Flower Experience: Norcia and the Sibillini Mountains

SIBILLINI MOUNTAINS - UMBRIA

Flower Experience: Norcia and the Sibillini Mountains

per person

A multi-activity adventure in the Sibillini Mountains: hiking, biking, and rafting to discover the colorful landscapes of the Castelluccio plain, medieval villages, and the delicious cuisine in the heart of ‘Italy’s little Tibet’.

In the green heart of Italy, among the imposing and fascinating peaks of the Sibillini Mountains National Park, there’s a fabulous plateau that, between late June and early July, becomes the stage for a natural spectacle, which is unique in the world: the “flowering of Castelluccio”. This is definitely a vacation where boredom is forbidden and you can indulge your desire for activity with white-water rafting on the Corno River, a bike ride along the former Spoleto-Norcia Railway, group trekking through colorful landscapes and 360° panoramas, and thermal baths in the Tronto River.

  • Destination
  • Departure
    Sibillini Mountains - Umbria
1
Day 1
After you check in and have dinner at the hotel, you can go for a nice walk around Norcia. You'll pass through the main street, Piazza San Benedetto, and the beautiful gardens in the old town.
2
Day 2
Mount Bove: the grand loop among the summits and the valley! After breakfast, you will embark on an adventure to Frontignano di Ussita, where an incredible hike to the summit of Monte Bove awaits you. You will then return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon. In the evening, enjoy an aperitivo in the historic center of Norcia and a traditional dinner at a local restaurant. Route info: 16.5 km, difference in height: 780 m
3
Day 3
The flowering of Castelluccio and the hot spring in the Tronto river Are you ready to experience the most spectacular spontaneous bloom in the world? You will see it in the Piana di Castelluccio. You will walk along the ancient roads used for centuries by farmers and shepherds, and wander among Pian Grande, Pian Piccolo, and Pian Perduto to fill your eyes and heart with extraordinary beauty! In the afternoon, you will arrive in Acquasanta Terme, at the foot of the Monti della Laga, from where you can take an easy walk to the banks of the Tronto river and the paradisiacal corner of "Lu Vurghe". Here, warm thermal water gushes out with small natural pools where you can relax. You will then return to the hotel to enjoy a dinner of typical Umbrian products. Route info: 10 km, difference in height: 250 m
4
Day 4
Rafting and trekking You will reach the Karst doline of the so-called Pantani di Accumoli: a corner of paradise on the border between the Sibillini Mountains National Park and the ancient Bourbon Kingdom. Crossing enchanting woods, you will arrive at breathtaking views and pristine areas up to the banks of the small lakes. In the afternoon, you will descend to the banks of the Corno River to try rafting, which allows you to explore the Biselli Gorge from an inflatable boat! Return to Norcia and enjoy dinner at a restaurant. Route info: 8 km, difference in height: 280 m
5
Day 5
The Imperial Loop of the Sibillini Mountains You will embark on a stunning hike on the eastern side of Pian Grande di Castelluccio. Amidst the breathtaking flower fields, you will journey towards the Capanna Ghezzi refuge and the Dolomite spires of Mount Palazzo Borghese. Following the gentle ridge, you will make your way to Mount Argentella and the Fonte delle Fate, a natural terrace overlooking the plateau. From there, you will descend via the Forca Viola trail. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a restaurant in the evening.
Route info: 17.5 km, difference in height: 900 m
6
Day 6
Cycling along the former Spoleto-Norcia railway. You will reach Sant'Anatolia di Narco and be ready to cycle one of the most beautiful bike paths in Europe: the disused Spoleto-Norcia railway with a certified guide. Pedaling over bridges and through short tunnels, always overlooking the Valnerina and the Valle Umbra valleys, you will arrive directly in the historic center of Spoleto, where you can taste the award-winning gelato at the historic Crispini ice cream shop. In the afternoon, you will continue along the banks of the Nera River, passing the stunning Abbey of San Felice and Mauro and ending with a visit to a saffron-producing farm. Return for dinner. Route info: 50 km round trip, difference in height: 500 m
7
Day 7
One last look at the marvelous blossoming and the panorama of the Umbrian highlands and it's time to leave to go home.
Includes
  • double room accommodation
  • half board with wine and water
  • bike rental
  • rafting
Does not include
  • travel
  • lunches
  • tourist tax
  • anything not mentioned under 'Includes'