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Discover the Gran Sasso Trail with Jonas, a group adventure with a local guide in the heart of Abruzzo. If you enjoy hiking, come to Abruzzo and try something new in 2025. A 60 km circular route awaits you, divided into five stages, which will take you through incredible landscapes and historic villages, offering you an authentic and unforgettable trekking experience, suitable for those who are in good physical shape.
Starting from Fonte Cerreto, at the foot of the Gran Sasso cable car, you will encounter picturesque locations such as Campo Imperatore, known among mountain lovers for its vast plateaus, and the Scoppaturo Canyon, the natural setting for numerous films. You will continue on to charming villages such as Castel del Monte, with its ancient traditions, and the majestic Rocca Calascio, one of the most famous and highest fortifications in Italy. The route also includes a stop in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, renowned for its medieval streets, and Barisciano, surrounded by unspoiled nature. If you can stay an extra day, don't miss the climb to Corno Grande D'Italia with a guide, an optional but definitely unmissable experience for every mountain lover!
During these five days, you will immerse yourself in the unspoiled nature of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, discovering the local flora and fauna, as well as tasting the authentic flavors of Abruzzo cuisine. The days will be enriched by historical and cultural stories, making every step a journey through time and local traditions.
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Program
First day
From Campo Imperatore to Castel del Monte
The Gran Sasso Trail begins in the morning from the Campo Imperatore cable car at an altitude of 2,100 meters. Some of the group will arrive just in time to grab their backpacks and set off, while those coming from further afield will have requested an extra night's accommodation in Fonte Cerreto. We walk past the little church of Madonna della Neve and head towards Vado di Corno, where a breathtaking view of both sides of the Gran Sasso mountain range awaits us and, if we are lucky, the view extends as far as the Adriatic Sea. Today's stage, one of the longest of the journey, takes us to the ruins of the Church of Sant'Egidio and the Scoppaturo Canyon at 1,475 meters, where the film They Call Me Trinity was shot. After 6-7 hours of walking, we reach our accommodation in Castel Del Monte.
Second day
From Castel del Monte to Rocca Calascio
The second stage of our group trek in Abruzzo will take us to visit the two beautiful villages of Castel del Monte and Calascio, a splendid village perched on the south-eastern ridge of the mountain, where the famous Rocca Calascio stands. We will walk easily through cultivated fields and farms until we reach the ruins of the ancient settlement of Colle della Battaglia. The reward for today's efforts will be a guided tour of Rocca Calascio, declared by National Geographic to be one of the 15 most beautiful castles in the world. Today's stage was short, allowing us to have some free time to visit the historic center of Calascio.
Third day
From Rocca Calascio to Santo Stefano di Sessanio
Today's hike is the shortest on the Cammino del Gran Sasso, but it is no less interesting. The trail is easy to walk, allowing us to recover our energy while enjoying incredible views of the ancient terraces, once cultivated with lentils, spelt, and wheat. Once we arrive in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, we leave our backpacks in our rooms and relax in the alleys of one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.
Fourth day
From Santo Stefano di Sessanio to Barisciano
After exploring the picturesque corners of Santo Stefano di Sessanio (1251 m), we continue with the fourth stage of the Cammino del Gran Sasso, a mainly downhill route that will take us from Santo Stefano di Sessanio at 1251 m to Barisciano at 940 m. Today's guided trek in Abruzzo offers breathtaking views, particularly near the Piana delle Locce, where we can admire the ancient locce, caves carved into the rock by Cistercian monks.
During the journey, the majestic peak of Corno Grande accompanies us constantly, offering unique scenery.
Fifth day
From Barisciano to Fonte Cerreto
We continue our group trek through the spectacular highlands of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. The slightly uphill stage takes us to the peaceful oasis of the former Convent of San Colombo (1088 m) and the Tempietto di Sant'Eusanio. In about five hours, this excursion will allow us to combine history, nature, and the beauty of a sustainable tourism experience in Abruzzo, making every step an unforgettable experience. The guided group vacation has come to an end: we can return home or stay overnight and take part in tomorrow's optional excursion.
Sixth day
(optional) climb to Corno Grande
If we have stayed an extra night in L'Aquila or Fonte Cerreto, it means that we have chosen to crown this week of trekking with a guided climb to Corno Grande. From Campo Imperatore at an altitude of 2100 meters, we will begin to climb towards the Duca degli Abruzzi Refuge and then along the ridge near the Conca del Calderone. Together with our expert guide, we will follow the path, which becomes increasingly steep and rocky, until we reach the summit at an altitude of 2912 meters. The view stretches 360° from the Apennine mountains to the Adriatic Sea, just 30 kilometers away. We will return to Fonte Cerreto around 4:00 p.m.
accommodation in double/triple rooms with private or shared bathroom in B&Bs, residences, or farmhouses
luggage transfer and transfer on the first day
entrance to the Rocca Di Calascio
dinner on the second and fourth days
tasting of local products (lunch on the first day) and tasting of PDO cheeses (lunch on the third day)
mountain guide for the 5-day hike
guided tour of Rocca Calascio and Santo Stefano di Sessano
health and baggage insurancetravel, drinks, lunches, and dinners not mentioned under "included," any tourist tax, and anything not mentioned under "included."
Single room supplement from €100.
B&Bs, residences, or farmhouses in Abruzzo.
Fonte Cerreto can be reached from L'Aquila by taking the M6 bus. If you arrive by train, get off in the capital of Abruzzo and continue by bus to the base of the cable car to Campo Imperatore. Timetables and information are available at https://www.ama.laquila.it/linee-e-orari/elenco-linee-ama.
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