Italy - Molise: WWF oasis guardiaregia-campochiaro
From 807 €

Italy - Molise: WWF oasis guardiaregia-campochiaro

holiday package
Created: Monday, June 30, 2025
Ref ID: 29509097
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
807 €
Based on 2 adults
Created: Monday, June 30, 2025
Itinerary
Tours
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Day 1: Morcone

MORCONE (-/-/D)
Our journey begins in Morcone, an ancient village of Samnite origin, surrounded by a picturesque hilly landscape rich in olive groves, located near the border between Sannio and Molise. We’ll set off to explore a beautiful stretch of the Regio Tratturo Pescasseroli–Candela, eventually reaching the ancient Roman city of Altilia, a truly beautiful and historically moving site.
From Altilia, we’ll leave the tratturo to head to the old village of Guardiaregia, nestled on the northern slopes of the Matese mountains. This will be our base for discovering the WWF Oasis of Guardiaregia-Campochiaro, officially recognized as a Regional Nature Reserve. The area protects spectacular karst landscapes such as the Quirino Gorge, San Nicola waterfall, and the Pozzo della Neve and Cul di Bove caves—among the deepest abysses in Europe.
Spanning 3,135 hectares, it is one of the largest and wildest oases managed by WWF in Italy. The reserve is made up of three main environments:
The Gorges of the Quirino Stream, stretching 4 km between the village and nearby hills, from 800 to 600 meters above sea level.
The San Nicola Waterfall, around 100 meters high, with a seasonal flow that dries only in July and August.
Monte Mutria, the highest peak in the reserve at 1,823 meters, covered in dense beech forests.
Wildlife includes wolves and other typical Apennine species such as wildcats, badgers, red squirrels, wild boars, and roe deer. A rare Italian endemic species, the spectacled salamander (symbol of the reserve), also inhabits the area.
Birds of prey include the golden eagle, the rare lanner falcon, honey buzzard, and red kite. About 340 butterfly species—both nocturnal and diurnal—have been recorded here.

Pick-up from Benevento or Campobasso train stations between 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM, or arrival on your own at Agriturismo Yes Boss in Morcone. Dinner and overnight stay.


Day 2:

MORCONE / GUARDIAREGIA (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we mount our horses and begin riding along a stretch of the ancient Regio Tratturo Pescasseroli–Candela, one of five royal transhumance routes. In Morcone, the trail enters the tratturo near the Molise-Campania border. A wooden bridge over the Tammaro River connects the two regions.
The path ascends gently, with occasional steeper sections. Along the way, you’ll see stone markers and remnants of dry-stone walls that once guided herds. The area is rich in water, with fountains and troughs scattered along the route.
The landscape is mostly open, with low shrubs and wild herbs typical of uncultivated terrain.
Lunch will be a memorable experience among the ancient ruins of Saepinum (Altilia), a remarkably well-preserved Roman city. Known by some as the "Little Pompeii," this site allows visitors to walk through Roman streets, gates, and walls, and to feel immersed in history.
Saepinum lies at the intersection of two ancient roads: the Pescasseroli–Candela tratturo and the Matese–coastal road, occupying around 12 hectares within a square perimeter enclosed by Roman walls.
After lunch, we continue toward Guardiaregia, a village surrounded by nature and narrow alleys, nestled beside the dramatic Quirino Gorge. From here, we will continue exploring the WWF oasis the following day.


Day 3:

GUARDIAREGIA (B/L/D)
This day is a full immersion in one of Italy’s largest WWF oases: Guardiaregia-Campochiaro.
The landscape is breathtaking: mountains, waterfalls, gorges, and karst formations. The reserve spans over 2,000 hectares, ranging from 600 m to 1,823 m a.s.l. at Monte Mutria.
We’ll ascend the Molise side of the Matese Mountains, enjoying spectacular views during a picnic lunch.
In the afternoon, we dive into the hidden world of karst formations, visiting two of the most extraordinary abysses in Europe:
Pozzo della Neve, located in the beech forest of the WWF oasis, is part of a massive underground karst system. With a depth of 1,048 meters and over 8 km of passages, it's the deepest cave in the Matese and one of the deepest in Southern Italy.
Cul di Bove, also part of the karst complex, is 913 meters deep with 3,900 meters of passages. It features underground streams, lakes, and waterfalls.
These caves, with little decoration and often submerged sections, are among the most significant geological features in the region.
Pozzo della Neve is ranked 6th deepest in Italy and 51st in the world.


Day 4:

GUARDIAREGIA (B/L/D)
On our final day, we continue exploring the oasis to witness a natural wonder that has stood for over 500 years: the “Three Brothers” beech trees (I Tre Frati), massive century-old trees growing near the old road from Guardiaregia to Benevento.
Legend tells of three brothers who were hanged on these trees for cattle theft. On stormy nights, the wind and snow howling through their huge branches are said to echo the brothers’ final cries. Another tale links the area to post-unification brigands loyal to the Bourbon monarchy. In a secret meeting here, some were captured and one, Giacobbe, was executed by bayonet in Guardiaregia’s main square.
Farewell lunch and return transfer to Campobasso train station after 4:00 PM, or departure on your own.

Important Notes:
The itinerary described above is indicative and may be subject to change due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control.

Key Information
(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
Difficulty level: °°° (Intermediate)

Duration: 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
Difficulty: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
Accommodation: Agriturismo
Saddle type: Western
Horses: Appaloosa, Paint, and Quarter Horses – reliable and used to the terrain
Riding pace: Riders must be experienced and comfortable at walk, trot, and canter in open terrain
What to bring: Layered riding clothes, waterproof jacket (recommended year-round), insect repellent, sunscreen, protective helmet, water bottle
Type: Point-to-point trek with overnight stays in agriturismo

Accommodation
3 nights in agriturismo, rustic yet comfortable accommodations with private bathrooms.
Night 1: Agriturismo Yes Boss
Nights 2–3: Agriturismo Le Coccole
Packed lunches along the trail and homemade dinners featuring traditional local dishes (house wine and water included).

Guaranteed Departure Dates:
May 29 to June 1
September 18 to 21
Additional dates available on request from March to October, with a minimum of 3 participants

Group size: Min. 4 – Max. 10 participants

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
807 €
Based on 2 adults
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Destinations 2
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
Italiano
Included
• All meals as per program
• Round-trip transfer from Benevento or Campobasso station
• Wine and water with meals
• 3 overnight stays in a double room at a farmhouse (agriturismo)
• 2 and a half days on horseback
• Horses and equipment provided
• Support vehicles for luggage transfer
• Expert local guide speaking Italian and English
• Insurance covering medical assistance, medical repatriation, and baggage damage
Excluded
• Flights, trains and/or transportation to reach the starting point of the trek
• Meals not mentioned, airport taxes, drinks, tips, personal expenses
• Alcoholic beverages
• Anything not specifically mentioned under "the price includes"
• Optional or cancellation insurance