Monti Sibillini National Park (Piano Grande, Castellucio, Norcia): hiking paradise (and more ...)

Walking paradise Monti Sibillini and Piano Grande in Umbria: With literally hundreds of kilometres of trails of differing lengths and varieties criss-crossing the Monti Sibillini National Park, the park is a paradise for walkers. Most of the trails are little used and offer awe inspiring scenery and diverse landscapes. Where to stay in the Monti Sibillini: Casa Preci Terrazza di Preci where are the Monti Sibillini with the Piano Grande A Brief Description of the Monti Sibillini National Park The Park was formed in 1993 and is considered one of Italy's wildest and most beautiful parks. It is home to many rare flowers and orchids and in the spring and early summer the alpine meadows and the flat mountain basin of the Piano Grande are a tapestry of colour when they all burst into bloom. The landscape is characterised by steep river valleys, alpine meadows, ancient oak and beech forests and craggy limestone peaks approaching 2500 meters in height. With its natural habitat and protection it has become a haven for wildlife with Golden Eagles, wolves, and wild boar all present in the park, the latter featuring in many of the local culinary dishes.   The town of Norcia, near the centre of the park, is famous for its master butchers who produce superb salami and cured meats. The area also supplies highly prized black truffles and Castelluccio, on the Piano Grande, produces the finest lentils in Italy. The park has a history of myths and legends; infact taking its name from the ancient and powerful siren called 'Sybil' whom it was believed inhabited a mountain cave in the park. According to legend, the Lago di Pilato (Pilates Lake) on the side of Mount Vettore, is the place where the body of Pontius Pilate (the man who sentenced Christ to his death by crucifixion) was dumped after being dragged from Rome. The region has an important religious and cultural history. Norcia is the birthplace of St.Benedict; the founder of the Benedictine order of monks, and Preci was home to the medieval surgeons who practised in the surgery school there around the 14th and 15th centuries. These surgeons were renowned across Europe for their pioneering eye cataract and gall stone removal operations even travelling to England to operate on Queen Elizabeth 1st. The park remains a special, and in many ways a unique place, due to its beautiful unspoilt scenery and landscapes shaped by the traditional ways of life through the ages. A calm yet stimulating experience - enjoy! When to Come? The wild flowers and orchids are at their peak from late April to the end of June when many of the fields and meadows are a patchwork of colour. This also the best time to enjoy crystal clear views and perfect walking weather. What some of the guests of Casa Preci have said about the walking 'We've been walking all our lives and that was probably the best one we have ever done. The views alone were incredible but the meadows of wild flowers we walked through were just magical. Mr and Mrs P from Holland talking about their walk in the Piano Grande area. 'The number of orchids you see on these walks is amazing - in England they would all be roped off !   &ldots;. Mrs B from England surprised by the abundance of orchids. 'We only booked a week but are starting to regret it because we would like to have done more of the walks' Mr and Mrs K from Holland wishing they had more time. OTHER ACTIVITIES  Mountain Biking - countless opportunities exist to satisfy the most dedicated mountain biker. Quite trails with all levels of difficulty catered for. Maps and guides are available in the house. Paragliding and hang gliding - There is world-class paragliding and hang gliding in the awesome setting of the Piano Grande with well organised and reasonably priced transport links to take-off sites. Rafting, Canyoning and other water sports -Both white- water rafting and the more sedate river rafting takes place on the local rivers. White- water rafting, canyoning (descending waterfalls by rope and harness), body boarding and kayaking are all available near to the Marmore Waterfalls.   ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES River rafting - a great adventure for the whole family and a brilliant way to call off in the summer! It includes rafting, swimming and jumping of rocks. Professionally run with experienced guides with all specialist equipment and clothing provided. The rafting lasts for about 2.5 hours and is suitable for persons of over 4 years of age. Mule and donkey trekking - a fun way to see the beautiful countryside of the park. The kids love the thrill of being on horseback and playing with the animals. Excursions are for one day or longer if you want to camp overnight and reach further in to the park. Tennis - available nearby (10 mins away)  Kids animation - fun interactive sessions (painting, modelling, pool games etc.) for the younger children are available at our local agriturismo. Leave the kids in safe hands while you relax by the swimming pool! Available high season only. The Marmore Waterfall (1 hour drive) - Europe's highest waterfall is a dramatic and impressive sight and popular with both adults and children. There are some walking trails next to the falls for those who like to get up close to the action. Mountain chairlift - The ski chairlift at Frontingnano (25mins drive) offers you a way to enjoy some great mountain scenery without the effort!  You can ride up and take a walk on Monte Bove, then walk or ride down. It operates daily during July and August.   What one of our families thought of the local activities: - 'The local attractions that we most enjoyed were the waterfall at Marmore, the local chair lift and the river rafting.  The children loved using the swimming pool, and spent a couple of hours there most days.   Lisa  (daughter aged 9) commented  ''overall I had a great time.'' We all really enjoyed our holiday'. Mr E and family from England. Car rental

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