Italy: Molise: the ancient tratturi of molise
From 807 €

Italy: Molise: the ancient tratturi of molise

holiday package
Created: Monday, June 30, 2025
Ref ID: 28866161
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
807 €
Based on 2 adults
Created: Monday, June 30, 2025
Itinerary
Tours
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Day 1: Colletorto

Few know that it is still possible to ride along the ancient tratturi on horseback… and with this itinerary, you will discover the full charm of these historic routes, once traveled by men and animals, free and stubborn, guided only by the rhythm of the seasons, the stars, and the moon. We will tell you their story and relive, as we ride, what once took place here.
The "Royal" Tratturi, so called because they belonged to the kingdom, are grassy paths that shepherds used to move livestock seasonally from one pasture to another (transhumance). In Italy, the network of these routes spans about 3,100 km between the mountainous inland areas of Molise and Abruzzo, ending in the Tavoliere delle Puglie. The Regi Tratturi are a precious testimony to pathways preserved almost intact for at least seven centuries.
A horseback trek through Molise is like flipping through a series of unexpected photographs: shrubland and woodlands become vast fields of olive trees and cereals; meadows of broom and wild roses give way to rocky outcrops (morge); truffle-rich forests transform into towering Apennine mountains.
This is a journey back in time, a sustainable, unique, and memorable experience.
We will depart from Colletorto, a small town in the province of Campobasso, and begin this journey through valleys, villages, ever-changing vegetation, and unique rock formations.
We will ride slowly to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us, seeking our most profound roots. In the serenity and freedom of forgotten pastoral paths, we will rediscover a lost world.
The main Regi Tratturi are five, named after their end points:
L'Aquila-Foggia (244 km)
Pescasseroli-Candela (221 km)
Celano-Foggia (208 km)
Centurelle-Montesecco (155 km)
Castel di Sangro-Lucera (130 km)
The longest is the L'Aquila-Foggia (244 km) closer to the Adriatic, while the second longest is the Pescasseroli-Candela (221 km) closer to the Tyrrhenian.
We will ride along the third tratturo, the most inland, ideally inserted into the vast network of transhumance routes: the Celano-Foggia tratturo. We will cover 90 of its 208 km, traveling through a landscape rich in history and tradition.

COLLETORTO (-/-/D)
Arrival should be planned by dinner time at Equiturismo De Girolamo in Colletorto, or transfer available from Termoli or Campobasso train stations between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM.
Accommodation in an agriturismo and horse assignment for the following day. Dinner and overnight stay.


Day 2: Colletorto

COLLETORTO / CASTELBOTTACCIO (B/L/D)
After breakfast, departure.
In the first few kilometers, contrary to its usual northwest direction, the tratturo heads southwest, resuming its northwest course only after Ripabottoni.
On this first day, the route features many elevation changes, crossing valleys such as that of the Cigno stream below Sant'Elia a Pianisi and that of the Biferno river. The landscape is characterized by shrubs, small woods, olive groves, and cereal fields.
The Cigno stream can be easily forded, followed by an ascent towards Ripabottoni. We will pass close to the town and leave Morrone behind on the right.
In this area, the tratturo is rich in broom and wild roses, with sections full of sulla and scorzonera plants.
Crossing the Biferno is more challenging due to its abundant water. After the crossing, an ascent will bring us to Castelbottaccio, a small Molise village and our halfway point for the day.
Dinner and overnight stay in an agriturismo.


Day 3: Colletorto

CASTELBOTTACCIO / CIVITANOVA DEL SANNIO (B/L/D)
After breakfast and preparing the horses, the group sets off again.
We will rejoin the tratturo near Colle Marasca, at an altitude of 900 meters, where the ancient "green highway" can be fully appreciated with its 111-meter width.
We will ride from the Biferno River towards the Trigno River. Numerous morge (rock outcrops) dot the path, including the notable Morgia Sant'Angelo, known as the "lioness" due to its shape resembling the feline, and once a prehistoric and Longobard settlement devoted to Saint Michael the Archangel.
A packed lunch will be enjoyed halfway, with time to rest.
The route crosses the villages of Salcito and Bagnoli del Trigno, before reaching Civitanova del Sannio in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay in an agriturismo.


Day 4:

CIVITANOVA DEL SANNIO / COLLEMELUCCIO (B/L/-)
After breakfast, we ride out for the final stretch of our fascinating journey along the Celano-Foggia tratturo.
Entering upper Molise, the landscape changes dramatically, featuring vast oak forests.
We will be riding at about 1,000 meters altitude, breathing fresh mountain air.
The group will head towards Carovilli in the province of Isernia.
Along the way, we will leave the tratturo and head into the woods towards the Altavia restaurant and bistrot, close to the UNESCO-listed Collemeluccio-Montedimezzo Biosphere Reserve, where we will have lunch.
Time for relaxation, farewells, and transfer back to retrieve personal vehicles (or shuttle transfer to Campobasso or Isernia stations after 5:00 PM).

Note: The itinerary described above is indicative and subject to change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

Legend:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Difficulty: °°° (Intermediate)
Accommodation: Agriturismo (farm stays)
Equipment: Western saddle
Horses: Appaloosa, Paint, and Quarter Horses, reliable and accustomed to the routes proposed
Pace: Riders must be experienced and confident at walk, trot, and canter in open terrain
What to Bring: Layered riding clothing, waterproof jacket in all seasons, insect repellent, sunscreen, protective helmet, water bottle
Type: Itinerant horseback trekking with overnight stays in agriturismos

Accommodation Details:
3 nights in rustic but comfortable farm stays with private bathrooms
Night 1: Equiturismo De Girolamo
Night 2: Agriturismo Le Morge
Night 3: Villa Lalli (some rooms may have shared bathrooms)
Packed lunches along the route and traditional local cuisine for dinners (house wine and water included).

Guaranteed departure date:

May 15th to May 18th
Other departure dates available upon request from March to October with a minimum of 3 participants.

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
807 €
Based on 2 adults
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This idea includes
Destinations 1
Accommodations 3
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
Italiano
Included
All meals as per itinerary
Round-trip transfer from Termoli/Campobasso stations (at specified times)
Wine and water with meals
3 nights accommodation in double rooms at agriturismos
2.5 days of horseback riding
Horses and riding equipment
Support vehicle for luggage transfers
Expert local guide (Italian/English-speaking)
Basic insurance (medical assistance, repatriation, baggage damage)
Excluded
Flights, trains, or other transport to the starting point
Meals not mentioned, airport taxes, beverages, tips, personal extras
Alcoholic beverages beyond house wine
Anything not listed under "Included"
Optional extra insurance or cancellation coverage


Accommodation
- Equiturismo De Girolamo
- Agriturismo Le Morge
- Villa Lalli