Treasures of Abruzzo & Puglia Small Group Tour - 8 days/7 nights

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