THE ANCIENT EASTER TRADITIONS IN ABRUZZO

 Arrival at Pescara Airport,  meet with your Tour Assistant and transfer to the 4* Hotel Miramare Village and check in. The Hotel Miramare Village is located on the Adriatic Sea, overlooking, “The Costa dei Trabocchi” a beautiful unspoilt part of Abruzzo. At 8.00pm dinner with wine at the hotel restaurant.

 Breakfast; At 9.30 departure to Ortona a beautiful town overlooking the stunning Trabocchi Coast. The Trabocchi represent one of the most iconic images of Abruzzo, these characteristic wooden fishing huts stretch hundreds of meters out to sea and were built and have been used by the locals since the end of 18th century. A guided walk will reveal some of Ortona's most important sites,  the Aragonese Castle, the symbol of Ortona, The Cathedral of Saint Thomas the Apostle,and the old part of the city known as Terra Vecchia.  Enjoy a  walk along the “Passeggiata Orientale” with breathtaking views over the harbour and the coast, whilst enjoying a delicious artisan ice-cream. There will be time for a free wander along the city centre streets where today is also market day and a good opportunity for a bargain hunt. At 12.30 departure to visit a winery that without any doubt represents one of the many excellencies of this territory, “Cantine Ulisse”. We will taste 3 of their best wines accompanied by a selection of local products. After the tasting we will have a stroll along the cobbled streets of the picturesque medieval town of Crecchio, with its beautiful castle and historic centre. At 3.00pm returns to the Hotel Miramare Village and time free to relax by the pool. At 8.00pm dinner with wine at the hotel restaurant.

 Breakfast; Today you will have part of the day free for you to enjoy at your leisure. The beaches along the Trabocchi Coast are a mixture of pebbles and sand, some just within walking distance from Hotel Miramare and some just 5 minutes with the free bus shuttle service available to the guests. On Good Friday traditionally, fish is the main dish on Italian tables therefore at 1.00pm you will enjoy a typical fish lunch from the Abruzzese Easter Tradition with wine. At 4.00pm departure towards Chieti to discover one of the oldest Good Friday events in Italy. This ancient Procession dates back to 842 A.D. though officially recorded starting from the 13th century Here many people take part in parading and carrying the symbols of the 15 Stations of the Holy Cross, accompanied by a 250 strong choir and band. The parades will start at 6.00pm from the Cathedral of San Giustino and follow a route along the main streets of Chieti, so you will be there in plenty of time to find a good position to view the parade. At 8.30pm we will walk back to the meeting point and return to the Hotel Miramare and rest of the evening free.

 Breakfast; At 9.30am transfer to Lanciano for a guided walk through its medieval historic centre with its beautiful original 14th century palaces, amazing churches, the Jewish Quarter and more. Time for a little free wander before heading towards San Vito Marina to enjoy a typical street food such as “fritto misto di pesce” or “lamb arrosticini” with a glass of local wine. Afterwards take a walk along the small pier and the coastal footpath whilst enjoying a delicious artisan ice-cream. At 2.00pm return to Hotel Miramare and rest of the day free for you to enjoy and relax by the pool. At 8pm dinner with wine at the restaurant. 

Breakfast; At 8.00am departure to Sulmona for what is recognised to be one of the best Easter Day events in Italy, “La Madonna che Scappa”, The Running Mary”. This is a must-see event and its origins date back to the 16th century. Sulmona is rich in history, architecture and is a buzzing city. A packed lunch will be provided by the Hotel Miramare although bars are aplenty in Sulmona where drinks can be bought on the day. At 4.30pm we will gather at the meeting point and return to the Hotel Mirmamare. At 8.00pm dinner with drinks at the restaurant.

 Breakfast. Today will be completely free for you to enjoy at your leisure, sunbathe and relax by the pool or on one of the beautiful beaches along the Trabocchi coast. If a little activity is what you would like to do, then you can hire a bike from the Hotel Miramare and enjoy a gentle easy ride along the beautiful coastal cycling route and stop in one of the many bars, restaurants or typical fish trattorias to enjoy a delicious gelato or aperitivo. Evening free for you to dine either at the hotel restaurant or in one of the trattorias along the coast. Free taxi service for the Hotel Miramare guests is available on request.

 Breakfast. 9.30am transfer to Vasto for a stroll along the historic centre rich with its beautiful architecture. Some  to places for you to visit could be the Roman Cathedral of Saint Joseph, the Palace D’Avalos with its amazing Neapolitan Garden, the panoramic belvedere Loggia Amblingh with stunning views over the Marina and the Gargano Peninsula  plus many more interesting buildings and sites to choose. At 12.30pm departure to visit a local bespoke winery producing incredible wines like the Montepulciano Riserva, the delicious rosé wine Cerasuolo D’Abruzzo and more. We will taste some of their best wines accompanied by local products. At 2.30pm return to Hotel Miramare and rest of the day free for you to enjoy and relax by the pool. At 8.00pm good bye dinner with wine at the hotel restaurant.

Breakfast, check out and transfer to Pescara Airport.