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Trekking by Molise lakes

Walking and hiking Occhito and Guardialfiera Lakes

“Trekking by Molise lakes” will explore the two principal lakes of the Molise Region, the Occhito and Guardialfiera Lakes, and the hills that surround them. It connects the pre-Apennine environments of the two lakes with the luxuriant rural environments, with the architecture of some small villages and coenobiums in the open countryside, with the excellent culinary tradition of Molise, as well as with the uniquenes of the Croatian-Molise community. In addition, it allows you to be introduced to the phenomenon of transhumance, getting to know three Regi Tratturi (the sheep tracks): from Castel di Sangro-Lucera to Ateleta-Biferno, passing through Celano-Foggia.

The travel day by day

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Campobasso and meeting with Professional Nature and Interpretative Guide.
Transfer to Gambatesa by minivan and/or by car.
Accommodation and explanation of the journey.
Dinner at restaurant.
Night in different guest houses, in twin rooms with shared bathroom.

The meeting point with the guide could be Termoli too. Private transport by minivan and/or by car from Termoli to Gambatesa requires a supplement, based to how many people use it.

Day 2

After the breakfast, starting of walking day from Gambatesa to La Foresta district (Macchia Valfortore).
Packed lunch.
Dinner in a farmhouse.
Night in farmhouses, in twin rooms with private bathroom.

We visit the castle di Capua and the historic center of Gambatesa, then descend into the valley of the Tappino stream and meet what remains of the Regio Tratturo Castel di Sangro-Lucera. After crossed the stream, we walk at the base of the pinewood of Macchia della Terra. Then we get on Colle della Putina and then go down to lake of Occhito. Arrived at the large reservoir, we take the long white trail that leads up to the farmhouse. Along the way we can enjoy the shade of different woods, meet cultivated fields, olive groves and vineyards and admire the many panoramic balconies overlooking the lake.

TECHNICAL FEATURES OF THE JOURNEY
DURATION: 5 hours and half (rest-times not included)
LENGHT: 22 km
TOTAL DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 730 metres up, 940 metres down
DIFFICULTY: easy

Day 3

After the breakfast, starting of walking day from La Foresta district (Macchia Valfortore) to Ripabottoni.
Packed lunch.
Dinner at trattoria.
Night in bed-and-breakfasts, in twin rooms and private bathroom.

From the farmhouse, we continue walking along the lake of Occhito until going up the valley of the Cigno stream and meet the Regio Tratturo Celano-Foggia. We follow it until crossing the hill of Monte Castello and turn right onto Colle Guardiola, from which we can admire the hills that slope down to the coast, the Adriatic Sea, Matese Apennine and a large slice of central and western Molise.

TECHNICAL FEATURES OF THE JOURNEY
DURATION: 6 hours (rest-times not included)
LENGHT: 21 km
TOTAL DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 1080 metres up, 620 metres down
DIFFICULTY: moderate

Day 4

After the breaksfat, starting of walking day from Ripabottoni to Guardialfiera.
Lunch at the bar.
Dinner in a farmhouse.
Night in farmhouses, in twin rooms with private bathroom.

From the village of Ripabottoni we descend on Regio Tratturo Celano-Foggia. Then we climb a hill close the village of Morrone del Sannio. From here, we descend an ‘interpoderale’ road next to the wonderful convent of San Nazario and the fascinating abbey of Santa Maria in Casalpiano, which goes back to what was once the link between the Roman cities of Bovianum and Geronium. Once left the monastic complex, we keep going down to the bed of the river Biferno, and then run along the first shores of Lake Guardialfiera.

TECHNICAL FEATURES OF THE JOURNEY
DURATION: 5 hours (rest-times not included)
LENGHT: 20 km
TOTAL DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 500 metres up, 725 metres down
DIFFICULTY: easy

Day 5

After the breakfast, starting of walking day from Guardialfiera to Acquaviva Collecroce.
Packed lunch.
Transfer by minivan and/or by car to farmhouse for the rest.
Dinner in a farmhouse.
Night in a farmhouse, in twin rooms with private bathroom.

We run a large slice of Lake Guardialfiera, almost to the dam, and then climb up a hill, among cultivated fields, olive groves and farms. Once climbed up Colle Coppere, we go down to Scorciabove valley and climb up the opposite side of the valley. Crossed the Regio Tratturo Ateleta-Biferno, we follow it up to the entrance of Acquaviva Collecroce.

TECHNICAL FEATURES OF THE JOURNEY
DURATION: 5 hours (rest-times not included)
LENGHT: 19 km
TOTAL DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 820 metres up, 560 metres down
DIFFICULTY: moderate

Day 6

Time to say goodbye and go back.
After the breakfast, transfer by minivan and/or by car from farmhouse to Termoli.
Visit of the historical center and transfer to the railway or bus station of Termoli.
Otherwise, transfer by minivan and/or by car to Campobasso for departure from the main city.

Travel information

This program may be to change, before and during the journey. Changes are based on the climate, the needs of travelers and the people that host the group of travelers.

Local representative

During the stay, professional nature and interpretive AIGAE guide will be at your disposal.

Level of difficulty

Moderate (out of five categories: Easy, Moderate, Medium, Challenging, Difficult): 4 walking days, covering a total distance of 82 km. The trail contains numerous flat trails and only a few uphill and downhill walks. Altitude differentials average 500 meters per day, both uphill or downhill, but do not have steep slopes. This itinerary is suitable to everybody, however mountain-walking training is desirable. The trails do not pose major challenges. The majority of the itinerary involves walking, except for brief segments by car. The overnight stays are comfortable.

Available dates

This programme is available for the dates mentioned on the website www.italy.viaggiemiraggi.org.

Prices

Price for a travel of 6 days/5 nights

	Price per person from
	8-12 people
Adults	620,00

FOR FUTHER DETAILS CONCERNING THE PRICING TAB YOU MAY CONTACT THE AGENT

What is included:

All breakfasts, packed lunches and dinners
All nights in twin rooms with private bathroom, the first night excepted (twin rooms with shared bathroom)
Luggage transport and transfer during the six days in Molise
Tickets to castle di Capua

What is not included:

Trip from the own residence, with any transport, to and from Molise
For single rooms with the first partners you have to add 60 €
The Filodiretto Assistance Trip Cancellation Coverage is purchasable
at the agency within 32 days before the departure date
Injury insurance can be activated on request

All quotations are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.