Abruzzo Cookery&Foodie Experience

Caracciolo

9  days / 8 nights

Sunday - Monday

DAY ONE

Rome Airport  – Gourmet Experiences – Villa Danilo Hotel

• 10:30am: Meet in Rome, either at Rome FCO Airport with Host or Rome centre in front of the Atlantico Hotel on Via Cavour (near Termini Station)
• 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
• Gourmet lunch in the shade of the Castello, as we talk about the regional wines and the intriguing history of this town that spans centuries and includes Roman Emperors and Popes
• Then we set off to reach the lovely Hotel Villa Danilo in Gamberale, in the Maiella National Park
• En-route detour through the stunning Gorges of Sagittarius for a scenic drive towards the Scanno Lake
• Welcome drink aperitif at hotel and check-in
• Exquisite dinner at Villa Danilo
• Good night’s rest

DAY TWO

Fresh Pasta Masterclass – The Oldest Bell Foundry in The World

• This morning…sleeves up for our hands-on cooking class with Mamma and Chef to disclose the secrets of fresh pasta, truffle pasta, ravioli, lasagna, tomato sauces and the very best of fine Abruzzese and Italian cuisine
• Our Executive Chef will also guide you through the preparation of a series of local Italian dishes that will impress your guests back home!
• Lunch to sample the fruits of our labour
• This afternoon,  a very special visit to the Pontifical Marinelli Bell Foundry, a fascinating tour of the oldest bell foundry in the world currently run by the 27^th generation of the Marinelli Family in the hilltop town of Agnone
• Aperitivo in Piazza or along the Corso before heading back to Villa Danilo along our scenic drive through the Maiella National Park
• Back to Villa Danilo and time at leisure to enjoy a bit of relax at Villa Danilo’s charming Grottino Spa followed by dinner

DAY THREE

Vegetarian class at “Il Mulino” Agriturismo – Authentic Truffle Hunt

Elements of Meat or Fish Masterclass

• 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
• After a lovely lunch surrounded by Il Mulino’s idyllic setting, return to Villa Danilo for a bit of relax and afternoon at leisure
• This afternoon, an authentic truffle hunt in the woods with our local truffle hunter and 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!
• Back to Villa Danilo to tackle a few more typical Italian recipes with our Executive Chef, which might include a main course as fish, agnello (lamb), wild boar or fish Masterclass
•  Truffle based gourmet dinner…we’ll hopefully have our own fresh truffles!

DAY FOUR

A Day of Discovery: Costa dei Trabocchi – XI century San Giovanni in Venere Abbey - Lunch with Wine Tasting –Agriturismo in the Pescara Countryside

• After a leisurely breakfast, we take on a lovely drive towards the beautiful and unique Costa dei Trabocchi, the most pristine stretch of coast along the Adriatic Sea
• Our destination will be the town of Fossacesia and its XII century Abbey of S. Giovanni in Venere overlooking the stunning Golfo di Venere and the oldest olive tree in Abruzzo

• Today’s lunch will be special, as we reach a famous nearby winery just off the coast for a guided Wine Tasting of indigenous Abruzzo wines nearby to learn all about Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano, Pecorino, Cococciola, etc beautifully paired with local delicacies

• Time to reach our charming Agriturismo accommodation in the lush Pescara countryside
  • Agriturismo La Rustica: https://agriturismolarustica.com/
• OPTIONAL 4-Star Hotel Accommodation in the centre of Pescara quoted separately:
  • Hotel Victoria: https://www.victoriapescara.com/
  • Hotel Plaza: https://www.plazapescara.it/en/index
• Evening aperitif dinner & sundowners by the pool / on the beach

DAY FIVE

Mozzarella Making and Pizza Class in the Pescara Countryside

Afternoon of Discovery: Pescara and/or Chieti Underground City

• After a leisurely breakfast, we will reach a nearby local dairy farm where waiting for us will be our local cheese maker to make your own mozzarella and unveil the secrets of cheese making and ricotta!
• Then we head to our Cookery Masterclass nearby and in the countryside with Mamma Naira…a traditional Masterclass on an Italian classic dish, homestyle Pizza with our own fresh mozzarella and more!

• Lunch with Chef Naira at her lovely home

• Afternoon may feature a tour of Pescara with an introduction of its Decadent History, its pristine sandy beaches and Liberty Style Villas with a chance for shopping
• OR a fascinating Underground Tour of nearby Chieti
• Dinner in Pescara or Chieti before returning to Agriturismo La Rustica or Hotel for a good night’s sleep

DAY SIX

“Saffron Valley” – Saffron Masterclass – Sulmona

*Ferrari, Lamborghini & Maserati Option*

• After a leisurely breakfast, we check out and head to the Navelli Plateau  in Abruzzo’s “Saffron Valley”, where our hosts in the XII century village of Prata D’Ansidonia will be awating us in the fields to guide us through the secrets of mastering this very precious spice, from its delicate blossom to dressing our Risotto

• Saffron Masterclass with lunch accompanied by an Olive Oil Tasting under the guidance of our Chef & Olive Oil Sommelier
• OPTION: sit behind the wheel of our Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati to enjoy an epic drive today! Convoy will be entirely controlled by our pace vehicle for pure enjoyment and peace of mind! (Quoted separately)

• As the sun is setting, we head toward the classically beautiful Italian town of Sulmona, world renowned for its confetti
• Check in at our Hotel and evening at leisure in town before dinner in town

DAY SEVEN

Roman Sulmona – Market Day

• After a leisurely breakfast, time for a leisurely stroll through the beautiful alleys and roads of Sulmona to visit its shops and its market in 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, we will reach one of Sulmona’s best restaurants for lunch
• Afternoon and evening at leisure in Sulmona with a walking tour or for a spot of people watching and enjoying La Dolce Vita
• Dinner arranged by Guests

DAY EIGHT

Medieval Santo Stefano di Sessanio - XI Century Fortress of Rocca Calascio – Campo Imperatore – Canestrato Pecorino Cheese

• 10:30: After a leisurely breakfast, we will reach the fascinating medieval hamlet of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, on the majestic Gran Sasso d’Italia

• A walk through the village and time to explore the intricate alleys of this fascinating village before a very typical lunch in town
• After lunch, we reach on towards the nearby impressive medieval Fortress of Rocca Calascio to enjoy a short hike and stunning views
• Time permitting, we will take a drive through the breathtaking plateau of Campo Imperatore, Italy’s majestic alpine meadow, part of the Apennines
• With a bit of luck, we might be able to spot not only herds of sheep and horses but also the Apennine Wolves and Chamois as well as Peregrine Falcons 
• We head towards the village of Castel Del Monte, widely renowned for its unique “Pecorino Canestrato”
•  Return to Santo Stefano for an evening at leisure and a good night’s rest in the medieval atmosphere of this hamlet
• transfer to Rome ETA 13:00….arrivederci Abruzzo!!

DAY NINE

Arrivederci Abruzzo – Rome Airport

• After breakfast, a very scenic drive thorugh the Gran Sasso on our transfer to Rome ETA 14:00….arrivederci Abruzzo!!

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Highlights & What's included

2995  eur 

• Guests: min 4 / max 8
• Starting point:Rome Airport / Centre @ 10:00am on Day One (please contact us for arrangements)
• Ending point: Rome on Day Eight (please contact us for arrangements)
• Fully escorted by our Leader and Hosts
• Accommodation 8 days / 7 nights:
  • 3 nights at the beautiful Hotel Villa Danilo in the Maiella National Park
  • 2 nights at the lovely Agriturismo La Rustica  in the sweeping hills of the Pescara  countryside OR Pescara 4-Star Hotel
  • 2 nights in Sulmona
  • 1 night in the fascinating medieval village of  Santo Stefano di Sessanio  in the majestic Gran Sasso

• An exciting and unique journey of discovery through the very best of Abruzzo
• Hands-on Cookery Classes at our highly selected venues under the guidance of our Chefs
• Foodie Experiences:
  • Hands on Pasta & Sauces Making with Mamma and Chefs
  • Main Course Masterclass – Elements of Meat Masterclass
  • Dessert Masterclass
  • Pizza Masterclass
  • Fish Masterclass along the stunning Costa dei Trabocchi
  • Olive Oil Tasting in a beautiful olive mill dating back to the early 1700’s
  • Veggie Masterclass in a stunning 15^th century Watermill
  • Authentic Truffle Hunting in the woods
  • Mozzarella Making Experience
  • Pecorino d’Abruzzo Cheese & Ricotta making
  • Saffron Experience and Masterclass
  • Wine Tastings
  • Exclusive Abruzzo1.com Add-ons available on request
• All restaurants and venues are highly selected and offer the most special Abruzzo1 & ItaliaSpeciale Experiences!
• All meals included as per the program with highly selected wines from Abruzzo as part of the Abruzzo1 Experience

A word on Tipping

At Italia Speciale our mission is to assure only the best experiences possible around 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 and, especially, feedback for our partners.

Should you feel the need to share a token of gratitude, ideally your Host should collect €95 eur in cash per guest 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.

Payment: Bank Transfer + bank charges | Credit Card: +3.5% | Cash: €100 eur discount