Colle dell'Orso

Introduction
Abruzzo/Molise Italy
Ride with the wild horses and visit the enchanting Magic Forest!

Come explore the Alto Molise with its rolling hills, vast meadows, and forest lands from the comforts of a Western saddle and one of our handsome and trusty Quarter horses, Appaloosas, or Paints.  In this rural and unspoiled part of Italy, far from the crowds, “festina lente” (hurry slowly) is part of the life-style, as are traditional late dining hours. We may not always be able to keep a strict time-table, but we do hope you will enjoy the “dolce vita”, the delicious Italian cooking and excellent wines, untouched nature, and absence of stress!  Things were not so quiet long ago -  it took the Romans three centuries of warfare before they finally conquered the region, which then became part of the infamous Roman Empire (79 B.C) and with this ride we wish to share with you the history and beauty of our location. First, we offer you a couple of relaxing days on the farm, which itself impressively dates back to 1885, and from here we have gentle explorations nearby before we head out on our big trek.  Our trail will start with a visit  the remains of a Semitic temple and then follow the Tratturo Castel di Sangro - Lucera. A Tratturo, a 2000 years old track that is still used to move cattle from the far south! We will ride across a splendid plateau with a variety of cherished views and then we enter the "Valley of the Bear". The trail will get steeper, climbing to an 3,700 ft elevation over narrow paths and through beech-woods with carpets of leaves, and enjoying the most splendid views of the Abruzzi and Matese Mountain ranges with impressive peaks of approximately 6,500 feet. And low and behold we will come upon the biggest attraction of the ride - the semi-wild horses which live on the huge mountain plateau (sightings of wild horses are not guaranteed)! From the end of April until the beginning of November there can be hundreds of them! A thrilling canter with one of these herds is truly an unforgettable experience! But even after we see the wild horses, the adventure still continues onward to the Magic Forest, an enchanting woodland completely sheltered by rocks with only two ways of access- a unique and special ride. Finally we ride through Civitanova del Sannio a pre-roman Semite settlement and follow the Trigno to Pescolanciano, climbing the hills that border on the UNESCO protected forest of Collemelucio and eventually we find ourselves back home of the farm for a delicious farewell dinner! The farm is at the edge of the woods and overlooks a beautiful valley. The nearest neighbours live in Carovilli, a little village 4 miles away. This is the right place to relax one final night and get away from it all.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights are spent in different locations. You will be staying in 4 different locations total.

Description
The accommodations for this trip have been selected for you to enjoy Italy's rural hospitality. They host all you need in cozy, authentic accommodations ranging from a rustic mountain lodge to a nice hotel. Most of the accommodations do not have WIFI access on this trip and there are no laundry facilities available on this trip.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Farmhouse
Night 3: Agriturismo in Roccasicura
Night 4 & 5: Rifugio Colle dell'Orso
Night 6: Civitanova del Sannio



Farmhouse
The farmhouse, dating from 1885, is situated at almost 3,000 feet above sea level. The house is at the edge of a forest and overlooks a beautiful valley. The nearest neighbours live in Carovilli, a little village 4 miles away. The front of the house faces a large oak forest whereas the rear offers a splendid view of the mountains and a valley.
The house is not very big, but quite comfortable. It was completely renovated in 2003. The living-room has a nice fireplace, a piano, and a modest library. There is 1 double room upstairs and a dormitory with four single beds and one double bed downstairs. There are 2 bathrooms with all modern conveniences.
** If you do prefer more privacy on these days, we can arrange for a room (with private bath) in the nearby B&B (8 minutes drive by car) with a supplemental charge - transfers are provided. Or if you are the last riders to book (numbers 9 and 10) you will be accommodated there as well and will have to pay this supplement.

Agriturismo in Roccasicura
The house is a beautiful stone building that was recently restored. It offers great views over the valley below. The 6 bedrooms all feature a unique decor and they all have private facilities. There is free Wi-Fi access at this property.

Rifugio Colle dell'Orso in Frosolone
This mountain refuge consists of a little stone house with shared facilities (2 toilets and 1 shower). Upstairs there are 3 cozy dormitory-style bedrooms (no single rooms available here). You will have to chop some wood in order to feed the fire pit and get hot water. Weather permitting, you can sleep outside on the veranda and watch the sky full of stars. There is no Wi-Fi access here.

Hotel in Civitanova del Sannio
All rooms are classically furnished and come equipped with a TV and private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi access is available in common areas.

Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, a single supplement fee applied.
Single room accommodations are subject to availability.



Meals
All meals are included for this trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8.

You can be assured that at all these destinations you will be comfortable and very well fed. You will never go hungry here! Our own testers called the food 'imaginative and delectable' and 'original and sumptuous'! The food is wonderful with great care being taken to provide local specialties cooked with fresh ingredients.  Carmine used to own a restaurant and this is apparent from the wonderful recipes he shares with his guests. The tiramisu is the very best!

Breakfast is usually 'continental'. Expect a lot of delicious pasta, salads, cheese, and bread. You will also taste the juiciest, sweetest tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, tasty salami, and other delights like tiramisu and fresh peaches.
Lunchtime often consists of salami, cheese, and bread picnic-style, accompanied with a glass of crisp wine.

Wines and beers are included during meals. All other drinks must be paid for.

Fund for refreshments and snacks
For the trek we collect Euro 40 per person to go into a mutual fund for refreshments on our way plus drinks and snacks other than at meals.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Level
Riders must be at least intermediate level to attend this ride. This means you are able to control a horse at ALL gaits, can mount and dismount unassisted, and are in good physical condition. There are areas where you will need to dismount and lead your horse. Therefore, you need to be in good shape.
We ride with western tack but experience in western-riding is not required.

Pace
The ride includes 5.5 riding days with long days in the saddle (5-7 hours). The horses have to climb and go down a lot. Therefore, the pace is generally not very fast. However, in the plateaus and in the valleys we make long canters. The safety of the rider and that of the horse is of paramount importance to us!

Tack
We use western saddles. All saddles have a little saddle bag on the horn.

Horses
The horses have been selected for their character, looks, and intelligence (mix of American Quarter Horses, cross-breeds, Haflinger, Appaloosa. Paint). The horses are willing and easy-going. They were all born in the mountains, so they are very reliable.
All year-long, they live in a herd which makes them a close group- besides, most of them are related in some way or the other. They can choose from the paddocks around the house or the stable, which is at a distance of 30 feet from the house.
The horses are trained gently and with a lot of patience.

Semi-Wild Horses
One of the big attractions of this trail are the semi-wild horses. If possible, we will try a round-up.

Guide
Carmine is a certified FISE (Federazione Italiana Sport Equestre) guide. He speaks Italian and English.

Age Restriction
We require all riders to be 12 years if traveling with and adult or 16 years if traveling alone.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary- subject to changes

Highlight of this trek are the cows and semi-wild horses which live on a huge mountain plateau.

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival 
You are expected to arrive on Saturday evening. After a welcome drink there will be dinner with your host/guide. A three-course Italian dinner will be served every night, accompanied by local wines.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse

Day 2 (Sunday): Introductory Ride
The morning is yours. You may sleep in, take your time over breakfast, do whatever you like. Before lunch, there is a safety-briefing. Then we groom and saddle up the horses, followed by a short demonstration in western riding. After lunch we do a test-ride (3 hours) to enable you to get acquainted with the horse you are going to ride on the trek. In the evening we visit the new riding centre inclusive Bistro from our host which is close by for a drink and later we get served a fresh prepared dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse

Day 3 (Monday): Ride through Alto Molise
At about 10 A.M. we leave the house and ride through Alto Molise with its hills, meadows and woods. Picnic is at an idyllic place. After lunch, we continue our way through the endless hills. At the end of the day, we arrive at an “agriturismo”. They await us for dinner, which is based on regional specialities.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Agriturismo in Roccasicura

Day 4 (Tuesday): Ride to Colle dell Orso
After breakfast, we continue the trail, following the Tratturo Castel di Sangro-Lucera. A Tratturo is a 2000 years old track that is still used to move cattle from the far south where grass is scarce in summer. After the Tratturo, we reach Pescolanciano with its old castle. Here, we stop for lunch, which will be served at a little restaurant. Next, we go to the Colle dell’Orso. The trail gets steeper, climbing about 1800 feet. The route leads us over narrow paths, through beech-woods with carpets of leaves. In the evening, we reach a mountain lodge where we dine and spend the night. First of all we take care of the horses. We sleep in dormitories in sleeping beds. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rifugio Colle dell'Orso

Day 5 (Wednesday): Ride around Colle dell Orso
Today is dedicated to the magnificent scenery of the plateau of Colle dell’Orso. During our ride, we will enjoy the most splendid views of the Abruzzi and Matese Mountain ranges, with peaks of approximately 6500 feet. The most impressive scene of all is, however, the herds of cows and semi-wild horses in the plains. We ride along or even transverse the herds. After this, it is time for the picnic. In the afternoon, the trail takes us to the so-called Magic Forest. This piece of woodland is completely sheltered by rocks and there are only two possible ways of access, which makes the visit quite adventurous. Leaving the Magic Forest, we go back to our mountain lodge. In the evening we make a camp-fire or light the fire in the fire-place to cook our barbeque.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rifugio Colle dell'Orso

Day 6 (Thursday): Ride back to the Valley
In the morning, we enjoy the beauty of the Colle dell’Orso, called Magic Mountain by some, just one more time. The picnic will be in the garden of a little church dating from 1704. In the afternoon, the route descends, leading us back to civilization. In the late afternoon, we leave the horses in a small riding centre. The riders will be taken to a cozy hotel in Civitanova and we will have pizza in a nearby village.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Civitanova

Day 7 (Friday): Ride back to Farmhouse
Today, we ride to the river Trigno. It has been dammed, creating an enormous artificial lake. We follow the Trigno to Pescolanciano, climbing the hills that border on the forest of Collemelucio. This is one of the forests protected by UNESCO. The project is called Man and Biosphere (MAB). Worldwide UNESCO protects 256 forests. Four of them are located in Italy; two of which in Molise. The last few miles on horseback take us over open heath land and dense oak-woods. At about 5 P.M. we are back at the farm-house, unsaddle the horses for the last time and enjoy the farewell dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Farmhouse

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Departure after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast

Due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances the program may have to be adapted.

Rates and Dates for Colle dell'Orso

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Isernia
Airport: Rome or Naples
Transfer: Isernia train station at 7:45 PM - drop off 9:30 AM on last day

Climate:
                                                Vastogirardi area

• make sure you bring warm clothing (even in late spring/summer):
• riding cap or hat
• trousers or jeans without thick seams
• shoes/boots with solid profile
• warm clothing (nights are chilly in the mountains, even in summer!)
• (long) chaps
• rain wear
• gloves
• pocket-knife
• flashlight
• sun-glasses
• sunscreen
• camera
• personal medication (if any)
• comfortable shoes (for the evenings)
• paper tissues