2023 Guest Comments
It was so special to be able to enjoy all that Abruzzo has to offer with my mom, sister and friends. I loved the food, the wine, the experiences and most of all the hospitality and care that the whole Amazing Abruzzo team gave to each guest. Grazie! Krista Kreling
If you would like to be treated like royalty, Villa D’Abruzzo provides this experience. From the gregarious welcome to our inevitable departure, we were blessed with a highly personable and dynamic team, each of whom was unquestionably dedicated to making our stay special. The entire staff, including household, kitchen, tour guides, administrative and the gardener went beyond to ensure our needs/desires were realized. These actions include trips to the pharmacy for my ill sister-in-law; trips to search for unique gifts for our grandchildren, and sourcing and providing wire to help mend a broken knee brace. Furthermore, all trips were interesting and sufficiently flexible to appeal to the wishes and mobility of each of us. The food was incredibly good and certainly plentiful, which was complimented by the chefs’ adaptability to specific requests of our party of 10 friends. This memorable experience was enhanced by well maintained and lovely rooms which adorned this authentic Italian villa. Now we are home, working on weight loss and living on wonderful memories. Barry speaking on behalf of the 10 friends.
Jim & I heard about Villa D’Abruzzo from friends and they encouraged us to go & we so glad that we did. Our week was truly amazing from the delicious Italian food to the endless supply of wine that we enjoyed everyday. The tours that we went on daily were always fun & interesting unlike anything we have seen in other parts of Italy. All of the staff at the villa were so friendly & made us feel like family. Our week at the villa was one of the best vacations we have ever had. A big thank you to Jake, Lisa, Jordan, Luca, Giulia & the rest of staff for everything you did for us during our stay. We will definitely be back. Lynn and Jim Boag:
We were the last group of guests at Villa Abruzzo for 2023, and what a way to end their season. 6 of us from Delaware, although one is a part time Canadian resident, so lots of Canada talk around the table. It’s difficult to put in words the way we were treated by the entire staff, from tours, cooking classes, wine tasting, and of course, a little shopping thrown in. We were fortunate to get a tour of the Baron’s Estate which will open soon, and when we return, and believe me, there will be a return visit, it will be difficult to pick our accommodations. We were never bored, from being welcomed with appetizers and wine, to an evening of music, and a finale hosted by the “host’s with the most”, Jake and Lisa along with some more music. It’s difficult to put on paper our absolute delight at a week in Abruzzo. We can’t begin to thank everyone on the staff enough, and to say, book, believe me, you won’t be disappointed. I personally can’t wait for a return visit. Barbara Beams, Lewes Delaware and Norway Bay, QC.
We visited beautiful Italy for our first time Nov 2023. We were on a cancellation list and jumped at the opportunity to visit Amazing Abruzzo Tours. November is typically the rainy period however we had 7 days of lovely sunny sweater weather. As Canadians this was perfect for us. We were greeted by Lisa and Ava who made us feel so welcome on day one. Our first dinner was the first of many delicious and filling ( I asked for half portions but I don’t think that’s a thing in Italy) four course meals. Their chefs are the warmest friendliest people who we immediately felt like we’d known for years. We were treated to the most scrumptious food, most beautiful tours of mountainside villages, olive groves, wineries and of course local craft shops. Then there’s the sheep and the castles… The landscapes truly breathtaking. Each day I thought the previous tour couldn’t be outdone, or the villages any prettier or food any better only to be outdone. Our hosts Jake and Lisa were extremely accommodating from the first night. Being fellow Canadians from Ontario we knew we were in great hands. The Villa was quaint and full of character and history. I had followed their story years earlier in the travel section of our local paper. The villa did not disappoint. We stayed 2 minutes away in the townhouse which was lovely and private. Our last evening there we had a fire on the terrace after returning from our day of adventures. We chatted with Jordan and Ava over wine about having “ Smores” Ava was intrigued, made a call and had the evening staff bring the ingredients and S’mores were had by all! We enjoyed our week and would like to give a special shout out to Jordan, Eva, Julia, Luca and Pepi, Angela and Oratio for making our first visit to Italy so memorable. You’re the best! Colleen and Joel Brayman:
Amazing Abruzzo tours lives up to its name every time. Spring of 2023 was our second trip to the Villa and it did not disapoint. This time we brought another set of friends and my sister because we knew they would absolutely fall in love with Abruzzo as we did when we came the first time shortly after it opened. The food, the people, the tours, the accommodations are beyond expectation. We feel like family when we come here ..we love it so much. Next time we will come in the fall to experience it’s beauty. Jocelyne and Stephen Elliott
Our time at the Amazing Abruzzo Villa was simply the best. One of our favourite tours was the hike near the largest fresh water lake in Abruzzo, Lake Scanno, (picture below) followed by a sumptuous 5 course picnic lunch provided by your Chef, her husband and grandson! The food was so delicious! It was so much fun and it was the best ‘family’ picnic ever!! We loved all of your local tour guides. They were so knowledgeable, personable, accommodating, flexible, interesting and experienced. They shared their knowledge of the rich history and heritage of the areas through story telling - this made it so interesting and fun!! The tours were all so memorable and special. Sue and Tom Haslam
This experience was truly amazing. Every detail is planned for you, without being over scheduled. You are picked up and dropped off in Rome. The villa and staff are top notch. The excursions are fun and interesting. And most days you are back at the villa with enough time to have a swim and a nap before dinner. I would not hesitate to recommend the experience to anyone. It was a remarkable holiday. Allison Johns
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Amazing Abruzzo Villa. Simply put, it was magical and exceeded my expectations. The Amazing Abruzzo gang made me feel a part of the family, took wonderful care of me during my stay and exposed me to the beauty, culture and history of the Abruzzo region. I can’t wait to come back. Susan Malis
Amazing Abruzzo truly lives up to its name! We had an incredible time seeing the sights and tasting the flavours of Abruzzo. The caring staff and fantastic tour guides made us feel like we lived there. There's no better way to visit and appreciate this part of Italy. Robin Senior
We spent a week of our visit to Italy as guests of Amazing Abruzzo Tours and it was a wonderful experience in every way. Abruzzo is astoundingly beautiful — at each turn in the road, and there are many, there is a new view of mountains, ravines, small farms and ancient villages perched on the top of hills, and each seems more beautiful than the last. And Amazing Abruzzo does a wonderful job of introducing guests to the history, culture and food of the area. We had wine and olive oil tastings, made fresh cheese in a farm kitchen, learned to make pasta, cycled along the Adriatic coast, explored hilltop villages and heard their stories, and hiked to a hilltop castle and along the beautiful Sentiero del Cuore (Path of the Heart) to a view of a heart-shaped lake. And each day we looked forward to the food, from freshly-baked cake at breakfast to the freshest and most delicious pasta you will ever eat, to the amazing variety of main courses and desserts. Key to the experience was the team Jake and Lisa have recruited. Our guides share their passion for and knowledge of Abruzzo on a daily basis, and the cooks, hosts and other staff at the Villa treat guests like family. The week ended much too soon. Deborah Sproat
Although we didn't stay at your villa, we utilized the services in June 2023 of your main guide Luca to bring us from Rome to Pratola Peligna (and back to Rome), my father-in-law's birthplace. It was the most memorable day of our entire ten day tour of Italy. Everything worked perfectly and I can't say enough good things about Luca. He was prompt, efficient, informative; everything we could want for our day trip. He was able to assist us in locating the boyhood home of my father-in-law.And the wine tasting at Cantina Margiotta was a special added bonus! We so much enjoyed Francesca's hospitality! We are thinking of coming back someday to stay at one of your properties. Perhaps not until 2026 though. Please keep us on your mailing lists as you proceed with opening your second location. Thank you from the US!
Three generations of our family came to Abruzzo to visit the Village of Alfedena (from which my grandparents emigrated in the early 1900’s) and to absorb as much of the beauty and history and culture of the region as we could. Thanks to the expertise of the Amazing Abruzzo Tours, we had a delightful trip to Alfedena, and a marvelous week soaking up the views, the food, the wines, the olive oils, and the rich traditions of the region. Thanks to the warmth, the kindness, and the generous hospitality of Jake, Lisa, and their incomparable staff, we experienced the essence of the heart and soul of the region. It was a trip we will never forget. For all of it, we are forever grateful. The Di Laura Family
There is no better place to celebrate a milestone birthday, your best friends or life!! Amazing Abruzzo is just that……..AMAZING!!! From the moment we were picked up in Rome, until we were delivered back to the airport, we were treated as family!! And we always will be part of the Abruzzo family. Kim Chappell
From the moment we arrived we were at home: the welcome from Eva was warm, peaceful and very delicious! Susan Cunningham
Deborah Dearham comments to the right.
The most amazing things for me about Amazing Abruzzo were all the special touches that the staff did to make our stay so wonderful and memorable: things like the Aperol Spritz made by Orazio, the dance party and fireworks by Jordan, the special birthday cakes (TWO of them) made by the talented kitchen staff, the informative tours by our amazing tour guides, and the guitar and sing along night with Lisa and Jake. It was truly the trip of a lifetime for me and I can't thank you enough. Bonnie Gallinger
Why would we go back to Villa Abruzzo 3 times when there are so many places to see in the world of travel? First, the ever expanding number of day excursions - there’s always something new to add to one or two past favourites. Second, the people who run the place - not just Jake and Lisa (who are so wonderful) but all the supporting cast. Then there’s the Villa itself - from the food and drink to the pool, and uniquely located away from places overrun by other tourists so you feel a real immersion into day to day life in Italia. A number of our friends have jumped on our enthusiasm for this place and no one has ever been disappointed, even with such high expectations. We do have other places to see, but Jake and Lisa haven’t seen the last of us! Beverly Hayter
:Our time at Amazing Abruzzo Tours was, well… AMAZING! With daily tours exploring regions we would have never found on our own then back to the villa for late afternoon drinks before dinners that were beyond compare. All the staff at this resort made us feel as if we belonged there with their stories about the area and friendly inclusive personalities. We have talked about returning to sample more of the fine food and friendly atmosphere but it won’t be soon enough for us. Donna & Mike LeBlanc / Sue Fleming & Tim Morrow
There are so many reasons we LOVE Amazing Abruzzo Tours. The sights, staff and the standard of service are off the charts! But Jake and Lisa's authenticity, special attention and the genuine engagement of their team are what elevate the experience and keep people coming back year after year. It's a beautiful, exciting and delicious adventure within a home away from home. Brigid Luke, Derek Fernie, Lindsay Clement and Cory Clowe
Just phenomenal! Everything wildly exceeded our expectations for a family reunion. From 8 to 83, we loved the marvellous villa, the fabulous food, the great excursions, but especially the warm, caring and passionate staff. The party and celebratory cakes were out of this world. It’s such a special place for all ages, and all tastes. From our two youngest members when asked for comments on what was special: “All the food (especially the endless supply of Nutella) -,thank you Nunzia- the POOL the dogs, and Luca and Serena who were so much fun. Anne Senior
Once again, for the third time, we found ourselves in the heartwarming welcome of Abruzzo, thinking it would be our final visit. Yet, the magic of this place—all the incredible people who make The Amazing Abruzzo Tours what it is—was too alluring to make it our last visit, and before we knew it, we were booking our return for 2025. It's a gem we're grateful to have discovered—a place that greets us like an old friend and feels more like home with each visit. Every moment here is a treasure, a reminder of the beauty and warmth we've been lucky enough to find. We can't wait to go back! Donna Karlin and Ray Skrebutenas
What a great vacation! The best hosts & staff, great food, wine and dancing away a beautiful evening on the patio. We felt so pampered and have already booked a return trip to the villa in this beautiful but still mostly undiscovered region. We have traveled quite a lot but this week in Abruzzo really was amazing. Dan Taylor and Judy Kelhoffer
We had an amazing time with you during our stay in the summer. We met some fantastic folks at the villa and it felt like a new mini family. The staff were wonderful and made us feel pampered and special. The only sad thing I can say is that I have not been able to find Lemon Peroni since returning home. We have shared our wonderful experiences with many friends and hope that they make it your way! Here are a few pictures... thanks for everything and we hope to return again! Rod and Nancy Vincent
I cannot imagine having a better time than we did with all of you last October, at your amazing abrazo villa. Every minute was a treat! Your whole team felt like family to all of us, and everything about our stay. The villa itself, the excursions the meals, the camaraderie: all of it was beyond our expectations. And that, of course, is why we have booked to return in 2025. We can hardly wait! Deborah Allan
We spent the most amazing week in Italy as guests of Amazing Abruzzo Tours in November 2023. From the moment we arrived to when we left we could have not have asked for a better experience. The warmth we received from Jake and Lisa, all the staff at the villa (especially Chef Angela), and all the tour guides, this was a trip of a lifetime. Abruzzo truly is a hidden gem in Italy with its experiences, food and cultural uniqueness and is well presented by Amazing Abruzzo Tours. Since we have been back home we have told countless stories about our trip and have friends of ours who have already started looking into a future visit. While our vacation included 5 days in Rome afterwards, we can honestly say for our Abruzzo visit we arrived as tourists and left as family. Thank you Amazing Abruzzo Tours! Bob and Linda Baggs:
Taffy and Sue Nahas
Jake,
Jake: There are not enough words in the English language to describe, explain or begin to engage with replicating the experience of Amazing Abruzzo Tours but more importantly you, Lisa, and the rest of the crew: Luca, Pepe, Orazio, Angela, Nora, Guilia, Serena, Danielle, Nunzia, ... I hope I didn't miss anyone because that's the point. It is about being with each of you - it could be in the Artic, Brazilian Amazon, Sahara Desert, or downtown Paris - it doesn't matter because where you all are is where we want to be. The care, concern, and passion you have for each of your guests is compelling and admirable, well beyond expectations and even beyond a five star rating. This last trip is a prime example that makes sense of this - the weather we had drove your crew bananas in planning, pivoting and accommodating 12 very different individuals that in spite of the weather we all came back with great fond memories of just how amazing you guys are. Trouble shooting is just one aspect of long list of things you all do every day (and even every moment) to make sure our trip is fantastic. I could go on - this is not just a holiday review - but how we feel about you, Lisa, Luca, Pepe, Orazio, Angela, Nora, Guilia, Serena, Danielle, Nunzia … . We'll be back guaranteed. Thank you for another wonderful time. Grazie Mille, Taffy & Sue Nahas
I can’t thank you and your wonderful staff enough for creating such a memorable experience. Everything from start to finish was truly incredible. You have created a wonderfully unique and genuine experience and the joy and memories created over the week were precious. Definitely hoping to return to see you all again soon! Christine Clark
What made Abruzzo so amazing for us? Let’s start with a unique region contrasting spectacular alpine wilderness on one side with alluring Adriatic seashore on the other. Or how about acres of vineyards, olive groves and farms enhancing our rural experience with hands-on activities like cheesemaking and olive-oil tasting. Our fall hikes in the mountains were invigorating, but also our strolls through ancient villages and castles clinging to steep slopes. We loved our bike ride along an oceanfront featuring historic wooden fishing platforms. Then there was the delectable food prepared by your own talented chefs and assistants or occasionally at restaurants hand-picked for friendly service and quality. In our dreams we still taste those exquisite local flavours of pasta, pastries, fresh produce and more. And please say “ciao” to your lovely staff who took such great care of us in the villa and townhouse as well as those amazing guides who drove, informed and entertained us with such passion. We raise a glass of fine Abruzzo wine to you all! Deborah and Wesley Dearham
We loved every minute of our November vacation at Amazing Abruzzo. Two of us were returning for a second time. A holiday at Amazing Abruzzo is a worry-free, authentic experience made possible by an outstanding team of genuine and dedicated people. Lyne Gratton
Your Villa Abruzzo was the perfect destination for our multi- generational family reunion. We were a total of 11 persons, ages from 8 to 72, and our week with you was magical for each and everyone of us. Even the children had a blast, because your staff catered to their every whim. I would like to tell all other grand-parents out there if they embrace other cultures, love to be active, and enjoy fine food, that they will never find another family vacation destination that can top Amazing Abruzzo Tours. You will all be part of our memories forever.Michele Jodouin
From our pick up in Rome to the drop off at the airport…our stay was magical. That may sound trite but it was!I use a walker and I was so well looked after. I couldn’t access some of the ruins but managed with the help ofLuca and Pepe, to have great adventures. From the “magic” fridge to the wonderful meals on the balcony to the staff that became family…a trip that I will treasure always. Janet Johns (a young 84)
Regardless whether you are a seasoned traveller or whether you are a first time visitor to Italy/Europe , Amazing Abruzzo Tours is a vacation option you should investigate. Why? In short, “Amazing” falls well-short in describing the “all inclusive”, flexible, personable, individually catered service you will enjoy during your stay. Most impressive is the overwhelming responsive staff that treated us as family; you will quickly know all staff by first name as they strive to know yours. We were a group of 8 friends; we all felt at home at the Villa. Moreover, the staff’s pride in meeting your individual personal requirements each and every day is so, so evidient and genuine; be prepared to be spoiled and feel special! The daily food and refreshments at the Villa/Estate was simply exquisite!! At the selected restaurants during daily excursions (included) , impressive! All daily meals were natural , daily prepared fresh local ingredients with any and all individual preferences catered. The optionally selected, daily guided excursions (9:30 AM ish to 3:30PM ish ) were small groups (8 people). The local guides were so informative with insight to the beautiful landscapes and a reflection of daily Italian life and culture. I could go on and on about the fabulous experience we had and why I believe you should investigate this niche, all inclusive experience but I will close with two special notes. 1. Having visited 50 plus countries on all inclusive and self directed trips, this one tops all by a measurable margin both in price and experience. 2. The owners, from Ottawa Canada, are special people who enjoy making your stay memorable. A few pictures are worth a thousands words to explain the overall experience. Such a gem!!!! Debbie and Roger MacIsaac:
If you're looking for the perfect Italian holiday where you can see, feel and taste all that the Abruzzo region of Italy has to offer, it's here at Jake and Lisa's Amazing Abruzzo Villa. Tours, accommodation, food, amenities and staff are all superb. From sea to mountain to vineyards to relaxing poolside and watching the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets Amazing Abruzzo has it all. Absolutely everything is taken care of and staff are more than willing to accommodate any special requests you may have. Jake and Lisa have created such a wonderful Italian experience here, a real family atmosphere, and there's no doubt we will return. Rosemary Smiarowski
We loved touring the beautiful Abbey of San Clemente with Giulia in November of 2023. Any day…and any location shared with the excellent guides of Amazing Abruzzo Tours will be a day to remember always! Cathy and Tracey Trumbull
2022 Guest Comments
Morty and I had a wonderful time at your beautiful villa, starting with the fantastic hosts and staff, wonderful food to the interesting tours, the ambience, and the great guests that we met during our stay. It was terrific! The excursion to Ortona had real significance for me as my Dad fought there in the 2nd World War and the cemetery had graves with members of his regiment. It was quite a moment for me. We will always have fond memories of our week in Abruzzo. We will certainly be raving about our week in Abruzzo and hope that business will be as good as it deserves to be. Thanks for everything. - Morty White and Pat Black
How can we summarize the most incredible trip in just a few sentences? When you branded yourselves "Amazing Abruzzo Tours" you could not have picked a better name!! From the incredible excursions to the heart of Italian culture, to the wonderful people who took us on these excursions, and the amazing chefs who made us fantastic authentic meals - I don't know how we could ever find a trip to top our week with you guys! Probably the most wonderful part was how everyone made us feel so welcome and treated us all like family. When do you go on a trip and cry saying goodbye to the owners and staff?? It was simply the best time either of us have ever had! As you know we went on to Barcelona and then on a ten-day river cruise from Prague to Budapest, stopping in a number of beautiful countries - while these places were lovely - they could not match our seven days with you. We can not wait to return and look forward to seeing all the wonderful people at Amazing Abruzzo Tours! - Patty Rose and Leroy Harding
Marty and I were so happy that we finally made it to Abruzzo. The warmth of your hospitality, the fun we had touring with Peppe & Luca, and the incredible unspoiled beauty was such a surprise. Thank you so much! - Elaine and Marty Nixon
Thank you Jake, Lisa and the entire Amazing Abruzzo Family for one of the most amazing weeks I have ever spent in your beautiful Abruzzo!! From the wonderful accommodations at the magnificent Villa Abruzzo, to the fabulous food and wine, the great tours and most importantly, the personal touches and friendships made with your wonderful staff! You truly are one big family!! It was such a special time with all my nursing friends!! Thank you again!! - Linda Berti
What a backdrop! The view from the villa’s dining deck… AMAZING! Gerard and I booked our May 2022 vacation in Abruzzo on the recommendation of a number of family members who had already enjoyed holidays there in previous years. We were somewhat apprehensive about spending our vacation in relative close proximity to a group of other guests we had no affiliation with. Those concerns were quickly assuaged by the warm and friendly welcome of the owner Lisa and villa staff who greeted us upon arrival. We shared the villa that week with four other couples who quickly felt like friends. We highly recommend the Amazing Abruzzo Experience…every aspect of the week was top notch…so much fun and memorable! - Janice and Gerard Gervais
What a wonderful experience we had with each of you during our stay in Abruzzo. We were welcomed like we were family upon our arrival at the Villa and that continued all week until we had to leave. Each day was like opening a treasure box. We enjoyed the Villa, every tour, every meal, wonderful conversations with new friends and learned so much about the Abruzzo region. What history! What a beautiful area! Looking forward to a return visit. - Karen Struthers
My Experience with Amazing Abruzzo Tours: Where do I start when describing the amazing week my partner and I had with Jake and Lisa and their amazing team of wonderful people at Villa Abruzzo. The service and personal care was excellent, every need was met with a smile and a friendly face. The Villa is beautiful, an exquisite unique space where we were made to feel right at home. We enjoyed the companionship of other guests, music at night, and outstanding cuisine freshly prepared every day, including beautiful wines. Our group shared many experiences during the day from visiting medieval castles and quaint towns, to exploring a grotto — caverns and waterfalls inside a mountain. By the end of the week, staff and guests felt like a family! This is a travel experience that I would highly recommend to anyone. - Anna Lapointe and Stephen Higgs
There is no better word to describe our time at Jake and Lisa’s than AMAZING… from the beauty of their villa, and the delicious Italian cuisine, to the cultural experiences in magnificent Abruzzo. Jake and Lisa and their team go above and beyond to meet your needs, and make you feel like family. You will leave with love for these wonderful people and beautiful Abruzzo, and a longing to return. - Sharon and Luc Drouin
I had such a fun time in Abruzzo this May. Jake and his team could not have taken better care of me. The tours we did were so interesting, and the food was wonderful! I’m still talking about it! - Edwina Sutherland
From the warm welcome at the Villa through to keeping things interesting and fun, our week was a wonderful introduction to what we would discover to be the Italian dolce vita. Its spaciousness and homelike atmosphere contributed immensely to the enjoyment of our stay. The food was so beautifully prepared and presented. Many thanks to everyone on Team Abruzzo - you kept us engaged and delighted from start to finish. - Penny Pepin and Alan Laschinger
This is our 3rd visit to Villa Abruzzo. Each trip has been amazing; from the wonderfully delicious food to fascinating tours that change all the time. The team at Villa Abruzzo goes above and beyond to ensure a great stay. It is a perfect vacation. We are looking forward to our 2024 visit. - Chris Horton and J Downey
We had a truly magical week in Abruzzo. The staff, the food, the villa, the group of guests, and all the beautiful sites we visited made for an unforgettable week. If you have the chance to stay at Villa d’Abruzzo, jump at it and consider yourself one of the lucky ones! - Melodie Tilson and Mike Ormrod
A fantastic holiday that will be cherished forever. I loved feeling apart of your very special Abruzzo family…the Amazing Abruzzo Tours Family. Love to All. - Patty Vandergrift
Amazing Abruzzo Tours is the perfect name. There is nothing that is not done or offered to you by Jake and Lisa and their ‘amazing’ staff. From the moment you arrive they make you feel like family. Each day included tours of sites from stunning mountain-top ruins to the sublime Adriatic seashore and delicious meals with local cuisine and wines. After the day’s tour we enjoyed a dip in the hotel’s pool as well as a glass or two of the wonderful house wines before dinner. Amazing indeed. - Tim Hodapp and Roslyn Nestic
This is us at your beautiful villa. To be able to be part of this trip with my siblings and their partners was for sure a highlight in our lives and a trip like no other. To have experienced this while being treated like royalty, with the incredible staff, food served, entertainment, pool, bocce, tours, unlimited drinks, and of course all while staying at your amazing villa, made it the best trip we could have had and created memories we will treasure forever! I will never forget walking in and thinking I was in a movie. To be able to just show up and have everything organized and running so smoothly, including the tours, the delicious food, and the down time every day, allowed us to really take in the beautiful week. A big shout out to Luca and Peppe for their amazing tours and the effort they put into each and every day. Their prep work didn’t go unnoticed. We also loved getting to know all of the staff - Jake, Lisa, Jordan, Angela, Orazio, Sabrina, Eva, and Giulia. Each one left a mark on us, and we remember each one fondly. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. - Diane (Drouin) and Daniel Poulin
This picture means the most. The people you have at the Villa make the difference. Everyone is welcoming, but these 4 make the “Amazing” in Amazing Abruzzo Tours, and have made a lasting impression. I feel so connected to you all, you are welcome anytime to come and visit us... Let us host you! My time in Italy was life changing. To witness the culture, and have the opportunity to see, do and learn so much about Abruzzo... it really is amazing. I know I wasn't expecting to see such beautiful country sides, mountains or seas. The tours make all the difference. Let’s not forget the magic fridge - everyone should have one. Thanks for a wonderful time! - Naomi and Steve Carmichael
Fun times indeed during our July 2022 week at Amazing Abruzzo! What an incredible "into the mountain" day tour of Grotte di Stiffe, and lovely pool times at the beautiful villa. Host couple Lisa and Jake and all staff treated us like royalty. Awesome place to go! - Terry, Charlene and Brennan White
We are still fondly reminiscing about our visit to Abruzzo! It is hard to decide what the best part of the trip was…The sights and food of Abruzzo, the Villa! I would have to say all three, but each made better by ALL of the people that we spent our time with. We are so glad that staying with you was a big part of our first visit to Italy, it will certainly not be our last! We had so much fun travelling with Luca, Peppe, and Guilia, their knowledge and personalities made each day with them memorable. Angela and Orazio are literal gems, spending time with them in the villa and in their hometown was truly amazing. Everyone who took care of us at the villa did a great job too… I learned a lot of things playing bocce with Jordan and Orazio! Who knew about Sant’Antonio? Last of all, but not least, thank you to both you and Lisa for spending personal time with us, getting to know you both was a pleasure. We felt like this was a family visit! Fino alla prossima volta! - Michael and Janice Little
What a wonderful trip we had! Everything was just perfect! The tours of Roman ruins, the lovely Pescara, the beautiful hill towns! Art, food, wine were all extraordinary, but it is the people that made it a trip to remember. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was gracious, friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and FUN. I could not recommend this experience any more highly! - Ranel Hanson
Amazing Abruzzo Tours at Villa d’Abruzzo was hands down the best experience we’ve had on vacation as a family. Jake, Lisa and their staff which is more like extended family, made our week in Abruzzo truly one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. Between the people, the food (which they accommodated a very severe allergy), the impromptu live music nights were icing on the cake and the view was an experience we are thankful for and never will forget. Regardless of how many kind words we write, you just have to experience it to believe it! With the amazing tour guides you truly see, “true“ Italy and the history behind it. The way they treated one of our mobility challenged family members was like it was their own family elder. Just those little things restores your faith that there are still amazing people in the world! We have and will continue to spread the word to friends and family who are looking for the next amazing vacation. ❤️ Dave, Sonia and family. - Dave and Sonia Beaudoin
Lisa and Jake, our Abruzzo stay was amazing! From the timely pickup and brief tour of Rome by Jake, through to the drop off back in Rome, we were kept continually in wonder, always extremely well nourished (food and drink were stunning) and extremely well informed of the history, geography and culture of Abruzzo. Your guides were extremely friendly, very well informed and extremely proud of their Abruzzo. All in all, we would and have recommended any and all to partake in your unique vacation! - Ed and Jean Posyniak
I sent my daughter Daron and her new husband Mark to Villa Abruzzo for their honeymoon in October 2017. It was just wrong that they got to enjoy the amazing Abruzzo experience before me, so we all came back to celebrate their 5th anniversary in October 2022. The week was astounding and the surprise anniversary party in the cantina on our last night was the perfect ending. It was a 6-star week! In this pic we have the anniversary couple loving their second trip to Villa Abruzzo. Thank you for making memories for us. - Douglas Faulkner
Abruzzo was definitely our favourite part of our honeymoon trip and in large part that was because of the amazing people who made it extra special for us (including you)! We are definitely telling everyone we know who is planning a trip to consider Amazing Abruzzo Tours! We felt the tour guides were incredibly knowledgeable and we loved that the experiences made us feel like locals! Abruzzo has so much to offer, from the little historic towns with amazing gelato, to the natural beauty of the mountains and the Adriatic coast. The food was to die for and all the chefs at the villa were incredible. We felt very lucky we were able to explore Abruzzo. – Maddie Hofford and Zak Remen
Amazing Abruzzo is the epitome of a travelers dream but one not always experienced. It is the coming together of 14 people all connected in some way to enjoy a different travel lifestyle in a far away place. You were made to feel like it was your own home, with great comfort food, a great host, the run of the house and a great place to chill and share stories. We were treated to the unusual in Abruzzo from special wines, special sites unique experiences like a family style picnic beside a beautiful lake. Out of our 4 weeks spent in Italy this week was the highlight because it was not the usual so thank you Jake, and to your entire team for looking after us. I would love to come back and experience another season in this magical area of Italy. - Monica Noonan and Sylvain Desforges
The highlight of our trip was when Jake took us on an all-day hike nearly 5,000 feet up, where we had the MOST incredible 360-degree views of the mountains. Such a beautiful spot. An added bonus was seeing wild horses up there - didn't expect that! - Jacki Leroux and Chris Gilcash
Word of mouth works. If it was not for a friend from Ottawa Canada knowing of Amazing Abruzzo Tours, I never would have found you. Jake, Jordan and guide Luca who was like a family member those two days made a dream come true to visit the birthplace of my maternal grandfather Villa Santa Lucia Degli Abruzzi. I had visioned in my mind how it would be, but Amazing Abruzzo Tours helped to make it exceed my expectations. An emotional visit it was. Beautiful Abruzzo made beautiful lasting memories. It was so good to see part of Italy that many have not even thought of visiting. A sincere thank you to you and your team. - Emmy Schaffer
Since 2019, this was our fourth week at the Villa and, the more we go the more we are treated and accepted as family with the great staff who look after you, feed you, entertain you and tour you around to so many interesting sites to see. I have highly recommended many people to go there, and all have come back with the same comment. WOW, what a wonderful, wonderful holiday. - Jim and Maria McConkey
Dear Lisa, Jake and the whole incredible team, I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful time we had with the amazing Abruzzo tour. I admit I had high expectations for this trip, but they were not just met but overwhelmingly exceeded! We just had the best time! The team really felt more like a family, and we felt included in that family! The area is stunning, the tours were so amazing, the food delicious, the people wonderful and I look forward to booking another trip with amazing Abruzzo tours. Thank you! - Barb Bijman
Villa d'Abruzzo is a profoundly special place. It's a loving home that immediately embraces you with it's welcoming "BENVENUTI". Every sense is tantalizingly awakened by the genuine, wholesome pleasures found in this magnificent region of Italy. Time shared touring, eating, singing, or simply lounging in the company of all who work and stay at the Villa becomes a daily gift of well-being. Utter joy!! - Emma Aquilino
“Amazing Abruzzo Tours” says it all! Amazing! This was by far the best holiday we have taken. Staff, Villa, Tours, Food, etc. was excellent. We highly recommend this tour to everyone! - Lyle and Bernice Wudrick
Oh my goodness – this was my 2nd visit to the Villa and, five years later, it was just as good as the first one!! Jake went above and beyond for our small group to make sure we had tour options that were not a repeat of our first Villa experience (unless we wanted a repeat of something). Spending a day with Nora’s family – first in town, meeting her Mom and some of her many Aunts and Uncles and then on their farm where we met her Nonna, another Aunt, cousins and a brother or two, was amazing and our trip up the mountain, seeing shepherds and their flocks and enjoying arrosticini outside (after Giulia BBQ’d them for us) equally spectacular. All the staff treated us like much-loved family. The meals, in general, were FAB-U-LOUS and the week disappeared far too quickly. Attached is a photo with me in it – on our first day at the Villa (far right). - Susan Sheffield
On our exciting adventures my wife and I never expected that the most memorable times would be time spent with your Abruzzo Family. Castles came and went but the warmth shown by the entire Amazing Abruzzo crew are the memories we cherished the most. We were shown so much care, we had our own space when needed and every effort was made to ensure we had a great relaxed time. The world is full of adventure but we will have a hard time staying away for too long. Ciao for now. See you soon. – Craig and Kerry Simpkins
Astonishing, astounding, surprising, bewildering, stunning, staggering, shocking, stupefying, breathtaking, perplexing, awesome, awe-inspiring, sensational, remarkable, spectacular, stupendous, phenomenal, prodigious, extraordinary, incredible, unbelievable, wonderful, marvelous, thrilling, exciting, wondrous… and then you meet the people, eat the food and enjoy your stay... A few words that do not do justice, but I was never a writer. Thanks for a GREAT holiday, away from home but part of "your ever expanding famiglia". Almost like a home away from home without the dishes, or the cooking or the driving! -Yvon and Marilyne Demers
This was one of the best trips I’ve experienced. The owners, staff, accommodations, food and scenery were all outstanding. The other guests who were at the Villa were fantastic. It was like we’d known each other for years. Such a great variety of field trips geared to the ability of the guests. I would recommend this trip to everyone. - Linda Morand
In conversations with our families and friends we speak most highly of the wonderful time we spent in Abruzzo and especially the warm welcome that we felt at your Villa. I often tell folks that we felt like part of the family there. The tours to the many sites, seeing the many ruins, visiting the specialty shops and obtaining the knowledge of Peppe and Luca along the way and at Ortona was informative and enjoyable. We always mention the food, wonderfully prepared and oh so delicious, thanks to Angela and the other chefs. On the days we chose to relax at the villa, we enjoyed the pool and strolling in the village for a gelato or doing some shopping. It was very much appreciated to have been picked up and returned to the airport, this made the trip more relaxing. This was an amazing trip for sure, thanks to you and your staff. - Raymond and Eleanor Cote
Norm and I had a wonderful time in Abruzzo as I know all of my siblings and their spouses did too. We came back with many memories that will stay with us forever: the sights, the laughs, the food, the grounds, the personal touches, all of the staff that is part of the Villa, etc. As we all purchased Angela's famous cookbook, plans are to get together next summer & prepare a meal using some of her recipes. Should be quite a feast. Our time here in Abruzzo was truly amazing. Lisa, Jake and their whole staff are nothing but wonderful, down to earth people, fun to be with, very knowledge and passionate. Every single meal was authentic, fresh, satisfying, and super delicious. The tours and the sites we visited were wonderful and exceeding our expectations from one outing to the next, whether it was visiting small local villages to breath taking views to historical sites to biking along the Adriatic coast. We loved every single one of them. Grazie! Grazie! Grazie! - Danielle and Norm Therrien
There is no easy way to describe a visit to Amazing Abruzzo Tours. The easiest description is an all-inclusive experience in Italy, but that doesn’t encompass the truly unique experience of your visit. You are treated like a welcomed friend as soon as you arrive. Laughter, conversation, and genuine care are part of the joy in interacting with all members of the staff. This was my second visit to Abruzzo, and I continue to “sing their praises” to anyone who will listen. You never know, I may be back for a third time. - Ann and Steve Noonan
We spent the last week of September in Abruzzo. The weather was so nice and the tours were great. All the staff were amazing, hence the name. Most special were the Birthday celebrations for Doug. Breakfast muffin with candles. Angela prepared his favorite cannoli at lunch time. For dinner the staff prepared an incredible cake with beautiful decorations. It was a very special day. We really enjoyed our visit. - Judy Plourde and Doug Orendorff
We had a great week at the villa. Our room was super clean, quiet, and comfortable, and the food/wine/ambiance were remarkable from start to finish. (Advice to future guests: Choose the wine upgrade, you won’t regret it!) We enjoyed time with our hosts and with the wonderful guides, all so personable and knowledgeable, funny and gracious. The villa staff operates like a well-oiled machine to ensure a relaxing and satisfying stay for everyone. - Terri Myers
My second adventure with Amazing Abruzzo Tours was no different than my first. How do I feel about Jake and Lisa and the team? Its all right there in the name, “Amazing”! One of the other guests put it best while we were standing at the top of a mountain with Jake after a somewhat unlikely, but truly spectacular climb,” this is a moment I will remember for the rest of my life.” If you are lucky enough to visit Villa d’Abruzzo, I promise you will remember the experience for the rest of your life…and like me , you will want to go back as often as you can. - Aaron Rubinoff
Our vacation as an experienced traveler with Amazing Abruzzo Tours was the best we have ever had and are likely to ever have! Everything was taken care of by our fabulous hosts and their wonderful staff. We were given immersive experiences at the highest level with excellent tour guides. The food and wine were fantastic and beyond my exceedingly high expectations. I was overwhelmed by their personal attention and desire to fulfill our requests. Thank you for the experience of a lifetime! - Piali Roy
We had the great fortune of booking a week at Amazing Abruzzo Villas in September, 2022 for a family get together involving 4 couples. The conclusion was unanimous: one of the best vacations ever. From the moment we were picked up in Rome, we felt welcomed and excited about what new adventures would unfold. The villa is very comfortable and quiet and you enjoy all of the luxuries of a high end vacation. The owners and staff make you feel like family and attend to your every need. The drivers and guides have terrific knowledge of the history and traditions of Abruzzo. The food is outstanding and can be accompanied by a selection of excellent wines in the wine room. Hard to pick a favourite meal but I would start with anything made by Angela. Each day starts with a relaxing breakfast followed by a guided tour of medieval villages, wineries, olive making or castles to name a few activities. I hesitate to name names as I will miss some of the amazing people who made our vacation so wonderful, but a big thank you to Lisa, Jake, Angela, Orazio, Eva, Luca, Peppe, Nunzia, Guilia and Jordan. - Murray and Grace D’Angelo
David and I had a spectacular week at your villa, starting with the sing-a-long on our first night, to decadent breakfasts and sumptuous evening dinners on the balcony over looking the rolling hills of Abruzzo. Magical. You created a wee bit of paradise for your guests. Thank you. - Sheila Brady and Dave Brown
Words seem to fall short when we think of our beloved Abruzzo. Many times, during the darkest days of the pandemic, the mere thought of emerging from the seemingly heavy weight of dire news and returning to Italy buoyed our spirits and gave us light at the end of that very dark tunnel. Forced to postpone our trip twice, we are forever grateful that Jake and Lisa were so accommodating as we rescheduled. When we finally arrived at the Villa in April, it was like returning home after a long, long trip. The air, the light and the spirit of Abruzzo washed over us and served as a calming force. The two years' worth of postponements quickly melted away, replaced by the excitement of a fresh start. And as always, the guides, chefs and staff treated us as a family. These folks define the Amazing Abruzzo Tours/Villa, and to a person, they hold a special place in our hearts. Each add their own touch, sharing local knowledge and history, and deepening one's understanding of Abruzzo. Jake and Lisa have created a unique and intimate experience for visitors to Abruzzo. It's charming, authentic and life-changing. So much so, we're exploring a perhaps more permanent return to the region my ancestors called home. Our hearts have found their home in Abruzzo. - Tracey and Cathy Trumbull
Lorna: Congratulations on a successful season. I must say that our stay at your lovely villa was one of the most enjoyable trips we have ever taken. Everything was perfect: the villa itself, our room, the pool, the wonderful food, wine, and after dinner drinks, but, most of all, the company - both staff and guests - and the incredible attention to our every need. I cannot recommend it enough. Frank: We very much enjoyed the beautiful scenery with the pool below….it is good for the soul. We very much enjoyed the scenery and the picnic…the staff was just great! - Lorna Townson and Frank Bozel
September, 2022 was our second time with the Amazing Abruzzo Group. Amazing is an understatement! Tammy and I have been to Italy three times, love the country and the people and the last two times we have always made Villa d’Abruzzo our last stop before heading back to Canada. The Amazing Abruzzo Tours group are our Italian family. New things to see, knowledgeable, friendly and relaxing. The perfect way to end trips to Italy. - Frank and Tammy Simpson
Why Amazing Abruzzo Tours at Villa d'Abruzzo? Because it’s an intimate all-inclusive resort owned and operated by Canadians, Lisa and Jake. Their customer service is extraordinary and the experience they offer is very unique and completely affordable. Their crew (drivers, guides, chefs, and house managers) includes a talented group of people who anticipate your every need. From the moment you are picked up at the airport, you are well taken care of by an authentic Abruzzo “family”. Have I mentioned the incredible 5 course meals? I highly recommend you check out their Facebook page and/or website for more details. You will not be disappointed! - Christina Langlois and Alena Murray
My wife and I spent 2 weeks in April at Villa d'Abruzzo with a group of friends. It was our first trip to Italy, and we could not of had a better experience. We were treated like family by the owners Jake & Lisa and their incredible staff. Chefs Angela & Sabrina spoiled us with fantastic meals from fresh local ingredients. Our "all-inclusive package" pampered us from morning to night. Experienced tour guides made our daily excursions memorable with visits to: wineries, castles, monasteries, roman ruins, medieval villages, fishing platforms on the Adriatic, amongst others. Luca, Peppe, Giulia and Nora are passionate about showing you the best sites around Abruzzo. I feel Lisa & Jake are lucky to have such a dedicated staff, and the staff are lucky to have them. It explains why they get return visits and are booked for more than a year in advance (word of mouth-no advertising). I fully agree with comments made about "a really authentic Italian experience. - Gary and Debbie Luskey
Al and I returned for a second week in Abruzzo in 2022 after being your guests the first year you opened. We love the natural beauty of Abruzzo, but what really makes a holiday with you special is your incredible staff. You have chosen and retained a group of people who are so pleasant, knowledgeable, efficient, charming… the list of descriptive adjectives could go on and on… and by the end of the week we feel that not only have we made new friends, but we are part of the family. So, thanks again, Jake and Lisa, you are the best! - Dominique Racine and Al Mackie
My first experience to the Amazing Abruzzo Tours and what it has to offer was in 2018 when I was invited to join my brother, sister-in-law and her family - the Grassi’s to the Villa. It was a great experience and a fantastic introduction to Italy that started a week prior, visiting other parts of Italy. I left the Villa determined to return with my other siblings and their partners so that they could experience an amazing week at the Villa, as I had. It finally happened! My week in 2022 with my family was as amazing as it was in 2018. We all had a great time. The day trips were great, the Villa crew - so friendly and helpful, and the food - to die for. It was a wonderful week. I strongly recommend a week at the Villa. - Gerry Drouin
The opportunity to visit Amazing Abruzzo Tours for a second time was wonderful. More importantly, the ability to share the warmth, the food and the love that abounds with this experience, with my mom made it even more special. Stories and memories only go so far. The ability to experience it first-hand made it easier for my mom to understand and to develop her own appreciation for the Amazing Abruzzo Tours crew. - Marc Gagnon
Awesome and amazing. The food, the tours, and all of the staff members who helped make this an enjoyable experience and a memory to cherish. Also, the wonderful people who shared the time and conversation. Thanks. - Norine Gagnon
Great hospitality, the villa is homey and the food is sublime. Those comforts and indulgences are only topped by the exquisite history and beauty of the region. The bespoke and personal tours were truly unforgettable. – Shannon Peet
During our week in Abruzzo, you and your wonderful staff proved how truly amazing Abruzzo is. Whether it was the trabocchi on the coast, the Roman ruins, the ancient villages in the hills or the high plain, all were unique excursions made even more memorable by our very knowledgeable guides, Luca and Peppe. Then back at the villa, we were treated like part of the family…sipping on lovely wines and dining on such delights as arrosticini, carbonara and pizza. Thank you so much to you and all the staff. - Dianne and Pat Walsh
We have travelled to several beautiful destinations, big cities, all-inclusives and private rentals worldwide but there is just something about Jake and Lisa's villa in Abruzzo that is special. Welcoming comfort from the moment Luca picked us up at the airport to Peppe dropping us off. The food is incredible! The tours are just right - we did as much or little as we wanted. We saw mountains, valleys, castles, ancient ruins. We did wine tasting and biked along beautiful beaches. We even had fun pool and bocce ball days. We loved the villa and small-town Italy! It is just so intimate. Highly recommended!!! - Sheila and Gaetan Drouin
I travelled to the Abruzzo region in October 2022 with Amazing Abruzzo Tours and my friends from nursing school for a retirement and 65th birthday celebration. From the time we were picked up in Rome until we were driven back to the airport a week later, I cannot say enough about how well we were treated! All the details so well taken care of, we did not even have to think! The villa is beautiful, the food and wine delicious and plentiful and the excursions so interesting! The hosts, chefs, tour guides and villa staff made our experience so authentic and delightful. It is not a question of if I will return, but when! Thank you to Lisa, Jake and all of your wonderful staff who are like family, for making us feel like we were part of your family too! -Susan Barrett
I simply cannot express how wonderful my time was with Amazing Abruzzo Tours. What a way to spend a long-awaited reunion with my university roommate! From the beautiful villa to the delicious and abundant homemade food to the stunning Abruzzo vistas and tours, this trip delighted in every possible way. Thank you so much Lisa, Jake and your wonderful staff for taking care of absolutely everything and for making our time with you so relaxed and spectacular. You made us feel like a part of your family. I will forever treasure our time in Abruzzo and am so grateful for the wonderful memories we made together. Xo - Kristin Weber
Would just like to say that our stay at your villa in Abruzzo was one of the best vacations we have been on in a long time! We loved the unique feel off the vacation, the warmth of your people and after every exciting day of tours and adventures, coming back to a wonderful party at the villa with awesome food and wine! We are still talking about it! Thank you all and a special shout out to Angela and Orazio for such amazing food and hospitality and our smart, funny and entertaining guides, Luca and Peppe! We hope to be back someday! - Faye and Blaine Ardelian
2021 Guest Comments
There is one word for Jake and Lisa, the amazing staff, the wonderful Villa, the delicious food, the terrific activities and the overall experience at Villa d’Abruzzo…PERFETTO. Nina Celestini
The name Amazing Abruzzo Tours is the perfect name for the amazing experience that we had, from the time we were greeted at the airport until our departure. Upon arrival at the Villa, we were welcomed by the owners, Lisa and Jake and some of the staff with enthusiasm and excitement. They immediately made us feel like family and their only purpose was to make your visit as perfect as possible. The Villa is beautifully decorated, plenty of sitting areas, nicely decorated rooms and extremely comfortable beds. The meals prepared by Angela, Orazio, Eva and Sabrina, consisting of a great variety of local dishes, were excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed all the tours we took from visits to Medieval villages, local wineries, markets, the Adriatic Coast, and so much more. Our personal driver, Peppe was not only an expert at manoeuvring those winding mountain roads, but he is also a walking history book, who shared his knowledge of the area throughout our drives and tours. In summary, we had a fabulous, exciting and restful visit. The only thing we missed was a dip in the pool, but considering it was November it was not quite the ideal time for that. Thank you Jake, Angela, Orazio, Eva, Sabrina, Peppe, Giulia and Jordan, we had a great time.
Four old gals - Jeannette, Judy, Claire and Lise.
The excitement began in 2019, when we accepted a cancellation spot at the Amazing Abruzzo Villa for 2020! Then Covid hit and all the world stopped; but in 2021 things started to open up and we were on our way. In spite of the challenges with travelling, our adventure began and what an adventure it was. From the moment we were picked up at our hotel we were in awe. Jake and Lisa were true to their word, the Villa, aptly called Amazing Abruzzo, was truly amazing. From the accommodations, to the staff, to the food everything was superb. And let’s not forget about the amazing tours and the friendships that were forged. Many thanks to Giuseppe (aka Peppy), Angela and all the wonderful people who made our stay so memorable.Babara Amyotte
2019 Guest Comments
A note of thanks to you and your fabulous team for a great vacation! In retrospect, it really was "Amazing Abruzzo". The geography, the history, your team and our fellow guests made it a week to fondly remember. Although we have experienced some wonderful trips in Europe and South America and had visited Italy a few times before, we had high expectations for our Abruzzo tour. You did not disappoint; in fact, Amazing Abruzzo Tours far exceeded our expectations. On this trip, the opportunities to capture photographic images was infinite. I did not feel rushed and had the time to capture the image as I saw it. You could very well market this to photographers. We cannot say enough about every aspect of the tour: the accommodations, the tours, the food, and most importantly the exceptional people--all of you! You are blessed with an amazing team; but of course, amazing teams can only happen with amazing leaders and you two are the best! Lois-Anne and Lee.
Diane and I would like to thank Jake, Lisa, and the team for making our visit to Abruzzo so amazing! Every single one of you did your best to feed us, take us on fascinating tours, and make us feel comfortable and welcome. I love Abruzzo and can’t wait to visit again! Thank you. Stephanie Watson
Thank you so much for an extraordinary week. I hadn’t realized how much I needed it until I felt my spirits lift and my heart heal on the grassy plains of Campo Imperatore, the hills of Rocco Calascio, and your veranda surrounded by laughter, music and friendship. The villa is such a powerful expression of your love for Abruzzo, its history and its people. I feel honoured to have had the chance to experience it. With warm wishes and deep gratitude. Cathy
Imagine a group of cousins standing around a kitchen island drinking wine together. One of the cousins from Ottawa says, hey, there’s this company called Amazing Abruzzo Tours … Two years later, the cousins (and a couple of friends) converged on Villa D’Abruzzo in Torre de’ Passeri. For a week, our family was welcomed into another family, the family of the Villa. We were treated to delicious home-cooked meals and unbelievably comfortable hospitality, while having the chance to view the incredible scenery and learn about the rich history of the region. Cesidia taught a group of us how to make delicious gnocchi, Angela prepared a lavish picnic, Orazio lightened our dinners with humour, Eva provided hospitality (and the best cappuccinos ever!) and Sabrina made sure of our comfort, especially poolside. Luca, Giuseppe, Nora, and Jake provided a wealth of information and fun on our daily tours. Their pride in the region shines through and makes each experience deeper. Our comfort, enjoyment, and safety were clearly paramount to our hosts. During our stay we had two special milestones to celebrate: a 41st wedding anniversary and an 80th birthday. Our hosts made these extra-enjoyable with special decorations and cake. All of us are so grateful we had this opportunity to enjoy the vacation of a lifetime … as a family. Grazie mille! The Cousins
My parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this summer and offered to take me and my three teenagers on a trip to Italy to visit historical sites, enjoy good food and connect with Italian cousins that we had not yet met. We had lovely 2.5 week trip to Italy and enjoyed visits to Sorrento, Capri, Pompei and Rome. But by far the highlight of our trip to Italy was the last week spent at the Amazing Abruzzo Villa with Lisa, Jake and their team. The villa itself was beautiful, rooms were spacious and comfortable and each room featured a modern bathroom. The shared living spaces, and terraces backed onto a stunning vista with breathtaking views (especially at sunset!). The food was homemade, plentiful and delicious. The daily tours were lovely and offered us a glimpse into the beautify rustic landscape and heritage of the Abruzzo region. But the real highlight of the stay was the kind hospitality provided by Lisa, Jake and their team of local Abruzzo staff. Each member of the team made us feel like a honoured guest and member their family. You all found a way to make us feel comfortable and special. We are especially grateful for Pepe’s kindness and patience in supporting a visit for to meet some distant cousins from the Marche Region for the first time. Pepe made us feel like it was his greatest pleasure to visit five families and two cemeteries all in one day! We are also so grateful for making my 13 year old son’s birthday extra special with decorations, pizza, cake and many birthday songs! But these are just a few highlights - there are so many others. My parents could not have wishes for a better celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. We will be back! Sincerely, Christina, Theresa and Doug Norris and family
Grazie! Mille Grazie! Dear Lisa and Jake, Bob and I thank you and all the special people who are Villa d’Abruzzo – Eva, Cesidia, Angela, Orazio, Sabrina, Luca, Peppe and Nora – for an extraordinary experience. Through you (all of you), we were introduced to and embraced by an absolutely stunning part of Italy. Breathtaking landscapes, kind and generous people, and outstanding cuisine and hospitality all combined to make our time at Villa d’Abruzzo one of our most memorable vacations. At my first meeting with Nora, she indicated a goal was to ensure that we got to know Abruzzo, the real Abruzzo - its people, its culture, its history. That and more happened for us. We also got to know and enjoy all of you, to live in a beautiful Villa (with a magic fridge that never emptied), and to immerse ourselves in the Italian culture. On a personal note… I believe it was evident to all (others in our party and staff) that I was in my element while there. From my heart, I thank you all for allowing me to lose myself in all things Italian, to learn a few more phrases, to try my hand a pasta making, and to again feel the warmth of being back in an Italian household. It meant the world to me. Grazie! Mille grazie! Bob and I look forward to your visit to Sudbury in December. It will be lovely to re-connect. Again, our most sincere thanks! Linda Wilson October 16, 2019
So what’s so amazing about Amazing Abruzzo Tours? Here it is - amazing people, accommodations, food, excursions, hospitality, camaraderie and more! While everything is very authentic, it’s also truly magical at the same time. If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten track, this is the place for you. It rated “12 thumbs up” from our group of 6. Grazie, Members of the Abruzzo, Sorrento, Seniors Tour.
We heard about Amazing Abruzzo from our Canadian friends (who in turn had heard about it from their Canadian friends – it’s the way this seems to work!) and booked for a week in April. As luck would have it we ended up being the only Brits in the place, surrounded by a crowd of very friendly Canadians who in turn were surrounded by a nation of very friendly Italians. Abruzzo is really worth the visit, with a wealth of history, scenery, excellent food and wine well off the beaten tourist track. Going there with Amazing Abruzzo was the ideal way to get to know the region, as Jake and his team have put together an itinerary which gave us a flavour of everything without the trouble of us having to do our own research, let alone having to find our way around. The entire week, from being collected from, and returned to, Rome went like clockwork. Being driven around by knowledgeable guides from one site to the next, which included lunch breaks or picnics en route, before returning to the villa for outstanding evening meals, was not only painless, but an absolute pleasure! Being in Abruzzo for Easter gave us the unexpected bonus of seeing the Good Friday procession in Chiete on our last evening, which provided yet another memory to treasure of a splendid week. Our thanks to everyone at Villa d’Abruzzo for a wonderful holiday. Bonnie and Ian Blackwell
Sweet incredible amazing memories pressed between the pages of my mind forever. I had the absolute pleasure to spend a week at the Villa with 10 girlfriends. Nothing in my life travels compares to this trip - the incredible beauty and peace of the Villa, the unhurried stunning tours, amazing staff, the incredible delicious food, every detail thought of and covered, the feeling of home and the knowledge that I will and must return. Lisa and Jake you are incredible and have created an oasis - Amazing Abruzzo ♥️♥️ Jane
We were encouraged by a number of friends to go to Amazing Abruzzo Tours for a great trip. We wondered what the fuss was all about. After checking the website and reviews and then speaking to more friends it came apparent that we just had to go. After checking dates with Jake, we booked a year in advance - never did that before! A lot can happen in a year, but the date came up as fast as we booked it. Lo and behold we found ourselves at the Rome airport and Jake looking for us while we're drinking our first Americano ... and the rest is history, literally. We never looked back as our dreams came true and amazing trip memories began day one. Each day started the same and ended the same, but something was happening beyond our wildest expectations. The first day was absolutely amazing and as the week progressed each day got better with the crescendo on day six - we were actually pinching ourselves to see if this was real. This sounds all quite exaggerated however the other couples, who we met for the first time, were saying the same things. All of us were experienced travelers and yet we were all beginning to experience a different sort of holiday. The only way I can express it is that we weren't treated or feeling like tourists but as locals, even better as family. We can't say enough about the staff, in order of appearance: Eva, Cesidia, Luca, Giuseppe, Angela, Orazio, Sabrina and Nora - and of course, our wonderful and gracious hosts, Jake and Lisa. The villa, rooms, food, wine, tours impecable! Yes, this is a tall order to maintain but here's the thing, we all talked about coming back. Now I haven't spoken of the details of the things we saw and experienced but that's the best part of the journey - not knowing what to expect and then to be blown away each and every day. Put Amazing Abruzzo Tours on your bucket list, your must travel list, your things to do today list and come and see what the fuss is all about!! Thank you Jake and Lisa! Taffy and Susan Nahas
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Jake, Lisa and the amazing staff at Villa d’Abruzzo for making our first trip to Italy an incredible experience. Friends of ours recommended the villa to us and it was everything we hoped it would be plus much more. We felt so spoiled and cared for that it seemed like we were visiting extended family. It was so wonderful to share the delicious meals and fantastic tours with the two other families who stayed with us the week of July 20-27, 2019. In addition, Jake and Lisa graciously arranged for Luca to drive us on a very special road trip to Limosano where my late parents and my four siblings were all born. We created memories on this trip that we will cherish for a lifetime. We would love to return one day! Grazie Mille! Josie, Sean, Aidan & Fiona McMillan
We were part of a group of 12, 10 of them being from Canada who we vacation with on a regular basis. Two of the couples had been to the Villa before but you are never sure of someone else’s opinion. Thankfully, everything they portrayed met all our expectations in every way. From the moment Luca & Giuseppe picked us up from the airport to the reluctant moment they dropped us at our overnight hotel in Rome, all our travel and Abruzzo discovery needs were completely fulfilled. The actual Villa meets every facet of a “home away from home” without all the hard work. The three chefs who look after your every whim should really come with a “health warning” the food choices and servings require two sets of wardrobes to cover the natural expansion during your stay. Eva, stays so “cool” and is always available to resolve all your concerns or problems. A key asset who together with all the staff make you feel an important part of the Abruzzo “family”. Not to be forgotten or overlooked, Orazio, provides key services with a humour that is hard to beat. Whilst there our group celebrated two Birthdays and one 50th Wedding Anniversary, all will be remembered for years to come. All of this is pulled together and overseen by Lisa & Jake, they should be truly proud to have the team they recruited and nurtured in such a relatively short time. Take the plunge, visit Abruzzo but don’t tell anyone else. It has to be our little secret! Jill and Peter Godfrey
Our stay at Villa Abruzzo was magical. The experience was personal and intimate; everyone made us feel welcome and at home. And what a beautiful home it was! Each day offered the opportunity to relax poolside, on the patio, in the living room, dining room or in the comfort of your own room in a luxurious bed, or to connect with the other guests in the shared spaces. It struck the perfect balance of space to gather and connect, or have your privacy. An evening walk to town was easy, and allowed for another local Abruzzo experience, being welcomed by the locals with a “buono serra” and a smile. The daily tours were fascinating, giving us behind the scenes access to the beautiful and historical local features. Often it felt as though we were the only ones there. Pepe and Luca were always at hand to answer a question, entertain with a story, or teach us about the local culture and history. Having locals guide us through the daily excursions provided an authentic and unique perspective. This wasn’t a ‘tour’ so much as a group of locals showing their new friends around! Their knowledge, enthusiasm and patience was incredible. Every meal was a feast. Cesidia and Angela create spectacular food with a true passion to share the tastes of Abruzzo with guests. Pasta will never be as good until the next time I return to the Villa! Jake, Lisa, Cesidia, Eva, Pepe, Luca, Angela, Orazio, Sabrina and Nora; thank you for creating memories of Abruzzo that will last a lifetime. It was a truly exceptional stay and I realize any attempt to explain to others what we experienced will fall short of what it is like to be there. Grazie mille! Janna Pantella
We were expecting a good time, but what we got was a great one. Amazing, in fact, just like the name.
Jake and Lisa have assembled a remarkably hard-working team of enthusiastic and kind people who go out of their way to make guests feel at home.
Their honest desire to share their fondness for all things Abruzzo shines through in everything they do. It makes for an authentic, wonderful visit.
Cesidia and Angela’s food was delicious (and so plentiful), the wine was superb and the daily travel experiences will stay with us a long, long time. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves from the moment Giuseppe picked us up at the airport until Luca dropped us off eight days later. We hope to come back again and have already recommended Amazing Abruzzo Tours to our friends via Facebook and in conversation. Thanks! Joe Sornberger & Sue Michalicka, Ottawa
An Amazing Adventure - This tale goes back to the original articles about Jake and Lisa’s journey to establish a villa for tourism in the Abruzzo region that was published in The Ottawa Citizen in 2015/16. One of this group saw the articles and phoned a friend to ask if she was interested in going. The immediate answer was “YES!” so they travelled to Italy in late April 2017 and had a fabulous time! As a result of that trip, Jake and Lisa were invited to speak at the Canadian Federation of University Women meeting in Perth. They were expecting 20 people to attend, but over 100 flooded the hall. In early 2018, 5 friends met for lunch when the topic of Villa d’Abruzzo came up and so the seeds of a plan were planted. One thing led to another and eventually 11 women from Stratford, Perth, Smiths Falls, Fallbrook, Mallorytown, Carleton Place, and Ottawa committed to the trip planned for May 2019. The group has just returned from 7 days in heaven!! Jake and Lisa and their incredible staff of dedicated people made sure that everything throughout our stay was just perfect: fresh flowers in your room when you arrive, fabulous meals cooked by Cesidia and Angela and served by sweet Eva, amazing tours to the most unexpected places done brilliantly by Luca and Giuseppe, and on the final day, a “picnic” (feast) unlike any you have ever attended, supplied by Angela and Orazio and set at the edge of a gorgeous lake beside yet another exquisite little chapel. There is nothing is to worry about during the week: tours start at 9:30, lunch is provided at wonderful local restaurants, your guides are a fountain of knowledge, and everywhere you go you can feast your eyes on spectacular scenery with wonderful little hill towns, most of which have a castle at the top! After amazing dinners with beautiful wines, it was time to sing songs with Jake or Orazio while sipping on lemoncello, a delicious aperitif made in that part of Italy. What a wonderful way to spend a week with 10 old and new friends! The Cirle of Friends
We thoroughly enjoyed our week with you. Kudos to your two guides, who are knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and very proud of their Abruzzense heritage. Same to the terrific cooks, who also showed their Abruzzense pride. The tours took us to some interesting and beautiful places which we would not otherwise have known about. Did I mention the good wines? The friendly dog? The good company? - Philip
In mid June of this year we stayed for one week at Villa D’Abruzzo. Our wondrous week began when Jake picked us up at our hotel in Rome, and really the drive to the Villa was the first tour, as Jake informed us of the region between Rome and Pescara (Abruzzo). Of course there is a rich history here, this is Italy. Then we arrived at the Villa, our home for the week - and I do mean home. Our hosts Jake and LIsa have created a truly homelike atmosphere. It is beautiful, welcoming, and lacks for none of the creature comforts. The accommodation will please the most discerning. There is a lovely balcony over looking the pool, set in a panoramic vista of hills. This all-inclusive comes complete with daily tours. But what elevates this entire experience above and beyond, is the staff. They are there to take care of your every need, and they do so with warmth and a beautiful spirit. You will become part of this extended family and get a holiday like no other. Hostess Eva, chefs Cesidia and Angela with assistant Orazio all perform brilliantly. And guides Luca and Giuseppe will infect you with the marvels of Abruzzo. Five enthusiastic stars. Greg and Mary Jo
This comfortable and authentic villa and your week with Amazing Abruzzo Tours is like a well-oiled machine with a staff that is some of the warmest, most generous people I have ever met. I felt embraced with love and kindness (and the most amazing food!) and experienced a part of Italy I never knew existed. With the mountains and the sea at your doorstep, Jake and Lisa have put together an experience that you will not soon forget. Jane
My wife Tammy and I first read about Amazing Abruzzo tours in the local newspaper during the time that the owners Lisa and Jake were in the process of renovations. We had seen the Amalfi Coast of Italy and loved the experience so we once again wanted to plan a vacation in Italy. This was the perfect opportunity...new region, new experiences. The Amazing Abruzzo tours family did not disappoint! Amazing should all be in caps! We appreciated the communication during and after booking to ensure we were comfortable with all aspects, of our upcoming trip. Excursions with the drivers/guides were as if they were your family, knowledge only gathered by locals, no questions went unanswered, always a smile and a joke to share. The Villa staff chefs preparing meals of pasta, pastries and desserts like none we have ever tasted. The group on the tour came from various destinations and we all got along fabulously, making the experience one to remember. When booking, it was mentioned that the trip was during Tammy’s birthday, nothing else was mentioned before or after our arrival until the day. During the tour of that day the great group we were with along with the hosts and staff sang Happy Birthday to Tammy 4 times making the day one she will not forget. We hope to see you again. Thank you to Lisa, Jake and the Amazing Abruzzo staff as well as the friends we made during the trip....we look back on this feeling we have new family! Grazie a tutti per l’esperienza. Frank and Tammy Simpson
Hello Jake and Lisa and All Our Friends at Villa Abruzzo. We have so many happy memories of our stay with you. Really, the photos cannot capture the reality of the experience and the friendship.
Have to say, the evenings singing and enjoying liqueurs with our long-time, and new-found friends were very special, but more than anything, the delightful staff and sincere welcoming smiles made this an adventure we would love to repeat. We learned a lot, laughed so much, ate so well and felt so comfortable at your beautiful Villa. What more could you ask!? Stephen and Marion Rothwell
We cannot express how grateful we were to have had the opportunity to spend a week at your lovely villa, with your amazing team! You all made us feel so welcome and at home, and tended to our needs and requests with such ease. You have a fantastic crew. Luca is a gem. From being there so early that first morning we arrived at the airport, to transporting all of us around from site to site, with so much knowledge, his views and information on the beautiful Abruzzo region were given with much energy and enthusiasm (even when he wasn't feeling well towards the end of the week). Luca's brother, Giuseppe, was also a pleasure to have as a guide and driver. His passion for the history and the area did not go unnoticed. He provided so much history, it made for a very interesting experience. They did not overwhelm us with facts, but, knew the right amount of information to provide to keep our attention. They were also great competitors in the male only game of fuseball in Villalago - Pat really enjoyed that! We cannot say enough good things about the food. Cesidia is a wonderful chef, from breakfast, to lunches, to incredible dinners at night. She made it seem so easy, and seemed to truly enjoy cooking for us. She took the time to explain what she had made (and to Pat and I directly, what with our food requirements). Even though she spoke in Italian, I could feel the joy she had in preparing our meals. Your other amazing chef, Angela, was also incredible! We loved our cooking lesson with her, and looked forward to any meal she prepared for us. Her desserts were to die for, and her hard work was certainly noticed and appreciated by all. The attention to detail was also much appreciated. Ava was a gracious server, ensuring we all had our coffees just the way we liked (getting Pat his almond milk was so kind), and providing us with snacks when we arrived starving. She was happy to provide whatever we needed, and her bright smile and funny stories made us feel at home. Orazio was an excellent - Orazio! He served us, drove us, helped feed us, and certainly entertained us! We loved the stories he and Angela shared with us, what a lovely couple. You could see how much they really care for each other. It was very touching. Our space was always neat and clean. While we did not get to meet the cleaning lady, we very much appreciated having a clean place to come back to at the end of very fun and interested days. We cannot forget to mention Jordan, who answered my many emails! He provided valuable information, and this helped make our decision to visit easier! It was also a pleasure to meet him and his mom in Italy, both lovely and fun people! Jake and Lisa, your hospitality and thoughtfulness made for an amazing experience! You have discovered a formula that, for us, was perfect. We did not have to think about a single detail, which made for a truly relaxing holiday. I wasn't sure I would ever make it to your villa, but, luck was on my side, and we were not disappointed! Thank you does not seem enough to say, and yet, it is all I can say. Thank you, for sharing your dream with so many, including us. We look forward to returning to your amazing villa, and wish you and your team a restful and relaxing break before the next groups start arriving in 2020. Cheers, Jackie & Patrick (Pat) Whalen
2018 Guest Comments
We spent a delightful week at this villa, where we were spoiled with fabulous views, delicious food and great Italian wine. The staff were very attentive, and our tour drivers took us all over Abruzzo. Not having to drive ourselves was a real treat. Jake and Lisa, our hosts, have put a lot of thought into the best way to ensure a worry free sojourn in this beautiful part of Italy. Cathie Mostowyk
We thought we would send a message telling you what a fantastic week we had at your beautiful Villa. Each and every detail was looked after for us, and we were treated like part of a huge family. Abruzzo is an amazing region to tour with so many historic sites, and Luca & Guiseppe are extremely knowledgeable about each location and also very proud of their country. Eva was wonderful and greeted us each day with a warm welcome and explained what event was planned for that day. She was always smiling and so helpful with anything that was asked of her. Cesidia & Angela are truly amazing chefs, and the food was absolutely delicious. Again they interacted with us constantly which was so much fun. We also had Orazio who had many stories to tell with funny twists and turns but very interesting. We loved going to visit his village on the Friday before we were to return home. The location of the picnic and all the fantastic food cooked by Angela was so wonderful, it made us very sad when we had to say goodbye. We were truly spoiled for the whole week, and it was hard to get back to reality when we returned home. It was a wonderful experience, and we appreciate being looked after so well. We will certainly pass on an excellent recommendation to our friends and family. You both should be so proud of everything you have accomplished, you got everything right for all the guests to have a very happy holiday. Thank you so much. Carmel & Ken Conlin
Lisa and Jake have created a truly unique vacation for their guests at Villa d'Abruzzo. Lisa, Jake and everyone associated with the villa were warm, caring, considerate and accommodating. We have fond recollections of Cesidia, Eva, Luca, Giuseppe, Nora, Angela and Orazio. The attention to detail was meticulous ensuring the total comfort and enjoyment for the guests. From the time we arrived at the Rome Airport and were met by Giuseppe until he returned us there two weeks later, we couldn't have asked for a better vacation. Each day of our stay brought new experiences from breakfast to the daily tours, special lunches to dinner at the villa. We were impressed with the wide variety of the daily outings and learned so much about Abruzzo’s long history. We visited hermitages, churches, mountain villages and unique shops. We enjoyed the various dinner locations at the villa, the dining room, the terrace and especially the Cantina. We shall cherish the memories of our stay at Villa d'Abruzzo. Wayne and Pat Mielke, June 2018
Lisa and Jake have created something special here. From the moment you step into the doors, you feel like family. There is such warmth, interest and knowledge from all. The food - homemade, soul nourishing, and wonderful. The entire team have such wonderful knowledge of local history and easily share this with you. The team’s passion and professionalism are evident. The tours keep you busy and you are presented with wonderfully daily gifts of local colour, culture and culinary delights. This place is truly special. We’d return in a heart beat. Marc Gagnon, Donovan Bigus, Jaxon Gagnon-Bigus
Five Sisters with four of their spouses planned a special trip to Villa Abruzzo because two of the sisters had been following the articles in The Citizen and this destination was on their bucket list. One of us was going through cancer treatments again after a remission of 12 years (Thankfully she is doing well with her treatment and is able to continue to live life to the full) and it was her desire that we all go as a family. Jake, Lisa and staff did not know this yet when we arrived, still we were all welcomed as if we were family coming for a visit. We filled the five rooms of the Villa and the entire vacation was the highlight of the year for all of us. Our days were filled with adventure, information, plenty of good food,. laughs and yet we could relax at the end of the day and enjoy the quiet of the Villa. Thank you to all of you at Villa d’Abruzzo for this memorable vacation. Janet and John deWinter
One word “AMAZING”. We get so excited every, single, time we tell people about our holiday. Thank you Lisa and Jake for following your dream and a huge thanks to your Abruzzo family for embracing us. Karen Frederick
I travelled to Villa Abruzzo in September 2018. I stayed one week and had an absolutely wonderful time. The daily excursions were amazing, with fantastic guides. The food was superbe, and the chefs unbelievably friendly. Best of all, the hosts were professional, with a personal touch that is uncommon, and simply amazing. Pierre
We had a stay at the villa in Torre de'Passeri and in the Abruzzo region last July that exceeded all our expectations. The meals, the day trips and the warmth of staff were quite remarkable given the weekly cycle of new groups coming to Lisa and Jake's place. We were welcomed - we two and our two grandchildren. Our grand daughter, Erin, age 12, was so engaged and had so much affection showered on her, that she cannot stop talking about her time there. Eva, Cesidia, Lisa and Nora took to her as one of their own. We cannot say enough for that. What is especially memorable for my wife Helen and I was the ceremony and accompanying dinner for the 50th anniversary renewal of our marriage vows. It was way over anything we could have contemplated. The ceremony held in backyard was full of grace, and for us, solemn. The other guests participated as witnesses and gave us toasts and gifts. The evening's dinner was quite simply one of the best dinners we have ever had anywhere. And we have had some good dinners! I really appreciated the hug Nora gave him in the piazza of Villalago. Erin will never forget her introduction to morning cappuccino and the hours in the pool, Helen the constant welcome through the week and our grandson Daniel, his first official wine tasting at the Guardiani & Farchione home in Tocca da Casauria. We cannot forget Orazio, Angela, Luca and Giuseppe. The picnic (an understatement), the tours to all sorts of exotic places - we could go on. Awesome, just awesome. David and Helen Mulcaster
2017 Guest Comments
Jake and Lisa: Our recent visit to your villa was one of the best travel experiences we have ever had, maybe the best. Your staff made us feel very welcomed, were so caring and friendly and went over the top to make our time there so rewarding. You have raised the bar regarding excursions by which we will judge any excursion we take in the future. We wish you much success, and we hope to be returning someday. Bill and Carol Bobo.
Saying goodbye to Abruzzo and our wonderful hosts and guides was very sad. We have had many terrific trips in recent years (South Africa, Japan and India/Sri Lanka) but our two weeks at the Villa d’Abruzzo have to count as one of our very best travel experiences. What we discovered was a fascinating region, in parts like the rolling hills and fields of Tuscany but also with soaring mountains, deep valleys and high plains. We learned that it is not terribly well-known, even to Italians, and found it — blessedly — unplagued by hordes of tourists. It is old Italy in many ways, but not buried in the past. In my postings to family and friends back home, I tried to portray the charm of the hilltop villages, the wonderful vistas, the faces filled with character and the great food and wine (Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Pecorino, new favourites!). But I’m sure I failed. You just have to come yourself and live it. By seeing the heart of Abruzzo over two weeks, I think we did begin to live it, even if only in the smallest way. And it was rich. Above all else, this trip was a people experience beyond that of any of our other trips. It began and ended with the wonderful folk of Villa d’Abruzzo who made us feel like family in so many ways. But it continued well beyond with the other village and country folk we met along the way. How can you not be moved by simple farm people who show you their vines, orchards and fields with pride, who invite you into their kitchens to taste what they have just harvested, who take the time to show you how to prepare their best Sunday pasta and who insist that that glass of limoncello not be your last? You just don’t find that very often, and we felt so fortunate for it. Abruzzo will be with us for a long time, and that’s entirely thanks to Lisa, Jake, Luca, Giuseppe, Nora, Eva, Cesidia, Angela and Orazio — surely the best team we have ever encountered! On behalf of Nicole and myself, a thousand thanks! Dan
We came as strangers and left as friends. Such is the magic of Jake and Lisa's Villa d'Abruzzo. This became one of our best trips ever. From the wonderful staff Luca, Giuseppe, Nora, Cesidia, Eva, Angela and O'razio to the interesting tours and incredible meals. Everything was looked after, and all we had to do was show up and enjoy. Thank you to Jake and Lisa for creating such an amazing adventure for us. Marie & Garry Rushton October 2018
Well as a testament to our great holiday, we now fly the Abruzzo flag in memory of our holiday that was so well hosted by the team. And it was a team!!! We hope to return. The picture says it all so relaxed on tour. Bruce and Penny Foster
It’s impossible to describe our experiences in a few sentences. Amazing Abruzzo is our extended family. From the food, to the excursions, the music, the warmth. We’re counting the days until we meet again. David & Bev
Our trip to Jake and Lisa's Amazing Abruzzo Villa was nothing less than spectacular. They made us feel like family from the minute we arrived. I can't say enough about the staff, who bent over backwards to ensure that we were well looked after. From Cesidia and Angela cooking up gourmet meals in the kitchen, to Eva and Orazio's impeccable service at the front of the house, and on fantastic tours with Luca and Giuseppe, Jake and Lisa have put together an amazing team. The Villa is top notch, very comfortable and well appointed, with full bathrooms in every bedroom and beautiful views of the countryside. We spent every night lounging with friends, listening to music, and drinking lots of great wine. We called it our "once in a lifetime" trip, but it wasn't, we'll be going back. Bob and Nicole
Amazing Abruzzo Tours is just what it says - amazing! Jake and Lisa are the consummate hosts; the villa is stunning; the staff incredible; the food and wine superb; the setting breathtaking and the tours were the best I have ever taken. Luca, Giuseppe and Nora are incredibly knowledgeable about all things Abruzzo - history, geography, geology, food and wine etc etc.
All I can say is thank you to all and...I’ll be back (already booked to return May 2020 with a group of friends- can’t wait!). Jennifer
We can say without a doubt that we had and amazing stay at your villa. You guys are awesome hosts, classy and very attentive to your guests. With your villa’s formula, amazing excursions, genuinely friendly staff and Italian traditional food, I am not surprised that you are already fully booked for 2019. I had the best steak of my life. You guys love what you do and it shows. Hope to see you and the crew soon. Brenda & Dwayne
This past October I stayed at Villa D’Abruzzo for a second time. I first visited the Villa in 2017 & had such a wonderful time that I couldn’t wait to return. Over the past 30 years I have traveled throughout Italy so I can say with certainty that my experience at the Villa was one of my most memorable. The Villa is beautifully appointed & comfortable. The staff works tirelessly to make your stay a pleasurable one. Jake & Lisa are the perfect hosts.....they make every guest feel so special & welcomed to their beautiful home. If you want to see the real Italy, then head on over to Villa d’Abruzzo. You won’t be disappointed . Monica Dalton
We chose to go to Abruzzo (pronounced ‘a-BRUT-zo’) because of what we read here about Villa d'Abruzzo. When people describe it as the best vacation they’ve ever had, it’s easy to see why. Lisa & Jake have created something special, and they’ve recruited a top-notch team that makes the week fabulous. The food and tours are amazing – and the scenery is better that Tuscany. We’re telling all our friends to do this. Rosey & Creighton Hooper, April 2018
Of all the destinations we have visited in Europe, your villa in Abruzzo was by far and away our favourite location. Our entire group have also commented most favourably about their experiences. Villa d'Abruzzo is the perfect destination where one can see all the sights and interact with the local towns people who contributed so much to our stay. All your staff have performed above and beyond with their assistance, professionalism, and most particularly, by showing us a wonderful time. We wish you all the very best for the future and hope that we will return for another stay in the future. Eric and Daphne Chapman
Dear Lisa, Jake and all of our special new friends at Villa D’Abruzzo: I just couldn’t let another day go by without saying how much we enjoyed our stay with you. Your ‘family friendly’ hospitality and accommodations spoiled us for the rest of our Italy trip and perhaps the rest of our lives! The tours were the best we experienced during our whole trip. The food, also the best. Everything was great and we have recommended your villa to lots of friends. When people ask about our trip, we gush about our week at Villa D’Abruzzo. We just want to say molte grazie/thank you, to all of you again for the hard work that we can only imagine goes into such an effort to give people what they hope for and more. Hugs and kisses to all. Hans and Mariane Hossfeld. P.S. We have become big fans of Aperol and prosecco. Salute!
I had another wonderful week at the Villa d'Abruzzo. Maybe it was even better the second time around. We were welcomed like old friends and treated to a week of beautiful scenery, tremendous hospitality and delicious food and wine. We enjoyed it so much that we are returning in May, 2019. Can't wait to see everyone and experience some new excursions in Abruzzo. Joy and Gary
My trip to Abruzzo was one of the best vacations. Jake and Lisa are marvellous hosts. Everything was taken care of from the moment of arrival. The Villa staff were the very best, from the culinary expertise of Cesidia and Angela, to the incredible tour guides, Luca, Giuseppe and Nora, to the always helpful Eva. and Orazio was great just being Orazio. The meals were incredible, the tours interesting and the scenery beautiful. No one could ever be disappointed in coming to the Villa, a relaxed and family atmosphere. I will be back. Lynda Moore
Amazing Abruzzo Tours = Amazing Memories A very special holiday, thanks to Jake & Lisa & their team for making this experience possible and so enjoyable in all aspects. We really felt like family members in their grand villa with genuine Italian hospitality and fine dining every day, - Jake, Lisa, Chefs Cesidia & Angela, and Hostess Ava graciously watched over us at the Villa Abruzzo with an abundance of culinary surprises, great wines, - and the desserts, oh my! Each day the excellent tour guides took us to the top of mountains or to the sea coast or unique villages and scenic sites and discussed their history and background - each day we saw and learned about Abruzzo, its people, food, and anthropology. Our guides, Luca & Giuseppe & Nora obviously loved sharing their homeland with us and had a fantastic depth of knowledge and responsiveness to our interests. And their ability to drive the twisting mountainside back roads was awesome. We explored the spectacular scenery of the Apennine Mountain range, the colourful carpets of wild flowers, the ancient trabocchi fishing weirs on the Adriatic coast, thousand year old castles and monasteries, hilltop villages with arts & crafts, village markets, museums, and village folk. Angela & Orazio treated us to a fabulous Abruzzo picnic beside a lake near their village in the Sagittarius Gorge. We had a wonderful time in a wonderful setting with wonderful people. It was a perfect holiday with all the planning and details taken care of by Lisa & Jake. Marvellous and Amazing. Thanks so much. Roberta & Ivan Russell Abruzzo, Italy, June 2018
Without a doubt our week at Villa Abruzzo was amazing. It was like visiting family…if your family included your lovely niece Eva always making sure you had a drink in hand, your aunts Cesidia and Angela serving you the most delicious multi-course meals, your cool uncle Orazio schooling your children in Foosball and your charming nephews Luca and Giuseppe patiently showing you the hidden secrets of Abruzzo all in the beautiful villa of your cousins Lisa and Jake. After a few days in Rome, my husband, our two teenage sons and I arrived in the oasis of Villa Abruzzo. We checked out the sights of Abruzzo by day. There an incredible variety of things to do in close proximity to the villa that meet the varying interests of our family. We would then return to the villa to relax by the pool and spend lovely evenings, eating incredible food and chatting for hours with our fellow guests. Lisa and Jake are the most gracious hosts and have created a truly special experience. I have been very lucky to have done a fair amount of travel in my life but Amazing Abruzzo Tours stands out in the crowd.Thank-you so much for a truly unforgettable experience including making our son’s Max’s 16th birthday so special. Laura Rhodes
I had a memorable and magical week at Villa d'Abruzzo. It was, in a word, perfect. The villa is luxurious, the tours were interesting and fun, the meals delicious and everyone at the Villa made us feel so welcome. It was like a week-long house party! I enjoyed it so much that I cannot wait to return next June with my husband. Ciao. Joy Bennett. Ottawa
It was at our first dinner that was part of our Amazing Abruzzo experience this summer when I realized we had made the perfect decision.
We were sitting at a long table with another half-dozen guests, including our son Chris and his partner J. Plates of food prepared by chef Cesidia and her assistant Eva kept coming. A river of wine flowed. There was loud conversation, laughter, kids, grandparents like us, younger folks with their children, even a pair of fellow Edmontonians. It probably sounds like a cliche, but it felt a lot like family. And that feeling persisted. Jake and Lisa, the expat Canadians who left promising careers in Ottawa to become resort owners, made us feel at home from the first moment we arrived. They had arranged tours of Abruzzo, a somewhat overlooked part of Italy on the Adriatic, that opened up new experiences for us. Their tour guides - Giuseppe and his brother Luca - are lifelong residents of Abruzzo and are proud to show you why they love it so much. That they managed to keep up an informative narrative while navigating roads that seemed perilously narrow on perilously precipitous cliffs is a tribute to their driving skills and their passion for Abruzzo. Equally memorable, of course, is the remarkable Cesidia. Unflustered and elegant in her string of pearls, she prepares outstanding dishes twice a day. (A hint: always leave just a little on your plate. Cesidia takes a clean plate as a challenge. It MUST be refilled immediately.)
On their days off, Cesidia and Eva are replaced by Angela and Orazio. They both spent years in Australia and while their accents are a happy, unique blend of Abruzzo and Aussie, their food is rich, saucy and unabashedly Italian.
This was simply an amazing place. As our week came to an end, I seriously thought of asking Jake and Lisa if they would consider adopting us. After all, it really did feel like family. Marc and Miriam Horton, Edmonton.
We went not knowing what to expect, but we left as family/friends forever. True story!! It was such a pleasure to meet everyone and we can't wait to return...we miss you!! Carolyn and Joe Esposito
This trip really was amazing - totally unlike anything I have done before! I felt like I was visiting the lovely home of very good friends who had thought of absolutely everything to make the perfect holiday. The days started with smiles and cappuccinos from Cesidia or Angela and Eva, then breakfasts that were both beautiful and delicious. Every day was an adventure, from climbing to an ancient fortress to learning to make pasta. Lunching on local specialties was a highlight as well - and then there were the dinners - masterpieces! The staff members were all friendly and knowledgeable, and obviously loved being part of this team. Perfect combination. In fact, the people of Abruzzo were amazing - proud of their region and happy to show it off to those of us lucky enough to find ourselves there. Lisa and Jake, you have truly succeeded in creating a memorable holiday in an amazing environment. Thank you so, so much. I can't wait to return - as soon as budget and travelling companions allow. There! And I used the word "amazing" only 3 times, although I wanted to use it in every sentence! Marilla Caines and Myra Jones
2016 Guest Comments
After a month of touring and visiting with family, I ended my time in Italy with a stay at Villa D'Abruzzo. The Abruzzo team made me feel like I was surrounded by friends and family, with amazing food (thank you Cessidia!), stimulating conversation, and lots of laughs. The tours took us to many beautiful hidden treasures from the Trabocchi coast to the beautiful historic town of Scanno. No other vacation has both taught me so much and left me feeling so refreshed and relaxed. Mikaela Gallinger
Our 8 days in beautiful Abruzzo were unbelievable..we had beautiful Italian weather and our hosts were so gracious. The staff, the excursions, our accommodations, the meals, of course the "vino" were all outstanding. Many thanks for such beautiful memories. Sincerely, Heather Wilson (Ottawa) and Sharon LLoyd ( Moncton) May-June 2017
The week spent with you and your staff was truly the Amazing adventure it was advertised to be and more. We did gamble on our vacation, booking before you opened, but it paid off big-time. Personally, I think it was the best vacation week I've ever had. We are all still talking about the most amazing week we had with you - your
villa is absolutely aptly named. Sue Sheffield
We loved our daily “very happy hours” by the pool with scenic views! Jan Sterling and 9 pals
Amazing Abruzzo was everything and more than we could have hoped for…right from picking us up in Rome to filling every day of our stay with fabulous meals, fun and interesting day trips and evenings spent getting to know our fellow guests in our beautiful villa setting. Lisa and Jake are superb hosts, Luca and Guiseppe take care of every need while they take you to wonderful gems throughout Abruzzo and Cesida, Eva, Angela and Orazio make sure you get to sample the best cuisine Abruzzo can offer. We would highly recommend Amazing Abruzzo to anyone wanting a stress free engaging trip to Italy. Jane Fjeld and Stan Lipinski
Our week in Abruzzo was a dream vacation. It is difficult to say only "a few words” about such an all-encompassing travel experience. We felt embraced by your whole team and given such a privileged view of a truly spectacular aspect of a country that has come to be defined by Rome, Florence and Venice. Not that those places aren’t worthy of visiting but at the villa, we were shown a completely different aspect of the country by people who were born and raised there, and of course, you our hosts who have adopted this region as your own.mWe’ll surely be back! All the best. Sharon and Tony Moren
Bonjour Lisa, Jake and all your extraordinary team, Our stay at the Amazing Abruzzo was scheduled as our last week in Italy and it was the best one for us. When we arrived we were met by Lisa and Eva who made us feel at home with relatives and friends. Everyone went out of their way to make our stay the most memorable and enjoyable. Lisa and Jake, you and your team are fantastic and we hope you will continue to share the beauty of the Abruzzo Region for many years to come. Love you all and Bonne et Heureuse Année! Marielle et Richard
Our comment would be Pete's comment to everyone he sees: 'My holiday in Abruzzo was the best holiday of my life." I definitely confer. Previous to this trip, he had stated that due to health conditions, his travel days were over and he was content to remember the past. Wow, Lisa and Jake and the most caring, talented, knowledgeable, loving and fun staff, plus the sights second to none and the menus to die for changed his mind. You are the reason for his enthusiastic love of Abruzzo and appreciation for it's beauty in every way. Also, you are the reason why we're already counting the days till September 2019 and Pete's 80th birthday. As he says, "If given the opportunity, where else would I even consider celebrating my 80th." Nancy and Peter Gagne
Thank you both so much for such an enjoyable stay at Villa Aburzzo. I enjoyed myself in every way; food, accommodation, location, hospitality and more. Thank you and your amazing staff for attending to all our needs with such care and enthusiasm. It truly made our stay extra comfortable and memorable. My best wishes to you. Arrivederci! Franca Gopaul
From the moment Lisa threw open the door welcoming us to Villa d'Abruzzo to the time we bid a sad farewell, we enjoyed an absolutely amazing time in beautiful Abruzzo. We can't say enough great things about Jake and Lisa and the way they and their wonderful staff treat their visitors. We quickly became as passionate about Abruzzo as their informative tour guides, Luca and his brother, Giuseppe. Both were young gentlemen any mother would be proud of! The outstanding Cesidia and Angela and Angela's loving husband, Orazio, had us rolling out of Italy with our stomachs bursting from all the outstanding meals. Angela gave a whole new meaning to the word 'picnic'!! We have missed the amazingly cheerful Eva every single morning since we've been home! There is no way we could have picked a better place to create lasting memories celebrating a special anniversary. Jake and Lisa, our Canadian hats are off to you for the incredible experience of a special place in Italy. So many thanks - ciao! Doug and Betty Poaps
Our decision to visit Abruzzo came about after we read the articles in the Travel section of the Ottawa Citizen describing the trials and tribulations about the decision of Jake and Lisa to move to Abruzzo and build a travel business. We booked about a year in advance of our trip and were very excited as our trip got closer early in 2017. After our flight to Rome we were met at the airport by Orazio and enjoyed our ride to Abruzzo. We were immediately impressed by all the staff and the others in our group. Each day was a new adventure as we visited historic sites, the local winery that makes the wine for the Abruzzo Villa, or the nearby seaside town of Pescara. In this Internet and Google Maps age, it is possible to visit many parts of the world from your own home, but that would deny you two of the best parts of our trip to Italy and Abruzzo: the people we met, and the wonderful local food we ate. We can say that without a doubt the entire week was amazing and beyond our expectations. Chris and Barb Porter
We had a wonderful week in Abruzzo. Our hosts were excellent, the food was superb and the tours that were put on for us were really outstanding.. I know that all eight of us would go back in the drop of a hat it was that outstanding. And we have decided to go back in 2019 for two weeks this time. We are already booked. The weather was hot, the wine of the region was excellent, the pool was a welcome sight at the end of the day as were the nightly gatherings on the back, upper deck for drinks and music. Three of the four couples were celebrating 50th Anniversaries and when I told Jake and Lisa about this they told me not to worry, they would look after it. And, WOW, did they ever do up a great, last evening for everyone. Jim and Maria McConkey
There are not enough superlatives in the English language to adequately describe how much I enjoyed my week at the Villa d'Abruzzo. Lisa & Jake are the most gracious hosts & they make all their guests feel as if theyare part of their family. Our guides, brothers Luca & Giuseppe, introduced us to some of the most beautiful& interesting sites in Abruzzo. (Theyare so adorable that I wanted to stuff them in my suitcase & bring themhome with me!) Cesidia & Angela, our cooks, prepared outstanding meals of regional specialties daily. Orazio, Eva, Rosetta couldn't do enough to insure that all the guests were comfortable & happy. I highly recommended vacationing at the Villa d'Abruzzo if you are looking for a unique experience. I'm putting in my request for next year verysoon. I can hardly wait to return. Monica Dalton, St. Petersburg, Fla.
For the better part of a year, some of my high school friends and I had been contemplating how best to celebrate our collective 60th birthday and, when we read about Amazing Abruzzo in Jake’s twelve-week newspaper series last year, it seemed the perfect fit. So, we gathered together five couples, and booked for the end of April, early May 2017. We decided to precede our week at the villa with a few days in Rome, followed by a bus tour that took us to Tuscany and Cinque Terre, then to Tivoli. It was an interesting and fun week, but it didn’t come close to comparing with the awesome time we had at Jake and Lisa’s villa in amazing Abruzzo, and touring that region! In fact, I would categorize a week at the villa as the perfect antidote for a hectic week of touring. My friends and I agreed that the hardest part of writing this review was going to be keeping it brief. We could go on and on about how wonderful our week was. So, what follows are just the highlights. Part of what made our week so spectacular was all the attention to detail that Jake and Lisa incorporated into our “all inclusive”. To call the venue “all inclusive” somehow doesn’t do it justice because of all the unexpected extras that were included. This was most certainly a five-star experience. The night we arrived, Jake pulled out his guitar, and handed another one to one of our group members, Verlin, (apparently, Verlin had already scouted that out before-hand). You would never know that those two fellas had never jammed together before, and what followed was one of the most fun evenings of my life, filled with laughter, singing, dancing and, oh yes, a little wine. If anyone had a headache the next day, it was totally worth it. Speaking of the wine, we were so surprised to find that, at the villa, “all-inclusive” means very good quality wines and other delicious libations available at all times. At happy-hour, we were treated to lovely drinks mixed up by Cesidia and Eva, and yummy snacks to help tide us over till what most Canadians think of a rather late dinner (7:30). The atmosphere at the villa was incredibly relaxing though, so the late dinner hour seemed absolutely perfect. Nothing is rushed at the villa. Everything is done with care and precision…… yet somehow, they all manage to create a real family-like environment. I am in awe of Cesidia and her wonderful cooking and baking. She makes cooking for a large group look easy. And Eva made sure that each one of us had exactly what we needed at all times. They both sent us off each day with the affection of a family member. When they and our tour guides were on well-deserved days off, we were cared for by Angela in the kitchen, and her husband, Orazio, on the road. The bedrooms are all lovely, and I didn’t object when my friends let my husband and me have the one where I was able to open my eyes in the morning, and look up at the beautiful rolling hills. One thing that we really appreciated was that, being ex-pat Canadians, Jake and Lisa know exactly what creature-comforts North Americans appreciate….. like a big cup of coffee! Our touring was always relaxed and comfortable, and we found that Luca and Giuseppe were fonts of information concerning the Abruzzo area. They were fun to be with, and it was interesting getting an understanding of how different lives are for young people in Italy, compared to North America. The day we went to Gran Sasso Massive, Lucca brought his guitar, and we were treated with him playing for us at the top of the world. The most difficult thing of our week? Leaving the villa, and the wonderful individuals who made our stay there so awesome. If I could ever relive a week of my life, it would be that one. Hands-down. Cathy Tait
This was an unforgettable experience for both of us and allowed us to discover a yet undiscovered part of Italy. We were treated with first-class service and made to feel at home! Highly recommended. Claire and Claude Goyer
A slice of paradise. We had a wonderful holiday in Abruzzo. It's place like no other with friends who felt like family. Thank you Jake and Lisa. Bev & David.
Abruzzo is gorgeous! It's our favourite place in Italy! Rome, Florence , Venice fill your eyes and brain with Art and Culture. Abruzzo fills your heart and soul. Laurie Bednarek and family.
Thanks very much to Lisa Grassi Blais and Jake Rupert for hosting us. Their staff are lovely folk and this new business venture of their's is high quality, and in my opinion every one of you should put Italy and Abruzzo on your to visit list. Rosemarie Ferguson
We had a fantastic trip and will always remember the incredibly welcoming and exciting ambiance that you have created in a beautiful part of Italy. We will return. Dan Senior
For our week in Abruzzo, we didn’t have to chart our journey, drive the roads or worry about reservations. We just enjoyed the sunshine, the people, rugged beauty and historic places of this region. We had a carefree holiday in June 2016 at Jake and Lisa’s beautiful and truly comfortable inn. We toured with the highly knowledgeable and gentlemanly Luca and marvelled at the daily culinary wonders served by the always enthusiastic and skilled chef, Cesidia. We spend a quite magical day in the mountains with Angela and Orazio, eating lunch beside the spectacular Lago San Domenico with its blue-green water and its blue butterflies. Through the week, Jake and Lisa warmly welcomed us. Clearly, they have found their calling. Thanks for a unique, relaxing and memorable vacation. Patrick and Deirdre
Abruzzo is possibly the most beautiful place on earth. Catharine Vandelinde
One cold, bleak day in February, I impulsively booked a trip to Abruzzo for early in May, 2017. After my rash act, I proceeded to pour over the Amazing Abruzzo website trying to reassure myself that I had made a good decision. We were completely delighted! Every aspect of the entire experience has been carefully considered and planned. The tours to the various sites were well organized and both Luca and Giuseppe were well-informed, caring, considerate guides who made each day so interesting and such fun. It is impossible to decide which excursion was the highlight of the trip! The region of Abruzzo is spectacular! There is a great variety of things to see and do, it is not crowded, and it is so very authentic. The villa is as beautifully restored and comfortable as it appears on the website. Eva was the warmest, most considerate server anyone could wish for. She was consistently cheerful, kind, generous, and thoughtful. Cesidia’s cooking was indescribably delicious! And she, too, was warm, welcoming and friendly. And did I mention her cooking?! Angela and Orazio generously hosted us for a fabulous meal in their home and showed us around one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Villalago! My husband and I stayed in the Townhouse. It is located just steps up the street from the Villa and the quick walk back and forth was very pleasant both in the morning and evening. The Townhouse would be a great place for two couples to share or for a family. Lisa and Jake were the consummate hosts. They were warm, friendly and shared lots of great information. They ensured that the entire experience was memorable. Thank you both for a marvellous and memorable experience! Kelley and Gord, Ottawa
Had a fantastic time at Villa d'Abruzzo in October 2016. I can honestly say that it was probably the best vacation I have had. Everything, from the villa to the company to the staff, was truly amazing. The staff has gone above and beyond to ensure that their guests are comfortable, well fed, intrigued, and happy. I'd go again in a heartbeat! Giedre Abromaitis
Wonderful week in stunning Abruzzo, Italy. Made some lovely new Canadian friends, saw some breathtaking sights courtesy of the delightful Luca Santovito, had a great picnic with the lovely Angela and Orazio,and was privileged to eat delicious food cooked every day by the talented and beautiful Cesidia. Thank you so much Lisa Grassi Blais and Jake Rupert- you have a truly amazing villa and are the best hosts ever!! We'll be back. Tanya Horeck
We had a marvellous week at Amazing Abruzzo Tours because everything was so perfect: the beautifully renovated villa, the tours, and picnics with Luca, who made us know and love beautiful Abruzzo. Cesidia's meals were always delicious, appetizing and diverse. Jake and Lisa, we really appreciated your hospitality and your joy of life. We could not ask for anything more. Rejeanne and Bernard Fleury
This photo taken on one of our tours during our week-long vacation at Villa Abruzzo in June 2016 . From right: Janet and Caroline, two sisters from the UK., with Brian, Sandy and Annabelle, new found Canadian friends. We were so happy that a random google search looking for a tour in Abruzzo guided us to your website. We enjoyed everything about the whole experience, though one of our highlights was going to the truck stop for porchetta sandwiches for lunch - much to the amusement of the truckers - and buying fresh cherries from the roadside fruit stall as dessert, all washed down with ice cold beers. Perfetto in every way. Thank you Lisa and Jake for letting us share your little slice of paradise. Janet Whitehead and Caroline Garnett
Our experiences and travel in Abruzzo with Jake & Lisa was nothing less than spectacular. Everyday was a new adventure! The food, the wine, the beautiful sights and the amazing hospitality made our trip extremely memorable. We cannot wait to return in 2018. Lisa Bonin & Bill Bray
We have no words to express how wonderful our time was with Amazing Abruzzo Tours. You and "your family" have exceeded beyond all expectations. The amazing hospitality with all the comforts of home. The food of such quality and quantity to satisfy the most fastidious of tastes. And the vast knowledge of the history of your beautiful Abruzzo to share with you visitors. Luca was so patient and accommodating. He answered all our questions and always made sure we were comfortable, particularly so for Greg and myself. He stole our hearts! Cesidia took such pride in making our meals and attended to our every need. She is an amazing cook. She melted our hearts. What a beautiful and gracious couple are Orazio and Angela. They are amazing and how fortunate for us that they have extended their friendship and hospitality to your guests. We must not forget Eva and Ilenia who were most helpful and delightful. Please give them all our best wishes. Lisa, your smile and calm reassurance is a treasure. Jake, keep singing and playing guitar. What a gift. Many blessings. Lina and Greg Peddie
My wife and I and our two young children (5 and 7 years old) had been traveling for a few weeks before coming to Villa D'Abruzzo and were somewhat ragged. From the moment we arrived, the warmth and attentiveness of Jake, Lisa, and all the staff couldn't be more evident. The villa had everything that adults and kids could need, including a great pool, meals catering to both, and plenty of room for the kids to do their own thing while adults lingered in the dining room savouring incredible Italian dinners. Amazing Abruzzo Tours was also able to balance our daily tours so that they were of interest to everybody while not testing the limited patience of our young kids. Our time in Abruzzo was definitely the highlight of our five weeks in Europe. Derek Mahoney
Our stay in Abruzzo was the highlight of my entire Italian trip! The region is GORGEOUS, every view is a postcard. We spent our days road tripping, hiking and exploring; Jake provided us with great advice on what to see and do with our time and based on our interests. We were deliciously fed and expertly taken care of by all of the staff. The personal attention is really exceptional. The villa itself was beautifully and carefully renovated; the view from the pool is stunning and our guests rooms were spacious and comfortable with Italian character. Without hesitation I give Amazing Abruzzo Tours my highest recommendation. -Melynda Szabototh
Mary and I thoroughly enjoyed your stay with you. The villa was wonderful, Cesidia put together 5 star meals every night and every day Luca escorted us on the most wonderful day trips. The Abruzzo area has to be the best kept secret in Italy. Mary and I found the whole area full of interesting and uncrowded history that was so well documented by yourselves and Luca. We couldn't recommend Amazing Abruzzo highly enough and several friends have booked with you already. Our plan is to get back to visit in 2018. Have a very enjoyable and successful 2017. Jim Bowen
Tremendous tours. Fabulous food. Gregarious guests. Wonderful wine. Simply: sumptuous. Annabel Buckley
This vacation was amazing! I would recommend it to anyone. There was so much variety – we were never bored and always looked forward to the next adventure. After a fun day of guided tours, we would lounge around the pool drinking local beer and wine while our top-notch chef (Cesidia) prepared an amazing dinner. And when the dreaded “shopping day” came, those who didn’t want to go were offered a hike and picnic in a nearby gorge. Always lots to do, eat, drink and experience. Having such interesting people show us around and share their experiences really made this a once in a lifetime trip. Colin Dell
When planning your trip to Europe please leave Amazing Abruzzo till last. We started our journey there and it turned out to be the pinnacle of a month long European visit. Lisa and Jake have built a world class experience that feels like home but dazzles the senses in every way imaginable. Food to die for, a rainbow of wines, atmosphere galore, comfy beds with linen thread-counts beyond my reckoning, a staff that couldn't have been sweeter, fascinating tours. History, art, music, evening strolls for gelato, value galore and over-all attention to detail that goes above and beyond. The rest of Europe was nice but Abruzzo was AMAZING! Randall Prescott
We found out about Jake & Lisa's "Amazing Abruzzo" while reading the travel section of the Ottawa Citizen. My husband quickly had me reading along to their weekly blogs. The journey they went through to uproot, sell their home, give up jobs and leave families, learn Italian and jump at the chance on buying/renovating a villa, is a true testament to their spirit and drive. Their villa is so welcoming and comfortable and a perfect size to accommodate guests and still feel like a home. Our guide Luca was a patient and knowledgeable historian and chef Cesidia provided incredible food from the region, espresso in the morning and lots of smiles. Her touch is obvious in little details like ironed sheets, embroidered wash clothes, and hand made table linens.We stayed with Amazing Abruzzo Tours during only its third week of operation and you would have thought they had been running this business for years. We can't say enough good things about Amazing Abruzzo. Personally for me, it's all about the people and Lisa, Jake and their team really made this trip for us. Tracey Brown-Prescott
Five stars. Just returned from an incredible week with Lisa, Jake and all the warm and wonderful people at Villa d'Abruzzo. Cesidia had us in awe of her cooking. Luca kept us active, both physically and mentally, with his great tours. Thanks to all. Debbie Davis, Ottawa
A five star experience indeed! Jake and Lisa provide a top notch holiday experience you won't forget. Excellent tours with a warm and knowledgeable guide Luca. His love of Abruzzo draws you in to the history and culture of this part of Italy. The meals by Cesida are fabulous and give the flair of Abruzzo. Indeed a holiday that will always remain in our hearts. Cheryl Spotswood
Sad to have left our "famiglia Italiana" at Amazing Abruzzo Tours. A huge thank you to Jake Rupert and Lisa Grassi Blais for an unforgettable experience. I can't say enough about how much we enjoyed our week at your villa. Kristine Hollington
Lisa and Jake: It is difficult to fully express our heartfelt thanks to you both and your Villa d'Abruzzo family for what we feel was a trip of a lifetime! From our pick up in Rome to our drop off in Pescara, our daily excursions and time spent with new friends made us feel like we had truly seen and experienced the 'real' Italy! Cocktails by your beautiful pool were thoroughly enjoyed too! You have created a beautiful Italian retreat where we were able to see incredible sites and savour the finest Italian food and wine. Lisa and Jake, you welcomed us into your home and we are forever thankful. We look forward returning to Villa d'Abruzzo soon! Barbara and Tom Baker
Brian and I truly enjoyed our time at the villa. The entire cast of characters that made the eating, touring and getting to know Abruzzo a pleasure and rounded out the experience. Jake and Lisa's enthusiasm was palpable. Lynne Keller
This place has it all. If you want access to historical sites, live a different cultural experience, connect with nature or simply relax by the beach or pool, this is the ideal destination. The only thing this place doesn't offer is a stressful environment...and I'm ok with that! Lisa and Jake are awesome hosts and have truly found their calling. Just wish they were closer! Alain Gonthier
Our holiday at the villa was incredible, and started on the right foot with pick up in Rome - much appreciated! The prevailing at home feeling in the villa was quite unique and rare in our travels. As there were few travellers staying with us, we experienced the personal touch from everyone of the staff, who are indeed all humble stars. The atmosphere was laid back and friendly, and we were not hurried on the tours. Loved the varied food, wine and aperitifs, great conversations at the table. Torre de'Passeri is a small old Italian town which is wonderful to visit. It's a refreshing change from the metropolitan cities but still filled with history. We would not hesitate to return for another stay with Lisa and Jake, our superb hosts. Thank you for making our holiday memorable! Denise and Len