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Becoming Nature
Join Fill Pill in the wild heart of Abruzzo. Comedian, science communicator, and rebellious soul, Fill Pill will take you out of your routine for three days in the Abruzzo National Park. Together, we’ll explore ancient forests, forgotten trails, and - if we’re lucky - catch a glimpse of the Marsican brown bear.
Highlights
- Explore raw nature
Three days away from the noise, surrounded by ancient woods and breathtaking landscapes. We'll sleep in an eco-sustainable mountain refuge deep in the park, accessible only by foot, completely immersed in silence and the sounds of nature. - Bears, wolves, and ancient trees
Our guides will lead us on early morning and sunset hikes, tracking signs - and hopefully sights - of the wild animals that call this park home. We’ll walk through beech forests recognized as UNESCO World Heritage and reach remote valleys known only to a few. - Rediscover mountain culture
We'll enjoy vegan meals prepared at the refuge, listen to live traditional folk music, and be surprised by stories, laughter, and a night sky so full of stars it hardly seems real.
TRIP PURPOSE
Why take this trip? We’re disconnecting from who we are: nature.
This journey is a gentle act of rebellion, a way to reconnect with the biodiversity around us - and within us.
It’s a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the challenges of protecting the Marsican brown bear, one of Europe’s most endangered species, and to actively support those working every day to defend it.
Through hiking, mountain shelters, folk music, and starlit nights, you’ll return to simplicity - while learning how to protect what can still be saved.
This trip has been designed based on the following principles:
- Environmental and Social Education
- Sustainable Mobility
- Biodiversity
ACCOMODATION
The Ecorifugio della Cicerana, located at 1,560 meters above sea level, serves as an ideal base for wildlife excursions in the Abruzzo National Park. This eco-friendly refuge, resembling a small villa with its cubic design, features a kitchen, a dormitory with ten beds, a bathroom, and a spacious common area with a wood stove. The refuge is self-sufficient, providing non-potable water, electricity, and heating (gas and wood). Accessible via the T1 and T5 trails, it's about 4 km from Passo del Diavolo with a 160-meter elevation gain. Open in summer and available by reservation in other seasons, it offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and the Sirente-Velino Regional Park. The area is rich in biodiversity, home to rare species like the Marsican brown bear and the Apennine wolf. Originally a villa, the refuge was ecologically repurposed to preserve this valuable natural landscape.
IMPORTANT INFO
What to bring: Hiking boots, waterproof jacket, backpack, water bottle, flashlight, warm layered clothing, sleeping bag or travel sheet, binoculars, and everything you’ll need for three days in nature.
How to get there: We recommend taking a train or bus to Avezzano. Once the group is confirmed, we’ll help coordinate carpooling wherever possible.
What's included
- Food: full board included provided by Ecorifugio della Cicerana ( 2 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner)
- Accommodation: mountain hut for 2 nights at Ecorifugio della Cicerana (note: there are no shower facilities)
- Tour & Activities: 3 guided hikes in the national park and a private concert at the Hut. Every activity will be guided by Fill Pill with the help of a naturalist guide
- Other: Support from an ORMA coordinator throughout the entire trip.
- Insurance: Medical and baggage insurance.
What's not included
- Transportation: travel to and from Avezzano, bus or cars (€ 25) transportation from and to National Park
- Other: Trip cancellation insurance.
- Anything not specified under "What's included".
Payment Terms
30% down payment at the time of booking and the remaining 70% due 30 days prior to departure.
If the booking is made within 30 days of departure, the full amount is due at checkout.
Bank transfers or credit cards can be used to make payments.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrival and meet Fill Pill
On Friday, it's mandatory to arrive in Avezzano by 2:30 PM. From there, we’ll take a private bus or car to Pescasseroli, the gateway to the Abruzzo National Park. Our first stop will be at the Park’s visitor center, where we’ll meet with representatives who will introduce us to the unique environment and conservation efforts of this stunning region. Afterward, we’ll take a short drive to the start of the Cicerana trail. From there, we’ll hike up to our mountain hut, led by the experienced guide Paolo Iannicca. The walk will take about an hour, offering beautiful views as we ascend to our secluded retreat.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy a vegan dinner at the hut, followed by a special treat: a live concert of traditional folk music by Carlo Parente, a talented accordionist and member of the “Orchestra del Parco.” Carlo’s passion for music began at a young age, studying under master Alessandro Parente, and his journey has led him to collaborate with notable artists and perform in various prestigious venues. His music, infused with the sounds of nature, will provide the perfect soundtrack to our evening under the stars.
After the concert, you’ll have the chance to stargaze in the clear mountain sky before settling in for the night at the hut.
Day 2 - Wildlife Watching and Wilderness Exploration
The morning begins with an early morning wake-up call to catch the sunrise and, with luck, observe the majestic brown bears that inhabit the park. After this exhilarating start, we’ll return to the hut for breakfast. Our day will continue with a hike to Vallone Lampazzo and Fonte Puzza, some of the most remote and wild areas of the park. Here, we’ll explore the diverse habitats and look for signs of the wildlife that call this rugged landscape home. We’ll enjoy a packed lunch along the way, surrounded by the natural beauty of the park. In the early afternoon, we’ll return to the hut for some rest before heading out for another attempt at wildlife observation, hoping to catch sight of more of the park’s elusive inhabitants. We’ll end the day with dinner back at the hut, where we’ll spend another night immersed in nature.
Day 3 - UNESCO Heritage Forest and Farewell
Our final day will start once again at dawn with a chance to observe the wildlife before breakfast. Following this, we’ll embark on an excursion to the ancient beech forest of Selva Moricento, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This magical forest, with its towering trees and rich biodiversity, is one of the most pristine environments in Europe. We’ll enjoy a packed lunch during our hike before making our way back to the trailhead at Passo del Diavolo, where our adventure concludes around 3:00 PM. From here, you can choose to take private transport back to Avezzano.
Filippo Piluso, aka Fill Pill, is an environmental communicator, stand-up comedian, and musician. He humorously describes himself as "seriously joking." He combines serious topics with a light, comedic tone, addressing various issues related to sustainability and nature.He holds a degree in Law with a specialization in International Environmental and Maritime Law, and a Master's in Sustainability and Energy Resource Management. Filippo has worked in ocean conservation for NGOs and international associations, managed renewable energy development projects in Africa, and served as a sustainability consultant for businesses. He is also the vice-president and co-founder of an advocacy group for environmental communicators.
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Booking Info
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