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We went to the Sibillini National Park in Italy on a well organised trip run by Naturetrek to look at the flora and fauna of the area. Based at a family run hotel, Hotel Paradiso in Amandola, we had a fantastic week amongst the wild flower meadows and hills of the area.
R.D.M. Somerset
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Italy's Sibillini Mountains
Tour Code: ITA04An 8-day natural history tour to one of Italy's most unvisited and spectacular regions - the majestic Sibillini Mountains in the province of Marche.
8 days
from
£1,995 (Inc flights)
£1,995 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£1,795
£1,795
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
On this walking and wildlife holiday we’ll explore the flower-filled alpine meadows of the Sibillini National Park in the eastern Apennines, lowland plains and wetlands, and a spectacular mountain gorge, each habitat offering superlative scenery and diverse wildlife. Our mountain walks will be rewarded with carpets of gentians, Edelweiss and other alpine favourites. A wealth of butterflies will include many puzzling fritillaries and blues to test our skills. Alpine Choughs, Alpine Accentors and Snow Finches also inhabit these mountains whilst Collared Flycatchers, Bonelli’s Warblers and Short-toed Treecreepers live in the Beech woods on the lower slopes. Visits to the spectacular Piano Grande and La Gola dell’Infernaccio (Hell’s Gorge) will especially delight our botanists!
- Explore the little-known mountains of Sibillini National Park
- Enjoy superb plants and butterflies
- Good birdlife and some mammals too!
- Peaceful, comfortable hotel serving delicious Italian cuisine
- Walk through the dramatic La Gola dell 'Infernaccio (Hell's Gorge)
- Enjoy the upland botany of Piano Grande
- Expertly escorted by a Naturetrek naturalist
Grading
All walks are optional day walks, some of them on steep ground.Over the years we have been very pleased to introduce some of Italy’s lesser-known wildlife reserves to a wider Naturetrek audience. We are proud to continue this tradition by the inclusion in our programme of an 8-day tour focusing on the magnificent scenery and outstanding natural history attributes of Sibillini National Park. Situated in the province of Marche which, together with neighbouring Umbria, is known as the green heartland of Italy, the protected landscape of the national park embraces more than 20 peaks over 2,000 metres in height. In addition to these pristine montane habitats there are extensive tracts of forest, rolling pastoral hills and superb flower-filled meadows creating a natural history paradise. Our base for exploration of the park is a charming family-run hotel, situated in the most unspoilt area of the eastern Apennines, a region steeped in history and legend. From the hotel we can enjoy spectacular views of the picturesque town of Amandola below us and the surrounding mountains.
We fly first to the city of Ancona and then complete a 90-minute road transfer to our accommodation, passing by hilltop castles and towers that give an indication of the colourful history of this region. Once at the hotel, we can begin to savour the magic of the area by a short walk in search of local orchids such as Orchis fragrans, Ophrys tetraloniae and Ophrys fuciflora ssp. gracilis. After a morning of travel, a more appealing alternative may be relaxation in the grounds of the hotel listening to the soporific buzzing of bees and the fluty whistles of Golden Orioles, which add the brilliance of their yellow and black plumage to the green of the canopy.
For the next six days we undertake daily excursions to explore the many facets of the national park, an odyssey that will take us to high alpine meadows filled with wild flowers, marshes, wetlands and a spectacular mountain gorge. Each habitat abounds with interesting natural history and superlative scenery. The montane elements are provided by the peaks of Monte Sibilla and Monte Vettore. Each has its own mystique and legends; the soothsayer Sibyl was alleged to live in a cave on the former and it is said that Pontius Pilate was buried on Monte Vettore. Of more relevance to our holiday, the fairly steep walks to reach the higher elevations are rewarded by carpets of gentians, Edelweiss and other alpine favourites whilst the lower slopes are a botanist’s dream containing various species of orchid, Martagon Lily, Alpine Buckthorn and many other much prized species. With such an abundance of flowers it is no surprise that butterflies are also much in evidence, a variety that includes Eastern Large Heath, Sooty Ringlet, Amanda’s Blue and a host of puzzling fritillaries to test our identification skills. Noisy flocks of Alpine Chough will no doubt put in an appearance as we near the summits and a sweet musical song may reveal an Alpine Accentor amongst the boulders. Snow Finches also inhabit these peaks whilst inhabitants of the beech woods on the lower slopes include Bonelli’s Warblers and Short-toed Treecreepers.
During our week we will also visit the reedbeds and marshes at Colfiorito, which provide an unexpected contrast to the mountains. This little-known wetland is set amid an area of open plains and arable fields where traditional farming practices have ensured that many of the arable ‘weeds’ such as Cornflower, Corn Buttercups and Corn Cleavers still flourish.
Corn Buntings pour out their jangling song from every telephone wire and the fields provide cover for Montagu’s Harriers and Quail to raise their young. As we approach the reeds we will hear the raucous chatter of Great Reed Warblers, whilst other birds found here include Night and Squacco Herons, Marsh Harrier, Penduline Tit and Little Bittern. Once a glacial lake, the Piano Grande is now a vast upland plain 1,250 metres above sea level. We spend a day here among carpets of wild flowers which include poppies, wild tulips (Tulipa australis), fritillaries and alpine exotics such as Cerastium tomentosum and Linum alpinum, and the endemic Gentianella columnae. This is a magnificent wild place where the songs of countless Skylarks combine to provide a background symphony to our walks.
One final treat awaits as we visit La Gola dell’Infernaccio (Hell’s Gorge), arguably the most impressive limestone gorge in the Apennine range. Once again the scenery is wonderful and a wide range of flora, butterflies and birds will contribute to a memorable day. Away from the betterknown tourist magnets in other parts of Italy, this unexplored national park atop the mythical kingdom of Sibilla Cumana holds a wealth of natural history treasures awaiting discovery.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Ancona
Day 2/7
A daily programme of natural history walks from our base near Amandola
Day 8
Fly Stansted
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation: A comfortable family-run hotel; all rooms have private facilities.
- Food:
All food included in the cost.
Reviews
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A thoroughly enjoyable holiday... the whole structure of the holiday, the leaders and fellow travellers were a winning combination.
M.B. Roxburghshire -
Toby was an excellent leader, his knowledge of plants, butterflies and birds was amazing. Dave was very enthusiastic with the butterflies and moths and had a broad knowledge of nature. I hadn't previously thought of moths as interesting but now I shall look at them in a different light!
B.G. Glamorgan -
This was the first time we had been on a Naturetrek holiday, and I must admit I was a little apprehensive. But it really was great to have everything organised by such a competent and professional leader. Phil's knowledge of plants and birds was superb, and I am full of admiration. The Sibillini Mountains were absolutely stunning. I have never before seen such a breathtaking variety of wild flowers - so beautiful. And to see a huge variety of birds and the occasional snake was a bonus.
Mr & Mrs P. Hertfordshire -
Philip Thompson was excellent - enthusiastic, knowledgeable, well organised; he also listened to requests and was sociable. The Paradiso was a fantastic hotel with a delightful owner.
T.P. Cornwall -
We saw 11 species of orchid on the first day, which I thought was amazing. Although the season was late this year because of a harsh winter, it enabled us to see other flowers that would usually be over, such as a whole field of wild tulips at Piano Grande. I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in wild flowers.
A.W. New Zealand
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Tue 3rd Jun – Tue 10th Jun
SPACES
£1,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,795
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Philip Thompson
Tour Leader: Philip Thompson
Philip was born in Nigeria and feels sure that at a subconscious level this has instilled in him his lifelong passion and interest in the natural world and the wildlife of Africa in particular. He was born of a generation who, as kids, would think nothing of disappearing of into the surrounding woods and countryside only to return at the end of the day hungry and tired. This enjoyment in the open country and experiencing at first hand the natural world has remained with him to this day and it is now his great pleasure to show and share with others the natural delights that drew him to tour leading. His main interest is in wild flowers but he remains a keen and able birder with an interest in all other forms of the natural environment. He is also interested in music, fashion and film, with European cinema a particular favourite.
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Mon 1st Jun – Mon 8th Jun
5
£1,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,795
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
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[description] => Botanical Tours – See Wild Flowers with our Expert Botanical Guides
There are few more pleasing sights in the natural world than a meadow filled with wildflowers. Seeing plants in their native habitat is always exciting and our flower tours offer you an incredible choice, from dazzling tropical blooms and the thrill of finding elusive orchids or delicate alpines, to seeing island endemics or British flora. Our tours range from week-long holidays focusing on the ‘Alpine flowers of the Swiss Alps’, the ‘Italian Dolomites’ and the ‘Alpine Flowers of Slovenia’s Julian Alps’, to orchid-hunting on Italy’s Gargano Peninsula and searching for the Autumn Plants of Greece’s Peloponnese. We also visit more remote areas of the world in search of plant-life, from the Tien Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan where we look for wild tulips, to the rainforests and spiny deserts of Madagascar where over 80% of the flora is endemic.
Many of us want to know more about the plants we see around us. Whether inspired by an appreciation of the aesthetic appeal of flowers, or a more focused desire to identify individual species, everyone with an interest in botany will derive pleasure from joining one of Naturetrek’s flower tours.
Why choose Naturetrek’s botanical holidays?
- All our botanical holidays are led by expert botanist guides
- All levels of interest and expertise are catered for, from hobby gardeners and complete beginners to keen botanists who wish to explore a new area with the help of a knowledgeable leader
- We keep the overall focus on flora, though expert guidance is also given on other wildlife
What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek botanical holiday?
- Travel with a group of like-minded people
- Stay at a comfortable hotel or lodge, close to an area of outstanding botanical interest
- Enjoy a series of leisurely day excursions with ample time to appreciate the local flora
In addition to our dedicated flower tours, we also offer holidays with a wider theme to encompass birds, butterflies and other aspects of natural history as well as the flora. Our spring tours to 'Crete' and ‘The Island of Cyprus’ are both timed to allow us to enjoy the botanical highlights as well as the spring bird migration, whilst ‘Croatia and Slovenia – Spring in Istria’ also allows time to enjoy a little of the local culture. ‘Romania – the Wildlife of Transylvania’ combines an appreciation of the flora of the Carpathian Mountains with birding, butterflying and a trip to look for Brown Bears from a purpose built hide, and our holidays in both the ‘French Pyrenees’ and the ‘Spanish Pyrenees’ combine birds, butterflies and botany throughout the week.
Our specialist recommends...
"I'd recommend 'Wengen – Alpine Flowers of the Swiss Alps', 'Crete' and 'The French Pyrenees', which all offer some fascinating European botany, along with plenty of wider natural history and some stunning scenery. If you’re keen to travel a little further afield, I’d suggest joining us in South Africa for our 'Wild Flowers of the Cape & Namaqualand' tour”
David Tattersfield - Tour Leader
David Tattersfield - Tour Leader
Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists
The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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Butterfly Watching Holidays Led by Expert Naturalists
Who can fail to be delighted by butterflies – the intensity and variety of their colours, their delicate beauty and fascinating life cycles? Our tours allow butterfly-watching enthusiasts to observe marvellous species all around the world. Sadly, butterflies are in decline in many regions. To help prevent the loss of these beautiful creatures, our butterfly holidays make a direct contribution to their conservation.
Naturetrek Butterfly Tours
- We offer an excellent range of dedicated butterfly holidays
- All tours are led by a Naturetrek butterfly-watching expert
- Although butterflies are the main focus of our butterfly tours, we also take time to observe other wildlife
- By booking one of our dedicated butterfly holidays you will automatically be making a contribution to their conservation.
Here’s a selection of our dedicated butterfly tours:
Although we include butterfly-watching in many of our holidays, we offer a wide selection of dedicated butterfly tours, including:
- The Cevennes – we look for butterflies in the Massif Central
- Butterflies in Normandy – we go in search of some of Normandy’s 160 species of butterfly
- Sweden's Butterflies & Dragonflies – Sweden is home to Large Blue, Apollo, Scarce Copper and many more species
- Butterflies of the Dolomites – we explore sheltered valleys and butterfly hot-spots in the Italian Dolomites
- Sri Lanka - A Butterfly Tour – seeking Sri Lanka’s dazzling tropical species
- Butterflies of Morocco's High Atlas Mountains – a search for the butterflies of the High Atlas Mountains, with a wealth of other wildlife and mountain walks in spectacular scenery.
Naturetrek & Butterfly Conservation
As a top category ‘Gold’ corporate sponsor of Butterfly Conservation (BC), we donate around £1,500 annually to the charity. As well as this, since 2002 we have donated 10% of all income generated by our annual programme of butterfly tours that we run in partnership with BC, and give BC membership to all non-members joining the tours.
Our specialist recommends...
"I'd recommend Naturetrek's Butterflies of South Africa holiday. On this butterfly holiday we look for butterflies in the Wajkkerstrom (montane grassland), which supports a wonderful diversity of species. Closer to home I'd suggest our Butterflies of Hungary tour, or Butterflies of Croatia for unspoilt landscapes and a density of butterfly-life rarely seen in western Europe now."
Tom Brereton - Operations Manager
Tom Brereton - Operations Manager
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Tour Reports
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
