"QUINTESSENTIAL GASTRONOMY & CULTURAL EXPERIENCE IN UNADULTARATED ABRUZZO"
Taste the soul of Abruzzo on this exceptional 10 day Gastronomy & Cultural journey, from the historic streets of Sulmona, to the Adriatic shores of Ortona where centuries old culture meet rich culinary traditions. Indulge yourself in Sulmona's famous almond confetti and hearty mountain dishes before heading to Ortona and the coast to savour freshly caught fish. Abruzzo's culture seamlessly blends historic grandeur with ingenious coastal traditions. Enojy its unique cultural heritage from the vibrant frescoes of the Bominaco Abbazia (Abruzzo's Sistine Chapel) to the sacred history housed within Ortona's Cathedral of Saint Thomas, the Region's deep heritage is etched into its stone. Yet, this culture is equally alive on the coast, embodied by the iconic skeletal Trabocchi fishing huts. For any traveller, exploring Abruzzo is an intimate encounter with a Region that fiercely guards its treasures whilst warmly welcoming the world.
Taste the soul of Abruzzo on this exceptional 10 day Gastronomy & Cultural journey, from the historic streets of Sulmona, to the Adriatic shores of Ortona where centuries old culture meet rich culinary traditions. Indulge yourself in Sulmona's famous almond confetti and hearty mountain dishes before heading to Ortona and the coast to savour freshly caught fish. Abruzzo's culture seamlessly blends historic grandeur with ingenious coastal traditions. Enojy its unique cultural heritage from the vibrant frescoes of the Bominaco Abbazia (Abruzzo's Sistine Chapel) to the sacred history housed within Ortona's Cathedral of Saint Thomas, the Region's deep heritage is etched into its stone. Yet, this culture is equally alive on the coast, embodied by the iconic skeletal Trabocchi fishing huts. For any traveller, exploring Abruzzo is an intimate encounter with a Region that fiercely guards its treasures whilst warmly welcoming the world.
Tour Program
DAY 1
Pick up from Rome FCO or Pescara Airport and transfer to the historic Roman city of Sulmona and your hotel for the next 2 nights.
- Check in at your accommodation
- Meet your tour Leader to learn more about your forthcoming tour
- A stroll thorugh the cobbled streets to familiarise yourself with the city centre
- Evening, dinner at a local restaurant
DAY 2
After breakfast accompanied by an expert guide we will take a walk of the city centre and its main sites including the Medieval Aqueduct, buzzing Piazza Garibaldi and the stunning architectural complex of Santissima Annunziata housing a Grand Church and Civic Museum. Afterwards we will discover the "Confetti" (sugar coated almonds) on a visit to the famous Pellino factory and museum. After the tour we will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant serving traditional dishes. Rest of the afternoon and evening at your own leisure.
- 09.15am meet local guide
- 09.30am Tour begins
- 11.30am Visit Pellino facotry museum
- 12.30pm Lunch in local restaurant
- Afternoon and evening at your own leisure
DAY 3
After breakfast, check out ready for our departure towards Ortona. On our way we will visit Bominaco to discover Abruzzo's Sistine Chapel at Oratorio di San Pellegrino, which houses 9th century frescoed masterpieces. After the visit we will make our way to Navelli renowned all over the world for its Saffron "Abruzzo's Red Gold". We will enjoy a short walk through its centre followed by a traditional wine and olive oil tasting with lunch. In the afternoon departure to Ortona, check in and short wonder ots historic centre to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings and enjoy an aperitivo.
- 09.15am Departure to Bominaco
- 11.00am Departure to Navelli and short stroll
- 12.30pm Lunch with wine and olive oil tasting
- 14.30pm Departure to Ortona
- 16.00pm Check in your accommodation
- 16.45pm Stroll through Ortona centre and aperitivo
DAY 4
After breakfast discover Ortona walk. We will begin our walk at the iconic Aragonese Castle and continue along the panoramic "Passeggiata Orientale" where you can enjoy an award winning gelato. Ortona is known as "The Little Stalingrad of Italy" because of the ferocious fighting that took place here during WW2. We will walk through the street where the battle took place and visit the interesting Battle of Ortona Museum. Afterwards we will visit the Cathedral of Saint Thomas the Apostle passing by the theatre built in traditional Roman Empire Mussolini Style. We will end our tour at the "Enoteca Regionale D'Abruzzo" housed in a 18th century palazzo with over 500 hundred wines, here we will taste a selection accompanied by local products. Rest of the afternoon and evening at your own leisure.
- 09.15am meet for Ortona walk
- 12.30pm Walk ends and after the tasting, rest of the day at your disposal
DAY 5
After breakfast departure towards the picturesque town of Pretoro. The town is strictly linked to one of the most traditional dishes of Abruzzo, "Pasta alla Chitarra". The Chitarra is a wooden tool resembling the musical instrument of the guitar and is used to make the traditional long shaped pasta resembling spaghetti. Our first stop will be a visit to a workshop of the last remaining artisan making this tool today. Afterwards we will meet with a local expert who will tell us the very interesting story and legends of Pretoro with its wolves, Saints and Brigands. After a short drive we will arrive in Roccamontepiano where we will meet Pierluigi at his agriturismo for a farm to table lunch. Afternoon return to Ortona and rest of the day at your leisure.
- 09.15am Departure to Pretoro
- 10.00am Meet the artisan
- 11.00am Walk with the expert
- 12.30pm Depart to meet Pierluigi and lunch
- 14.30pm Head back to Ortona and rest of the day at your disposal
DAY 8
After breakfast visit one of the most beautiful landscapes of Abruzzo, "The Costa dei Trabocchi" with its crystal clear waters and iconic ancient fishing huts dotted along the coastline. We will take a stroll along the Coastal path (Via Verde) and enjoy a gelato whilst learning the history of the iconic fishing huts. Afterwards we will head up to visit the picturesque hamlet of San Vito Chietino for a stroll through its historic centre and up to the Belvedere with its breathtaking 360 views over the sea and mountains. A short drive will take us to Rocca San Giovanni to visit a small organic winery and olive oil producer at Cantina Caravaggio. We will visit the vineyards, olive groves and the cellars guided by owner Nicola and taste their delicious produce. After our tasting we will take a short drive to the beautiful 11th century San Giovanni in Venere Abbey, that from the promontory dominates the whole Trabocchi Coast, from Ortona all the way south to Vasto. Return to Ortona and meet for dinner at a given time in a local pizzeria.
- 10.00am Departure to Marina di San Vito
- 11.15am Head to San Vito Chietino
- 12.15pm Depart to the Cantina Caravaggio
- 14.00pm Depart to San Giovanni in Venere Abbey
- !5.15pm Return to Ortona and afternoon free
- 19.30pm Dinner
DAY 9
After breakfast departure to discover another hidden gem in the Abruzzo's Crown, Atessa. Accompanied by local historian we will learn the history of Atessa and its legend of Saint Leucio and the Dragon's Bone. We will visit the "Liquorificio Piretti" to taste local liqueurs such as the "Cent'erba, Limoncello and the "Genziana" which have been produced following the same recipes since 17th cenury. Piretti is also renowned for its delicious artisan torrone and chocolate. For lunch you will experience a hands on fun Spaghetti alla Chitarra pasta making workshop with Gabriella, after which you will enjoy the fruits of your labour. Return to Ortona and rest of the afternoon at your own leisure. In the evening a Good Bye Abruzzo dinner in a local restaurant.
- 09.30am Departure to Atessa
- 10.15am Historic tour
- 11.30am Chitarra pasta making workshop
- 12.30pm Lunch
- 14.00pm Return to Ortona and rest of the afternoon at your own leisure
- 20.00pm Good Bye Abruzzo Dinner
DAY 10
After breakfast departure to the airport in time to check in for your homebound flight
- Breakfast, check out and departure
