Travelling in Interior Abruzzo

From Tagliacozzo to Sulmona by donkey

Saturday 20 – Saturday 27 June 2009 (Abruzzo)

It's a unique tour, a novelty, though it's an antique itinerary.
We'll walk along very old roads connecting Marsica to Sulmona Valley which have been for long time deserted. Among these, Via Valeria first used by Romans, perhaps by San Francesco as well, then by transhumant shepherds and English travellers (such as Edward Lear) in 18th and 19th centuries.
We'll sleep in very high quality farmstay accommodations producing organic cheese, apples and legumes and preserving and cropping ancient varieties of grains.
We'll start from Tagliacozzo toward Piani Palentini and Alba Fucens; then, at the foot of Mount Velino we will look at griffon vultures flying and at the wonderful landscapes. After Celano, we'll pass by the entrance of its canyon, we'll walk up to Forca Caruso Pass, a transit point between Peligna Valley and Marsica (here, according to the writer Silone, S.Francesco arrived by donkey crossing Forca Caruso but, along uphill slopes and when he was not surrounded by people, he preferred to walk by feet (from: "The adventure of a poor Christian").
After Cocullo, Anversa, Sagittario's Gorge and from here to Castrovalva, we arrive to Scanno, the prettiest village in Abruzzo, an oriental style citadel.
The latest part of our tour will take us to Mount Genzana and from here to Introdacqua, very close to Sulmona.
History, nature, unforgettable encounters, good food, so much that you will be amazed.
Today, we offer you the ancient travellers' experience of walking from village to village, along natural paths, using donkeys to carry our bags but also to remind us to slow down and be patient.

The tour guide will propose the practice of “deep-walking” according to Zen philosophy and Toltec Shamanism, increasing the inner value of this tour.
As all deepwalking tours, vegetarian food is provided.

Highlights:

• Donkeys’ company
• High quality food
• Scanno alleys
• Edward Lear's diary

Technical Information:

• Difficulty:
  2
• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Nights: We sleep in hotels/guest farmhouses
• We travel in company of donkeys
• Historical trekking
• Wandering trekking - light backpack
• Walking hours: 6 – 7 per day
• Cuisine: Traditional
• Typical flavours: Anversa organic cheese, spelt and legumes, spaghetti alla chitarra (local pasta), pan dell'orso (literally the Bear's bread, it's a cake)
• Price: € 310 (includes guide, insurance; donkeys with pack saddles, and their insurance, food and transport)
• Other expenses: € 300 (half board)
• Guide: Luca Gianotti

NB: We advise to leave your mobile phone at home. If you really have to take it with you, please note that you will be allowed to turn it on only in the evening and in the morning before leaving. Never while walking.

Information and Registration:

Tel. +39 051 6264169 or segreteria@boscaglia.it

Booking is subject to avaibility (only 12 travellers): call +39 051 6264169 or send an email to segreteria@boscaglia.it. After avaibility is confirmed, please send a € 180 account. If you are not a member yet, add € 20 for 2009 membership fee.
Payment through bank transfer to Associazione La Boscaglia, Banca Etica, IBAN: IT 75 K 05018 12100 000000116689 indicating your first name, family name and name of tour you have chosen.