TREKKING WITH DONKEYS SIBILLINI NATIONAL PARK, APENNINES, ITALY Grade: Dates: Moderate (but little people can ride the donkeys if they are tired) Land-only duration: Trekking days: 7 days Rome to Rome 5 or 6 days This holiday is available May to October. Please note that prices are slightly higher in July and August. Requires just 5 participants to guarantee departures at the advertised price. Can be run with smaller groups. Contact us at info@trekmountains.com with your preferred dates tel (within UK: 01244 940 940 tel (outside UK): +44 1244 940 940 email: info@trekmountains.com web: www.trekmountains.com skype ID: trekmountains trekmountains, 27 Meaford Avenue, Stone, Staffordshire ST15 8LT,United Kingdom
Learn how to look after the donkeys that will carry your bags (and if necessary, little people) for your trek. Take your donkeys on an adventure trekking on easy trails in the spectacular Sibillini National Park. Suitable for the young and the not-so-young, and everyone in between. Makes an ideal family holiday in the May or October half terms. Relax while you explore the Apennine range the range of mountains that make up the backbone of Italy and which is much quieter than the more crowded paths of the Alps. Close to Rome, well served by budget flights from the UK. Affordable transfers available to take the stress out of journey planning.
ITINERARY Walking and journey times are approximate Important Note: The following itinerary is to be taken as a guide only. Whilst we expect that the trek will run as per the itinerary, participants should accept that there is a possibility of changes being necessary subject to local conditions. Day 1: Arrive Rome, transfer to Campi Most flights from the UK arrive in Rome midmorning. We can arrange private transfers for you from Rome to our accommodation which is near Campi in Sibillini National Park. Campi, which is located in in the Castoriana Valley, is certainly one of the most characteristic and fascinating villages of the Sibillini National Park. We will stay in an agriturismo here which is close to the donkey farm asineria for 2 nights to give us time to learn about the route and how to look after the donkeys who will trek with us, and carry our bags for us. Family-friendly agriturismo The agriturismo is a typical Umbrian farmhouse, and has always been owned by the family who live there. Vegetables are grown on its 14 hectares, and the family produce olive oil. The 12 rooms are exclusively furnished with original furniture of the '700-800 with attention to detail and elegance in respect of the atmosphere and tradition of the house. However, the agriturismo has been completely renovated and adapted to suit the needs of guests with families the owners are keen to ensure that you feel relaxed in a family atmosphere. There is a restaurant food made from local products, a reading room, TV room, billiards & pool, table football, darts, table tennis, bowling alley, mountain biking and a children s play area. Overnight: Agriturismo at Campi. Meals included: Dinner Home for the first 2 nights of the trip Day 2: Introduction to the trek, learn how to look after your donkeys, introductory walk. We will take you to the donkey farm at Ancarano di Norcia. Here you will be shown how to prepare the donkeys for a day s walk. You will be shown how to lead the donkeys, and how to look after them during the day. You will also be given an overview of the trek. We enjoy a relaxing walk along the beautiful trails of Val Castoriana, accompanied by the donkeys and a walking guide of the National Park of Monti Sibillini who is an expert in trekking with donkeys. During the walk, the guide will introduce us to the area and explain the trekking program in detail. Overnight for a second night at the Agriturismo at Campi. Enjoy home-cooked dinners with produce from the agriturismi
Day 3: Walk from the donkey farm at Ancarano to Castelluccio It is worth noting that for today s walk there is a water source ( fountain ) after 3½km, but after that there is no other source of water for the day, so make sure you stock up very well. Saying goodbye to the donkey farm we take a short ancient path that connected Val Castoriana to Castelluccio. On reaching Forchetta di Ancarano it is worth taking time to enjoy one of the most scenic points in the area. Today s walk is the longest of the trek, but the beauty of the trails and the ever-changing environment and views make the effort worthwhile. The route then begins to climb a beautiful spiral path that surrounds Mount Patino which leads from the oak woods to the beech forest, and then to the beautiful mountain pastures from where the views of the Umbrian hills really open up. From here we descend to Castelluccio which appears like an island in the plain of Piano Grande di Castelluccio. These views, and those of the main chain of the Monti Sibillini mountains are one of the most beautiful landscapes of Italy. At Castelluccio we can leave our donkeys on a farm and enjoy a well-earned rest in this spectacular environment. Overnight; Agriturismo in Castelluccio. Length: 14.5 km Duration: 7 hours; Ascent: 1000 m Descent: 300 m. The Piano Grande is famous for its colourful flowers in Spring / early Summer. Day 5: From Castelluccio to Resort Rifugio on the rim of the Piano Grande The walk today takes you across the Piano Grande di Castelluccio through the tops of the mountains that surround the western plateau. With ups and downs in easy steps that allow you to walk around the tops without having to climb much, we follow a beautiful path through the mountain pastures enjoying views that alternate between the plane of Piano Grande di Castelluccio with the main chain of the Sibillini mountains. The resort is an isolated building in this vast mountain scenery, but served by the Norcia road. Overnight: Resort rifugio. Length: 11 km Duration: 5 hours; Ascent: 360m Descent: 290m. Water sources: two fountains half way through. Castelluccio is a small hilltop village overlooking the spectacular Piano Grande Day 4? Optional day walk in the area around Castelluccio Tonight you will spend a second night at the agriturismo in the spectacularly located hamlet of Castellucio, so today s walk can be as long or as short as you wish, or you may decide on a complete rest day. After a reasonably long day yesterday, you may be glad of an easier day. Options include exploring the plains surrounding the hamlet of Castelluccio, or alternatively you may wish to go onto the slopes of the mountains that make up the Sibillini chain. Overnight: Agriturismo in Castelluccio. Day 6: From the rim of the Piano Grande to Norcia This ancient trail that connected Norcia with the pastures of Castelluccio is still well preserved and very charming. The one and only short climb of the day will take you to the highest and most scenic point. We then descend through oak woodlands and open grasslands to the plain of St. Scolastica which contains the ancient city of Norcia at 600m. Until as recently as 100 years ago, donkeys were the only means of transport, but do not be surprised if, coming near the town with your donkeys, people will be interested in you and the donkeys. Assuming you can persuade your family away from the agriturismo s swimming pool, Norcia is a fascinating walled town, small enough to explore easily and famous for its shops and restaurants which specialise in the region s delicacies of wild boar, lentils and truffles. Extra nights can be spent at Norcia on request contact the trekmountains office for prices. Overnight: Agriturismo in Norcia. Length: 9 km Duration: 5½ hours Ascent: 132m Descent: 1014m Water sources: 2 fountains just before arriving in Norcia
Day 7: From Norcia to the donkey farm at Ancarano, transfer to Rome Today s walk takes place on an old path which connects Norcia with St. Eutizio Abbey. We climb the low mountains that divide the plain of Norcia from Val Castoriana. Then, facing the panorama of Val Castoriana, we begin to descend toward the donkey farm where the trek ends. We can arrange a transfer to take you back to Rome. You may decide to take an evening flight from Rome today, but while you are here, why not to extend your stay in Rome, the Eternal City. With so many places of interest including the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and St Peter s in Vatican City, the opportunity to explore this unique and fascinating city shouldn t be missed, and neither should you miss the chance to enjoy one of the city s fantastic ice cream parlours gelato at its very best. Length: 8 km Duration: 4½ hours; Ascent: 400m Descent: 250 m Water access: No water sources during the ascent or the first half of today s walk. Three water sources from the middle point of the walk. Meals included: Breakfast Look out for edelweiss flowering in the Sibillini National Park Travel arrangements: Flights Most people buy their own flights to Italy as the budget airlines offer very economical fares to Rome from various UK airports. There are 2 airports in Rome: Rome Ciampino and Rome Fiumicino. Budget airlines which serve Rome include Jet 2, Ryan Air, Monarch and Easy Jet. Scheduled airlines include: BA and Alitalia. IMPORTANT: No flights should be booked until you have received written confirmation from the trekmountains office that your departure is guaranteed to run. Transfer between Rome and the start & end points of the trek: We can arrange a very reasonably priced private transfer for you between Rome and the start / end point of the trek. The price will depend on the size of the group requiring a transfer
The Price Includes: All meals and accommodation as outlined in the itinerary. All transfers between the donkey farm and the agriturismo at Campi Equipment provided: (which needs to be returned at the end of the course, unless used in case of emergency): Minimum of two donkeys in a group / family One or more is enough to transport luggage (if one or more donkeys for this purpose) One or more seats for children (if one or more donkeys for this purpose) 2 saddle bags to load equipment up to 80/100 litres each Rucksack for ready use equipment First Aid Kit Animal Rescue Kit Animals Cleaning kit: brush, currycomb Copies of the highlighted route GPS Compass Map Flashlight Lanyard Not included: Meals not mentioned in the itinerary above. (Packed lunches can be bought from the places you stay at). Transfer by private vehicle between Rome and Campi at the start / end at the end of the trip. We can quote you for this the price is very reasonable but it depends on the size of your group. Options: Extra nights in Rome. Extra nights enjoying the swimming pool at the agriturismo in Norcia. Day 4 (with the second night at Castelluccio) can be omitted if you are short for time. Transfer between accommodation in Rome and the Rome airports at the end of the trip. Our pricing policy This trek is advertised based on a 5 person price. It can, however, be run with fewer. If there are less than 5 participants, we will offer you the choice to guarantee the trek at the appropriate price for the number of participants who have booked, and should that number increase we will decrease the final balance that you will owe us accordingly. This means that flights can be arranged at the best possible price without having to wait for more bookings. If you wish it to be a bespoke trip just for your family or group, we are happy to arrange that for you. Guided or Self-Guided? The trek is self-guided, which is why all groups are equipped with all the appropriate navigational equipment: a trekking map, copies of the maps and a GPS. Part of the day 2 is dedicated to explaining the route and to give you the chance to ask any questions that you have. The local ground agent is able to provide assistance for any problems and unexpected issues that may arise during your trip, and if necessary, has the use of cross-country vehicles to assist you if you are in difficulty. If you have to call on their services, the cost of any emergency intervention and any consequential costs will be passed on to you. If you would prefer to have a leader accompany you on this trek, please contact us for a quote.
Kit list: All items are essential unless marked optional or recommended The weather in the Appenines can be changeable. May, June, September and October can be changeable - the Italians say dress like an onion ie, bring layers that mean you can adapt to different temperatures.. July and August are typically hot, but the altitude in the mountains helps to keep the temperature down a little. Tops waterproof jacket 2 fleece or softshell tops 1 long sleeve quick-drying thermal 2 short sleeve/sleeveless tops Trousers 2 pairs trousers (preferably zip off type so don't need to take shorts as well) 1 pair lightweight waterproof over-trousers walking boots a lightweight, waterproof pair of 3-season boots that you have broken in Footwear well. Training shoes / approach shoes or trekking sandals (recommended) for the evenings Underwear Underwear walking sox & liner socks (suggest 3 pairs) nightwear swimwear (optional) there is a swimming pool at the agriturismo in Norcia Extremities sunhat / buff fleece hat Equipment rucsac: approx 35 litres * kit bag / big rucsac / suitcase ** waterproof plastic bags to separate dirty/clean/wet clothes 2 trekking poles (optional) headtorch and spare batteries for headtorch sunglasses camera / memory cards (optional) water bottles / drinks bladder (2 litres per person) water purification tablets (optional) mug toiletries - just pack small amounts into travel size bottles good suncream antibiotic hand gel (optional) tissues/toilet paper resealable plastic bags for packing out toilet tissue personal 1st aid kit (include painkillers, anti-inflammatories, lip balm, blister kit) snacks (optional) resealable plastic bags for carrying lunch duck tape (small amount) cash in euros travel insurance details travel tickets passport * The donkeys will carry your personal luggage. However, please bring a small backpack for easy access to emergency personal equipment: a jacket, fleece, first aid kit, etc. ** The donkeys will carry your kit in saddle bags that we provide. However, you will need a kitbag / suitcase / rucsac to transport your kit on your journeys before and after the trek. They can be stored at the agriturismo on the first night of your stay, together with any clothes that you don t wish to take with you on the trek. Please limit the weight of your bag that the donkey will carry to 10-12kg per person. The maximum load per donkey is 40kg, which should be for 4 or 5 people maximum. Preparing for your trek: please see our document Preparing for your trek to Italy for all the advice you need about visas, insurance, money, equipment, and medical matters. trekmountains 2015 Updated 20.3.2015 AF