Castel del Monte conquers the visitor thanks to the surrounding scenery and its intricate streets, a few kilometers away, a jewel of the Abruzzo Middle Ages: Santo Stefano di Sessanio, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Calascio, with its characteristic houses- towers, is dominated by the marvelous Rocca. This castle is considered by National Geographic to be one of the 15 most beautiful in the world. In the surroundings, it is also possible to visit the Municipality of Barisciano, Carapelle Calvisio and Castelvecchio Calvisio.

Plan:

1st day: Arrival in Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Individual arrival in Santo Stefano di Sessanio. A tiny fortified village within the Gran Sasso National Park, Santo Stefano di Sessanio is an architectural jewel of the medieval period that has been completely preserved and perfectly integrated into the surrounding landscape. Meeting with Tour Leader and briefing. We will spend the afternoon visiting the historic village (2h). Stay and dinner. Difference in altitude: 50. Walking time: 2 h.

2nd Day: The ring of the lakes of the Racollo refuge, the high mountain trails. We will move with a transfer to the Racollo refuge (10 '). After buying some cheese from the shepherd, for the scheduled PIC NIC lunch stop, from there we will leave for our trekking / nature in the Gran Sasso National Park through the path that will take us to visit the three lakes Racollo, Bassaneta and Barisciano, offers wonderful views towards the Gran Sasso. On the path we will meet the ruins of the monastery of Santa Maria del Monte, in less than an hour, from where you can enjoy a magnificent landscape. The return to the Refuge will allow us to stop. Return, stay and dinner. Difference in altitude: 400. Travel time: 5 h

3rd Day: Rocca Calascio, Ladyhawke's castle. From Santo Stefano di Sessanio we will take the road to Campo Imperatore on foot. Across a plateau and then uphill in a valley (the Val Pareta) we will reach a road halfway up the coast. From there we will go up to the Renaissance oratory of Madonna dei Monti and to the fortress of Rocca Calascio, through the Monte delle Croci. The medieval fortress will welcome us with all its magnificence. Set of many films including Ladyhawke, The Name of the Rose, will fascinate us for its beauty. We will go down to the village of Calascio for a break before returning to Santo Stefano. Stay and dinner. Difference in altitude: 400. Travel time: 4 h

Total km: 20