Magical Abruzzo with Friends: Easy Hikes for Epiphany and Beyond

First day

We’ll meet at Roma Tiburtina and depart by minibus around 11 a.m., ready to kick off our vacation. Our first stop is Alba Fucens, an ancient Roman city at the foot of Mount Velino: as we walk among the archaeological ruins, we’ll discover an important chapter in the history of this region and visit the charming Church of San Pietro. We’ll then head toour hotel in Sulmona to check in, and set out to explore the town, famous for its confetti. We’ll stroll through squares, alleys, and shops, letting ourselves be charmed by the atmosphere of the historic center. It’s the perfect time to get to know each other, share our first impressions, and maybe stop for a tasty treat. We’ll return to the hotel for dinner.

Second day

Today, some of Abruzzo’s most beautiful landscapes await us, including crystal-clear lakes, mountains, and small villages. We’ll hike around Scanno, one of the region’s most picturesque towns, also famous for its traditional jewelry. We’ll then reach Lake San Domenico, with its emerald-green waters and the hermitage overlooking the shore.
We’ll continue on to Villalago, a village where you might just come across deer strolling peacefully among the houses—a curious sight that makes this place truly special! If time and trail conditions permit, we’ll also visit the San Venanzio Gorges and its hermitage, nestled in the rock. Alternatively, we’ll explore other corners of the region, such as Castrovalva and the Sagittario Gorges. A day to be savored step by step, with the pleasure of sharing views, photos, and a few well-deserved breaks together.

Third day

Let’s get our hiking boots ready: today we’re heading to Rocca Calascio, one of Italy’s most picturesque castles, perched in a panoramic spot high in the Abruzzo mountains. If the weather and trail conditions allow, we’ll hike up to the fortress. The view makes the walk well worth it and offers the perfect opportunity for a great group photo—the kind that captures a vacation much better than a thousand words. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a small medieval stone village with narrow streets, arches, and postcard-perfect views. Here, the pleasure lies in strolling at a leisurely pace, observing the details of the houses, and letting yourself be captivated by the history of a place that retains a charm all its own. Alternatively, if the route proves too difficult, we can spend part of the day at the Stiffe Caves—a striking karst complex traversed by an underground stream—and visit other picturesque villages. The destination may change, but the joy of discovering new places together remains the same.

Fourth day

After days of beauty and nature, it’s time to head home. We begin our journey back to Roma Tiburtina, where we’ll arrive in the early afternoon. But first, Abruzzo treats us to one last, splendid surprise: a visit to the Oratory of San Pellegrino in Bominaco, a medieval gem known as the“Sistine Chapel of Abruzzo”for its extraordinarily well-preserved frescoes. A small masterpiece that will leave us speechless. We’ll also make a quick stop in L’Aquila, a city rich in history and architectural treasures. We’ll explore the Basilica of Collemaggio and stroll through the historic center, among squares, palaces, and views that reveal the city’s identity. In the afternoon, we’ll head back toward Roma Tiburtina. We’ll return home with our eyes full of beautiful landscapes, a few more interesting factsabout Abruzzo, and—who knows—maybe even some new friends to plan our next vacation with .