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 Abruzzo (L,D)

You will be met early at Rome Fiumicino airport or Rome Termini station. A small private air-conditioned coach will transfer you to Abruzzo in time for lunch at a 18th country farmhouse. The afternoon is at leisure to unwind and to explore the country estate. Visit a nearby hilltop village and take the first of many passeggiatas in village Italy or indulge in some private shopping. Enjoy some fine local specialties for dinner.

 

Day 2 – Monday: Truffle hunting - Roccascalegna - Medieval Castle- Ortona – Private Concert (B,L)
Enjoy stunning views of the Apennines as we explore the medieval castle of Roccascalegna perched on a rocky outcrop above the Rio Secco. We will meet Piero and learn all about how to find prized local truffles with his dogs in the nearby oak trees. A superb slow food experience awaits with a long country lunch of traditional Abruzzese dishes. Antonio’s award-winning olive oil is a must to taste. Squisito!
Michael Howard, star tenor will serenade us this evening with fine Italian parlour songs accompanied by a talented local pianist. Unwind with a leisurely passeggiata along the corso enjoying a gelato, caffe macchiato or just simply sit and take it all in.

 

Day 3 – Tuesday:’Trabocchi’ - Adriatic coastline –Medieval abbey - Cellar visit and wine tastings (B,L,D)
Enjoy a scenic drive to Fossacesia and marvel at the 'trabocchi’- unique, ancient fishing structures; as well as the majestic 11th century church of S. Giovanni in Venere overlooking the ancient olive groves and Adriatic coast. Meet traditional winemakers, visit their cellars and enjoy glorious tastings of Montepulciano and Trebbiano wines. Indulge in an exquisite seafood dinner overlooking the trabocchi on the Adriatic coastline.

 

Day 4 – Wednesday: Guardiagrele- Scenic walk- Al fresco picnic lunch- Loreto Aprutino (B,L,D)

Drive to the town of Guardiagrele, where you will meet local craftsmen in wrought iron work, goldsmiths making traditional Abruzzese jewellery, as well as a chance to admire colourful ceramics. From there we head to the Maiella National Park for a scenic walk with views to surrounding hilltop villages literally built into the rocky sides of the Apennines. The leisurely alpine valley walk is at 669m above sea level and catch glimpses of grazing mountain sheep and goats.  A sumptuous al fresco picnic lunch awaits – beautifully prepared by Maria Grazia using fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Your accommodation in Loreto Aprutino is set amongst 4200 olive trees and stay in a 17th century farmhouse which will be home for the next 4 nights. Enjoy aperitivo drinks in the olive grove before dinner.

 

Day 5- Thursday: Village Walk - Olive Oil museum, Medieval Art -  (B,L,D)

Explore the medieval hilltop town of Loreto Aprutino as we stroll through the colourful markets, magical alleys and visit a unique 19th olive oil museum and a private ceramic museum featuring 3 centuries of local maiolica ware. The warm Abruzzese hospitality continues with a visit to a small boutique winery and be delighted with tastings of award winning cerasuolo rose’ wine. Onto a splendid alfresco country lunch set in Loreto’s olive groves. Plenty of time to unwind by the pool, borrow a bicycle or stroll along the country lanes. We experience another best kept secret: a unique 15th century fresco cycle outside the town walls of Loreto Aprutino. Stroll through a nearby hilltop village and sip a limoncello in the mild Italian evening.

 

Day 6 – Friday:  Cheese Makers – Local markets– Museum - Cooking class & Private Concert (B,L,D)

We visit a local cheesemaker, producing traditional Abruzzese cheeses. You will be delighted with tastings of fresh ricotta, giuncata and pecorino cheeses. Stroll through the lively covered farmers market in Pescara where you can practise your Italian while marvelling at the wonderful produce. Not to be missed is the wonderful local specialty porchetta- roast pork with rosemary and garlic.   A visit to the fascinating Museum of the Abruzzo people follows, housed in an 18th Century Bourbon Jail- beautifully displaying the traditions of the Abruzzo people. One of the tour’s highlights is a private hands on cooking session with wonderful local Abruzzese women. Following our private olive oil tasting with Gabriella, we will be entertained by international tenor Michael Howard, singing Italian traditional songs joined by a piano accordionist. A truly unforgettable evening!

 

Day 7 – Saturday: MedievalMonastery - Ancient shepherd’s dwellings- Stunning Alpine Scenery (B,L, Farewell Drinks)
We climb through more stunning alpine scenery as we head to Roccamorice, the site of ancient monasteries where monks retreated from the material world since medieval times. Here you can truly experience the peace of the mountains they sought in the hidden, rugged canyons as you walk the pilgrim’s route. The alpine pastures are scattered with hundreds of tholos, ancient shepherds’ dry stone huts that once sheltered both sheep and shepherd. A leisurely lunch is at a nearby restaurant with superb organic produce and wines. Slow food at its best!
Spend our last evening together with farewell drinks and relive your magical experience in Abruzzo.

 

Day 8 – Sunday: Departure for Rome Fiumicino Airport.  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 Sulmona -the birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid and home to superb confetti- sugared almonds and nougat. Relax with a last caffe’ in Abruzzo…Buon Viaggio!