abruzzo day trips

10 THINGS YOU WANT TO KNOW WHEN TRAVELLING TO ABRUZZO

Abruzzo Day Tours & Experiences

Authentic culinary and cultural excursions in central italy, join experience bellavita on an exclusive day tour in abruzzo.

Join an Abruzzese local for a day packed with authentic experiences. Choices include traditional cooking classes where you’ll learn to prepare family dishes, wine tastings featuring excellent local vintages, adventurous truffle hunts, and more!

Our day tours offer a vibrant slice of life in Abruzzo, perfect for anyone eager to dive deep into the region’s rich culinary and cultural traditions.

While we specialize in creating personalized, multi-day tours, we still offer a selection of our original daily tours on a limited basis. These experiences are primarily reserved for past guests and guests on our bespoke tours, but we also consider new request based on availability.

If you’re interested, please send us a request, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

(Looking for a longer tour experience? Why not consider crafting a Custom Abruzzo Tour with our team?).

Browse Our Food and Culture Experiences in Abruzzo

Truffle hunting tour in abruzzo, italy, guided abruzzo wine tasting and winery visit, pasta making with nonna amina, cheesemaking experience, hear from our previous travelers & guests.

• I have such fond memories of my evening making chitarra con pallottine with Mario! I learned about Abruzzo customs--wines, appetizers and most of all had a great time! Mario is a knowledgeable and welcoming host and has a real passion for Abruzzo. read more read less Frank Olivieri 24/06/22
• We are to older couples how visiting Italy for many decades. We love eating and drinking. Marino arranged a culinary trip for us. The best wines and foods of the Abruzzo. And I can tell you it was an wonderful experience. We visited the special fish restaurants in the south (trabucco), get a taste of the cucina povery of the Abruzzo in local restaurants of very high quality, discovered the specialties like vino cotto, local meat and fish, and visiting the best wineries of the Abruzzo like Emidio Pepe. We met the family of Marino his father and mother en grandmother. It was warming. With Marino we not only had a perfect experience of la dolce vita of Abruzzo but we can call him now a good friend. If you want to experience the best of Abruzzo get in contact with Marino. There will be no better choice. As a wine lover we now drink more wines from the relatively unknown wine region of Italy. We will come back to this wonderful place that have everything to offer. From the coast to the mountains. For us that travelled tens of times to Italy this was one of the top three experience. High level of food and wine, in a relaxing not touristy area with excellent price performance. Hard the get in other regions of Italy. read more read less Han 24/06/22
• I am Paula from Virginia, USA. We have a home in Montedinove. I have “Experience BellaVita’s” 3 times and will be there again in a couple of weeks! I’ve made Chitarra and cheese dishes! When we go to BellaVita, we always bring friends with us! It’s a great way to spend the day! read more read less Paula Damgaard 24/06/22
• My name is Gail, our experience will Bellavita was awesome and memorable. Professional and educated staff and so friendly! We scheduled a few tours with Bellavita and each one was over the top. We loved the truffle hunt, cheese making! We felt like family not a number. read more read less Gail 24/06/22
• With very little information available, Marino was able to weave together the story of my father's family and life in Orsogna. We had one day to visit the town, and it was the highlight of our trip to Italy. From a visit with the town's mayor, a tour with the town historian, an incredible local meal, wine tasting at a local winery, a visit to the cemetery where he pulled together pieces of our family's history -- he also found living relatives and the site of my father's home. It was an emotional and beautiful experience, and Marino made it all possible. We will forever be grateful to Marino for creating the experience of a lifetime. read more read less Lisa D'Angelo 23/06/22
• Having fallen in love with the Abruzzo region (online during lockdown!) my husband and I booked a holiday-home hunting trip for Spring 2022. We have both spent time in Italy in the past however had never visited the Abruzzo region before. Prior to visiting in person we wanted to research the food and culture of the region and, in the Winter of 2020, stumbled across Experience Bella Vita’s website; specifically the food box service. Marino was brilliant from the first order. His passion for Abruzzo was infectious (and the food/wine delicious!) which only cemented our desire to visit this undiscovered Italian gem and find a holiday home. He was a fantastic resource and when I enquired about putting together an itinerary for a couple of days exploring the region he came up with a number of options, any of which would have been wonderful. In the event (and as was travelling with my husband’s parents as a group of 4) we settled on the following: Day 1: Winery Tour (including lunch), tour of Loreto Aprutino (we were specifically interested in some properties here), Aperitivos/nibbles in a local bar Day 2: Campo Imperatore, Cooking Arrosticini in the open-air, Castle Calascio, mountain villages, Aperitivos/nibbles in a local bar Highlights of the tours: - the winery tour was BRILLIANT. Having been on a more ‘touristy’ tour in Tuscany this felt incredibly personal and we learned so much! We visited the Ciavolich vineyard and really enjoyed learning about the history and process of the wine making there. We also learned that the Ciavolich vineyard shares a valley with the well known Valentini winery. During the tasting (4 wines) we enjoyed a number of Abruzzese delicacies to accompany the wines. Delicious and fun! - Marino had arranged for a local ‘ambassador’ of Loreto Aprutino to show us around and we, again, really loved the personal touch. Our guide had curated a wonderful ‘history of football’ exhibition in an old palazzo. There was room after room of interesting artefacts, posters, shirts…very unexpected and interesting. There is also a ‘history of cinema’ museum which we visited which is run by an animator who runs workshops (we viewed a short film that had been made by local children). The olive oil museum was closed when we visited however I understand that is very good. - the day in the mountains was exceptional. Visiting in springtime is highly recommended as you will be blessed with meadows of wildflowers. A particular highlight was stopping off en route to the plateau to enjoy the perfume of the ‘broom’ flowers. Delightful! Also cooking arrosticini on the plateau should be on everyone’s ‘to do’ list. Especially if cooked by Marino - Delicious! - Marino’s commentary (and music choices!) in the car. He is so knowledgeable and really enriched the experience. - Aperitivos each evening were lovely. It genuinely felt like going for a drink with a friend…a friend who conjures up all the best things for you to try. You just need to sit back and enjoy them 🙂 There were endless other little things that Marino did to ensure we had the best time however you need to experience for yourself. Abruzzo is a beautiful region; if you have any interest in exploring the region please book a tour/experience with Experience Bella Vita. You will not regret it! Jasmin and Richard read more read less Jasmin and Richard 20/06/22
• My friends and I had an amazing truffle hunting experience with Marino, followed by a delicious meal made with local dishes and ingredients. One of the best meals I had in 5 years living in Italy. read more read less Gabriel Gomes 10/06/22
• WOW! We just returned from the experience of a lifetime and ‘living like a local’ in Abruzzo with Marino and Experience Bella Vita. His complete detailed planning and tailor-designed trip of what we were interested in experiencing exceeded every expectation! From truffle hunting, making fresh pasta with his family and Nonna to cheese making, visiting a local winery and, my favorite, enjoying fresh seafood in an authentic Trabocchi! We found the Abruzzesi very warm and welcoming even if their understanding of English was limited. Every single encounter with these wonderful people was heart-warming. The passion and love of their craft and the pride they exhibited was only surpassed by the love of their family. Insuring the family was cared for was paramount. It wasn’t about material possessions or money. It was pure love of family, providing for family and making sure we felt we were part of the family. The meals they prepared for us were amazing. If you are looking to avoid the crowds and commercialism of the big cities, travel at a relaxed pace, explore quaint hilltop villages, taste the delicious wines of the Montepulciano grapes, dine as a member of an Italian family and experience absolutely stunning views from the Adriatic Sea to the Gran Sasso and Maiella mountains in a small intimate group of your choosing, contact Marino at Experience Bella Vita. Abruzzo is an undiscovered gem which makes it more valuable! You will not be disappointed. Marino went above and beyond to make sure our Abruzzo vacation was perfection! Every detail was exquisite and he included several surprises to make it even more memorable. From the time he picked us up in Rome until we returned our experience and enjoyment were his top priority. He made us comfortable from the very beginning, almost like we had known him for years and at the end we felt like family! His passion for his Abruzzo culture, knowledge of wines and authentic foods, extensive network of contacts throughout the region and enthusiasm for people to learn about Abruzzo are exemplary. We plan to return to Abruzzo and, if you couldn’t tell, Marino is our only choice. It will be like coming home! read more read less Paula W. 31/05/22
• Marino was an extremely helpful travel guide not only for the 3-4 specific days we spent together, but also for detailed travel guidance and unique places to see for the few days getting to Abruzzo and the few days afterward as we continued south toward Puglia! He offered us great restaurants, cities to visit, places to stop on the side of the road and regional specialties to try. Marino is a genuine enthusiast of Abruzzo's wonders. He is warm and giving with excellent English and professional expertise! Far more than just a wonderful Italian family experience - Marino helps you figure out how to maximize your entire travel experience. We give BellaVita a rating of 11 out of 10! We've lived in Italy several times and have visited most of the country over the years. Once you've seen all the museums and churches and major cities, Marino knows where all the other amazing and unique experience remain. Many of them are in and around Abruzzo where his knowledge is unparalleled. read more read less Steve G 02/04/22
• Marino was amazing! We had such a great time exploring the small towns my ancestors were from. I was able to see my great grandfathers birth/baptism and marriage note and explore the community’s my ancestors may have lived. I learned a lot about the area of Abruzzo. Marino went above and beyond my expectations. I highly recommend Marino to assist with ancestry research. read more read less Nikki D'Alonzo 20/03/22

What Else Do You Need?

Privacy overview.

EXPLORING ABRUZZO

"A Feast for the Senses"

Exploring Abruzzo

Effortlessly discover and experience the best of Abruzzo, this beautiful unspoiled region of Central Italy. English speaking guides will show you Abruzzo’s hidden treasures; from gastronomy, art and culture, to national parks, flora and fauna, you will experience a true “feast for the senses”. 

We have set itineraries that offer cherry-picked guided tours for small groups but we also enjoy creating tailored tours specific to your requirements. We have 3 new tours this year:

Abruzzo Property Tour – The first step to finding and buying your dream home in collaboration with Abruzzo estate agent Vigna Verde

Slow Walks Abruzzo – Taking in all the best Abruzzo has to offer at a slow and enjoyable pace. Ideal for those that like to take their time and savour their surroundings .

The Magic Light of Abruzzo – A photography tour like no either. This is not a photography course, although there will be some element of tips and teaching: all levels of photographers are welcome. 

All accommodation, meals and drinks are included in our set tours. 

Our Tours & Itineraries

EXPLORING THE BEST OF ABRUZZO - (8 Day Tour)  

Explore the best of Abruzzo. Let us show you the best of Abruzzo’s hidden treasures, including gastronomy and wine tasting, a private cookery class, cultural and artistic sights, the Adriatic coast, national parks and flora & fauna, as well as meeting the locals and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the wonderful Abruzzese people.  Our Best of Abruzzo tour has been designed to give you a taste of all the best that Abruzzo has to offer, and let you experience a relatively unknown and very unchanged part of Italy at a leisurely pace. You will see highlights of all the four provinces: L'Aquila, Pescara, Chieti and Teramo.

The beautiful accommodation ranging from B&B, boutique hotel and agriturismo has all been especially chosen for its uniqueness, character, position and view. Pick up from Rome Fiumicino airport.  All inclusive tour: transportation, accommodation, meals and drinks. No need to get your wallet out. Average group size 6. 

Download the itinerary below or go to our itineraries section. Contact us to book now or find out more. 

Contact us for 2024 dates, prices and itinerary

SLOW WALKS ABRUZZO 

For those that enjoy a slower pace yet still want to explore a diverse range of experiences from nature, history, to culture and gastronomy 

Contact us for dates, prices and itinerary 

ABRUZZO PROPERTY TOURS

Are you looking to move to Abruzzo? Why not join us on one of our 4 days/3nights' property tours in collaboration with Vigna Verde estate agents based in Casoli.  You will explore the surrounding area, visiting the top sites and experience the life you could end up living as well as being shown a selection of properties to suit all budgets. We are basing this tour on the premise that those interested in a tour will be in Abruzzo for longer than 4 days so will have their own hire cars. We will be driving in convoy each day. 

For detailed itinerary, pricing and to pay a deposit contact us. 

THE MAGIC LIGHT OF ABRUZZO

A photography tour like no either. This is not a photography course, although there will be some element of tips and teaching: all levels of photographers are welcome. Andrew, a former professional photographer (with a career in fashion, advertising, nature and adventure photography including National Geographic) will take you to some of the most unexplored stunning locations where you will be able to enjoy and experiment taking shots of landscapes, nature, history and people like never before. 

Dates: October 

To express interest please contact us. Dates, Itinerary and prices available soon.

TAILOR MADE ABRUZZO TOURS

If you are a group of friends/family talk to us – we can organise a bespoke tour of Abruzzo just for you!

Price on enquiry. Contact us .

GUIDED PRIVATE DAY TOURS

Our guided day tours are for those of you who just want someone to help you explore for one full day or a few days during your stay in Abruzzo. Whether it's climbing the Corno Grande, organising a cookery course, having a night time snow-shoeing experience in the winter or visiting wineries, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you so we can create the most memorable experience of Abruzzo for you. 

Price on enquiry. Contact us . 

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Meet Our Team

Italian Mountain Guide

Lorenzo is a full time guide, he spends his whole life taking people into the mountains of the national parks of Abruzzo, and he loves every minute of his job! No one knows more about the flora and fauna, history and secret hidden places of Abruzzo than him.

English Abruzzo Guide

Andrew has spent more than ten years exploring Abruzzo and is very knowledgeable & passionate about everything that this unique region of Italy has to offer. He has made Abruzzo his home having positioned himself and his family in the middle of the National Parks.

English, German, French (and her Italian is improving) speaking Director

Katja manages the business, looks after our enquiries, bookings, social media. She loves getting out and about, whether it be on foot, by car, horseback, snow shoes or skis in order to explore as much as possible of this fantastic region. 

About Abruzzo

Abruzzo is a feast for the senses; it is a stunning, wild and mountainous area in central Italy, with the Apennine mountain range running through it from north to south, and over to the east more than  100km of Adriatic coastline offering stunning beaches. Known as the 'greenest region' of Italy it is also one of the least populated regions in the country and offers an abundance of beauty. 

This region is an area of outstanding natural beauty, a place to be close to nature, and a place to explore without any crowds. Abruzzo’s varied landscape hosts a myriad of medieval hilltop villages, towns that date back to Roman times and ancient castles. In the spring Abruzzo's high meadows are covered with wild flowers, and the air is filled with the scent of curry plants and wild thyme.
In the Autumn the trees turn red and golden, and the air is full of the smell of oak smoke coming from the fireplaces. If you are amongst the lucky ones you will hear wolves howling at night time.

Flora & Fauna

Abruzzo is home to no less than three National Parks as well as a Regional Park, added together they make the largest area of protected wilderness anywhere in Europe.  The region is home to a highly diversified ecosystem, which hosts over 75% of animal species currently living in Europe! Amongst these are the Apennine wolf, the Marsican bear, red dear, roe dear, golden eagle and the Abruzzo chamois.

The beech tree, gentians, wild orchids, orange lilies and peonies just to name a few are amongst the stunning flora of the Abruzzo region. On the Campo Imperatore you will find beautiful displays of rare and endangered plant species.

People and Culture

The Abruzzese people have kept their artisan skills and traditions alive, they are known as being strong and gentle, "forte e gentile". They are amongst the most friendly and hospitable people you will ever meet and are generous to a fault.

In the rural towns and villages life has changed little. Shops close in the middle of the day when the restaurants open, people grow their own food and make their own wine and olive oil, they go to church and the shepherds still tend their flocks in the traditional way.

Food & Wine

The Guardian newspaper weren't wrong when they wrote an article about Abruzzo saying, "it had the best food in all of Italy".  Abruzzo is famous for its saffron from L'Aquila, its lentils from Santo Stefano, sugared almonds known as 'confetti' from Sulmona, pecorino cheese, 'De Cecco' pasta and of course its wines which include the now world-famous Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine. The dishes in Abruzzo are hearty and rustic, you can expect polenta, wild boar, pasta alla chitarra, arrosticini, pallote cacio e uova, delicious seafood if you're near the coast, and the most delicious greens from spinach, cavolo nero to artichokes and chicory. Oh, and don't forget all the delicious pastries and gelato!

From the Apennines to the Adriatic Coast this region has so much to offer. Come and visit Abruzzo and explore with us. 

The Parks of Abruzzo

MAJELLA NATIONAL PARK

 The Majella National Park has more holy places per square kilometre than anywhere in the world, except Tibet. It is one of the 13 Parks established across Europe in 1998 by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (formerly the WWF). Their aim is to protect these important areas of outstanding natural beauty that are important refuges for some of Europe’s rarest species.

The Majella is Europe’s largest protected area, the 74,095 hectares of unique mountainous terrain is home to an amazing rich array of wildlife, nearly half of all mammal species found in Italy are present in the Majella. The Apennine wolf, wild boar, red deer, roe deer, wild cats, otters, chamois and brown bear are all found in the Majella.

The park hosts one third of the entire Italian flora, there are over 2,000 species of plants in the Majella. That’s 36% of Italy’s flora, 22% of Europe’s – and a whopping 11% is found nowhere else on earth.

GRAN SASSO NATIONAL PARK

The Gran Sasso contains the highest mountain in central Italy at 2,912 metres and the plateau of Campo Imperatore, (little Tibet) a large and beautiful high-altitude grassland.

More than 2,000 species of plants live in the different areas of the park, from prairies and pastures to woods. The undergrowth is rich in colours and the aromas of raspberries and wild orchids.

When it comes to wildlife, the Gran Sasso is considered the kingdom of the Abruzzo chamois. But also to be found are deer, roe deer and the Apennine wolf – as well as many rare birds of prey such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons and eagle owls – that call the area home.

THE ABRUZZO, LAZIO AND MOLISE NATIONAL PARK

Established in 1922 to protect nature and to save wild animals from extinction, the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo is Abruzzo’s oldest park. Its 50,000 hectares extend into the Lazio and Molise regions, hence its full name.

This is the ideal place to spot certain species such as the Marsican brown bear (the parks’ symbol), golden eagle, wolf, wild boar, red and roe deer, otter and the Abruzzo chamois that have made their home amongst the remote valleys and inaccessible mountains. There are many rare and endemic species of flora which include the Black Vanilla orchid and the Venus Lady’s Slipper orchid.

The park’s landscape is mountainous, although the peaks are not very high. The highest, the Petroso mountain reaches 2,249 metres. 

SIRENTE VELINO REGIONAL PARK

The Sirente Velino is the third highest mountain massif in the Apennines after the Gran Sasso and Majella and hosts the Sirente Velino Regional Park in the province of L’Aquila, Abruzzo. The massifs are very different in terms of vegetation; the Sirente located in the central Eastern part of the park has extensive and diverse flora whilst the Velino in the western part of the park is void of showy vegetation and has semi-desert areas. Here you will also find the 3 rd largest peak of the Apeninnes, Monte Velino at 2487m. This area is a truly enchanting and wild setting, an ideal habitat for the diverse flora and fauna found in Central Italy.

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Get in touch,                                                 testimonials.

"Wow, what a fantastic tour we

had with Andrew and Katja.

A day that was full on from the get go, exploring some of the best that Abruzzo has to offer.

Andrew and Katja have a vast knowledge of the history of the region and share this in a fun and informative manner.

If you get the opportunity to do a tour with this fantastic couple, grab it with both hands and be prepared to have a fantastic experience.” Kay D, New Zealand

"I was in a pattern of work hard, burn out, go on luxury holiday and repeat. I decided it was time to shake things up and get out of my comfort zone! Along came Sacred Walks….and sacred it was…to actually disconnect from the outside world and walk in the most beautiful historic landscape with like minded people is a wonderful thing. Andrew and Lorenzo’s passion for this trip is infectious and they have gone to great lengths to ensure that you get a unique and authentic experience. I remember standing in a cave where a hermit had lived for 40 years before becoming pope!" Yvette, Brighton, United Kingdom

This was a wonderful walking holiday with delicious food to sustain us! I loved the ancient places that we visited, hermitages, chapels, oratories, ancient villages, all located in such beautiful landscapes. The highlight of the trip for me was the visit to see the frescoes in the oratory at Bonimaco - they are stunning! The three national parks in which we stayed and walked were very different from each other, each with their own distinctive character. The fact that it rained the night we camped didn't impact on the holiday at all, if anything it bonded us as a groups and we felt like great survivors after the storm. The food and wine was predominantly locally grown and was completely delicious. In some ways this holiday was like stepping back in time. The Abruzzo region is completely unspoilt and for me this makes it very attractive. The guides were excellent and it felt a great privilege to have them share their love of the Abruzzo with us. If I could only visit one place in the world for the rest of my life, it wolud be this. Patricia W, United Kingdom

"A lot of careful planning had gone into our holiday yet the guides were flexible and ready to adapt the programme to meet our wishes. A perfect blend of not-too-challenging hill walking, wonderful nature, secret places, excellent meals and beautiful art and architecture."

lucullus_11, Binissalem, Spain

"Having spent a day touring some of the most fantastic places of Abruzzo, with the excellent guides Andrew and Katja, you just want more! Their knowledege and experience of Abruzzos secret gems, together with their great entertaining personalities, gives you so much extra out of the day. We had a big smile on our faces for days :) I highly recommend taking their Abrozzo tour!” Niklas Paulson, Stockholm, Sweden

"At my request, Andrew arranged for a customized day adventure focusing on hiking the lovely hills of Abruzzo combined with a bit of sightseeing. It went extremely well. I was most impressed with our host's knowledge of the area; kind personality; and close attention the the safety and needs of the five travelers in our group. 'nuff said...." Stephen U, Teramo, Italia

"Italy is one of my favourite places to visit and I have enjoyed many holidays there. It was just by chance that I discovered Sacred Walks, but I'm so glad I did. I had an absolutely wonderful holiday! The guides have a passion for and an extensive knowledge of Abruzzo which means that you get to see some places that you would be unlikely to discover on your own. The scenery is magnificent, you feel you can breath more easily in the vast open spaces and the silence is truly 'golden'. The walks took in historic villages, hermitages and churches which had amazing frescoes. Everywhere we stayed the welcome was very warm and the food (which, wherever possible, was local to the area) was always delicious - good job it was a walking holiday! If you go independently to Abruzzo you can't fail to be impressed, but if you want to experience all the area has to offer and get all you can from your trip then i would strongly recommend that you go with Sacred Walks." Catherine Walker, London, United Kingdom

"This holiday exceeded expectations and has left me with some wonderful memories. I had no prior experience of the Abruzzo, and with the help of our two experienced and knowledgeable guides we were shown landscapes and scenery in three National Parks which at times simply took one's breath away. A very varied week, in terms of countryside, accommodation, and exertion. Even camping on a wet evening was rescued by a 6 course dinner cooked over a log fire, washed down with red wine and home made limoncello. The people we met were unfailingly generous and hospitable, and the food was delicious, simple and plentiful. The phrase heard most often was 'Wow! That's amazing' Georgina T, United Kingdom

"The day was full of amazing sites and laughter. Andrew and Katja were lovely hosts, they were a perfect mix between relating information and just having fun. The picnic lunch in Campo Imperatoe was charming, the wonderful tower in Santo Stefano which is one of the most beautiful villages I have visited in Italy. And riding the ebikes up to the Castello was magical and easy with the pedal assist. I would encourage taking a tour with this wonderful team, you won't regret it.” Edna S, Washington DC, USA 

"This was my first walking holiday and I loved it. With a group of nine others and two guides we visited fascinating areas of the Abruzzo Mountains. We walked every day and stayed in three unusual places - each one quirky but lovely - a Palazzo B&B in Scanno, an agriturismo farmstead & a restored medieval village previously decimated by earthquake.The food was very Italian and always excellent. One night we camped on a mountain in the cloud and that was fun as well." Angela G, United Kingdom

"I travelled to Rome with 3 girlfriends and was met by our two guides Lorenzo and Andrew and 4 other travellers making our party 10. We then travelled the nearly 3 hours to the Abruzzo region in 2 mini buses. It turned out to be one of the best holidays I have ever had. Lorenzo lives in this region with his family and wanted to show us the very best. It was a walking holiday of moderate difficulty visiting national parks, the snow capped mountains and medieval town and villages. We walked with hafflinger horses for two days and camped for one night. We visited ancient hermitages and beautiful churches and ate like kings in Agro tourism homestays as well as smart bed and breakfast old houses. Everywhere we we welcomed and we never had to choose from a menu! Andrew and Lorenzo had planned everything and we jelled incredibly well with the other guests. I would thoroughly recommend this small travel company called Sacred Walks although they may well change the name to something like Walks in wild Italy." Marguerite Craig, United Kingdom

"Through a number of emails and Zoom calls, we nailed down an itinerary that was the "best of" Abruzzo. Andrew was our adventurous, fun-loving, storytelling guide for four days in which we hiked around the Grand Maiella, ate too much cheese, drove through the roads of the regions like professional race car drivers (haha), hiked the Campo Imperatore to get a look at the sea, tread through old ruins and castles, and were fortunate to gain entrance into some amazing towers and other structures that only an "insider" like Andrew would know about or could accomplish. They have friends everywhere, and the accommodations were always unique and comfortable, with generous hosts wherever we went. I am certain we will remain friends, because that is the Abruzzese way, but also because Andrew and Katya want their guests to love Abruzzo in the same way they fell in love with the region!” Annette W, Cincinnati, USA  Annette W, Cincinnati, USA 

"I had a wonderful holiday exploring the hills and villages of Abruzzo with Sacred Walks. Despite the title, this was not a 'religious' holiday but we did have some spiritual moments in ancient hermitages and beautiful churches. Our Italian guide, Lorenzo, lives in Abruzzo and is en experienced guide for this area - we learnt a lot both about the history and flora and fauna of the area. He and Andrew made every effort to make sure we got the very best out of the holiday, and went to great pains to make it a very positive experience - and good fun. The scenery is stunning, and the walks took us up to the snowline, across flower meadows, and on old trails through forests. there is quite a lot of uphill, so some fitness is needed for that! We walked two days leading four beautiful Haflinger ponies carrying our stuff for a night's camping 4,500 feet above sea level! We got rather wet, but had fun with campfire dining and limoncello under a canvas ceiling. The holiday ended in Rocca Calascio - the highest mediaeval castle in Europe - with fantastic views on all side. We enjoyed delicious home-cooked italian food throughout, and didn't once have to consult a menu.We stayed in a palazzo, a wonderful agriturismo, and a converted village house and a tent! We were in a small group of 8.Thoroughly recommended to anyone who enjoys Italy and would like a walking holiday with a difference." Berkhamsted, United Kingdom

Exploring Abruzzo Gallery

To feast your eyes on regular beautiful snaps of Abruzzo why not join us on Instagram . We are always out and about and love taking pics.

All Rights Reserved | Exploring Abruzzo trading as Sacred Walks Ltd

ITALIAN PROVINCIAL TOURS – DISCOVER PROVINCIAL ITALY

Discover italy’s hidden gem region with our abruzzo tours, you want to experience italy like a local… eat authentic italian food made with local ingredients… you want to escape the tourist traps and go where the locals live, the problem is that you don’t know where to go, what to see and where to stay or eat..

You need like-minded locals to take care of everything for you. Our small group Abruzzo tours are designed to give you that truly authentic Italian experience everyone dreams of! And you don’t need to have Italian friends or family to experience Italy like a local…

We are Marco and Katri, Italian-Australians living in Abruzzo, Italy’s hidden gem region.

We are passionate about Italy and understand what travellers to Italy really want to experience.

Allow us to share Italy with you the way that most travellers never get to.

ABRUZZO TOURS REVIEWS

One of the best travel experiences i have ever had..

– Kathryn Miller NSW, Australia

To experience the real Abruzzo you need to be with passionate people like Katri & Marco that alone is an experience!!

– Enza Centorame Queensland, Australia

Our Italian Provincial Tours experience, was simply beautiful. We enjoyed very comfortable authentic accommodation in historic towns of the Abruzzo region matched with fine local food and wine, and the most stunning scenery including mountain restaurants and one on stilts over the water. Thank you Italian Provincial Tours we will be back! 10/10

– Emily Lee CA, USA

An experience you will never forget

SMALL GROUPS

Feel like you’re traveling with friends, you’re not just another number amongst a horde of other tourists playing “follow the leader”.

ITALY’S UNDISCOVERED GEMS

Escape the tourist traps and head out into the heart of Italy to explore roads less traveled and encounter experiences not so easily found.

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN ACCOMMODATION

Stay in beautiful family owned and run accommodations where you feel like one of the family.

AT YOUR LEISURE

Soak up the Italian lifestyle and return from your vacation refreshed not exhausted!

UPCOMING TOURS

Grande tour.

11-19 JUNE 2024 LAST 2 SEATS LEFT!!

• cooking class with local produce
• olive oil tasting in ancient mill
• winery & wine tasting
• seafood lunch on trabocco
• farmers market
• alpine plateau
• follow the shepherds
• cheese making
• Apennine Mountain Wolves

10-18 September 2024

17-22 JUNE 2025

• olive oil tasting
• castle & forts

ABRUZZO BY DESIGN

Private tours upon request

• wineries & wine tasting

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Abruzzo Italy Tour September 2019

Bec & Matt’s Short Stay in Abruzzo

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ABRUZZO TOURS FOR PEOPLE THAT LOVE TO EAT AND EXPLORE

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Join us and explore Abruzzo!  We promise tours that adventure across its fabulous mountain and seascape whilst uncovering its rich mountain & coastal food, wine & cooking traditions.

Our wonderful 4 and 5-day Abruzzo group tours start again in June 2024!  Our base in Abruzzo is in a stunning restored Benedictine monastery in the heart of beautiful Sulmona!

TAKE YOUR PICK  FROM OUR 4 or  5-DAY CIAO ABRUZZO TOUR BASED IN SULMONA

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Italy's Best Kept Secret: Road Tripping Through Abruzzo, the Region Tourists Forgot

In a place like Italy, awash with tourism down to its tippy toes, finding an undiscovered corner doesn’t come easy. But with a little effort and a little research, it is possible. Instead of heading to the coast like most travelers, venture to the heart and center of the country. Known for its dramatic mountains, lack of crowds, plentiful national parks, and countless medieval towns, Abruzzo is the perfect road trip from Rome .

While this picturesque drive offers just a taste of the region, it will leave you wanting more of little known Abruzzo.

Stop 1: Rome to L’Aquila and Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga

Just under an hour and half from Rome, the road to Abruzzo will take you to L’Aquila where you can work your way down through the region. Unfortunately in recent years, L’Aquila has become largely known for the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked the city in 2009. You'll still see the massive destruction caused, but the restored Basilica di San Bernardino is reopen and a peaceful spot to grab lunch and wander the old Spanish fort before heading out.

Before leaving the area, make a stop 13 miles northeast of town at Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, one of Abruzzo’s national parks. The Gran Sasso massif is easily the star attraction and a jagged landscape with plenty of hiking trails to get off the not so beaten path.

Stop 2: Drive the Eye Candy Filled SS17 Road to Sulmona

Leaving L’Aquila, you can cut through the heart of Abruzzo along the SS17. The drive to Sulmona is easily the star attraction with Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga on the east and Parco Naturale Regionale Sirente-Velino to the west. Have your camera read to snap plenty of mountain vistas and cliff clinging villages. You can get out to stretch your legs at Roccacasale and Navelli, two medieval beauties.

Stop 3: Get to Known Sulmona, Several Handfuls of Confetti at a Time

After about an hour in the car, the SS17 ends at the medieval town of Sulmona. The birthplace of poet Ovid, Sulmona was once also key commercial center in the Middle Ages. After the drive from L’Aquila, you’ll want to rest up for the evening passeggiata (stroll around the promenade). It seems the whole town appears at sunset to roam Sulmona’s old streets and main square, Piazza Garibaldi. Not only does the piazza boast views of the Morrone massif but it is also flanked by a 13 th century aqueduct.

In the morning, fuel up on espresso and sugar at the Fabbrica Confetti Pelino. The factory has been producing confetti in Sulmona since 1783. A traditional Italian candy composed of Avola almonds, sugar and vanilla comes in all shapes, colors, and flavor. Confetti appears at most major occasions from marriages to baptisms. You can just purchase a handful or head upstairs to the Museo dell’Arte Confettiera for a more detailed look at the candy making process. Quite addictive, it's impossbile to leave Sulmona without polishing off at least a bag or two.

Stop 4: Post Sugar Rush, Snake Your Way to Scanno

Appropriately fueled on confetti, turn wheels toward the SS479 to the medieval borgo of Scanno. This snaking road heads through the Gole di Sagittario, a reserve and gorge, and past the glassy Lago di Scanno. After about 45 minutes, you'll turn up in the town of Scanno. This time-trapped borough appears frozen in its medieval days. It's a maze of streets adorned with restaurants, shops and homes that look more movie set than reality. Climb Scanno’s steep lanes and resolve to return to Abruzzo again and again, the incredible region tourists somehow missed.

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