The Path of the Samnites is the only trekking route that unfolds entirely in the Molise region, in Alto Sannio, in the territory that gave birth to the glorious Samnite people, a stronghold of ancient Italy. It is surrounded by lush greenery, bordered by the main mountain ranges of the Central Apennines, offering panoramic views reaching as far as the promontory of Gargano, the Trabocchi Coast, and the Tremiti Islands. Along the Path of the Samnites, pastures and centuries-old forests alternate with small villages featuring remnants of medieval castles and archaeological sites, bearing witness to a millennium-old history linked to transhumant pastoralism. Traces of ancient grassy paths, once traversed by herds in pursuit of grazing lands, tell the story of a peasant civilization that gave rise to traditions, conviviality, typical products, and a heritage of ancient artisanal knowledge. Notable places include Agnone, known for its bell foundries, and Pietrabbondante, with the remains of the Samnite Temple Theater, the most significant architectural testimony of the religious life of the Samnite Pentri nation.

1st Day: Arrival in Isernia
The meeting point is Isernia, the capital of Alto Sannio. In the evening, there is a preparation of backpacks for the start of the first stage.

2nd Day: From Pesche to Miranda The enchanting medieval village of Pesche clings to a steep rocky slope, with remnants of a Norman castle defending the Regio Tratturo Pescasseroli-Candela. The road quickly becomes steep, but it doesn't prevent the admiration of narrow alleys and increasingly expansive panoramic views as you climb towards the defensive fortress. After leaving the village, the ascent continues to a panoramic viewpoint, allowing views of the mountains of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Campania. Descending quickly, you reach the village of Miranda, a nativity scene of houses with warm colors where you can immerse yourself in the genuine hospitality of the locals. (about 10 km)

3rd Day: From Miranda to Carovilli
An old abandoned mule track ascends through a century-old beech forest and abandoned pastures. Soon, you realize you are in remote places where the presence of man is no longer felt. The path leads to Carovilli, another medieval village perched in a defensive position, overseeing two important drover's roads: Lucera-Caste di Sangro and Celano-Foggia. The town is rich in small dairies where you can taste local products and is also known for its precious white truffle. (about 19 km)

4th Day: From Carovilli to Vastogirardi
As you set out, you find yourself on one of the oldest roads in Italy, the Tratturo Celano-Foggia. Vegetation is slowly reclaiming the drover's road, but in some places, the extraordinary dimensions of these natural and cultural heritages, 111.6 meters wide, are still visible. Walking in these places allows you to relive the great epic of transhumant civilization.
Leaving the drover's road, you enter one of the most suggestive forests in Molise, the UNESCO MAB Reserve of Monte di Mezzo. A long journey through lush nature, dominated by white firs, beeches, and centuries-old oaks, leads to the sight of a large felled beech: the King Fajone, for hundreds of years the largest beech in the region. The path ascends to the village of Vastogirardi. (about 16 km)

5th Day: From Vastogirardi to Capracotta
After leaving the village, the path leads to the foot of Mount Cavallerizzo, near one of the sources of the Trigno River, where the Italic Temple of Vastogirardi stands. A little higher, the Samnite fortification tells of distant wars between Samnium and Rome. Here, you sense the feeling of entering a new or, at most, little-known history, the history of a defeated but never subdued people: the Samnite Pentri. A beautiful beech forest leads to the summit of Mount Capraro and then down between rocks and beech trees, almost to the town of Capracotta, an Apennine balcony at 1421 meters above sea level, near the Majella Massif. (about 12 km)

6th Day: From Capracotta to Agnone
Resuming the journey to reach, just outside the town, the interesting Garden of Apennine Flora. Then, on a comfortable track, there is a beautiful ascent to the panoramic summit of Mount Campo. From here, you continue along the ridge line, contemplating the view of the Majella, the Adriatic Sea, Gargano, and the Molisan hills sloping towards the Tavoliere delle Puglie. A little further down in the valley, the town of Agnone, a jewel of art and craftsmanship, awaits for an interesting guided tour of the Pontifical Bell Foundry, the oldest Italian foundry and one of the oldest in the world. (about 19 km)

7th Day: From Agnone to Pietrabbondante
The last day of the Path of the Samnites allows the conquest of Pietrabbondante only after a steep ascent from the valley floor. But once in the archaeological area, every effort seems to disappear in the face of the energy that this place is still capable of transmitting, even after over 2000 years. In the Samnite Theater, you immerse yourself in the history of the Samnites, captivated by the words that a knowledgeable guide passionately recounts, comfortably seated inside the amphitheater on seats carved from single blocks of stone complete with anatomical backrests. A gem of Italian archaeology, a unique monument at an international level. (about 18 km)

8th Day: After breakfast, departure from Pietrabbondante (end of services)