Hilltop Hikes and Wildlife Watching in Italy's Hinterland

DAY 1 International Flight

Your Italy wildlife watching holiday begins today with a two-and-a-half-hour direct afternoon flight from London to Rome. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the picturesque town of Pescasseroli, a two-and-a-half-hour-journey away by car. Your accommodation for the night is a characterful hotel set within peaceful gardens, far from the tourist trail.

You'll have the chance to unpack and settle in before setting off at sunset to observe the wildlife in the nearby Abruzzo National Park, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Home to approximately 60 mammal species and 300 different bird species, the park is teeming with life. You'll have the chance to spot everything from deer and wolves to bears and wild boar, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera at the ready.

Return to your hotel for a delicious dinner and an early night ready for a jam-packed day tomorrow.

DAY 2 Wildlife Watching & Villalago Tour

Today, on the first full day of your Italy wildlife watching holiday, you will be setting off at sunrise for another wildlife watching session with a local guide. Some of the park's most representative species include the Abruzzo chamois, critically endangered Marsican brown bears and golden eagles. Though elusive, you may be lucky enough to catch sight of these amazing creatures while venturing deep into the forests with your guide. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the rewilding efforts in the area and the close connection between the local communities and the natural surroundings.

Return to your hotel for a late breakfast before being transferred by car to Villalago, a journey that takes approximately one-hour-and-20-minutes. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Villalago is an ancient fortified town perched high on the hillside surrounded by craggy mountains, deep valleys and the heart-shaped Lake of Scanno. You'll be given a tour of the town and its surroundings by a member of Salviamo L'Orso, an organisation that works to protect the Marsican brown bears in the area.

Refuel with a delicious lunch in a local restaurant before being driven back to your hotel for dinner and a well-earned early night.

DAY 3 Santo Stefano di Sessanio

After breakfast at your hotel this morning, you'll be transferred one-hour-and-40-mintes to the medieval hilltop town of Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Your base for the next three nights of your Italy wildlife watching holiday is a beautiful boutique hotel with atmospheric interiors, crackling fireplaces and a romantic candle-lit restaurant where you can feast on traditional Abruzzese cuisine.

We've left the afternoon free for you to enjoy at leisure. Take the time to wander the town's whimsical winding streets and admire the crumbling buildings and peaceful squares.

DAY 4 Home Time

Sadly, today is the final day of your Italy wildlife watching holiday. You will be collected from your hotel in Santo Stefano di Sessanio and driven just over two-hours back to Rome in plenty of time to catch your direct two-and-a-half-hour flight home.