23 Set SIB – Castelluccio di Norcia and the magical Sibillini Mountains

A trekking tour on the Sibillini mountains, amidst enchanting views and excellent cuisine, in the little Italian Tibet.

In the green heart of Italy, between the majestic peaks of the Sibillini Mountains National Park, there’s a small and isolated hamlet where you can admire the world-renowned Castelluccio flowering. While staying in a cozy hotel, we will leave every day to discover the Sibilla Appenninica, through ancient pastoral alleys framed by highlands and mountains.

PROGRAM

SUNDAY: Arrival in the hotel and meeting with Francesco, our local guide who will accompany us during our excursions. After dinner, for those who wish, a brief night walk in the Val Canatra woods.
MONDAY: the Castelluccio flowering: a true wonder of nature. We start with a simple walk to admire the spontaneous flowering that will take your breath away. We leave from Castelluccio, going through the ancient alleys used by farmers, to plunge in a sea of flowers in Pian Grande, Pian Piccolo, and Pian Perduto. Back in the hotel, we relax enjoying the sunset over the plateau of Castelluggio, followed by dinner in a farmhouse.
TUESDAY: from Castelluccio to the pastures of the beautiful Patino’s peak. After breakfast in the farmhouse, we walk to Castelluccio for an easy ring excursion that lets us enjoy a beautiful view over Castelluccio’s plains. Later, we head to the enchanting beech woods to reach the high suspended pastures, over the old town of Norcia.
The 360° view covers the Umbrian, Sibillini, and Laga mountains. Back in the hotel, we spend the afternoon relaxing and have dinner together in the farmhouse.
WEDNESDAY: Vettore Mountain, the Sibillink King. Vettore is the highest mountain of the Sibillini but not the hardest to reach. From here, we stand next to the Gran Sasso-Laga group, and the Adriatic Sea! We can also observe the legendary Pilato Lake, hiding in the glacial amphitheater of Vettore mountain. If we are lucky enough, we might even spot one of the Golden Eagles that frequents this area. Back in the hotel, we relax enjoying the sunset over the plateau of Castelluggio, followed by dinner in a farmhouse.
THURSDAY: the imperial ring of the Sibillini. Today we head for an excursion to the eastern side of Pian Grande and its beautiful fields of flowers. Down the imperial road, we pass through the Capanna Ghezzi’s refuge, the spires of Palazzo Borghese’s mountain, and Argentella Mountain. We also visit Fonte delle Fate, a natural terrace on the plateau surrounded by the mountains. Here, we descend towards down the Forca Viola path back to the farmhouse.
FRIDAY: Pian Piccolo’s ring. After breakfast, we set out for a walk through woods, prairies, and beautiful panoramas around the smallest of the three plateaus of Castelluccio. In the afternoon, we go to Norcia for ice cream. For those who wish, we can visit the Corno river’s gorge for an hour of soft rafting. We relax in the hotel for the afternoon and have dinner.
SATURDAY: After breakfast, we say goodbye to the mountains and the flowering before leaving.
Important: Program may vary depending on weather conditions and guide decisions.

INFO

Holiday code: SIB19
Where: Umbria – Sibillini Mountains – Perugia
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Tardioli, located in front of Castelluccio’s old village, in a panoramic and strategic position. Family-run, authentic, and thoughtful hospitality with exquisite local cuisine. Discover the hotel here.
Guide: one of Jonas’ own
Individual price: €620
Single room fee: €150
Individual use of double room: €300
Includes: accommodation in double/triple shared rooms, half board, guided tours, health, and luggage insurance.
Does not include: Journey, drinks, city tax, and anything not listed in the “Includes” section.
To note: this vacation is dog-friendly! Dogs or medium-sized animals are permitted but cannot enter the dining room and wellness center. Dogs can be brought to excursions with a leash unless otherwise indicated from tour-leader. We ask for the highest respect to the group and the surrounding environment. We remind that pets are not used to long-distance walking uphill and in warm weather. Typically, the hotel requires a daily fee and possibly a final cleaning fee for the room, paid on the spot. Food and necessary items for the animal are the client’s responsibility. By law, animals need to be covered by RC insurance, if you haven’t stipulated it, you can request a price quote.

USEFUL INFORMATION:
The itinerary is suitable for people with modest training. The inclination goes from 100 to 1000 m, with an average length of excursions from 5 to 7 h.
The flowering is at its peak between late June and early July.