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New Year with the Wolves
Join Paolo Iannicca, a nature guide born and raised in the heart of the Abruzzo National Park, for a New Year unlike any other — among snow, silence, wolves, and endless skies. Five days immersed in one of Italy’s most authentic natural landscapes, to rediscover the deep connection between humans and the wild world.
Highlights
- Following the Trail of the Apennine Wolf
Every day, we’ll move along the snow-covered trails of the Park, following footprints, traces, and stories of coexistence. The wolf will be our invisible guide - a symbol of balance, resilience, and freedom. - New Year in the Mountains
We’ll celebrate New Year’s Eve surrounded by snow, mountain lodges, and traditional Abruzzese food. Each evening will be a moment to share stories, wine, and reflections under a sky filled with stars. - Life in the Park’s Villages
We’ll explore Opi and Civitella Alfedena, villages that embody the soul of this land. We’ll meet people who chose to stay and live in harmony with nature, building a model of hospitality that is sustainable and deeply human.
TRIP PURPOSE
Travel to reconnect with nature. This journey was born from the desire to rediscover the original bond between humans and the environment -a bond often forgotten in modern life.In the Abruzzo National Park, where wolves, bears, and resilient mountain communities coexist, we will reflect on the meaning of coexistence, the value of conservation, and the importance of a kind of tourism that respects and regenerates rather than consumes.
Walking through the snow on the wolf’s trail becomes an act of awareness: to observe, to slow down, to listen. Because only by understanding nature can we truly protect it.
This trip has been designed based on the following principles:
- Environmental and Social Education
- Sustainable Mobility
- Biodiversity
ACCOMODATION
Double and triple rooms with private bathrooms at the three-star Hotel Gemma*** in San Sebastiano dei Marsi.
IMPORTANT INFO
Meeting Point
Meeting at Hotel Gemma in San Sebastiano nei Marsi. Arrival at 5:00 PM on December 30.
How to Get There
Take the A24 motorway from Rome, follow the signs towards Pescara, and take the Pescina exit. Continue towards San Sebastiano nei Marsi.
If travelling by public transport, San Sebastiano nei Marsi can be reached by TUA bus from Avezzano.
Equipment
Hiking boots, waterproof and windproof jacket with hood (preferably Gore-Tex), backpack, water bottle, flashlight, gaiters, wool or fleece hat and gloves, sunglasses, long trousers, fleece jacket, sunscreen, camera, and binoculars.
What's included
- Food: Half-board stay and New Year's Eve dinner.
- Accommodation: 5 nights in a 3-star hotel in double or triple rooms with private bathrooms.
- Activities: Optional snowshoe rental.
- Other: Support from the guide throughout the entire trip.
What's not included
- Food: all the meals not specified
- Other: Trip cancellation insurance.
- Anything not specified under "What's 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 checkout.
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 – December 30
Arrival in San Sebastiano nei Marsi by 5:00 PM. Meeting with the guide at Hotel Gemma. Welcome, hotel check-in and a visit to the village. At 8:00 PM, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2 – December 31
Wake up at dawn, light breakfast and an attempt to spot wolves in the wild.
8:00 AM – Second breakfast.
9:00 AM – Snowshoe hike to explore the Giovenco Valley and observe wild animals in their natural habitat (red deer, wild boar and roe deer).
Packed lunch to be provided by participants.
In the afternoon, visit to the beautiful and panoramic historic centre of Ortona nei Marsi. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
9:00 PM – New Year's Eve gala dinner. Overnight stay.
Day 3 – January 1
8:00 AM – Breakfast.
9:00 AM – Departure for a snowshoe hike in the Cicerana area, home to ancient beech forests recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lunch break at a mountain refuge.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
8:00 PM – Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 – January 2
Wake up at dawn, light breakfast and an attempt to spot wolves in the wild.
8:00 AM – Second breakfast.
9:00 AM – Snowshoe hike through one of the park's most characteristic valleys, following the trails of wolves and discovering their natural habitat.
Packed lunch to be provided by participants.
8:00 PM – Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5 – January 3
Wake up at dawn, light breakfast and an attempt to spot wolves in the wild.
8:00 AM – Second breakfast, followed by an excursion to Val Fondillo, with wildlife observation using spotting scopes, and a visit to the Basal Springs of Tornareccia.
Packed lunch and departure for home destinations scheduled for the early afternoon.
IMPORTANT INFO
The programme may be subject to changes due to adverse weather conditions or specific needs of the participants.
Dawn wildlife-watching excursions are optional. Those who prefer to sleep a little longer can join the group at around 8:00 AM for the second breakfast.
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Paolo was born and raised in Pescasseroli, in the heart of Abruzzo, where he still lives today. As a passionate local guide, he loves to “walk” through nature, history, art, and literature. During his journeys, he always seeks to connect with the “deep soul” of the places he explores. He loves meeting people along the way, listening to and sharing stories, discovering traditions, and understanding the local way of life.For him, wild Abruzzo is the result of a millennia-old coexistence between local communities and an untamed nature made of bears and wolves. Yet, every now and then, he also enjoys walking alone through “his Abruzzo,” to renew and strengthen that deep bond that ties him to this land.
Booking Info
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