Great group and guides

Our guides Filippo and Francesco were great - really knowledgeable biologists who really elevated our walks with their explanations. They were people and safety orientated and planned back-up routes in case of inclement weather. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience in beautiful Abruzzo.

Lorna M.(June 2024)
Exceeded our expectations!!
Exceeded our expectations!!
Exceeded our expectations!!
Exceeded our expectations!!
Exceeded our expectations!!
Exceeded our expectations!!

Me and my partner went on this trip a couple of weeks ago and i can honestly say it was amazing. Both the group and our 2 guides were lovely people who took the trip from what was already a 9/10 to a 10/10. The activities were what we expected in terms of difficulty and the scenery absolutely below us away, it was much better than expected - see the pictures for proof! Both the hotels we stayed in were very nice, clean and cosy. The food was even better! I couldn’t fault either of the hotels. I would 100% recommend this trip and MBA to anyone, the service before and after from MBA has been great and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to MBA and to our guides for making this such a good trip, well worth the money! 😊

Stephen(October 2023)

A great way to see a beautiful part of Italy. Guides are very passionate, knowledgeable and engaging. Accommodation is well picked in good locations for the activities. Recommended for anyone looking to build confidence or want the details taken care of.

Mohamed(October 2023)
It’s a challenging, you have to be fit for...
It’s a challenging, you have to be fit for...
It’s a challenging, you have to be fit for...
It’s a challenging, you have to be fit for...
It’s a challenging, you have to be fit for...

It’s a challenging, you have to be fit for 4 hours ascent and 4 hours descent hiking

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Soft duffel bag or rucksack
  • Daypack (20-30 litres)
  • Waterproof liner for rucksack

CLOTHES

  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Fleece jacket or similar
  • Down jacket
  • Hiking trousers
  • Lightweight trousers with pad
  • Technical t-shirts
  • Hiking boots (worn in)
  • Running shoes for the ebike and canoe
  • Warm hat
  • Thin gloves
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)

OTHER

  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs
  • Insect repellent
  • Suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Reusable water bottle(s) - 2 litre
  • Biodegradable wet-wipes
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Per Person

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 123kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.

Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.

What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular across Europe and on this trip you'll get the chance to test one on a short ride through Campo Imperatore. Generally speaking, e-bikes are bicycles with a battery-powered assistance that comes via pedalling. When you push the pedals, a small motor engages and gives you a boost to help you tackle more challenging climbs or rough terrain. It very much feels like a natural extension of a rider's own pedalling power. They have a max speed limitation and you can also opt to use your e-bike without any support to feel your legs burn, if you prefer!

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion and are non-compulsory on this trip. Of course, if you feel that your guides provided an exceptional experience then you are welcome to tip as much as you feel is appropriate.

The tap water in this part of Italy is safe to drink. Please bring along a reusable bottle or two to take with you on the wildlife tracking excursions.

This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influence the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep cool as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and Heat Stroke. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

We've got your back

Guaranteed to run

All our trips are now guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details

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Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details

Happiness Guarantee

We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details

Full financial protection

To give you complete peace of mind we’re backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details

Tried & Trusted

We’re rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.

Connect before you go

You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details

DEPARTURE DATES

May 2025

Wednesday 28th May 2025

to Sunday 1st June 2025
Guaranteed to run
Early Bird Offer - Next 4 spots available at 5% off
Illustration of a group of people kayaking

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

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