4 Days All-inclusive Tastes Of Abruzzo Culinary Holiday in Italy

Day 1 - Arrival, excursions

You will be met this morning by Luciana, your Abruzzo specialist at your hotel in Pescara, Abruzzo, where you will start your fabulous getaway to Abruzzo. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Adriatic coastline where you can stop to unwind and soak up the delightful Italian atmosphere. Stroll through the lively covered farmers market and taste the local specialty porchetta - roast pork with rosemary and garlic.

Visit the fascinating Museum of the Abruzzo people after your morning coffee and pastry before your first wonderful lunch in Abruzzo. This afternoon, explore the fortified hilltop village of Civitella del Tronto, which is your base for the 3 nights. The village has been inhabited since pre-Roman times. There is time to stroll through the village exploring the romantic narrow alleys. Indulge in traditional dishes such as local pecorino cheese, air-dried salumi and spaghetti alla chitarra con polpettine di carne.

Meal plan: lunch and dinner.

Day 2 - Truffle hunting, excursion

A real treat is in store though today when you visit Campli. Here you learn all about Abruzzo’s secret - prized truffles. Surprisingly, over 80% of Italy’s truffles come from the region of Abruzzo. Enjoy a private truffle hunt with local hunters and their amazing dogs. A superb truffle degustation lunch awaits where you will indulge in an amazing array of seasonal truffles used in most of the dishes from antipasti, pasta and meat courses. A feast for the senses …squisito!

Later in the afternoon, you explore the delightful town of Ascoli Piceno which is in the Le Marche region. There is time for shopping Italian style, time to sit and sip your aperitivo and taste those delectable “olive ascolane” - fabulous local delicacy of stuffed green olives. Marvel at the wonderful churches and spectacular piazza. A truly unforgettable day. Then return to your accommodation.

Meal plan: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 3 - Olive mill visit with tasting, cooking class, excursion

This morning you have an easy start and you meet a local olive oil producer and learn all about the amazing differences between extra virgin, virgin and olive oils and taste his prized extra virgin olive oil. You continue on the back roads of Abruzzo and travel alongside the ancient Roman salt route with a visit to a private olive oil producer whose family has been producing olives for centuries. Graziano will show you his original 200-year old olive mill!

Lunch is in the countryside and you will be welcomed by bellissima Clementina who will show you how to make some local specialties such as gnocchi, timballo and fried cheese before you sit down and eat together. Ah.. life in Italy does not get much better than this…!

Later in the day you visit a wonderful village, Offida in Le Marche, whose landscape is covered in fabulous vineyards. See medieval gems in a Benedictine church with amazing frescoes, the local opera house from 1820 and local ladies making beautiful bobbin lace in the streets and in their shops.

Meal plan: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 4 - Excursion, end of tour

Travel through stunning scenery in the Gran Sasso National Park with amazing views of the Apennines and the largest peak in this mountain chain. Nestled in this national park is the small medieval village of Castelli, famous for its maiolica ware ceramics since the 14th century. The tsars of Russia collected these valuable pieces and now the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg has a priceless collection there. There will be time to stroll by ceramics shops and studios of artists, where you may find treasured pieces of Italian ceramics.

You will then visit the bustling port city of Pescara, on the Adriatic coastline, where you can relax with a coffee, gelato or aperitivo in one of Pescara's lovely cafes and reminisce over the wonderful few days spent in this beautiful part of Italy. You will be transferred to the Pescara Central Station or to your hotel in Abruzzo by early afternoon.

Meal plan: breakfast and light lunch.

What to bring

• Non slip and comfortable shoes for walking in national parks (woodlands, shepherds tracks)
• Scarf or light jacket for the evenings
• Small foldable umbrella

• Enjoy a scenic drive along the Adriatic coastline
• Explore the delightful town of Ascoli Piceno in Le Marche region
• Explore the nearby fortified hilltop village of Civitella del Tronto
• Head to the nearby village and learn all about Abruzzos truffles
• Stroll by ceramics shops and studios of artists in the small medieval village of Castelli
• Travel through stunning scenery in the Gran Sasso National Park with amazing views of the Apennines and the largest peak in this mountain chain
• Visit a private olive oil producer near Sant'Omero

Abruzzo is a hidden gem located in central Italy. It stretches from the mountain peaks of the Gran Sasso to the Adriatic Coast with its sandy and pebble beaches. This destination is not widely included in the itinerary of standard Italy tour packages, and so visitors to Abruzzo are often surprised by its rich history, as well as its ancient monasteries, castles, and amazing hilltop villages.

Abruzzese cuisine uses a wide variety of fresh ingredients such as lamb, pork, seafood, saffron, truffles, tomato, and fine extra virgin olive oil. During this holiday, you will indulge in traditional fare. Whether you crave the grilled lamb skewers known as arrosticini, or dream about a delicious plate of spaghetti alla chitarra, Abruzzos diverse cuisine has something for everyone. Travel to Abruzzo and explore Italy with Touring Abruzzo in their small group tours.

• Visit the local colourful food markets
• Shop for authentic Italian leather goods
• Visit the Spanish fortress in Civitella del Tronto
• Go truffle hunting in your own private tour

• 3 dinners
• 3 lunches
• 3 nights accommodation in Abruzzo
• Daily breakfast
• Drinks with meals
• Guided tours in English
• Private, local olive oil tasting
• Tour transportation
• Truffle hunting adventure
• Private wine tasting experience
• Meet with local artisans - ceramics, jeweller, baker, lace makers

• Additional activities
• Additional meals
• Airfare
• Insurance
• Travel expenses
• Tips (optional)

• A reservation requires a deposit of 100% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.