"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 visiting, 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 visiting, 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 a local expert guide you will take a walk of the city centre and its main sites. It includes the Medieval Aqueduct, buzzing Piazza Garibaldi, the stunning architectural complex of Santissima Annunziata housing a Grand Church and Civic Museum. Afterwards you will discover the "Confetti" (sugar coated almonds) on a visit to the famous Pellino factory and museum. After the tour 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 factory museum
- 12.30pm Lunch in local restaurant
- Afternoon and evening at your own leisure
DAY 3
After breakfast, check out and private transfer to visit Bominaco and the Abruzzo's Sistine Chapel at Oratorio di San Pellegrino with its 9th century frescoes masterpieces. Teh journey continues to Navelli renowned all over the world for its Saffron "the Red gold of Abruzzo". Enjoy a stroll through its cobbled narrow streets followed by a traditional wine and olive oil tasting with lunch. In the afternoon departure to Ortona, arrival at your accommodation and check in. Accompanied by your Tour Leader embark on a explorative walk through the 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. Accompanied by our local expert guide, start your walk at the iconic Aragonese Castle an extremely important defensive fortress for centuries. Sitting high on the promontory dominates the coast for miles and you can enjoy sweeping coastal views. Continue along the panoramic "Passeggiata Orientale" where you can enjoy an award winning gelato. Ortona is also known as "The Stalingrad of Italy" because of the ferocious fighting that took place here during WW2, and you can visit the interesting Battle of Ortona Museum. Afterwards you will visit the Cathedral of Saint Thomas the Apostle passing by the Teatro Tosti built in traditional "1930's Roman Empire Style". The tour will end at the "Enoteca Regionale D'Abruzzo" housed in a 18th century palazzo with over 500 hundred wines produced in Abruzzo. You will enjoy a guided tasting of a selection of 3 wines 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 private transfer to the picturesque town of Pretoro, often linked to one of the most traditional dishes of Abruzzo, "Maccaroni alla Chitarra". The Chitarra was the typical tool that shepherds used to carry when taking their sheeps away on the rich mountain grazing pastures. It truly resembles a "guitar" (Chitarra) and its still used to make the typical long pasta "Maccaroni" or more commonly "spaghetti". Accompanied by our local expert you will visit the workshop of the last remaining artisan making this tool today. Afterwards meet with Fabrizio who will tell the intriguing story of Pretoro linked to wolves, Saints and Brigands. Depart to Roccamontepiano and 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 private transfer to 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. Accompanied by your tour leader you will take a stroll along the Coastal path (Via Verde), enjoy a gelato whilst learning the history of the iconic fishing platforms that stretch for hundreds of metres out at sea. You will visit the picturesque hamlet of San Vito Chietino, its historic centre and the Belvedere with its breathtaking 360 sweeping views over the sea, coast and the mountains. Your journey will continue to Rocca San Giovanni to visit a small organic winery and olive oil producer, Cantina Caravaggio. Visit the vineyards, olive groves, the cellars, and guided by owner Nicola enjoy tasting their delicious products. Along the way back to your hotel, a must see stop to visit the beautiful 11th century San Giovanni in Venere Abbey. 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 private transfer to discover one of Abruzzo's hidden gems, Atessa. Accompanied by our local expert historian you will learn the history of Atessa and the egend of Saint Leucio and the Dragon's Bone. Visit the "Liquorificio Piretti" to taste local typical liqueurs produced following the original recipes since 1767. Piretti is also renowned for the production of its mouthwatering artisan torrone (nougat) and indulgent hand made flavoursome chocolate. 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 private transfer to the airport in time to check in for your homebound flight
- Breakfast, check out and departure
