Day 1 - Get to Abruzzo and Relax
We pick you up in Rome or Pescara on the Adriatic Coast and whisk you to our Villa or Estate locations. Welcome snacks and drinks, tour and facilities orientations, and a great first dinner.
Day 2 - Ceramics, Roof-top lunch and a stunning walk
We start the week by visiting the little town of Rapino. You visit a traditional pottery studio and make a piece to take home. Rooftop brunch on an elegant 18th century noble palace before taking in the stunning views on an easy Majella Mountain trail. (Easy Mobility. 6 hours. Total driving distance 80km)
Day 3 - The Magic of Tagliacozzo
Discover the town of Tagliacozzo, a true hidden jem of Abruzzo. We will join a local guide to learn about the fascinating history of the town as we walk the cobblestone streets. We will visit the home of a group of Franciscan monks and actually meet the cloistered nuns of the oldest convent in Abruzzo, who will let us taste some of the delicacies they still produce and sell. (Medium mobility – 7 hours. 200 kilometres total driving.)
Day 4 - A winery and stunning village
Today we drive through the rolling hills of Abruzzo to Torre Raone winery for an in-depth tour of the grounds, including a visit to a sixth century watch tower. We walk the rows and learn the secrets of this small-production winery then have a great tasting of wines paired with local products for lunch. In the afternoon, we do a walking tour of the town of Loreto Aprutino once the home of some of Abruzzo’s wealthiest people who made the area famous for wine and olive oil production. (7 hrs. 110 kilometres total driving. Moderate mobility.)
Day 5 - The Land of Saffron
Let’s go inland in the Appennine Mountains to the town of Navelli where some of the world’s best saffron has been cultivated for centuries. Our gastronomy expert Francesca di Nisio will explain how the precious spice is cultivated, harvested and used in the kitchen. Then we’ll get to try some typical saffron dishes including saffron gelato! In the afternoon, we’ll take a stroll through town with a local before we go back home to relax before dinner. (Easy mobility. 6 hours - Walking shoes. Driving distance 70km total)
Day 6 - Awesome Adriatic
We start the day in the historic town of Atri, a major Roman era city on the Adriatic side of the Italian pennisula that was ravaged by Hannibal in the 3rd Century B.C. You will visit Romanesque structures incorporated in the medieval town as daily life unfolds around you. After lunch at a local restaurant or winery, we will head to the coast for a visit to the Cerrano Tower overlooking the sea. It was built in the 16th century on an old Roman port to protect the area from pirates. Today it is the centre of a marine reserve with unique vegetation, home to the rare Kentish Plover ground bird. (Easy mobillty, 7 hours. Walking shoes. Driving distance 140 kilometres total.)
Day 7 - Abruzzo’s Byzantines and a unique winery
Today, we are off to Crecchio, an ancient town founded in the 6th century as a Byzantine outpost. We will explore the little medieval town and its 14th century castle, which is amongst the best preserved in Italy. Lunch is closeby at the Feudo Antico winery, known for its excellent wine production and surprising location. (Easy mobility. 7 hours - Walking shoes. Driving distance 140km total.)
Day 8 - Good Bye
After a goodbye toast and final surprise the night before, we shuttle you to Pescara or Rome. We hope you had a good time!