Tour Itinerary

Itinerary: 8 days/ 7nights
Personally created and escorted by Luciana and Michael.
Small group travel – max. 12 guests 

Day 1 – Sunday: Rome to Sulmona (L,D)

You will be met early at Rome Fiumicino airport or Rome Termini station. A small private air-conditioned minibus will transfer you across the Apennines to Abruzzo.
Unwind in Sulmona in an exquisite 14th century restored convent for the next 3 nights. A splendid welcome lunch awaits starting with an inviting antipasto buffet. In the evening we join in with the colourful pageantry of medieval costumes and flagthrowers and a magnificent Medieval Joust. Afterwards discover the delights of a quaint enoteca that has served wonderful wines since medieval times…

 

Day 2 – Monday:Sulmona (B,L,D)

Take a trip through time with us and explore Sulmona’s past, home to monks, poets and Romans through the centuries. Wander the ancient alleys of the town discovering quiet courtyards, opera house and the medieval Aquaduct. Sample the specialties of Sulmona as we visit Luigi in his quaint Confetti shop where sugared almonds have been made according to traditional recipes since medieval times.
There will be time to shop for those Italian leather shoes and bags in Sulmona or sit and watch the locals taking their evening stroll. La Dolce Vita! A summer's evening stroll to a local pizzeria restaurant as we are met by our hosts Federica and Amerigo.

 

Day 3 – Tuesday: Anversa degli Abruzzi - Scanno – Private Medieval Concert (B,L,Drinks)
We pass through breathtaking scenery past Anversa degli Abruzzi in the Sagittarius Gorge once home to medieval knights of the Norman period and Lago di Scanno, the largest natural lake in Abruzzo. Stroll through the colourful markets in Scanno and visit a traditional jeweller working in fine gold filagree. Lunch is a delightful slow food experience indulging in traditional Abruzzese dishes. Visit a tiny hamlet perched on a rocky outcrop, long the favourite retreat of artists such as Max Escher and monks. Join us for an evening  aperitivo and be enchanted with a private concert by Michael Howard, star tenor singing Medieval and Renaissance songs accompanied by a local classical guitarist.

 

Day 4 –Wednesday:  Santo Stefano di Sessanio (B,L,D)

This morning visit a private award winning winery and see how wonderful Montepulciano red wine and Trebbiano, a dry white wine are produced with accompanying tastings.
Continuing the scenic drive we wind our way up to an enchanting village complete with ancient olive press, underground grottoes and hidden secrets. Here we enjoy tastings of fine extra virgin olive oil and other magnificent local specialties. Arriving in Santo Stefano di Sessanio we can unpack and unwind over the next 4 nights. This hamlet at 1250m above sea level and is truly one of the jewels of Abruzzo, a place where time has stood still over the centuries and the mighty Medici once ruled.
In the evening indulge in a 4 course meal including pasta with Abruzzese saffron and zucchini..

 

Day 5- Thursday: Santo Stefano - Rocca Calascio (B,L)

We meet in the morning at the Medieval gate where once the drawbridge stood, for a private walking tour of town. Squeezing through narrow gates and corners where lovers once met.. Then we continue our journey to walk up to a thousand year old castle at Rocca Calascio, one of the emblems of central Italy and featured in countless films. At the foot of this mighty ruin we enjoy a leisurely 3 course lunch - after having surveyed the stunning panorama of the Apennines culminating in the Gran Sasso itself. In the evening we visit a nearby village for our evening passeggiata along the cobbled laneways.

 

Day 6 – Friday: Campo Imperatore – Cooking Class and concert (B,L,D)

Climbing to 1800m we explore one of the highest alpine pastures of Europe- the majestic Campo Imperatore surrounded by rugged mountains in the shadow of the Gran Sasso. Visit the Hotel Campo Imperatore where Benito Mussolini was once held prisoner. Our alfresco picnic lunch includes local specialities and arrosticini - barbequed lamb skewers...Squisito! One of the highlights of the tour is your private hands on cooking class with local Abruzzese ladies. You will create a 4 course dinner including fresh pasta and other traditional dishes. Be wined and dined with Italian folksongs sung by Michael Howard, international tenor and accompanied by a virtuoso piano accordionist. A truly unforgettable evening.

 

Day 7 – Saturday:Medieval Art - Cellar visit – Castel del Monte - Cheesemaker (B, L, D)
Marvel at magnificent medieval frescoes that completely adorn a 13th century chapel. This important church was founded by Charlemagne and built by the Benedictine friars. Meet a local winemaker whose family produces wonderful Montepulciano and Trebbiano wines. Sample delicious local products including saffron and lentils and watch cheesemaker Maddalena make her daily pecorino sheep cheese following traditional methods. Our last sunset is over Santo Stefano with farewell drinks looking out over the picturesque valley. A leisurely 3 course dinner is in a restored Franciscan Medieval Convent. Delight in fabulous dishes such as risotto con radicchio e montepulciano.

 

Day 8 – Sunday: Departure for Rome -  End of Tour (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Rome Fiumicino airport or Termini station, or make your own arrangements for your onward journey.
Time and weather permitting we make a picturesque detour to a beautiful medieval village. Relax with a last caffe’ in Abruzzo…Buon Viaggio!