Wolf and Bear Watching in Italy’s Wild Heart
The European Nature Trust, in partnership with Io Non Ho Paura Del Lupo and Salviamo l’Orso, presents an exclusive 5-night journey to Abruzzo, Italy. This trip will immerse you in one of Europe’s key strongholds for wolf and bear populations, while directly supporting their future through conservation action.
This is your opportunity to discover a hidden gem of Italy; to reconnect with nature and observe European bears and wolves with expert wildlife guides; and delight in local culture and Italian cuisine. You will meet passionate conservationists and biologists making a real difference. Drive nature’s recovery, through experience.
Why Choose the Bear and Wolf Adventure?
If you had to pick one spot in Europe to look for apex predators – to understand their ecology, their history, to experience the landscapes they regulate – experts would choose Abruzzo, Italy. In the Apennine mountains, sun-strewn peaks frame cascading, forested valleys, and ridgelines are coated in a rich blanket of beechwood.
Thriving ecosystems here are still regulated by apex predators, too, creating a mosaic of highly biodiverse forests, grasslands, valleys, and river systems. With iconic species such as the Marsican brown bear, chamois, wild boar, golden eagles, griffon vultures, and more, nature in Abruzzo is vibrant and alive. What’s more, here, in the wild heart of Italy, the world’s most captivating social predator makes its home. As a result, sounds of wolf howls ripple through the mountains, stirring the hearts of nature lovers.
Guided by our experts, you will have the best chance of observing wolves, which often requires patience and local knowledge. As you attune to the natural rhythms of Abruzzo in the soft light of summer, you will become alive to nature’s details. The sounds of woodpeckers drilling tree trunks, the shrieks of golden eagles above, and scratch marks left by the claws of Marsican bears in the bark of beech trees. And each evening, we return to the comfort of your charming hotel for authentic Italian food, wine, rest, and relaxation, ready for tomorrow’s adventure.
Wildlife and Landscapes of the Abruzzo National Park
Your Conservation Impact
A Conservation Success Story Still Being Written
Your trip will support critical conservation work led by two of Italy’s leading conservation NGOs: Salviamo l’Orso and Io Non Ho Paura Del Lupo. Ecologists from both foundations join you as guides for this experience.
Creating Solutions To Help Wolves and People Live in Peace
A part of Italy’s native flora, wolves are forever immortalised in the nation’s history, depicted nurturing the infant Romulus and Remus to health in the origin story of the Roman Empire. But like much of Europe, across the 18th and 19th centuries, humans intensely persecuted Italian wolves. As a result, numbers plummeted to less than 100 in the 1970s.
Here in the Abruzzo region, however, wolves found refuge in the cradle of the remote Apennines. Thanks to legal protections, Italy’s wolf populations have recovered to more than 3,500 today. But wolves are returning to areas from which they were historically driven, where agricultural practices have forgotten traditions of coexistence. This has led to a spike in human-wolf conflict. In Abruzzo, however, wolves have always been present. And our partners at Io Non Ho Paura Del Lupo are working to export this important model to achieve coexistence between wolves and humans in Italy.
Supporting the Expansion of Marsican Bears through Wildlife Corridors
There are only 60 Marsican brown bears left in Italy. So, they’re officially classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as “Critically Endangered”. And because Marsican bears are crucial seed dispersers and scavengers, they to regulate the health of ecosystems in the Apennines of Europe
However, pressure from humans over the past 2 centuries has led to their confinement to mountainous regions within the 50,000-hectare Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park. As a result, the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park has potentially reached ‘carrying capacity’, making it difficult for the bear population to grow. As such, the bears’ future depends on them being able to move to new protected areas and expand their territories. Our partners at Salviamo l’Orso are working in key wildlife corridors to create healthy, connected populations of bears and improve coexistence with communities.
50% Of Your Trip Cost Is A Donation
Your participation helps fund:
• Effective bear and wolf population monitoring
• Establishment of wildlife corridors between protected areas
• Community engagement and education
• Bear and wolf damage and conflict prevention
• Anti-poisoning and anti-poaching units
Meet The Conservation Partners & Guides
Io Non Ho Paura Del Lupo works to improve coexistence between wolves and humans. They deliver communication campaigns that improve understanding of the wolf’s ecological role and how to live effectively alongside the species, as well as tangible interventions that mitigate conflict with shepherd communities.
By working with local shepherds in the Apennine and Alpine regions of Italy, INHPL is enhancing predator-friendly livestock breeding practices and promoting the dissemination and adoption of preventative wolf-damage measures in farms and livestock-rearing activities. They’re also engaging the community with meaningful citizen science research programmes and monitoring the ecology of Italy’s wolf populations through field-based research.
Salviamo l’Orso is working to enhance bear habitats in Abruzzo and improve connectivity between them. The growth of the population relies on the bear’s expansion from the core areas of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park. To improve the condition of habitats, the forests and grasslands of the Central Apennines are being conserved and enriched. As a result, the foundation is planting native fruit trees, while pollinator diversity is being promoted to enable the regeneration of vegetation.
The foundation also works on preventing human-bear conflicts. The foundation is distributing electric fences and bear-proof waste bins, and unearthing traditional methods of coexistence. Salviamo l’Orso is combating the threat of road collisions, too, by installing acoustic and optical wildlife warning reflectors on road surfaces. Community is at the core of this coexistence project, with educational programmes and community events happening throughout the year. These raise continual awareness and advocacy for the Marsican bear in Italy.
Your Journey through the Abruzzo National Park
Day 1:
Your journey will begin with a collection from Rome Fiumicino Airport by Wildlife Adventures, our dedicated wildlife guide. Next, you’ll meet your host from The European Nature Trust, before setting off for our accommodation. This is a 2.5-hour drive to the charming town of Pescasseroli. After checking in, we’ll introduce you to the Abruzzo National Park and the surrounding areas. Then, we’ll head out for your first evening wildlife observation.
Day 2:
Our first morning in Pescasseroli starts early to look for wolves. After a coffee, we will drive along the southern slope of one of Italy’s most beautiful mountains with panoramic views. Depending on wolf movements in the region, we will try to observe wolves with the sunrise, keeping our eyes peeled for red and roe deer and other ungulates, including wild boar.
Next, after lunch and plenty of time to rest and relax at Villa Parco’s stunning new spa (with a state-of-the-art sauna and outdoor hydrotherapy pool), we will visit a local small-scale farm to taste local products and understand how shepherds here have lived alongside wolves for millennia. Later that evening, we will head out for more wildlife observation, trying to find bears and wolves.
Over dinner, Francesco Romito explains the principles of wolf ecology and how his foundation, Io Non Ho Paura Del Lupo, is working to improve the relationship between humans and wolves across Italy.
Day 3:
The day begins with an optional early morning wildlife observation, with more chances throughout the trip. After breakfast, we will be joined by the team from Salviamo l’Orso to understand how they are working in critical wildlife corridors to safely expand the population of Marsican brown bears. We will also visit one of their ‘Bear Smart Communities’ to understand how bear impacts are being mitigated. Next, we will enjoy a comfortable hike in the mountains this afternoon, tailored to suit all fitness levels with multiple guides available. In the mountains, we have the chance to see Griffon vultures, eagles, chamois, and other iconic species as we venture through ancient beechwoods.
Day 4:
This morning we will be met by the Directors of the Abruzzo National Park. We’ll learn here how the park authorities and NGOs are collaborating to protect the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage. After lunch, those that would like to stay overnight at Terraegna Mountain Refuge will head for a 2 hour hike to the stunning mountain hut. The hike is full of opportunities to learn about the deep interconnected ecosystem, and the role both bears and wolves play in maintaining it.
From the hut, we are in bear and wolf territory, allowing us plenty of chances in the evening to try and observe both species. Dinner is served with locally produced red wine and a log fire. And for those staying back at Villa Parco, we will enjoy a hike through beechwoods and evening wildlife observation.
Day 5:
On our last day, guests at the Terraegna Mountain Refuge will partake in morning wildlife observation before the return 2-hour hike down to Pescasseroli. Guests at Villa Parco will also enjoy morning wildlife observation, trying our chances to see wolves on the final day. Later, your transfer will take you back to Rome Fiumicino Airport for flight home or onward travel. Why not extend your stay with some nights in Rome?
Your Wolf and Bear Watching Accommodation
Villa Parco, Pescasseroli (4 nights, optional 5th)
Villa Parco is an intimate boutique hotel in Pescasseroli, set among the mountains and ancient beech forests of the Apennines within the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. Its nine rooms combine contemporary design with mountain views, while facilities include a stunning restaurant serving modern Abruzzese cuisine, a guest spa with sauna, Turkish bath and hydromassage, massage treatments, a garden and cosy fireplace.
Here, you’ll have the chance to unwind in boutique luxury after mornings and evenings spent looking for bears and wolves in the surrounding area. Enjoy the panoramic outdoor drinks terrace; return to stunning indoor and outdoor fires; rest and relax in the all-new, state-of-the-art spa and enjoy optional massage treatments.
Terraegna Mountain Refuge (1 night, optional overnight excursion)
Nestled in a remote wilderness setting within the Abruzzo National Park, Rifugio Terraegna offers an authentic ecotourism experience. The recently renovated mountain refuge features comfortable dormitory accommodation, a cosy dining room with wood-burning stove, and renewable-energy-powered facilities. There will also be a chef serving traditional Italian cuisine and locally produced wines.
Your hosts
Throughout the adventure, you’ll be accompanied by representatives from The European Nature Trust alongside local conservation experts and wildlife guides.
Join TENT Founder Paul Lister and learn about the vision of coexistence in Europe. Spend time with wolf and bear biologists from Italy’s leading wildlife foundation, who each day work tirelessly to build practical solutions for coexistence with large carnivores.
Francesco Romito
Vice President, Io Non Ho Paura Del Lupo
Umberto Esposito
Founder & Guide, Wildlife Adventures
Paul Lister
Founder, The European Nature Trust
Serena Frau
Bear Conservationist, Salviamo l’Orso
Frequently Asked Questions
While no wildlife sighting can be guaranteed, the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park is one of the most reliable locations for wolf watching in Europe. Your guides also have years of field experience and a deep knowledge of local wolf movement patterns. The itinerary is structured around dawn and dusk, too, when wolf activity is at its highest. As a result, sighting success has been strong on previous trips, and the multi-day format across known wolf territories maximises your chances.
The same applies to Marsican bears. You’ll have the best guides in the country, who have a deep understanding of bear ecology and where they are found at particular times of the year. And don’t worry, because bear watching is always conducted at a safe distance.
Very much so. The open mountain terrain, old-growth beechwood forest, and exceptional predator activity offer outstanding wildlife photography opportunities. Your guides will also position the group carefully and quietly for the best possible sightings. And while there’s no requirement to bring specialist equipment, those who do will find excellent conditions throughout the trip.
This trip suits most fitness levels. Activities include guided hikes of varying length, snow-shoeing, and time spent at observation points rather than sustained strenuous exertion. All in all, the pace is relaxed and adapted to the group. But if you have specific mobility considerations or health concerns, please mention these when you get in touch, and we’ll be happy to advise.
Yes, solo travellers are very welcome, and many of our solo guests find meeting like-minded wildlife lovers to be a highlight of the experience. Please note, however, that a 20% single supplement applies if you would like sole occupancy of your accommodation.
This experience is recommended for adults and young adults aged 14 and over. Wolf watching requires patience and quiet observation over extended periods, which makes it most rewarding for those who can engage fully with the pace of the experience. If you have any questions about suitability, please get in touch before booking. And if you have particularly interested children, we will certainly accommodate.
Full details on payment schedules, alongside the terms and conditions of your booking, will be provided when you express interest. We also require a 20% deposit payment to confirm your place(s). Full balance payment is then due 90 days before departure.
Villa Parco boasts a state-of-the-art sauna and spa facilities. Each day, we will have time for relaxation at the hotel. No activities are mandatory – if you would prefer to rest and recover, you are very welcome to.
Yes, you can see the full range of available treatments at Villa Parco here. These are made at an additional cost, and can be scheduled on your arrival.
Book Your Place.
Make An Impact
If you want to immerse yourself in Italy’s most beautiful natural area, where ancient traditions of human-wildlife coexistence are being unearthed, this is the trip for you.
Complete the enquiry form, and a member of the TENT team will be in touch to discuss availability and next steps for your booking.
