HIGHLIGHTS
Hike to the Top of Corno Grande – Weather permitting, we’ll reach the highest peak in Gran Sasso (2,914m)
Explore the Beautiful Lake Campotosto – Tour the lake and hike one of the surrounding peaks.
Discover the Stiffe Caves – with stunning underground waterfalls
Visit Santo Stefano di Sessanio – One of Italy’s most beautiful villages
Rocca Calascio – Wander around a spectacular castle ruin with panoramic views
Cable Car Ride to Campo Imperatore Plateau –
Wine Tasting – Sample fine wines from the Abruzzo region, including Montepulciano and Cerasuolo
Tour L’Aquila – Explore the historic capital of the Abruzzo region
Light Aircraft Flight – Take a 30-minute scenic flight over the local area (optional)
PRICES
The trip is £649 per person twin share
Room Supplements
Single room supplement £300 (based on 4 nights)
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
The price includes:
4 nights accommodation based on twin shared rooms.
Buffet breakfast each day.
2 set-menu 4-course dinners within the hotel.
A choice of guided hikes each day led by experienced hike leaders.
A local representative will provide local knowledge and assist with translation.
Airport & all local transfers
Tourist tax applicable for the above inclusions
Financial Consumer Protection according to Package Holidays and Tours Regulations 2018.
ITINERARY
Day One - Arrival
10:30 Your transport and hosts will meet at Rome Ciampino Airport and transfer you to your hotel.
We will then drive the two-hour journey to our accommodation in L'Aquila.
After arrival, enjoy some free time visiting the village and enjoying lunch.
In the afternoon, you can take a short walk around the hotel to familiarise yourself with the area.
19:00 A four-course dinner will be served in the hotel, where we will formally welcome you to AAA Hiking and answer any questions you may have.
Day Two - The High Mountains - Campo Imperatore Plateau Hikes & Cable Car
Before breakfast, the Event WhatsApp Group will share complete details of the expected weather and the day's options.
07:30 Buffet breakfast
08:30 We will depart the hotel on foot for a short walk to the cable car station (based at 1000m) for a 15-minute panoramic journey* to Campo Imperatore plateau (2000m). There will be three levels of the hikes available.
Our Energetic hike takes you to one of the Gran Sasso peaks (Corno Grande, Monte Corvo, Monte Prena) via mountain shelters en route. On a clear day, you can see the Adriatic Sea.
The Moderate hike will encompass the lower peaks of the Grans Sasso mountain range (Monte Aquila, Pizzo Cefalone). Equally impressive views await even from the lower peaks.
Finally, for those wishing to relax with a gentle walk, we recommend self-guided easy routes, including Monte Brancastello and Monte Portella) with a maximum ascent of 200m-300m.
Whether you seek an energetic adventure or a moderate forest walk, there's a perfect hike for everyone!
Return to the hotel via cable car.
19:00 A four-course dinner will be served in the hotel.
Day Three - Sightseeing, Caves & Wine Tasting
Before breakfast, the Event WhatsApp Group will share complete details of the expected weather and the day's options.
08:00 Buffet breakfast
09:00 Depart the hotel. The morning will be primarily dedicated to exploring some of the most beautiful villages in the area. These include Castel del Monte, the Fortress of Rocca Calascio, and Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Castel del Monte and Santo Stefano di Sessanio are on the list of "I Borghi Piu' belli d'Italia" (the most beautiful hamlets in Italy). The medieval fortress of Rocca Calascio has been the setting of a few movies.
There will be ample free time to walk around, shop, and take photos.
In the afternoon, we will head to the Caves of Stiffe. There, you will see one of Italy's very few underground waterfalls.
A short walk in the area is possible for those who don't want to visit the caves.
In the evening, we have organised a buffet dinner and local wine tasting from the Abruzzo region*. For those choosing not to join the wine tasting, we will propose a local restaurant in the area.
Day Four - The Campotosto Lake Day, Swimming & Hiking.
Before breakfast, the Event WhatsApp Group will share complete details of the expected weather and the day's options.
08:00 Buffet breakfast
09:00 We will all be heading to Campotosto Lake, where there will be three hiking options.
Our Energetic Hike will depart from Campotosto village (1320m) and ascend Monte di Mezzo (2048m) with breathtaking views over the lake. The moderate hike will depart Campotosto village (1320m) and ascend Monte Cardito (1592m).
The relaxing option involves a visit around the lake, with the option to swim, followed by time to enjoy the delights of Campotosto village.
We will have dinner at a local restaurant* with regional dishes in the evening.
Day Five - Visiting L'Aquila City & Departure Day
07:00 Buffet breakfast
09:00 Check out of the hotel before heading to L'Aquila, the central city of the Abruzzo region.
You will have the morning to walk around and visit different places. Your guides will be on hand to give recommendations of where to visit.
12:00 Depart for Rome Ciampino airport.
14:20 Drop off at Rome Ciampino Airport for your home-bound flights.
GETTING THERE
AAA Hiking has arranged transport between Rome Ciampino Airport and the hotel on your arrival day and will return you to these locations on your departure day. At the time of writing, these times align with Ryanair from London Stansted. You can capitalise on other flight options by extending your stay and enjoying sightseeing in Rome or relaxing in Pescara on the Adriatic Coast.
Arrival transfers have been arranged for collection from Rome Ciampino Airport;
12th September 2025 at 11:00
Departure transfers have been arranged for drop off at Rome Ciampino Airport;
16th September 2025 at 14:20
ACCOMMODATION
We will be based at the 3-star hotel, conveniently located in Fonte Cerreto, at the base of the mountain range. The hotel is in a tranquil area overlooking the valley of L'Aquila. It has a very mountain-hut feel but with all the comforts of a hotel.
The hotel has a small spa (4 people max) where you can book as little as one-hour sessions. These are charged locally, and facilities include a Steam Sauna, a Jacuzzi and a Dry Sauna.
A bathrobe, slippers and hot herbal tea are included.
FOOD
Buffet breakfasts are served daily in the hotel.
Lunches will be available in mountain huts or local venues for hiking or sightseeing.
Two set menu dinners serve a variety of regional dishes, and they are included, allowing you to explore and sample some of the other local cuisines in locally available venues.
WHAT TO EXPECT
AAA has hosted this event over the last twelve years and received positive feedback on the destination and the sightseeing options. We have now hosted getting on for 1000 events since our establishment in 2008. Our passion for the outdoors and great food has ensured we always delivered on these key aspects while maintaining good value.
This adventure is a perfect mix of exhilarating hikes, sightseeing breathtaking landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences in the heart of the Apennines. You will be able to explore alpine-like mountains, medieval villages, castle ruins, crystal-clear lakes, and spectacular views that have been the backdrop for many popular movies shot at Gran Sasso (Jean-Jacques Annaud's The Name of the Rose, Arnold Schwarzenegger's Red Sonja, Ladyhawke, King David, Keoma and The Barbarians).
This trip is suitable for people of all abilities. It is good to have a few guides and a cable car.
DIFFICULTY RATING
There will be at least two experienced hike leaders, plus a local guide for the more challenging hikes. Our hikes range from Moderate to Challenging, so there’s something for everyone! Depending on the weather, we plan to hike from the morning until mid or late afternoon, with a refreshing stop at a mountain hut.
The Energetic and Challenging group can expect to ascend between 800 and 1300 meters, while the Moderate hikes will enjoy a more manageable ascent of 500 to 700 meters.
On clear days, you’ll be able to spot the Adriatic Sea from the highest peaks, and with perfect air quality, you might even glimpse the Croatian coastline!
This is principally a hiking holiday. Please ensure that you come equipped to hike in all weather. We provide a complete kit list to help you prepare to get the most out of the holiday.
One question we are always asked is, “What determines the classification for the hike?" We have a guide to our hiking classification, which can be found here.
WEATHER
September is a beautiful time to visit this region. It tends to be cooler, with temperatures ranging from 9°C (48°F) to 15°C (59°F), making it ideal for hiking. Overall, the temperature variation in this region during September offers comfortable conditions for all outdoor activities.
REVIEWS
AAA is fortunate to host some fantastic people at our events. Many have met on our trips and gone on to build lifelong friendships. We are always grateful for reviews and feedback to improve our events.
Please check out the reviews we have received on the following platforms.
NOT INCLUDED
The price does not include:
Flights
Lunches
Cable car rides *
Any additional activities not stated above
Local buffet dinner and local wine tasting*
Alcoholic drinks and other incidentals
Travel insurance.
KIT LIST
The key items to remember for this hiking holiday are suitable hiking footware, hiking poles, and hiking clothing suitable for changing temperatures based on elevation. In addition to your bathing costume and a waterproof jacket, should it rain.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Supplements are available for a single room. Please see the room supplements at the top of the page.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have a question, check out our FAQ Page. If you can’t find an answer, don't hesitate to contact your host via Info@AAAHiking.co.uk.
Details for cancellations can be found within the Terms & Conditions.