Abruzzo is sometimes called the “lung of Italy” for a reason: over a third of the region is protected parkland. From the Sirente-Velino highlands to the forests of the Abruzzo, Lazio & Molise National Park, this is Italy at its most untamed—home to Apennine wolves, Marsican brown bears, and herds of chamois clinging to limestone slopes.

History runs deep here. Roman roads still cross shepherds’ trails, and medieval towns like Pacentro, Scanno, and Anversa d’Abruzzi keep their stone silhouettes against the mountains. Sulmona, your base, is the birthplace of Ovid and the capital of confetti (sugared almonds), a sweet tradition you’ll taste between hikes and village strolls.

This itinerary prioritizes short transfers, group-friendly pacing, and activities that work year-round—especially in autumn and winter when Abruzzo shines. Expect hearty mountain fare (maccheroni alla chitarra, pallotte cacio e ova, arrosticini), clear starry skies, and two wow experiences that are signature Abruzzo: wolf searching and a guided ciaspolata.

Sulmona (Gateway to Majella & Abruzzo National Parks)

Sulmona sits in a wide valley framed by the Majella and the Morrone Massif. Its medieval aqueduct anchors Piazza Garibaldi, markets spill with pecorino and saffron, and cafes pour strong espressos for hikers and poets alike.

Top nearby sights for nature lovers include the Gole del Sagittario Nature Reserve, the mirror-like Lago di Scanno, and the wolf-rich meadows above Civitella Alfedena. In winter, nearby passes like Passo San Leonardo and Campo di Giove offer reliable snowshoeing terrain.

• Where to stay (group-friendly): Look for an agriturismo or mid-range hotel in or near Sulmona with 8–10 twin/double rooms or a few apartments for 16 guests:
  • Browse group-sized homes and country houses on VRBO (Sulmona).
  • Compare hotels and B&Bs on Hotels.com (Sulmona). Target €45–90 per person per night with breakfast for group rates.
• Getting here: From Rome FCO or Ciampino, aim for Sulmona via bus/train:
  • Search flights to Rome or Pescara on Omio (Flights Europe).
  • Rome–Sulmona by train (via Avezzano): ~3–3.5 hours, from ~€15–25 pp on Omio (Trains Europe).
  • Rome–Sulmona by bus: ~2.5–3 hours, often €12–20 on Omio (Buses Europe).
  • For 16 people, charter a private minibus: ~2.5 hours from Rome, budget €650–900 per one-way coach (16–20 seats), which can beat public transport plus transfers.
• Dining notes: You’re here for mountain flavors—maccheroni alla chitarra ragù, pallotte cacio e ova (cheese “meatballs”), lentils from Santo Stefano, pecorino, and caciocavallo. Save space for Sulmona confetti for dessert.

Day 1 — Arrive, set up base in Sulmona, and dine like locals

Morning: Travel to Abruzzo. For the easiest group logistics, meet in Rome by late morning, then bus or private minibus to Sulmona (~2.5–3 hours). If you’re flying into Pescara, it’s ~1–1.5 hours by coach to Sulmona. Check in, drop luggage, and stretch your legs.

Afternoon: Orientation walk in Sulmona’s historic center (1.5–2 hours): medieval aqueduct and Piazza Garibaldi, Corso Ovidio, the Annunziata complex, and a quick peek into a confetti shop for tastings. Coffee stop at a classic bar on Corso Ovidio—order a caffè corretto if it’s chilly.

Evening (Local Dinner included): Group dinner featuring Abruzzese staples. Aim for a trattoria that handles groups:

• Try: grilled arrosticini (skewers of mutton), maccheroni alla chitarra, and pallotte cacio e ova; house Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is usually excellent value. Expect €22–35 pp for a set menu with water and a glass of wine.
• Aperitivo tip: Before dinner, grab a spritz or local craft beer in Piazza XX Settembre; add bruschettone with ventricina (spicy spreadable salami).

Day 2 — WOW Activity #1: Wolf searching in Abruzzo National Park + lakeside picnic + Scanno

Morning (very early): Depart 04:45–05:00 for Civitella Alfedena or Pescasseroli (about 60–75 min from Sulmona). Meet your wildlife guide, then hike quietly to panoramic meadows for first light. With scopes and patience, you’ll scan for Canis lupus italicus (Apennine wolves), red deer, wild boar, and griffon vultures. Typical duration: 4–5 hours total. Season: year-round; best in autumn–winter.

• Suggested local partners (no links): Ecotur (Pescasseroli), Wildlife Adventures (Civitella Alfedena), Abruzzo Wild (Scanno). Ask for a private 15–16 pax dawn “wolf & wildlife” watch with 2 guides (1:8 ratio) and scopes.
• Estimated cost: €45–70 pp (private group) depending on season and number of guides; scopes included. Add €5–10 pp for hotel-prepared packed breakfasts.
• Transfer: ~65–80 km round trip; allow 2.5 hours total driving time.

Afternoon (Informal Lunch in Nature): Move to Lago di Barrea or Val Fondillo picnic areas (10–20 minutes). Lay out a simple Abruzzo picnic: pane casereccio, pecorino, ventricina, grilled vegetables, seasonal fruit, and a bottle or two of Montepulciano for the group. Budget €10–15 pp from a local alimentari. If weather turns, switch to a warm mountain rifugio for soups and polenta (€15–20 pp).

Late Afternoon: Stop in postcard-perfect Scanno (30 minutes from Barrea). Explore the lanes and the “heart-shaped” lake viewpoint. Warm up with hot chocolate or genziana liqueur.

Evening: Return to Sulmona (~50 minutes). Free time, then casual pizza night. Wood-fired pies with local toppings run €8–12; add mixed salads and shared antipasti and you’re still around €18–22 pp.

Day 3 — WOW Activity #2: Winter ciaspolata in Majella (or e‑bike medieval towers) + farewell flavors

Morning (winter/autumn): Guided ciaspolata (snowshoeing) on Majella, typically from Passo San Leonardo or Campo di Giove (30–40 min from Sulmona). A 3-hour loop through beech forests and open ridges delivers big views toward Monte Amaro. Gentle to moderate; perfect for mixed-ability groups.

• Suggested local partners (no links): Majellando (Sulmona area), Abruzzo Wild, or certified AIGAE/AMM mountain guides. Request 2 guides for 16 guests.
• Gear & costs: Guide €18–30 pp; snowshoe + pole rental €10–15 pp; park ticket/parking €2–5 pp if applicable. Total ~€30–45 pp.
• Timing: 09:00–12:30 activity; total with transfers ~4–5 hours.

Morning (spring/summer alternative): Swap snowshoes for an e‑bike adventure among towers and medieval hamlets at the foot of the Sirente. Great for a light-thrill, scenic ride, and ideal when trails are dry.

Suggested Viator option:

E-bike between towers and medieval villages at the foot of Sirente Abruzzo

• Why it fits: Medieval architecture, easy logistics, and an “adventurous but accessible” ride for a group. Expect 2.5–3.5 hours including brief stops.

Afternoon (Informal lunch in nature): Back near Sulmona, set up your meadow lunch at the Bosco di Sant’Antonio (a storied beech wood) or by the Morrone foothills if winds are calm. Keep it simple and local: focaccia, pecorino, salumi, roasted peppers in oil, and pizzelle. Budget €10–15 pp.

Optional add-on (if your route home passes L’Aquila): A sit-down city overview without walking too much—and fully winter-friendly.

Sightseeing Tour of L'Aquila aboard an Electric Shuttle

• Timing: 60–90 minutes. Works well before continuing to Rome via the A24 motorway.

Evening: Farewell early dinner back in Sulmona or a farmhouse nearby. A family-style menu with soup, chitarra pasta, arrosticini, and house wine typically comes in at €22–30 pp. Pick up boxes of confetti as edible souvenirs.

Optional warm-season swap: Olive grove picnic experience (near the coast)

If your departure is via Pescara and you prefer a curated picnic in a protected reserve, consider this as a replacement for Day 3’s lunch. Note it’s ~1–1.5 hours from Sulmona (more transfer time).

2-Hour Picnic among the Olive Trees with Typical Abruzzese Products

Group logistics, transfers, and budget at a glance

• Base: Single base in Sulmona for all 3 nights (minimize packing and transfers).
• Daily driving (approx.):
  • Day 2 wolf search: 130–160 km RT, 2.5 hours total drive time.
  • Day 3 ciaspolata: 40–70 km RT, 1–1.5 hours total drive time.
• Private minibus for 16: Budget €700–900/day including driver, fuel, and waiting time; or €650–900 per intercity transfer from/to Rome airports. Local operators in Sulmona/L’Aquila can quote better for off-peak winter weekdays.
• Guides & rentals:
  • Wolf watching: €45–70 pp (private, 2 guides, scopes included).
  • Ciaspolata: €30–45 pp including rentals.
  • E‑bike tour (seasonal): similar range per person if chosen.
• Meals: Local dinner €22–35 pp; pizza night €18–22 pp; picnic €10–15 pp.
• Lodging (3 nights): €135–270 pp total (assuming €45–90 pp/night in doubles/twins with breakfast). Compare on Hotels.com or secure a whole-country-house rate on VRBO.
• Per-person estimate (3 days, budget-minded): €335–550 excluding flights (lodging + activities + local transport + meals).

Suggested booking partners and contacts (no links)

• Wildlife & guides: Ecotur (Pescasseroli), Wildlife Adventures (Civitella Alfedena), Abruzzo Wild / Majellando (Sulmona area), certified AIGAE/AMM guides for snow and hiking.
• Transport: Local NCC/minibus operators in Sulmona or L’Aquila; regional bus companies TUA/Di Fonzo for backup seats if needed.
• Activities (bookable online): For seasonal/alternative days, see:
  • E-bike between towers and medieval villages at the foot of Sirente Abruzzo
  • Sightseeing Tour of L'Aquila aboard an Electric Shuttle
  • 2-Hour Picnic among the Olive Trees with Typical Abruzzese Products
• Flights/trains/buses: Plan Europe connections via Omio Flights, Omio Trains, and Omio Buses.

Timing & seasonal notes

• Autumn–Winter (best): Crisp air, frequent wildlife sightings at lower elevations, prime snowshoeing from December–March.
• Spring: Wildflowers and lingering snow higher up; switch ciaspolata to low-elevation hikes or the e‑bike tour if snow is gone.
• Summer: Start early for wolf watching; seek shade for picnics at Bosco di Sant’Antonio and higher ridges.
• Weather backup: If wind or snow closes passes, choose valley walks (Gole del Sagittario), L’Aquila electric shuttle, or a tasting-focused afternoon.

Safety & practicality for a 16-person group

• Keep a 1:8 guide ratio for wildlife and snow activities; carry extra layers, headlamps for dawn starts, and hot drinks.
• Pack-in/pack-out in parks; fires are generally prohibited—use prepared food for picnics.
• Confirm road conditions the night before (mountain passes can close temporarily in winter).

Recap: In three days you’ll trace wolves at dawn, crunch across beech forests on snowshoes, and taste the honest flavors that fuel Abruzzo’s highlands—all while sleeping in one base to keep logistics easy and costs low. Autumn and winter bring the magic here; the mountains will do the rest.