Discover the Secrets of Abruzzo & Puglia
Abruzzo small group tour-The Abruzzo Small Group Tour is for the true Italophile, allowing guests to explore diverse aspects of Italy’s history, landscape, and culture. The mountainous region of Abruzzo offers a striking contrast to the refined, sun-drenched charm of Puglia, creating a rich, balanced journey through two of Italy’s most captivating and lesser-known regions. In Abruzzo, nature reigns supreme. Towering Alpine peaks, ancient hill towns, and deep-rooted traditions shape the rhythm of life here. Nearly two-thirds of the region is protected parkland, where wild wolves roam and rugged trails invite discovery. From the dramatic Gran Sasso to the quiet Adriatic shores, Abruzzo remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism. Its culinary offerings are just as bold, earthy, elegant, and proudly local. Guests will savor Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines, dine in Slow Food kitchens, and experience the region’s hospitality in all its rustic authenticity.
By contrast, Puglia greets you with bold light, vibrant culture, and architecture as unique as its story. Here, whitewashed homes and iconic trulli cottages dot olive-strewn hillsides, while ancient cities reveal layers of Greek, Norman, and Spanish influence. This sun-soaked region offers a sensory feast. Fresh coastal flavors, robust wines, and colorful folklore are woven into daily life. From majestic castles to family-run wineries, every stop offers an invitation into the heart of Southern Italian tradition and style.
An exclusive small group tour celebrating the untamed beauty and timeless elegance of Southern Italy, this is an opportunity not to be missed!
Upcoming Tour Dates 8 days/7 nights
Pricing: € 3,200
Price is per person based on double room occupancy
Single supplement available at the cost of € 700,00
Experience the beauty
Tour Highlights
- Tour of the scenic town of Sulmona, birthplace of Ovid and renowned for its sugar almonds
- Try the ruby-red signature wine Montepulciano D’Abruzzo
- Fall in love with the Abruzzese cuisine
- Visit the marvels of the medieval town of Scanno
- Dine in traditional restaurants and taste authentic regional cuisine
- Prepare homemade pasta with an Italian Mamma in Pacentro
- Visit Abruzzo’s acclaimed extra virgin olive oil and wine makers
- Discover the enchanted town of Vieste in Puglia
Overnight Accomodations
Tour Itinerary
Your Italian journey begins with a scenic drive from Rome to the heart of Abruzzo. You’ll spend your first five nights in a centrally located boutique hotel in the enchanting town of Sulmona. After settling in, have a relaxed aperitivo at a local bar as the town comes alive during the traditional passeggiata. Then, gather for a warm and welcoming dinner at a family-run tavern, where regional flavors and local charm set the tone for the days ahead.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch on your own, dinner included
Accommodation: Overnight in Sulmona
Start the day exploring Sulmona, a picturesque town nestled between the Maiella Mountains and two national parks. Known for its vibrant tradition of confetti—sugar-coated almonds often given at Italian celebrations—Sulmona also boasts a rich architectural heritage. Join a local guide for a walking tour that includes the medieval aqueduct in Piazza Garibaldi and the Church of Santa Maria Annunziata, home to one of the town’s most iconic bell towers. Continue to Pacentro, a charming mountain village nearby, for a hands-on cooking experience with Giuliana, a local chef who will introduce you to classic Abruzzese recipes and techniques passed down through generations. Later, return to Sulmona for a visit to the Confetti Museum, where antique equipment and a preserved 16th-century laboratory offer a glimpse into the sweet-making traditions that define the town. The evening is yours to explore Sulmona’s historic streets or enjoy dinner at one of its many local restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Sulmona
Start with a visit to a family-run winery in the Abruzzo countryside, where you’ll sample Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and other regional wines paired with local specialties. This immersive tasting offers insight into the area’s long-standing wine making traditions. Explore two of Abruzzo’s most enchanting destinations. First, we visit the dramatic hilltop village of Roccascalegna, where a striking medieval castle is perched on a rocky ridge, a true storybook scene recognized by Condé Nast Traveller for its beauty. Then to Pescocostanzo, an elegant mountain town in the Maiella National Park, known for its baroque architecture and enduring artisanal traditions. Both villages feel untouched by time, offering a glimpse into the soul of old-world Italy. In the evening, gather for a delicious group dinner at a locally loved restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Sulmona
We go deep into the stunning landscapes of the Abruzzo mountains to the picturesque village of Anversa degli Abruzzi. Here, you’ll take part in an exclusive hands-on experience with a local cheese maker, learning the time-honored techniques of Abruzzo’s shepherding culture. We continue through the heart of the national park to discover Scanno, one of Italy’s most enchanting medieval towns. Set on a rocky hillside near a crystal-clear mountain lake, it is a place where time seems to stand still. Winding cobblestone streets, Renaissance churches like Santa Maria della Valle, and artisan workshops still producing traditional Abruzzese lace create a rich tapestry of history and heritage. Along the way, we’ll stop at the peaceful Hermitage of San Domenico on Lake San Domenico and the Church of the Madonna del Lago. We’ll end the day with a leisurely lunch in a rustic Abruzzese trattoria, enjoying regional dishes that reflect the soul of the mountains.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Sulmona
Visit the historic city of Chieti to explore the renowned Museo Archeologico, home to some of Abruzzo’s most treasured artifacts, including the Capestrano Warrior, the colossal marble Hercules from Alba Fucens, and a rare bronze statuette of Hercules. Journey along the UNESCO-listed Trabocchi Coast, where the sea meets timeworn fishing traditions. You will see the trabocchi, which are centuries-old wooden fishing platforms built on stilts and operated with a network of pulleys and nets. Their origins are shrouded in mystery, with some dating them as far back as the 8th century. Today, they are protected by law, with only around 20 remaining. We finish the day with a seafood lunch in one of the traditional trabocchi, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Adriatic before returning to Sulmona. Spend your last evening in Sulmona resting, relaxing, or exploring on your own.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Sulmona
This morning, we’ll visit the remarkable Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, a centuries-old Benedictine monastery perched high above the Adriatic Sea. Dating back to the 6th century, the abbey features 13th-century frescoes and a crypt supported by ancient Roman columns, blending layers of history in one setting. We continue to the lovely Roman town of Vasto, where you’ll have free time to explore its charming streets and enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, we cross into the Puglia region and arrive in Vieste, where you’ll settle into your centrally located hotel for the final two nights of the tour.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Vieste
One of Italy’s most lovely seaside towns, Vieste sits on a rocky ledge overlooking the Adriatic. Its whitewashed homes, winding cobbled lanes, and sweeping coastal views offer a perfect blend of romance and history. Meet your local guide for a walking tour through the old town’s narrow alleyways, leading past colorful markets and up to the elegant cathedral. Then, take to the water for a scenic boat ride along the coastline to view prehistoric sea caves and dramatic cliffs (weather permitting).The afternoon is yours to relax, wander, or soak in the sun. This evening, gather with the small tour group for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant to toast to an unforgettable journey.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Vieste
After breakfast, we’ll arrange your transfer to Bari airport or a nearby train station. As you depart, we hope you leave with a deep appreciation for the timeless villages of Abruzzo, the rugged beauty of its mountains, and the coastal charm of Puglia, each experiencing a lasting memory from this unforgettable journey through Italy’s lesser-known treasures.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own
Additional Information
- Small group tour of 12/15 participants
- Knowledgeable English-speaking tour director
- Entrance fees for all sites
- Tour transportation in a private air-conditioned Mercedes van
- Local guides in the outlined cities and towns
- Hotel city and service taxes at all accommodations and restaurants are included
- Airport transfers at scheduled times
- Baggage transfers and porters are included
- All breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners are covered. Main meals include wine, mineral water, espresso coffee with a set amount included
- Activity level: Light/Moderate
- Terms & Conditions/single supplement and FAQ
- Travel insurance and visa fees/Trip Interruption & Cancellation Insurance
- Any charges for extras not listed in the itinerary
- Room services, telephone charges, laundry fees
- Gratuities for the tour guides and local driver
- Single room supplement
- Airfares
- Extend your stay in Rome, Sulmona or Bari
Tour Reviews
Abruzzo - A land of surprises
Hi Aldo-I really enjoyed this tour. Staying in Sulmona at your Hotel was such a relaxing experience. Selecting such central location made it especially nice not having to be out of the hotel so early each day.If you ask me what I especially liked I would have to say several things…The cooking class was so much fun. The wine tasting at Castillo was probably one of the best I have ever attended. What a beautiful place and the wines were superb. It was the first time I have ever wanted to buy all the wines tasted. Unfortunately, shipping costs were very high. I’ll look for them at home.The food was delicious everywhere, but the pasta made with beet juice at our farewell dinner was memorable-so unusual and excellent.Visiting the Gargano was wonderful too. Being so remote, it is not a place I would not normally go so was excited when you included it in this tour. The trabocchi were so interesting to see and lunch was wonderful! I thought Vieste was a very nice place. Again, I felt like I was truly on vacation! Oh I cannot forget Mont St. Angelo. Never did I expect the shrine to Sr.Michael the Archangel to be as beautiful as it was. Very moving for me!Danilo was such a nice young man. He was so knowledgeable and could not do enough to please us. Also it was so nice to see Paola again. She is always so happy and makes you smile.As usual Aldo, your tour was such a nice blend of food, wine and culture.
Thank you for a wonderful trip!
Ciao-
Sandy
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