"THE AUTHENTIC ABRUZZO ANCIENT EASTER TRADITIONS"

Pick up from Rome FCO or Pescara Airport at an agreed time. The breathtaking journey through beautiful mountain or coastal landscapes, and amazing hilltop medieval towns with their castle and fortresses, will be the perfect "Benvenuto in Abruzzo" introduction for your holiday.

• Arrival in the historic city of Vasto and at your accommodation for the check in
• Meet with your Tour Leader, and learn more about your forthcoming Abruzzo Easter Tradition Tour Experience
• Together we will walk along the streets of the city to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings and at 7.30pm dinner at a local restaurant

After breakfast, we will take a stroll through the cobbled streets and piazzas of picturesque Vasto's historic centre. We will visit some of the most important sites of interest, such as the Romanique Style Cathedral of San Giuseppe, the medieval Palazzo D'Avalos and its stunning Neapolitan Gardens, The 11th century chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore inside which you can admire magnificent paintings from two of the most influential Italian renaissance artists. A walk along the "Loggia Amblingh" is a must, to fully appreciate the views reaching as far as the Gargano Peniinsula in Puglia. We will experience the incredible atmosphere and excitement of the final preparation for this evenings much awaited Good Friday Parade, as well as one of the most ancient Religious Rituals for which Vasto is renowned. Being Good Friday, fish is traditionally eaten in many different ways, and so we will enjoy a typical Good Friday Lunch in a local restaurant. 

• (9.45am) stroll through the historic centre
• Good Friday Lunch in a local restaurant
• Afternoon at your disposal
• Meet at 18.00pm for an aperitivo before finding our spot to enjoy the Good Friday Parade which starts at 19.30pm 

After breakfast walk to the historic covered Food Market of Vasto, "The Mercato di Santa Chiara". Since 1954 this market is where local producers have been displaying and selling their fresh and seasonal produce, all excellencies of our territory. 
Our stroll will continue to a local "Enoteca" Wine Bar for a tasting of some of the best wines of the area accompanied by a typical "Tagliere", a selection of local products, cheeses, charcuterie, and savoury pastries. The rest of the afternoon will be for you to spend at your own leisure. We will suggest restaurants or trattorias where you can enjoy your evening dinner.

• After breakfast (9.45am) walk to the Mercato Santa Chiara
• Lunch/tasting in a local "Enoteca" Wine Bar 
• Afternoon and evening at your own leisure to enjoy as you wish.

HAPPY EASTER! After the traditional Easter Breakfast, we will drive towards the roman origin city of Lanciano, to witness one of our favourite traditional Easter Sunday Parades, "La Processione dei Tre Santi". First we will stop at the "Bocconotteria Lancianese" to taste the typical "Bocconotto di Lanciano", a delicate pastry case traditionally filled with a delicious filling of chocolate, ground almond and grape must. A short drive will take us to Lanciano's beautiful historic centre for a stroll along the medieval quarter and to the main square Piazza Plebiscito. Here you will discover why Lanciano attracts hundred of thousands of pilgrims from all around the world... At 12.00pm around the square just outside the majestic Basilica of the Madonna del Ponte, in an intimate atmosphere, the locals gather to watch the renactment of this traditional Procession with the ancient statues of Jesus Christ, Saint John, and the Virgin Mary. Afterwards will drive to a restaurant for our traditional Abruzzese Easter Lunch. In the afternoon return to Vasto and rest of the day to enjoy at your own leisure.

• 09.45am drive towards Lanciano with stop at the Bocconotteria di Lanciano
• 11.00am Arrive in Lanciano, stroll along the medieval quarter
• 12.00pm watch the Parade
• 13.00pm drive to the restaurant for traditional Abruzzese Easter Lunch.
• Afternoon (15.00pm) return to Vasto and rest of the day at your own leisure.

Easter Monday is traditionally a day for relaxation. After breakfast we will drive to Roccascalegna and its iconic fortress, recognised as one of the main symbol's of Abruzzo. The renowned Roccascalegna Medieval Festival on Easter Monday, attracts many visitors from the surrounding areas, so we will join the festive crowd and enjoy theatrical companies renacting in original costumes scenes and fights from medieval life. There will be local craft and food stalls serving typical street food. We will enjoy a tasting of the famous "Pane Porchettato" and the "Pizza Scima" accompanied by a glass of locally produced artisan beer. In the afternoon return to Vasto and rest of the day and evening at your own leisure.

• 10.30am drive to Roccascalegna for the Medieval Festival
• 11.45am walk and visit the castle and the original hamlet
• 13.00pm taste of Pane Porchettato, Pizza Scima and other products, with a glass of beer.
• 16.45pm Return to your Accommodation in Vasto.
• Rest of the day and evening at your own leisure

After breakfast we will drive to Orsogna to enjoy another one of our favourite events celebrating the Easter Festivities in Abruzzo. The "Talami" dates back to the 15th century and has been passed on from generation to generation until today. It is still very much one of the strongest traditions in Orsogna. The 7 neighborhoods individually produce "scenes from the Bible with live actors" who stand on wooden stages, carried by tractors (once upon a time carried by people). They parade along the main street of the town, each float carefully and beautifully adorned with flowers and the actors wearing handmade costumes. It is a surreal atmosphere that will take you back in time. There will be an abundance of food stalls offering street food amongst which the award winning "Porchetta di Orsogna" and the traditional "Gnoccone Stufato" which we will taste accompanied by a glass of locally produced organic wine from the Cantina di Orsogna.
Early afternoon return to Vasto and your accommodation. Rest of the afternoon at your own leisure. In the evening a Good Bye Abruzzo Dinner in a local restaurant

• 9.30am drive to Orsogna, walk through the historic centre
• 11.00am the Talami Procession starts
• 13.00pm taste of the Porchetta and Gnoccone Stufato with a glass of organic wine
• 14.00pm return to Vasto and your accommodation, rest of the afternoon at your own leisure
• 19.30pm Good Bye Abruzzo dinner in local restaurant

"GOOD BYE ABRUZZO"

• Check out and transfer to the airport for the departure of your homebound flight.