Travel tips: Monti Sibillini National Park, plus

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Joanne O'Connor's great escapes
Series: Joanne O'Connor's great escapes
Travel tips: Monti Sibillini
National Park, plus deals of the
week
Go hiking in a true Italian wilderness, take a
luxury train trip back home, or get a taste of Nice
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Joanne O'Connor
The Observer, Sunday 17 August 2014
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Call of the wild: Castelluccio in Monti Sibillini National
Park. Photograph: Alamy
More great
escapes
Take me there: Monti Sibillini National Park
Why go?
Straddling the provinces of Le Marche and Umbria, the
Sibillini mountains are among the most beautiful in Italy.
Evocative place names summon the magic of this
wilderness, once believed to be a haunt of witches and
sorcerers. The national park is ringed by medieval
villages, which, if they were in Tuscany, would be
crawling with tourists. Though the tourism infrastructure
is surprisingly low-key, you won’t have to travel far to
find a simple agriturismo serving up regional specialities
such as wild boar and lentils.
What to do
Hike to the Cave of Sybill or the Gola dell’ Infernaccio
(Hell’s Gorge), looking out for wolf tracks and golden
eagles: you can join an organised trek or download an
itinerary from the national park website (parks.it). In
summer the plains which surround the medieval hill
town of Castelluccio are a carpet of wild flowers. Get a
bird’s-eye view on a hang-gliding trip (prodelta.it). Other
towns worth visiting are Norcia, famed for its cured
meats and as the reputed birthplace of St Benedict, and
Visso with its elegant piazza. Shimmering Lake Fiastra
is the perfect spot for wild swimming.
Where to stay
The Rifugio Altino, near Montemonaco, is a welcoming
stone-built refuge offering simple rooms and
apartments, a cosy bar and outstanding cucina rustica
(from €60, rifugioaltino.it). Excursions include bike
tours, truffle hunting and donkey treks.
Where to eat
The region is known for its salami, truffles and lentils, all
of which can be found on the menu at the Degusteria
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Lu Soccio, a tiny stone-walled osteria in Castelluccio
(Via Libia 7, +39 0743 821193).
Insider tip
Kevin Hendry at Il Collaccio (ilcollaccio.com), an
agriturismo with campsite and activities, recommends
rafting on the Nera: “Guides take you through a
stunning gorge. It’s safe and fun for all the family with
beautiful scenery and the chance to jump off rocks into
the bubbling water.”
Give me a break
Home: kids go free on luxury train trip Children
travel for free on the Belmond Northern Belle (formerly
the Orient Express brand) until the end of October. The
luxury train travels from 60 UK departure points with
various family-friendly day-trip options. A Mad Hatter’s
Afternoon Tea Party departing Bolton, Manchester or
Preston on 21 September costs £185 per adult, with
children’s menus and goodie bags included
(belmond.com).
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Rich pickings: visit the best of the foodie hotspots of Nice.
Away: gourmet Nice Your Nice Apartment, the Cote
D’Azur holiday lettings agency, has launched a range of
gourmet tours which cost between £35 and £50. Visit
foodie hotspots such as the Cours Saleya and Place StFrançois fish market and local vineyards, with tastings
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/aug/17/travel-tips-monti-sibillini-national-pa... 20/08/2014
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of Niçois specialities such as tourte aux blettes and
pissaladiere. Apartment stays start from £36 per night
(yourniceapartment.com).
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1 PERSON, 2 COMMENTS
marcheownersdirect
0
18 August 2014 11:57am
We just love the Sibillini National Park and all the wonderful walks to suit all ages and
levels of ability. The stunning views around every corner, ones which we never tire
of. If you are looking for accommodation in the area, have a look at
http://marcheownersdirect.com We are a group of holiday home owners all living in
Le Marche and we know the area well. We can help you find your perfect
accommodation and have a wealth of advice about the Sibillini National Park and the
peaceful surrounding area. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
marcheownersdirect
marcheownersdirect
0
18 August 2014 12:06pm
http://marcheownersdirect.com
Comments for this discussion are now closed.
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