This remote mountain region is a sanctuary for wildlife and ancient forests, where brown bears, wolves, red deer and chamois roam among beech woods, high plateaus and rugged limestone ridges. During this three-day photographic expedition we will explore some of the park’s most evocative valleys, traditional villages and panoramic mountain trails. The journey will take us through a mosaic of landscapes shaped by nature and centuries of pastoral culture. Guided by a local expert deeply connected to these mountains, we will move through quiet forests, remote ridgelines and scenic valleys in search of compelling compositions and authentic wilderness moments. This experience is designed for photographers who want to immerse themselves in Italy’s wild side while discovering one of the most beautiful and biodiverse protected areas in Europe.

Day 1 – Arrival and First Exploration

Our journey begins in the mountains surrounding the park, where ancient villages sit between forests and open valleys. After meeting the group, we will start our first photographic exploration in the areas around Ortona dei Marsi and San Sebastiano dei Marsi, small historic settlements that lie at the gateway of the protected area. Depending on conditions and light, we may reach scenic viewpoints overlooking the wild landscapes of the Apennines and explore nearby forest paths. This first day is dedicated to getting familiar with the atmosphere of the park: quiet valleys, traditional architecture and the soft evening light that often settles over these mountains.

Day 2 – Valleys, Forests and Mountain Landscapes

Today we dive deeper into the wilderness of the park. We will explore some of the most evocative areas around Pescasseroli, the historic heart of the national park, and the beautiful surroundings of Villetta Barrea. Our route may take us through the wild landscapes of the Vallone della Cicerana, a remote valley known for its ancient forests and open clearings, offering excellent opportunities for landscape and nature photography. Throughout the day we will move between forest trails, panoramic viewpoints and quiet valleys where wildlife presence is strong and the scenery constantly changes.

Day 3 – High Passes and Panoramic Ridges

On our final day we will reach some of the higher viewpoints of the region. We may explore the mountain environments around Passo Godi, one of the most scenic passes in the Apennines, surrounded by sweeping views over the park. From here, trails and ridgelines lead toward peaks such as Monte Turchio, Monte Palombo, and Monte Atessa, areas that offer spectacular vistas across the beech forests and high plateaus of the national park. This final exploration gives us the opportunity to photograph the vastness and solitude of the Apennine landscape before returning toward Rome in the late afternoon.

• Professional local nature guide
• 2 nights accommodation in twin rooms
• Travel to and from Rome
• Half-board at the hotel (breakfast and dinner)
• Packed lunches during field days
• Local transfers inside the park
• Photo exploration itinerary

• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Single room supplement (subject to availability)

What to Bring:
To fully enjoy the experience and adapt to mountain conditions, we recommend bringing:

• Photography equipment: Camera body Wide-angle lens for landscapes Telephoto lens for wildlife and distant subjects
• Tripod
• Extra batteries and memory cards
• Clothing: Waterproof jacket, Warm layers, Hiking trousers, Comfortable hiking boots, Hat and gloves depending on conditions
• Other essentials: Small backpack, Water bottle, Sunglasses, Personal medication if needed

Mountain weather in the Apennines can change quickly, so layering is always recommended.

Rome

Guided by Filippo Parentela

Filippo Parentela is an Italian ethologist and certified environmental hiking guide specializing in wildlife behaviour and large carnivores. His academic work focused on the environmental suitability of the Italian wolf (Canis lupus italicus) in the Maritime Alps, and for several years he has been actively involved in wolf monitoring and conservation initiatives. He has collaborated with projects such as the monitoring program of the LIPU at the Castel di Guido Nature Reserve and international conservation initiatives including the LIFE WOLFALPS EU and LIFE WILD WOLF.

Today Filippo works as a wildlife guide across Italy and abroad, leading photographers and nature enthusiasts through wild landscapes while sharing his deep knowledge of animal ecology, tracking techniques, and ethical wildlife observation. During this expedition he will guide us through the ecosystems of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, helping participants interpret animal tracks, understand wildlife behaviour, and approach nature photography in a responsible and respectful way.