Abruzzo by Vintage & Classics

Abruzzo Vintage Culinary & Foodie Tour Italy 2022

“The National Parks meet the Adriatic Sea”

5 Days / 4 Nights

Vintage & Classics Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Ferrari, Lancia – Cookery & Foodie  Medieval Villages – Saffron - Trabocchi Coast Truffle Hunting - MasterClasses

DAY ONE – Sunday (190km)

Rome – Familiarize with our Vintage Classics  – Medieval Santo Stefano di Sessanio – Rocca Calascio Fortress & Sunset

• 09:30am: Meet in Rome and transfer to vintage car pick up point
• Our journey of discovery starts with a very scenic drive along the Autostrada dei Parchi as we head into the Abruzzo region along the most beautiful Autostrada in Italy through the Gran Sasso mountain Range
• Our first stop will be in the fascinating medieval town of Celano, dominated by its dramatically impressive Castello Piccolomini, a former Fortress the foundations of which date back to the XII century
• Typical lunch in the shade of the Castello at Madonne delle Vigne hosted by Mamma Luisa and Chef Sandro, as we talk about the intriguing history of this town that spans centuries and includes Roman Emperors and Popes enjoying glasses of Prosecco, Montepulciano and Trebbiano
• Our destination is our charming accommodation in the  medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, on the majestic Gran Sasso d’Italia
• After we have settled in our Albergo Diffuso, time to familiarize with our vintage vehicles with a short drive in the area followed by a visit to the impressive medieval Fortress of Rocca Calascio to observe a stunning sunset over the Gran Sasso….sipping a glass of Prosecco, of course!
• Aperitif and dinner in the village of Rocca Calascio
• Return to Santo Stefano for a good night’s rest

DAY TWO – Monday (max 200km)

Driving, Revving up, Exploring & Nibbling

 Campo Imperatore -  Castel Del Monte - “Saffron Valley”

• After breakfast, it will be time for our “drive, explore & nibble” morning out
• The route this morning is panoramic, twisty and we’ll have the roads to ourselves as we drive up the mountain pass and reach the majestic plateau of Campo Imperatore…beautiful open roads with a perfect balance between straight stretches of tarmac, hairpin curves and tight turns….a memorable drive through the plateau!
• We reach the village of Castel Del Monte, widely renowned for its unique “Pecorino Canestrato”
• Once we have parked around the Piazza, visit to the local cheese shop for a cheese tasting
• Back in our Supercars and we head to lunch in the area
• After lunch, we reach the Saffron Fields in the Navelli Plateau  in Abruzzo’s “Saffron Valley” and our drive through the valley will lead us to our lovely Agriturismo La Rustica in the peaceful surroundings and sweeping hills of the Pescara countryside
• Welcome drink and time at leisure by the pool and in the shade of La Rustica’s century-old olive trees
• Typical local dinner followed by a good night’s rest

DAY THREE – Tuesday (150km)

Cruising along the “Costa dei Trabocchi” -  XII century Abbey & Fish Lunch - Villa Danilo

• 10:00 am: After breakfast, this morning we will reach the coast on a lovely drive along the beautiful Costa dei Trabocchi…it’s all about cruising in style today!
• Arrival in the beautiful town of Fossacesia for a quick stop to visit its XII century Abbey of S. Giovanni in Venere overlooking the stunning Golfo di Venere and one of the oldest olive trees in Italy

• Today’s lunch will be alfresco with the best fish from the Adriatic Sea!
•  Our hosts will offer us fine, yet simple, fish dishes…a tantalizing gastronomic experience!
• After lunch we head towards the beautiful 4-Star Villa Danilo Hotel in the heart of the Maiella National Park
• Welcome Drink and time at leisure to enjoy the peaceful suroundings and the pool
• Gourmet dinner at Villa Danilo as we are treated to local delicacies before a good night’s rest

DAY FOUR – Wednesday (70km)

Special Pasta & Vegetarian Cookery class at “Il Mulino” Agriturismo

Mozzarella making- Authentic Truffle Hunt – Gourmet Truffle Dinner

• This morning we set off to reach the nearby Agriturismo Il Mulino in the hilltop village of Roio Del Sangro, where our hosts Chef Alessia, Chef Mirella and Pino will entertain us in a hands-on unique Veggie Cookery Masterclass
• Our lesson will cover the preparation of vegetarian specialties using the best local produce, greens, wild mushrooms, spontaneous and healthy herbs and vegetables
• The secrets of making fresh mozzarella will also be revealed during this masterclass with our Hosts
• After a lovely lunch surrounded by Il Mulino’s idyllic setting, an authentic truffle hunt in the woods with our local truffle hunter Primiano along with his precious truffle gold diggers “Ruby” and “Miss”
• Our destination will be our host’s most secret spots in Abruzzo to unbury the precious underground delicacy… let’s cross fingers for good luck!
• Truffle based gourmet dinner…we’ll hopefully have our own fresh truffles!
• Dinner and evening at Villa Danilo

DAY FIVE – Thursday (200km)

Roman Sulmona - Rome

• 10:30am: After breakfast, we say goodbye to our hosts at Villa Danilo and head toward the classically beautiful Italian town of Sulmona, world renowned for its confetti
• A leisurely stroll through this historical village to visit its shops and Sulmona’s busy Piazza Garibaldi towered by the historical Roman Aqueduct
• We recommend a stop at Fernanda and Giovanna’s pretty honey-shop by the Piazza for a sweet honey-tasting and a chance to purchase lovely and tasty special gifts

• As the buzz of Sulmona’s “passeggiata sul Corso” winds down for lunch, we enjoy lunch at one of Sulmona’s best restaurants
• After an Espresso, return to Rome…arrivederci Abruzzo!

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Highlights & What's included for

“Fast Speed & Slow Food Abruzzo Vintage & Classics 2022”

€2290 eur pp

• Guests: 20 Guests | 10 Vintage Cars
• Starting point:Rome @ 9:30am on Day One (please contact us for arrangements)
• Ending point: Rome on Day Five  (please contact us for arrangements)
• All transfers from and to Rome
• Fully escorted by our Tour Leader and Hosts
• Pace car and closing vehicle on the convoy + van carrying all luggage
• Itinerary includes vehicles
• Accommodation 5 days / 4  nights:
  • 1 night in medieval Santo Stefano di Sessanio in the Gran Sasso National Park
  • 1 night at the rustic and charming  Agriturismo La Rustica or Dimora Antica  in the sweeping hills of the Pescara  countryside
  • 2 nights at the beautiful Hotel Villa Danilo in the Maiella National Park

• Visit to medieval villages and Fortresses driving along scenic roads
• All meals included as per the program with highly selected wines from Abruzzo as part of the Abruzzo1 Experience

Not included

• Fuel
• Motorway Tolls
• Flights
• Gratuities
• Extra miles/kilometers outside the proposed itinerary (to be charged separately)

A word on Tipping

At Italia Speciale and Abruzzo1 our mission is to assure only the best experiences possible around Abruzzo and Italy through our highly selected network of Partners and Hosts, all committed to delivering the highest standards of knowledge and service to our guests. We do this by nature and soul, as proud as we are of our proposals and our people. Tips are never expected and always come as a nice bonus for our partners.

A token of gratitude. Ideally your Host should collect €75 eur in cash per guest on Day 3 to cover all tips that deserve to be shared among all Partners. Tips are not compulsory by any means, and should be given exclusively for high quality service.

A word on Deposits and T&C's

All our vintage and classic vehicles are covered by a fully comprehensive insurance policy with a 20% deductible (min €500) per vehicle in case of damage caused by Guest or vandalic act.

The itineraries are fully escorted, all highly organized and led by our tour leaders in the leading vehicle and in the closing vehicle, which means that every aspect is highly controlled for maximum enjoyment and safety on our selected itineraries.

Please note: a valid credit card per vehicle will be requested.