September 7 - 14, 2026

Final Program June 2026

USA guests leave on September 6, 2026, for the overnight flight to Rome.

Arrive at Terminal 3 Leonardo Da Vinci Airport Rome.

Chef Walter and tour coordinator Sheila Filipponi, will be waiting for you.

Abruzzo Food & Wine Tour – A Journey Through Italy's Hidden Gem.

Day 1. Monday. Arrival at Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Rome (Fiumicino FCO)

Our  driver and luxury transportation will pick up the guests for the travel  journey that will take us to the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea. 

Check into our home-based hotel in the resort of Giulianova, Abruzzo. Driving time is approximately. 2.45 hours. Welcome cocktail with  nibbles. Leisure break for you to admire the surroundings and take a  walk along the majestic Viale Zara, followed by our welcome dinner with  wine. Overnight will be in Giulianova.

Day 2. Tuesday. Our adventure begins Today in the historic fortress town of Civitella del Tronto, where we'll wander through ancient streets and marvel at the imposing Fortezza di Civitella, one of Italy's grandest military strongholds. From there, we'll travel to Campli, a picturesque village famous for its Scala Santa (Holy Stairs) and the birthplace of Maccheroni alla Chitarra, a pasta so iconic it's crafted on a wooden "guitar." A leisurely lunch  at a local trattoria will introduce us to Abruzzo's rich flavors, paired  perfectly with a glass of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. The afternoon takes us to Teramo, where we'll admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Return to our hotel for a cooking class on Abruzzese cooking and overnight.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Cooking Class.

Day 3. Wednesday. whisks us away to Sulmona, the land of confetti (those beautifully sugared almonds you find at Italian weddings). We'll  visit a traditional workshop before savoring a luscious lunch. Then,  it's off to the breathtaking Scanno Lake, where  emerald waters reflect the surrounding mountains. A peaceful stroll  before a wine tasting in a local winery will wrap up our day. Return to  our hotel for the overnight.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine Tasting with food.

On Day 4, Thursday, the Adriatic calls as we explore Ortona,  a seaside gem with a dramatic castle and a cathedral said to hold the  relics of St. Thomas the Apostle. Lunch here is a celebration of the  sea—Brodetto alla Vastese, a fragrant fish stew, enjoyed with a crisp Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Rosé. In the afternoon, we'll delve into history in Chieti, wandering Roman ruins, and a leisurely stroll through the historic  center. Dinner in Chieti. After the dinner, we will return to our hotel  for the overnight. 

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5. Friday takes us to L'Aquila, a city reborn after the devastating earthquake, where Gothic arches and  Renaissance palaces stand as a testament to its resilience. We'll enjoy  a traditional lunch and a dessert tasting before ascending to Rocca Calascio, a fairy-tale fortress perched high in the Gran Sasso mountains. Nearby, the medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio invites  us to step back in time. Enjoy free time to immerse yourself in the  Borgo and have an aperitif as a complement. Return to our hotel for the  overnight.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch. Dessert Tasting, Aperitif.

Day 6, Saturday. Today, we'll discover the cliff-side Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Serranonacesca, then visit Manoppello, home to the mysterious Holy Face Veil, and afternoon wine tasting at a local winery, before our final stop in the vibrant Pescara. Free time for the last shopping. Return to our hotel for a cooking class on seafood—all paired with Trebbiano wine.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Wine Tasting, Cooking Class.

Day 7. Sunday offers a relaxed farewell along the coast in Martinsicuro, the last town dividing the Abruzzo region from the Marche. History and  culture stroll through the historic center, followed by a delectable  lunch on a hill resort overlooking the sea. Our last dinner together in  my hometown of Mosciano Sant' Angelo is  a celebration of all we've tasted, from mountain lamb to sea-kissed  flavors. Our farewell dinner will be skillfully prepared by the Active  Lady, a non-profit organization devoting its efforts to charitable  causes. Return to our hotel for the last packing and overnight. 

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. 

On Day 8, Monday we'll  part ways after breakfast, with transfers to Fiumicino Airport. For  those with later flights, an optional stop in Rome extends the magic  just a little longer.

Inclusion: Breakfast.

Note: We will accommodate your food allergies as needed. 

Some  walking is required, but our tours are very flexible, and we promise  you don't have to carry a triangle flag as on most tours. 

NOTE: Other activities include Cultural and religious visits, Coffee Shops,  Cheese Farming, Bakeries, Local Realities, and more. Our tours follow  our sustainable lifestyle, with health + wellness in philosophy and  comfortable physical activities.

Guided Tour with Chef Walter and Travel Consultant Sheila Filipponi