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MOLISE THAT (R)ESISTS – THE MOLISAN DROVERS’ ROAD WALK
Join Fill Pill, science communicator and stand-up comedian, on a long walking journey through Italy’s most underrated region: Molise!
We will follow the ancient network of the Tratturi, which for over 2,500 years served as the main route connecting Abruzzo with the Tavoliere of Puglia. More than 50 km immersed in greenery, tracing the traditional paths of pastoral transhumance-the true expression of rural life in central and southern Italy. A guided walk along grassy trails, ancient villages, and authentic Molisan hospitality guaranteed!
Highlights
- Walking along the paths of Transhumance
From the verb transumare, the word literally means “to cross.” Its meaning derives from the Latin trans (beyond) and humus (land). We will walk the same tratturi routes our ancestors have traveled for 2,500 years, from the Samnite and Roman eras through to the post-war period. These paths connect regions, but above all they are rich in history and extraordinary landscapes, and still preserve traditions deeply respectful of natural cycles and the seasons. - A journey into ancient history
The Via del Tratturo offers a deep immersion into the culture, traditions, and spirituality of Molisan communities, whose identity is profoundly tied to pastoral life and transhumance. - A walk that challenges us
Walking is a complex activity that has shaped human history and destinies. We will rediscover our nomadic nature—so often forgotten today—turning this journey into both a physical and spiritual experience, where group solidarity and unity truly make the difference.
Trip Purpose
This journey was born from the desire to bring back into focus places, stories, and paths that for too long have remained outside the most popular travel routes. Molise, often described as “non-existent,” reveals itself instead as a living, resilient, and deeply authentic land, where the relationship between people and nature still maintains a visible balance.
Walking along the Tratturi means rediscovering an ancient, slow, and respectful way of moving through the landscape, following the same routes walked for centuries by shepherds, animals, and entire communities. It is a journey that combines physical movement with collective memory, where each step becomes a tool for understanding and connecting with the land.
The purpose of this walk is to raise awareness: of the value of Italy’s inner territories, their history, and the rural culture that has shaped them and continues to protect them today. It is also a shared experience, where the group becomes an integral part of the journey—learning to support one another, to listen, and to inhabit the path with presence and respect.
This trip is for you if you want to learn more about:
- Sustainable mobility
- Nature and hiking
MOLISE THAT (R)ESISTS is not just a walking trip, but an invitation to look beyond appearances, slow down, and recognize that the truest stories are often found in the least celebrated places.
Accomodation
During our journey, we will stay in local hotels, “agriturismi”, and B&Bs, depending on the stage. We will stay overnight in Schiavi d’Abruzzo, Civitanova del Sannio, and Castropignano—beautiful, ancient, and authentic villages nestled in the Abruzzo and Molise countryside, in keeping with the tradition of transhumance. Here we will experience genuine local hospitality and enjoy delicious, seasonal, traditional dishes.
Rooms are shared, with 2, 3, or 4 beds depending on the location. They are simple, welcoming, and authentic. We have chosen these accommodations to fully embrace the true spirit of long-distance walking journeys, where sharing is essential—if not a foundational pillar of the experience.
Important info
The difficulty level is medium, suitable for those who enjoy walking in nature and are accustomed to long distances.
The meeting point is in Schiavi d’Abruzzo, just before the Molise border. This is where the journey activities will begin. We recommend reaching Schiavi d’Abruzzo by personal car or organizing car sharing with other participants once the travel group is created.
The hikes involve long distances (17–18 km per day) and moderate elevation changes (approximately 500 m of ascent and descent each day). A basic level of fitness and comfort with walking in natural environments is therefore required. Proper equipment is essential, including hiking boots, a backpack large enough for a 5-day journey, a 1.5-liter water bottle, hat and sunglasses, and both long and short trousers.
The program may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or specific group needs.
What's included
- Food: Half board (breakfast + dinner)
- Accommodation: 4 nights in hotels, B&Bs, and agriturismi in shared rooms. The number of beds may vary depending on the stage
- Transport: Transfer from Campobasso to Roccasicura on the last day to retrieve the cars
- Guide: Support from the guide throughout the entire journey
What's not included
- Food: All lunches, breakfast on the first day, and dinner on the last day
- Transport: Travel to and from the meeting point
- Other: Trip cancellation insurance
- Anything not specifically listed under “What is included”
Payment Terms
30% down payment at the time of booking and the remaining 70% due 30 days prior to departure.
If the booking is made within 30 days of departure, the full amount is due at the time of payment.
Bank transfers or credit cards can be used to make payments.
However, if the trip status is marked as "Confirmed" or "Last tickets", there's no need to worry - it means the minimum number of participants has already been met.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival in Schiavi d’Abruzzo and group connection
Our journey begins in Schiavi d’Abruzzo, a village perched among the green ridges of the Apennines. Here, in a simple and welcoming setting, we will meet to get to know one another and begin the shared experience that will accompany us in the days ahead. In the afternoon, after a brief introduction to the program, we will take part in an educational and storytelling session with Fill Pill.
In the evening, we will enjoy the authentic flavors of Abruzzo and Molise, with a dinner featuring carefully selected local products. Then, with our hearts already set on the adventure ahead, we will retreat to our rooms to rest and prepare body and mind for the journey to come.
Day 2 – Into the heart of Molise: Roccasicura and the first walk
In the morning, after an energizing breakfast, we will drive to Roccasicura, a small Molisan village nestled among rolling hills, and the starting point of our first true walking stage—a demanding but deeply rewarding first test.
From here we will begin the trek toward Civitanova del Sannio: a route of approximately 18.5 km through ancient paths and lush forests, with 500 m of ascent and 650 m of descent. Along the way, we will cross high-hill landscapes and quiet valleys, where Molise’s nature reveals itself in all its authenticity, from centuries-old beech trees to open clearings offering sweeping views.
Civitanova del Sannio will welcome us with its historic stone-built village and unhurried pace of life. Here we will admire sights such as the Church of San Silvestro and the ancient fortifications, witnesses to a past deeply intertwined with the surrounding landscape.
Day 3 – From hills to valleys: Civitanova del Sannio – Castropignano
Leaving the village behind, we will resume our walk toward Castropignano, covering around 17 km through forests, ancient dry-stone walls, and open panoramas. The route unfolds along gentle ridgelines, where each step invites us to breathe in the pure air and follow the slow rhythm of the mountains. The landscape, at times wild and at times shaped by human presence, tells stories of shepherds, transhumance, and enduring nature.
Day 4 – Towards Campobasso: history and nature on foot
The fourth stage will take us from Castropignano to Campobasso, covering another 17 km of walking through gentle ups and downs, forest glimpses, and views of small villages scattered across the valley. Here, nature alternates with signs of ancient rural civilization, along paths that follow old tratturi and historic communication routes.
Arriving in Campobasso, the regional capital with its understated charm, we will have the opportunity to explore a historic center rich in narrow streets and panoramic viewpoints, dominated by the Monforte Castle overlooking the city from above.
Day 5 – Between archaeology and valleys: Pietrabbondante and return to Roccasicura
In the morning, after a revitalizing breakfast, we will head toward Roccasicura to retrieve our cars and then continue to one of Molise’s historical gems: the Samnite Amphitheater of Pietrabbondante.
This archaeological complex, perched at over 1,000 meters above sea level, opens like an ancient theater among the mountains, telling the story of the Samnite people through temple remains and structures overlooking deep valleys and breathtaking views.
After the visit and a final lunch, we will begin our return journey by car, slowly carrying with us the vivid memory of northern Molise landscapes suspended between history, nature, and silence.
Filippo Piluso, aka Fill Pill, is an environmental communicator, stand-up comedian, and musician. He humorously describes himself as "seriously joking." He combines serious topics with a light, comedic tone, addressing various issues related to sustainability and nature.He holds a degree in Law with a specialization in International Environmental and Maritime Law, and a Master's in Sustainability and Energy Resource Management. Filippo has worked in ocean conservation for NGOs and international associations, managed renewable energy development projects in Africa, and served as a sustainability consultant for businesses. He is also the vice-president and co-founder of an advocacy group for environmental communicators.
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