Between the monasteries and the paths of San Romualdo, to discover the pearls of the Apennines. A walking itinerary along the paths that for over a thousand years connect the majestic Abbeys and Monasteries built by San Romualdo, founder of the Order of the Camaldolese Monks. The mountains of the central Apennines will be the background of our Way, while we’ll be surrounded by woods and valleys of rare beauty.We will listen to the stories and to the legends related to the sacred places and we will meet local people and projects engaged with passion in responsible development and in the promotion of the territory.
We will walk from Fonte Avellana, quoted in the Divine Comedy, up to Santa Croce, decorated with Templar symbols, and then we will reach San Salvatore in Valdicastro where we will end our Way.
Arrival at the hosting facility in the afternoon, followed by a group meeting with the representatives of ViaggieMiraggi, and accommodation.
Visit to the Monastery of Fonte Avellana. An authentic jewel laid out on the slopes of Monte Catria, this is where Dante Alighieri used to stop during his travels and which, nowadays, is home to a small community of Camaldolese monks, still preserving millennial traditions.
Dinner, overall explanation of the journey, overnight stay.
Day of hiking along the path leading to the Abbey of Sitria, another Camaldolese structure built by San Romualdo. The Saint lived in Sitria for seven years and was walled up alive for a period of six months. During our visit, Alessandro, an enthusiast inhabitant of these lands, will guide us through the history of the Abbey, allowing for a break before moving forward.
The tour will then proceed towards Mount Strega and the small village of Montelago, an old outpost of the Gauls during the pre Romanesque period. After crossing the meadows of Mount Foria, a descent leads to the Abbey of Sant’Emiliano in Congiuntoli; a visit the old temple complex that lies along the Rio Freddo, not far from the border with Umbria, will be possible.
From there we’ll reach Sassoferrato, a small village perched on a hill. Full of art and history, its position dominates the surrounding landscape. In Sassoferrato we will meet young people working in the management of the local museum network and will get a better understanding of their projects and activities.
Accommodation, dinner and overnight stay.
Length: 18 km – Difference in elevation: 650 m
Breakfast, followed by a visit to the Museum of Archaeologyl and the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions, learning more about the history of the small village.
Departure for the Abbey of Santa Croce. Another example of a Templar settlement, Santa Croce is, among all, rich in mysteries, legends
and ancient symbols carved on the capitals of the columns. Thanks to the work of local volunteers it is currently open to visits and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
From here a quiet walk will first lead us to the village of San Fortunato, where we will have lunch, then straight to Genga. From there we’ll continue to the small village of San Vittore alle Chiuse, just on the outskirts of the Gola di Frasassi natural park, along the Sentino river. After dropping luggage in our rooms, we’ll have the chance to chill out in a hot spring pool and recover from the hike. A visit to the enchanting Benedictine Abbey of San Vittore alle Chiuse, and the nearby Speleo-paleontological Museum will provide us with a broader historical and natural overview of the territory crossed along the journey.
Dinner at a restaurant, overnight stay.
Length: 16 km – Difference in elevation: 550 m
Breakfast, then off to Monte Revellone, along Gola della Rossa. Here we will encounter the evocative remains of the Hermitage of Grottafucile, erected around 1000 AD by San Silvestro. Housed in an old Roman quarry, what remains of the complex makes up for one of the most striking sights in the area. Here we’ll stop, relax and listen to the tales involving another religious order born in the Apennines: the Silvestrini.
Following a gorgeous scenic path, we’ll approach the small village of Castelletta. It is one of the strategic settlements raised in defence of the nearby city of Fabriano. There we can visit the Park house and gain a better understanding of the environmental context in which we are walking, as well as the activities intended to promote the area and the educational projects in
schools.
Accommodation, after which dinner will be prepared as a team. In the evening, a clear sky shall allow for sky gazing during an engaging activity arranged with the planetarium. Overnight stay.
Length: 13 km – Difference in elevation: 780 ma
After breakfast, we’ll leave Castelletta trodding along a path through the woods, headed to the fascinating Vall’Acera. Surrounded by beech trees and an evocative atmosphere, it’s certainly one of the wildest trails to be encountered during the journey, stretching entirely through the woods and reaching the Abbey of Saint Salvatore in Valdicastro. The last leg unfolds along a narrow panoramic road where Saint Romualdo spent the last days of his life. The complex has been restored and today, in addition to the historical part displaying the main church and the crypt, it houses a facility that receives tourists. The cooperative running it is engaged in the breeding and production of organic meat, a true landmark in the entire province.
After the acquaintance with the owners and the explanation of their history, accommodation in the facility, dinner and overnight stay.
Length: 10 km – Difference in elevation: 500 m
Day 6
After breakfast, depending on the return schedule of participants, final greetings with the representatives of ViaggieMiraggi and farewell.
This programme may be subject to change, both before and during the trip, depending on weather conditions, national holidays, personal needs of the travelers and of the hosts.
Necessary equipment: hiking shoes/boots, 1 liter thermos flask, rain jacket or poncho, 20/30 liter hiking backpack, full brim hat, sunscreen, personal effects.
The tour will be lead by an environmental hiking guide who will introduce travellers to landscape, flora and fauna, history, culinary aspects and local folklore encouraging interest and engagement.
The trip is suitable for people who are able to walk at least four hours a day, who have a minimum of training and are in good health condition. It is not suitable for children.
June and September.
Price per person from | ||||
10-12 people | 8-11 people | 6-7 people | ||
Adults | € 440 | € 460 | € 490 |
FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONCERNING THE PRICING TAB YOU MAY CONTACT THE AGENT
What is included:
What is not included:
All quotations are subject to availability at the time of confirming a booking
The minimum number of participants required to complete the trip is 6 people. Travellers will be informed 15 days prior to departure, in order to confirm.
For registration terms and conditions please consult the following website: Come viaggiamo – italy.viaggiemiraggi.org
For further information feel free to contact us:
• italia@viaggiemiraggi.org
via Trieste 4 – 35121
Traversa Solfatara, 3 – 80078 Pozzuoli (NA)
italia@viaggiemiraggi.org
Con la collaborazione tecnica dell’agenzia “Viaggi e Miraggi ONLUS per il Turismo Responsabile”, iscritta all’Albo Società Cooperative con il n. A145055 del 25/03/2005. Per informazioni: www.viaggiemiraggi.org. Polizza assic. RC n° 1505002386/E stipulata con Nobis Compagnia di Assicurazioni S.p.A.