Abruzzo Discovery Experience

Medieval, Renaissance & Baroque Italy

Villages, Hermitages, Flavours, Castles & Fortresses of Abruzzo

Programme & Itinerary

8 Days / 7 Nights

€2650 pp

DAY ONE - Saturday

Rome – Medieval Celano&Fortress – Medieval Santo Stefano di Sessanio

• 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
• We then reach the fascinating  medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, on the majestic Gran Sasso d’Italia and check-in at the fascinating "Albergo Diffuso" with rooms scattered throughout the village
• 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 TWO  - Sunday

 Rocca Calascio Fortress Hike or Quad / ATV - Saffron Fields & Masterclass

Olive Oil Tasting

• After breakfast, we head up on a hike or ATV excursion to the nearby impressive X century Fortress of Rocca Calascio to observe  stunning views over the Gran Sasso and the pre-Roman settlements that talk about millennia of history
• Lunch will be in the tiny village at the foot of the Fortress followed by return to Santo Stefano di Sessanio
• 5:00pm: this afternoon 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 at our Hosts' lovely home in the saffron fields followed by an olive oil tasting session and dinner
• Return to Santo Stefano di Sessanio to enjoy an eve walk through the village and a good night's rest

DAY THREE - Monday

Cheese Making Masterclass: Pecorino d’Abruzzo & Ricotta in Castel del Monte

The Sistine Chapel of Abruzzo - Pescara

• After breakfast and checking out, our destination will be the breathtaking plateau of Campo Imperatore, Italy’s majestic alpine meadow, part of the Apennines for a scenic drive through the most beautiful 
• 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 in the Gran Sasso National Park
• 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
• Lunch will be a local delight before heading towards the valley and the Adriatic Sea as we reach the vibrant atmosphere of Pescara
• En-route, a chance to visit the unique “Sistine Chapel of Abruzzo” in Bominaco, one of the most important examples of medieval frescoes in central Italy 
• Arrival in Pescara and Welcome Drink aperitif and check in followed by a chance to explore the city
• Dinner will be in town with a presentation of the program for the upcoming adventures!
• A good night’s rest

DAY FOUR - Tuesday

San Bartolomeo or Santo Spirito Hermitage – Roccamorice

• 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 in Pescara for a bit of relax and a late afternoon walk around town talking about the history of Pescara, for a spot of shopping and people watching 
• Evening at leisure arranged by Guests

DAY FIVE - Wednesday

Fresh Pasta Masterclass – Wine Tour & Tasting

• This morning…sleeves up!! for our hands-on cooking class with our Nonna Chef at her charming villetta in the nearby countryside to disclose the secrets of fresh pasta, ravioli, lasagna, tomato sauces and the very best of fine Abruzzese and Italian cuisine
• Our Host 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 alfresco and enjoy a beutiful view from the terrace
• This afternoon, visit to a nearby local winery estate to tour the stunning venue, visit the vineyards and sample great wines as after lunch we will reach the famous winery estate for a guided Wine Tasting of indigenous Abruzzo wines to learn all about Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano, Pecorino, Cococciola, etc beautifully paired with local delicacies
• Return to Hotel in Pescara and evening at leisure arranged by Guests, dinner on the beach??

DAY SIX - Thursday

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

Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere- Villa Danilo

• 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!
• Then we set off to reach the lovely Hotel Villa Danilo in Gamberale, in the Maiella National Park
• Check-in and time at leisure to enjoy a bit of relax followed by an exquisite gourmet dinner
• Good night’s rest

DAY SEVEN - Friday

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

The Oldest Bell Foundry In The World – Gourmet Truffle Dinner

• 09:30am: 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
• 15:00: After a lovely lunch surrounded by Il Mulino’s idyllic setting, an authentic truffle hunt in the woods with our local truffle hunter and his precious truffle gold diggers “Ruby” and “Miss”
• We will walk to our hosts’ most secret spots in Abruzzo to unbury the precious underground delicacy… let’s cross fingers for good luck!
• Return to Villa Danilo for a bit of relax and afternoon at leisure OR we head out for 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 (30 min drive)
• Truffle based gourmet dinner at Villa Danilo…we’ll hopefully have our own fresh truffles!
• Good night’s rest at Villa Danilo

DAY EIGHT - Saturday

Sulmona – Market Day –  Transfer To Rome

• 9:15am: 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 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
• As the buzz of Sulmona’s bustling morning and “passeggiata sul Corso” winds down for lunch, it will be time to reach one of the best restaurants in town with our lovely hosts
• After lunch, transfer to Rome…Arrivederci Abruzzo!

€2650 pp