At the slow pace of time: Mindtrek and awareness in the Abruzzo landscape

There are paths that are not measured in kilometers, but in terms of subtraction: shedding the superfluous to rediscover the essential—the very principle that guided the conservative restoration of the stones of Santo Stefano di Sessanio.

It is in this spirit that we invite you to take part in our upcoming Mindtrek sessions, an experience of walking and presence curated by Guido Freddi. This is not merely an excursion, but a cultural and meditative act that uses the rugged, solemn landscape of Abruzzo as a mirror for an inner journey.

Together with Guido Freddi, we will traverse ancient transhumance routes and paths once trodden by Cistercian monks, where each step aligns with the breath and nature once again becomes a space for profound listening.

2026 Departures

The calendar follows the rhythm of the seasons, from the rebirth of spring to the fullness of summer:

April 19th

May 14th

June 21st

July 9th

The Experience

The journey winds through the remains of ancient rural life and the silence of hermitages, interspersed with guided meditation practices and moments of absolute presence. In the evening, returning within the walls of the Albergo Diffuso allows for the integration of the experience amidst the aromas of our “Cucina” and the millennial stillness of our rooms.

Travel Notes

To preserve the intimacy of the practice, the group is limited to a maximum of 12 people.

• Stay in Double Room: € 310.00 per person

• Stay in Suite: € 360.00 per person

• Stay in Triple (Suite): € 300.00 per person

The proposal includes the specialist guidance of Guido Freddi, overnight stay with breakfast, the “Radici” tasting menu dinner at Sextantio Cucina restaurant, and lunch boxes prepared with local products.

Further Information

Mindtrek is an immersive experience in nature that combines the benefits of trekking with mindfulness, creating a gradual path toward greater self-awareness. From the very first hike, it helps develop serenity, empathy, emotional stability, and clarity, loosening the conditioning and automatic behaviors that unconsciously influence us. It is not just walking, but a true inner journey where the destination is not a summit, but the well-being discovered step by step. By integrating movement with ancient meditative practices supported by modern neuroscience, Mindtrekking promotes a return to inner peace. Abruzzo, renowned for the beauty and majesty of its mountains, provides the ideal setting to pair trekking with mindfulness.

Day 1: The Path of Silence and Stone

Arrival at Sextantio Santo Stefano di Sessanio. The experience begins in the late morning in one of Abruzzo’s most evocative villages, suspended between history and the sky. Here begins the first MindTrekking path: a route that changes with the flow of the seasons, following the rhythms of nature and the ancient rural activities that have shaped this landscape for centuries. Amidst awakening pastures and wild blooms, the slow pace accords with conscious breathing. Brief stops for guided meditation encourage a deep listening to the body and the environment. A packed lunch immersed in nature allows you to savor the slow time and the authenticity of the landscape. In the afternoon, we reach a symbolic location for a sunset meditation practice, overlooking the high plateau and the majestic peaks. Dinner and overnight stay at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso.

Day 2: In the Footsteps of Monks, Towards the Essential

The second day opens with a brief practice of conscious awakening. The journey continues along paths that follow ancient connections between hermitages, granges, and small monastic settlements. Meditative walking alternates with presence exercises and moments of profound silence. High-altitude prairies and the crests of the Gran Sasso evoke ideas of freedom, simplicity, and harmony. A packed lunch in the quiet of nature completes the experience of slow walking. The return to Santo Stefano di Sessanio marks the conclusion of the journey, with a final practice to integrate the experience and a time dedicated to sharing. A different return: lighter, more aware, after having walked not only through space but within oneself.

Terms and Rates

Group trip: max 12 people

• Price per person in Double Room: € 310.00

• Price per person in Suite: € 360.00

• Price per person in Triple (Suite only): € 300.00

• Single supplement (Standard room only): € 130.00

• Extra night in Double Room: € 195.00 per room

• Extra night in Suite: € 250.00 per room

Included Services: Mindtrek guide/facilitator for the entire program, 1 overnight stay with breakfast and dinner at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso. Packed lunch on Days 1 and 2. “Radici” tasting menu dinner at Sextantio Cucina on Day 1.

Not Included: Transport to and from the starting point, city tax, lunches and dinners except where indicated, drinks at meals. Anything not expressly mentioned under “Included Services.”

Note: Trekking shoes and appropriate clothing are required. The program is subject to change based on weather conditions and trail accessibility.

Contacts

Info: link Email: santostefano@sextantio.it Tel: +39 0862899112