ABRUZZO ADVENTURE
ROME, ITALY
Photograph elusive Apennine Wolves, Marsican Bears and other wildlife in Italy's Apennines
This 6-day workshop in the Abruzzo will offer you the chance to observe and photograph the region's "Big Five" - the Apennine Wolf, Marsican Brown Bear, Apennine Chamois, Red Deer, and Griffon Vulture - at the best times of year.
With rolling green mountain slopes dotted with medieval villages, crystal-clear rivers and lush beech woodlands, the little-known Abruzzo presents golden opportunities for nature photography. In autumn, Red Deer rut alongside the azure streams of the Sangro River and in the valleys. Tired stags make easy targets for Apennine Wolves, which have just emerged from their dens with their cubs. The critically endangered Marsican Brown Bears (fewer than 60 left in Italy) come down to fruiting trees in village orchards; whilst on mountain screes, Apennine Chamois (a charismatic species of antelope) raise their young under the ever-present gaze of soaring Griffon Vultures.
DATES & PRICES
2026 TOURS AVAILABILITY PRICE
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Jul TBC 4 - 8 Places £1,650
Sep TBC 4 - 8 Places £1,650
Pay a deposit to secure your place - with final payment
2 months before departure.
Are you interested in something similar? Send an enquiry and I’ll reply soon to discuss further.
PAUL ALISTAIR COLLINS MATTIA CIALONI
HIGHLIGHTS
Photograph the region's "Big Five" - the Apennine Wolf, Marsican Bear, Apennine Chamois, Griffon and Red Deer
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Learn how to track & identify elusive wildlife with fieldcraft with Paul Alistair Collins and two local wolf guides
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Enjoy local Italian cuisine and culture in unspoilt medieval hilltop villages ________________________
Develop a rich portfolio of animal portraits & seldom seen behaviours
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Expert 1-on-1 photo tuition and optional post-processing sessions
ITINERARY
The following is a proposed itinerary, subject to animal activity and weather conditions.
After the group meet in Rome, we will transfer by car 1h30 to Pescasseroli, a picturesque village in the heart of the Abruzzo National Park. On our accommodation's doorstep are open plains and meadows where Apennine Wolf packs may be seen hunting Red Deer. We will spend our first evening looking for both species, until after sunset to catch the best light and maximise chances of late evening sightings. A hearty dinner with the group in a traditional restaurant in Pescasseroli, and a welcome presentation on the local fauna and our creative and respectful approach to photography.
LOCATION
We will base ourselves at a traditional bed-and-breakfast in the heart of the Abruzzo Natoinal Park.
Equipped with private bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, and a lounge area, this will be our gateway to one of Italy's most unspoilt wild regions. It may be possible to spot our target mammals even outside the property if we are lucky!
Apennine Wolves
We have some of the best knowledge of the Abruzzo's wolf packs, with many years' experience tracking and photographing these shy creatures.
We use all methods at our disposal to ensure almost guaranteed sightings - from checking out the area before your arrival and keeping up to date with park warden sightings, to using field craft, camera traps, thermal imaging cameras, and telescopes.
These are wild animals, and we cannot always guarantee or predict the wolf's next move Despite this, we have seen wolves on every trip.
Marsican Bears
Bears are often seen in the summer and autumn months, as they come down to fruiting orchards nearer to the towns.
We know many of the bear families here on an individual level, making our encounters even more special than any other bear watching trip.
Chamois
There is an optional trek up a hillside to view the charming Chamois, a kind of mountain antelope unique to the Apennines. They are particularly wonderful to watch in the evening golden hour, and we should have some wonderful photographic opportunities with family groups gathering on the rocks.
Red Deer
Deer can be observed year-round, but undoubtedly the most spectacular time to see them is in late September when the stags are rutting. We often see them emerging from the forests and bathing in the river near our accommodation, allowing for unique photos.
WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR FOR YOU?
Among our three guides, we have some of the best knowledge of the Abruzzo's wildlife, with many years' experience tracking, photographing and working with some of the world's top documentary productions to observe Italy's rarest creatures. We use all methods at our disposal to ensure a high success rate - from checking out the area before your arrival and keeping up to date with park warden sightings, to using field craft, camera traps, thermal imaging cameras, and spotting scopes. Nevertheless these are wild animals, and we cannot always guarantee or predict where a wolf or bear may decide to go.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
✓ Services of professional photography and local nature guides
✓ Permits to photograph in the Abruzzo National Park
✓ Evening image review and edit sessions (optional)
✓ Welcome presentation & materials on local fauna and sites
✓ 5 nights' stay in a traditional Italian bed&breakfast
✓ All breakfasts
✓ Use of guides' thermal imaging camera for wolf spotting
✓ Airport pick-up and drop-off from Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino
✓ Ground transportation
✗ Return flights to London to Rome Ciampino or Rome Fiumicino (please contact me so I can recommend the best flights)
✗ Any Visa charges or airport taxes
✗ Personal and cancellation insurance*
✗ Lunches, dinners, personal snacks, beverages and alcohol
✗ Personal expenses
✗ Laundry
✗ Any additional overnight stays
Have any other questions? Check out our Tour FAQs below.
EXCLUSIVE
ACCESS
Gain access to private locations where other tours don't go - and capture unique shots that no one else is getting.
INTIMATE
ENCOUNTERS
Enjoy regular sightings of our target species, in diverse light and weather conditions - allowing you to build a rich portfolio of stunning images.
DEEP
IMMERSION
Develop your vision at your own pace - with thoughtfully curated itineraries, expert guiding, small groups and 1-on-1 learning.
For full terms and conditions, including our cancellation policy and personal travel insurance, please click to see the Terms & Conditions
* To take part in our trip, you must be covered by adequate insurance for its entire duration. The insurance must cover for cancellation, medical and emergency expenses. We recommend insurance against damage or loss of baggage, camera equipment, instruments and personal items.