"GRAPES, OLIVES & TRUFFLES, THE GENUINE FLAVOURS OF ABRUZZO"
We use an old saying in Italy, "Dimmi cosa mangi e ti diró chi sei" which means, "Tell me what you eat and i will tell you who your are". This aforism belongs to a famous 18th century French chef, but perfectly describes Abruzzo, as its gastronomy is a true reflection of the identity, culture, and life style of its people. Culture and traditions that come from pre-roman times, that have been passed on from generation to generation and are still strong today. In the country side the moon cycles, calendars and pagan rituals, are still meticulously followed to decide when to plant seeds, prune trees and harvest their produce.
The months of September & October are just a small window in the very busy Autumn Harvest Calendar. Grapes, olives, truffles, mushrooms, and the best Saffron in the world are just few of the reasons why the countryside becomes such a busy, noisy, lively place to be. So what are you waiting for? Jump on that plane and join us for a week packed with fun, laughs, and authenticity meeting genuine people and tasting Abruzzo's typical autumnal flavours.
We use an old saying in Italy, "Dimmi cosa mangi e ti diró chi sei" which means, "Tell me what you eat and i will tell you who your are". This aforism belongs to a famous 18th century French chef, but perfectly describes Abruzzo, as its gastronomy is a true reflection of the identity, culture, and life style of its people. Culture and traditions that come from pre-roman times, that have been passed on from generation to generation and are still strong today. In the country side the moon cycles, calendars and pagan rituals, are still meticulously followed to decide when to plant seeds, prune trees and harvest their produce.
The months of September & October are just a small window in the very busy Autumn Harvest Calendar. Grapes, olives, truffles, mushrooms, and the best Saffron in the world are just few of the reasons why the countryside becomes such a busy, noisy, lively place to be. So what are you waiting for? Jump on that plane and join us for a week packed with fun, laughs, and authenticity meeting genuine people and tasting Abruzzo's typical autumnal flavours.
Tour Program
DAY 1
Pick up from Rome FCO or Pescara Airport. Journey through breathtaking mountain or coastal landscapes and picturesque hilltop medieval hamlets and castles, this is your perfect "Benvenuto in Abruzzo" introduction for your holiday.
- Arrival in the historic coastal city of Ortona overlooking the beautiful Costa dei Trabocchi.
- Check in your accommodation
- Meet with your Tour Leader, and learn more about your forthcoming Authentic Flavours of Abruzzo Tour Experience
- Stroll through the streets of the city to familiarise with your new surroundings. 1930pm dinner at a local restaurant
DAY 2
Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Wine is not just "A Wine", it is the love and pride of the entire Region, proudly exported all over the world as one of the best Italian wines. Today we will take part in the harvest, we will learn to choose & cut the best bunches of grapes, and follow the step by step process of Wine Making. We will enjoy a mid morning snack, and at 12.30pm a typical picnic lunch in the vineyards to celebrate the harvest. In the afternoon return to your accommodation to relax or to discover more of Ortona. In the evening we will enjoy a gourmet pizza and craft beer.
- 09.15am Drive to the vineyards to meet the expert wine maker i
- 10.45am light snack/coffee break
- 12.45pm lunch/picnic in the vineyard
- 14.30pm return to Ortona and your accommodation
- 19.15pm Meet at your accommodation and walk to the local restaurant to enjoy a delicious gourmet pizza with beer
DAY 3
After breakfast walking tour of Ortona. We will start from the iconic Aragonese Castle that stands high on the promontory dominating the coastline. Afterwards we will visit the Basilica of Saint Thomas the Apostle completely rebuilt after the WW2 bombardement, during the "Battle of Ortona" Christmas 1943. We will walk the path the fightings took place and visit the interesting museum dedicated to this event. Afterwards a short stroll to the "Cantina Regionale D'Abruzzo", the Regional Wine store set in a restored 18th century palace, which holds over 500 wines/labels produced in Abruzzo. We will enjoy a tasting of 4 wines accompanied by a selection of local products, cheeses, charcuterie, bread, olive oil and savoury pastries. Rest of the afternoon and evening at your own leisure to relax or to enjoy more of Ortona.
- 09.45am Walking tour begins
- 12.30pm "Enoteca Regionale D'Abruzzo" - Regional Wine Store - for the tasting
- Afternoon and evening at your own leisure
DAY 4
Discovering the "Liquid Gold" day. Extra Virgin Olive Oil at its best, visit an award winning olive oil producer and learn about the different varieties of olives grown in Abruzzo. It may be possible to take part in a harvest (depending on dates). At the mill we will witness the process of transformation from olive to the olive oil. The producer is also a master Olive Oil Sommeliér, therefore we will learn how to recognise a good olive oil from a mass produced one. A tasting accompanied by a light lunch will conclude our full immersion olive oil experience. In the afternoon on our way back to Ortona, we will take a gentle stroll along the Trabocchi Coast and rest of the day at your own leisure. Traditional Abruzzese dinner with the famous Arrosticini (lamb skewers)
- 09.45am drive to meet the olive oil producer
- 12.00pm Olive oil tasting experience
- 12.30pm Light lunch
- 14.30pm Stroll along the Trabocchi Coast
- 15.30pm Return to Ortona and rest of the afternoon at your own leisure.
- 19.45pm Traditional Arrosticini Abruzzesi dinner
DAY 5
"Truffle hunting day". After breakfast experience one of the most exciting foraging activities, "hunting the truffle with the truffle dog".
Truffles come in many different varieties such as the Black Winter Truffle and the Scorzone Estivo which is the lighter summer one. From October to December we enter the months of the best, most expensive truffles, the "Bianco Pregiato" the delicate white truffle that can fetch prices over €1,000 per 100gr. Today we will follow the expert truffle hunter and his loyal four legged friend, to uncover these delicious and precious mushrooms.
- 09.00am Meet with the Truffle Hunter
- 10.00am Follow the expert guide and his dog
- 12.00pm Head to a local restaurant for a delicious truffle based lunch
- 15.00pm Return to Ortona and rest of the afternoon and evening at your own leisure
DAY 6
After breakfast we will drive to the beautiful city of Vasto for a stroll through historic centre. We will walk to the covered food market "Santa Chiara" and discover and taste some of the local products. Afterwards we will enjoy the panoramic views from Loggia Amblingh over the Trabocchi Coast. Highlights of Vasto's centre include the Palazzo D'Avalos, Romanique Style Cathedral of San Giuseppe, and the Caldoresco Castle. We will enjoy an aperitivo in the main Piazza Gabriele Rossetti. Early afternoon on the way back to Ortona we will stop to the Nature Reserve of Punta Aderci, one of the most beautiful spots along the Landscape of the Costa dei Trabocchi.. Return to Ortona and rest of the afternoon at your own leisure. In the evening Good Bye Abruzzo Dinner in a local restaurant.
- 09.45am Drive to Vasto for a stroll through the historic centre.
- 12.30pm Light aperitivo in a local bar
- 13.30pm Drive to Punta Aderci Nature Reserve, short stroll to admire the panoramic views
- 14.30pm Return to Ortona and rest of the afternoon at your own leisure
- 19.30pm Good Bye Abruzzo Dinner
DAY 7
GOOD BYE ABRUZZO
- Check out and transfer to the airport in time for the departure of your homebound flight
