Mindtrek in Abruzzo

In the early afternoon, you will meet your guide and travel companions at the Ecoluxury Retreat Sextantio in Santo Stefano di Sessanio.

After check-in and a short introduction to the tour, you will take your first hike to the small lake and surrounding plain, where you’ll have your first outdoor meditation experience.

Return to the hotel for dinner.

After breakfast, you will depart on foot from Santo Stefano di Sessanio, one of the most charming and authentic villages of the Apennines, for an itinerary steeped in nature and history.

Along the way, you’ll pause once or twice for meditation in enchanting spots where a prized variety of lentils is still cultivated — a symbol of the traditional, sustainable agriculture that defines this region. Your path will lead you to Rocca Calascio, the highest fortress in the Abruzzo Apennines and one of Italy’s most fascinating castles, renowned for its fairytale-like atmosphere and the breathtaking panorama that surrounds it. Here, you will enjoy a picnic lunch on a natural terrace with spectacular views of the mountains and valleys below.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the nearby village of Calascio, a small treasure trove of traditions where ancient crafts such as weaving are still practiced by local artisans. It’s the perfect stop to enjoy a coffee and soak in the authentic local atmosphere.
The day will conclude with a beautiful walk along a ridge path offering stunning views, before returning to Sextantio for dinner and overnight stay.

Today, you’ll explore the majestic Campo Imperatore plateau, reached by a comfortable transfer — a little-known pass that amazes both first-time visitors and those familiar with it.

The visual impact of this place will take your breath away, offering a unique and unforgettable perspective. This longer route will lead you to discover small wonders often missed even by the most frequent visitors to the massif. You’ll admire rare flowers dotting the meadows, cultivated fields resembling true gardens of Eden, and meet flocks of sheep and shepherds who still carry on the ancient traditions of these lands.

During the trek, you’ll also cross the evocative ruins of an ancient monastery, once used by monks to coordinate the transhumance—a key historical and cultural event in this region. You’ll immerse yourself in the high-altitude meadows and the vastness of Campo Imperatore, surrounded by the towering peaks that dominate this corner of Abruzzo. A true Mindtrek, a journey of deep connection with boundless spaces where meditation arises naturally, accompanying your steps and breath.

At the end of the excursion, return to Sextantio for dinner and overnight stay.

After checking out from Sextantio, you’ll reach by transfer (about 30 minutes) the enchanting Navelli plateau, famous for its cultivation of local saffron — one of the world’s most prized spices. Between late October and November, saffron flowers color the fields in delicate shades of purple-red, handpicked with care and respect for ancient traditions.

Lunch will be served in a traditional restaurant in Navelli, where you’ll savor the authentic flavors of local cuisine, enriched by genuine ingredients and regional products.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Bominaco, a charming medieval village rich in history, where you’ll visit the Oratory of San Pellegrino accompanied by a local guide. This artistic gem, often called the “Sistine Chapel of Abruzzo,” will captivate you with its frescoes and cultural significance. Next, a short hike will lead you to two more must-see sites: Bominaco Castle, a witness to the area’s medieval past, and (if accessible) the evocative hermit cave of San Michele, a place of spirituality and contemplation.

After visiting Bominaco, return to the hotel and end of this beautiful trip.