Medieval, Renaissance & Baroque Italy

Hermitages, Castles & Fortresses of Abruzzo

Programme & Itinerary

DAY ONE – Wednesday

Rome – Medieval Celano&Fortress – Pescara Countryside or Hilltop Village

• 10:30am/ 11:00am: Meet in Rome at FCO Airport OR in Rome in  front of the “Atlantico Hotel” on Via Cavour, right by Termini Station in Rome

• Our journey of discovery starts with a very scenic drive 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
• Lunch will be in the shade of the Castello with the most typical foods from the region, as we talk about the intriguing history of this town that spans centuries and includes Roman Emperors and Popes
• Time permitting, lunch will be followed by a visit of the Castello and its Museums
• Transfer to reach our lovely Agriturismo La Rustica or Antica Dimora in the peaceful surroundings and sweeping hills of the Pescara countryside
• Welcome drink aperitif and check in followed by a chance to explore the area
• Dinner will be at our venue or in the village with a presentation of the program for the upcoming adventures!

• A good night’s rest

DAY TWO – Thursday

San Bartolomeo or Santo Spirito Hermitage – Roccamorice – Bucchianico

Olive Oil Tasting-Gala Dinner & Wine Tasting

• After breakfast, we start our day on a spiritual note, as we head towards the hilltop town of Roccamorice to visit one of Abruzzo’s most beautiful Hermitages
• A dash of hiking and conversations about the important and surprising history of these enchanting places in idyllic settings will lead us to either the Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio or the Hermitage of Santo Spirito a Majella, mesmerizing destinations in the Maiella mountain range
• Lunch will be offered by our hosts in a local restaurant with selected menu and wines
• We head back to our hotel for a bit of relax
• 17:30/18:00: In the late afternoon, we set off towards the hilltop town of Bucchianico for an olive oil tasting experience at lovely Francesca’s passionately restored olive mill, CantinArte
• A short stroll down Bucchianico’s narrow alleyways and we are all in for yet another treat as

lunch nearby will also be an incredible wine-tasting experience!

• Our sommelier Claudio will open his exclusive Cantina Ferrara for a wine-tasting aperitif and light dinner with a delicious selection of local savouries!
• Return to Agriturismo La Rustica or Antica Dimora

DAY THREE – Friday

The Adriatic Coast – Ortona – Costa dei Trabocchi – Fish Lunch

Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere

• This morning we take a drive along the stunning Adriatic Coast
• Our first destination will be the coastal town of Ortona, a famous port village dating back to the Roman Empire
• Home to Francesco Paolo Tosti, the Italian Composer who became Singing Master to the British Royal Family in 1880, Ortona features the Passeggiata Orientale, a lovely elevated stroll coasting the Adriatic Sea culminating with Ortona’s monumental military bastion, the Renaissance Aragonese Castle
• Our drive will take us further along the beautiful and unique Costa Dei Trabocchi for an incredible fish lunch with the freshest catch from the sparkling Adriatic on a centuries-old Trabocco

• After lunch, a visit to the nearby XII century Abbey of S. Giovanni in Venere overlooking the stunning Golfo di Venere and one of the oldest olive trees known to mankind!
• Our drive back will most likely make a quick detour to visit the surprising Fountain of Wine!

• Late afternoon surprise with a hands-on Cookery Pasta Masterclass with Chef Naira!
• Dinner will be at Villa Naira, probably in the company of a local Wine Grower who will further our expertise in the world of flavourful Abruzzo wines
• Back to our venue for good night’s rest

DAY FOUR – Saturday

Sulmona – Market Day – Pacentro – Medieval Santo Stefano di Sessanio

• 9:15am: After breakfast, we say goodbye to our hosts at Agriturismo La Rustica or Antica Dimora and head toward the classically beautiful Italian town of Sulmona, world renowned for its confetti and artistic filigree jewelry tradition
• A leisurely stroll through this historical village to visit its shops and its bustling market in Sulmona’s busy Piazza Garibaldi towered by the historical Medieval 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
• Before sitting down to lunch, we will enjoy a trendy aperitivo sipping a glass of Prosecco amid the buzz of Sulmona’s “passeggiata sul Corso”
• Lunch will be in one of the best restaurants in town with our lovely hosts
• We will then swing by the lovely town of Pacentro, a Roman settlement that over the centuries has expanded and today sees forms of medieval, renaissance and baroque styles in its Castle, Churches and Piazzas
• We then reach the fascinating  medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, on the majestic Gran Sasso d’Italia

• Upon arrival we will enjoy a Prosecco together as we discover the village’s picturesque corners before dinner
• Dinner in the village followed by a good night’s rest at our hotel within the Ancient Walls

DAY FIVE – Sunday

Saffron Fields & Masterclass – Rocca Calascio Fortress & Sunset

• After breakfast, we head towards the Navelli Plateau  in Abruzzo’s “Saffron Valley”, where our host Francesco in the XII century village of Prata D’Ansidonia will guide us through the fields and the secrets of mastering this very precious spice, from its delicate blossom to dressing our Risotto
• Saffron Masterclass and lunch with Chef Nello at his restaurant nearby
• Return to Santo Stefano di Sessanio to enjoy a walk through the village and have a peek at the local artisans’ works
• Later this afternoon, we head up to the nearby impressive X century Fortress of Rocca Calascio to observe a stunning sunset over the Gran Sasso….sipping a glass of Prosecco, of course!
• Dinner will be in the tiny village at the foot of the Fortress
• Return to Santo Stefano di Sessanio

DAY SIX – Monday

Pecorino d’Abruzzo & Ricotta & Cheese Tasting in Castel del Monte

• After breakfast our destination will be 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”
• Visit to the local cheese shop for a pecorino cheese making session and to see “the birth of Ricotta” accompanied by a cheese tasting with our lovely hosts Rosetta and Donatella
• Lunch will either be at a local farm or back in Santo Stefano di Sessanio
• Later this afternoon, time at leisure to wander along the narrow cobblestone alleys of Santo Stefano di Sessanio
• Dinner in the village

DAY SEVEN – Tuesday

Valle Reale Tasting Experience – Transfer to Rome

• This morning we say goodbye to Santo Stefano and we reach the beautiful Valle Reale Winery in Popoli, where our lovely hosts will introduce us to some of the most exclusive organic Abruzzo wines in stunning surroundings!
• A walk through the vineyards before sitting for lunch accompanied by highly selected wines knowledgeably introduced and described by our host Eleonora for a lovely tasting
• After lunch, transfer to Rome…Arrivederci Abruzzo!

FULL ITINERARY & PROGRAM AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD: