Abruzzo Cookery Holiday

Abruzzo to Discover

Raffaello

(4  days / 3 nights)

Starts every Monday

www.Abruzzo1.com

DAY ONE - Monday

Rome Airport – Agriturismo La Rustica - Pasta & Sauces Cookery lesson

• 10:00am: 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
• 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
• After lunch, transfer to our lovely Agriturismo La Rustica in the peaceful surroundings and sweeping hills of the Pescara countryside
• Welcome drink aperitif by the pool and under the olive trees
• Chance to walk through the vineyards by the Agriturismo amid the maturing sweet fruits of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Pecorino, Cococciola, Moscatello, etc…
• Later this afternoon…sleeves up for a hands-on cooking class with Mamma and Chef to disclose the secrets of fresh pasta, lasagna, tomato sauces and the very best of fine Abruzzese and Italian cuisine.
• We will  also indulge in the preparation of desserts: Tiramisù and pizzelle!
• Dinner to sample the fruits of our labour

DAY TWO – Tuesday

Majestic Gran Sasso d’Italia – Saffron Fields & Masterclass - Medieval Santo Stefano di Sessanio - Cheese Tasting - Fortress Rocca Calascio at Sunset

• After breakfast, we will embark on an authentic journey of discovery as we head towards the high peaks of the majestic Gran Sasso d’Italia
• Our drive will take us through the precious Saffron Fields of 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 as its delicate blossom should be in full bloom!
• Saffron Masterclass and lunch with Chef Nello at his restaurant nearby to learn all about Risotto and more sipping glasses of Cerasuolo wine
• After lunch, we head to the fascinating medieval hamlet of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, on the majestic Gran Sasso d’Italia
• Upon arrival we will enjoy an Espresso together as we discover the village’s picturesque corners

• A drive through the breathtaking plain of Campo Imperatore will take us Castel Del Monte to see what the local cheese makers Rosetta & Donatella are up to for a cheese tasting of their authentic variety of Pecorino d’Abruzzo, “Il Canestrato di Castel Del Monte”

• We will then carry on towards the impressive medieval Fortress of Rocca Calascio to enjoy some stunning views as the sun is setting
• Dinner will either be in a local restaurant or back in Pescara
• Return to Agriturismo La Rustica for a good night’s rest

DAY THREE - Wednesday

Costa dei Trabocchi – Fish Class – Bucchianico-Olive Oil & Wine tasting

Gala Dinner

• After breakfast, a lovely drive along the beautiful Costa dei Trabocchi will take us to the beautiful 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 cooking class will be unique: our hosts will guide us through the preparation of fine, yet simple, fish dishes…a tantalizing gastronomic experience!!

• Back to Agrituismo La Rustica to enjoy a bit of relax and the pool
• In the late afternoon we will head towards the town of Bucchianico for an olive oil tasting experience at lovely Francesca’s passionately restored 17^th century olive mill
• A short stroll down Bucchianico’s narrow alleyways and we are all in for yet another treat as

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

• Our sommelier Claudio will open his exclusive cantina for a wine-tasting aperitif and gala dinner with a delicious selection of local savouries!
• Return to Agriturismo La Rustica

DAY FOUR - Thursday

Agriturismo La Rustica – Airport

• After breakfast, we say goodbye to our hosts at Agriturismo La Rustica transfer to Rome Airport….arrivederci Abruzzo!! *

*Extensions in Abruzzo and in Italy and Europe.

Tailored programs available.

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Highlights & What's included 

1550  eur 

• Guests: min 4 / max 14
• Starting point:Rome Airport @ 10:00am on Day One (please contact us for arrangements)
• Ending point: Rome on Day Four
• All transfers included
• Fully escorted by our Tour Leader and Hosts
• Accommodation 4 days / 3 nights:
  • 3 nights at the charming Agriturismo La Rustica in the sweeping hills of the Pescara countryside

• 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
  • Cheese Tastings & Cheese making
  • Fish Masterclass along the stunning Costa dei Trabocchi
  • Saffron Masterclass
  • Olive Oil Tasting in a beautiful olive mill dating back to the early 1700’s
  • 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

Not included

• Flights
• Gratuities

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.

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