FLY & DRIVE: Abruzzo

Day dedicated to arrival and the first contact with the city, ideal for getting settled and starting to soak up the Abruzzo atmosphere.

Between majestic mountains and crystal-clear seas, Abruzzo is a land that surprises with its variety of landscapes and richness of traditions. Here, ancient villages alternate with lively cities, natural parks safeguard unique biodiversity, and tables are filled with genuine flavors, from high-altitude cheeses to fresh Adriatic seafood. A region with a strong identity, it welcomes travelers with the warm hospitality of its people and the thrill of authentic experiences in every season of the year.

Arrival at the airport and, after picking up the rental car, departure for the hotel in Pescara.

Overnight in Pescara.

Day dedicated to discovering the city of Pescara. Thanks to the suggested experiences, it will be possible to explore its most characteristic places and taste the specialties of the local tradition. Departing from Pescara, and according to personal interests, it will also be possible to visit Vasto and discover its treasures through the recommended activities.

Pescara

Modern and dynamic, Pescara is the seaside heart of Abruzzo, with kilometers of golden beaches, an elegant seafront, and a lively nightlife. The city center, among boutiques and cafés, also houses the Gabriele D’Annunzio Birthplace Museum and the Ponte del Mare, a contemporary symbol of the city.

Suggested experiences:

Guided tour of Pescara

Discover Pescara starting from the Birthplace House of Gabriele D’Annunzio, a dive into the life and works of the famous poet. Continue with the Museum of the Peoples of Abruzzo, where local traditions, costumes, and stories come to life, and end with a pleasant walk along the Ponte del Mare, the city’s iconic symbol offering spectacular views of the coast.

Street Food Tour in Pescara

Discover the authentic flavors of Pescara while strolling through the city center. Taste local specialties such as cheeses, cured meats, desserts, and more, accompanied by typical Abruzzese wines. A tasty and lively experience that combines culture, tradition, and conviviality in a journey dedicated to good food.

Recommended places and suggested activities:

Vasto

Set on a natural terrace overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Vasto is an elegant seaside town and a noble city of art. Its cobbled streets lead to lively squares and ancient churches, while views stretch over the trabocchi along the coast and the turquoise waters. The historic center preserves Renaissance palaces, flower-filled balconies, and charming sea-scented corners steeped in tradition.

Guided tour of Vasto with tasting

A walk with a local guide through Piazza Rossetti, the Caldoresco Castle, the Cathedral of San Giuseppe, and the panoramic views from the Belvedere. The tour ends with a tasting of seafood specialties and local wines, to savor the essence of the city.

Mini cruise along the Costa dei Trabocchi

Scenic navigation along the evocative Costa dei Trabocchi, among sea views and the iconic fishing platforms that dot the coastline. Admire Vasto from the sea and enjoy a toast with Abruzzese wine accompanied by typical snacks, surrounded by the colors and scents of the Adriatic.

Overnight in Pescara.

Starting from Pescara, you can spend the day discovering Ortona and, if you wish, also Chieti. You will have the freedom to choose from the suggested experiences, creating your own personalized itinerary and enjoying the day according to your interests. At the end of the excursions, return to Pescara for the overnight stay.

Ortona

Overlooking a spectacular stretch of coastline, Ortona is home to the Aragonese Castle suspended above the sea and a historic town center rich in heritage. It is the ideal starting point for discovering the trabocchi, ancient fishing structures now transformed into panoramic restaurants.

Guided tour of the Aragonese Castle and the historic center of Ortona

A walk through picturesque alleys and sea views, with a stop at the Aragonese Castle, the city’s icon, and visits to historic churches, including the Basilica of Saint Thomas the Apostle, which houses the saint’s relics.

Guided walk along the Costa dei Trabocchi

A scenic itinerary along sea-view paths, ancient wooden piers, and hidden coves, discovering the magic of a coastline where nature meets maritime tradition.

Discovering the Abruzzo coastline by bike

A cycling itinerary along the evocative Adriatic coast, featuring breathtaking views and authentic villages. Starting from Ortona, with its historic Aragonese Castle overlooking the sea, you will ride along quiet, panoramic roads to reach San Vito, a small hidden gem with enchanting beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.

Cycling tour along the Costa dei Trabocchi with lunch

A panoramic two-wheel journey through seaside landscapes and ancient wooden piers suspended over the water. The experience concludes with a traditional lunch in an authentic trabocco, where you can enjoy freshly caught fish dishes with a sea view.

Chieti

Set on a hill with spectacular views of the Maiella mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Chieti is one of the oldest cities in Italy, founded—according to legend—by the Greek hero Achilles. Walking through its historic center, you can feel the constant dialogue between different eras: Roman remains such as the majestic amphitheater and thermal baths coexist with medieval and Baroque architecture, including the Cathedral of San Giustino and noble palaces.

Guided tour of the historic center of Chieti and its archaeological sites

A cultural walk with an expert guide among the city’s main monuments: from the Cathedral of San Giustino to the remains of the Roman amphitheater, and on to the National Archaeological Museum of Abruzzo, home to the famous Warrior of Capestrano.

Wine and local products tasting

A food and wine experience in a historic wine shop or a nearby winery, featuring a guided tasting of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Pecorino, and Trebbiano wines, accompanied by local cured meats and cheeses.

Overnight in Pescara.

Departure from Pescara towards Sulmona. Arrival and check-in at the hotel.

The city is famous for its sugared almonds and its medieval historic center, full of noble palaces and charming churches.

Overnight stay in Sulmona.

Spend the day exploring Sulmona, a city in Abruzzo famous for its sugared almonds, medieval historic center, lively squares, churches and noble palaces, and local markets, while tasting the traditional dishes of the Abruzzo region. You can choose from the suggested experiences to make the most of the city and, if you wish, travel to L’Aquila to discover its charming reconstructed historic center, combining history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Sulmona

Nestled among the mountains of the Majella National Park, Sulmona is a gem of art and tradition. Famous for its colorful sugared almonds (confetti), it boasts a perfectly preserved medieval historic center, rich in churches, historic palaces, and the picturesque Piazza Garibaldi.

Suggested experiences in Sulmona:

Visit and tasting at a confetti factory

Discover Sulmona’s confectionery tradition with a guided tour of one of the historic confetti factories. Watch the artisanal process and taste the different varieties of this local symbol, accompanied by explanations of its origins and interesting facts.

Excursion on the historic train of the Italian Transiberiana (Saturdays and Sundays)

A journey back in time aboard a historic train, through breathtaking landscapes that change with the altitude: green valleys, stone villages, and enchanted plateaus. Along the route, the train slows down to allow for unique views and postcard-perfect photos, reaching the heart of the Abruzzo Apennines.

Guided trekking in the Majella National Park

An immersive experience in Abruzzo’s “Mother Mountain,” along panoramic trails, hidden hermitages, and wild nature preserving millenary stories. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will traverse forests, plateaus, and valleys, with opportunities to spot local wildlife and discover the pastoral culture that shaped the area.

Suggested places and activities:

L’Aquila

L’Aquila enchants with its unique atmosphere, featuring restored Renaissance palaces, imposing Baroque churches, and views that tell a story of resilience and beauty. Walking through alleys and squares, you will experience a fascinating mix of art, tradition, and mountain life, framed by the majestic Gran Sasso mountains.

Guided tour of L’Aquila historic center

Explore L’Aquila with a local guide through elegant squares, picturesque alleys, and the city’s symbolic monuments. From the bustling Piazza Duomo to the grand Basilica of San Bernardino and the impressive Spanish Fortress, each stop reveals fascinating stories, legends, and curiosities.

Tasting of Abruzzo arrosticini

A delicious experience dedicated to the region’s iconic dish: sheep arrosticini. In a rustic restaurant, savor perfectly cooked skewers, accompanied by homemade bread, local extra virgin olive oil, and a glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

Overnight in Sulmona.

For the sixth day of the itinerary, departing from Sulmona, some places and activities in the surrounding area and in the heart of Abruzzo are suggested as simple visit tips. Depending on your interests and curiosity, you can choose from the experiences offered in Scanno and Pescocostanzo. The suggested stops provide opportunities to discover historic villages, mountain and lake landscapes, and the unspoiled nature of the Abruzzo parks.

Recommended places and suggested activities:

Scanno

Hidden among the mountains of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park, Scanno is an authentic gem that preserves the soul of ancient villages. Strolling through its historic center, you get lost among cobbled alleys, stone arches, flowered balconies, and small artisan shops where gold and lace are still crafted according to centuries-old traditions.

A short walk from the center, Lake Scanno offers an enchanting landscape, with its heart-shaped waters reflecting the surrounding mountains. It is perfect for a relaxing walk, a bike ride, or a boat excursion.

Walking tour of the village of Scanno

Discover the magic of the “photographers’ village” while wandering through stone alleys, medieval arches, and ancient artisan shops. The guide will tell you stories and legends related to traditional female costumes, still worn on special occasions, and help you experience the timeless atmosphere of this village.

Excursion to Lake Scanno

A nature trail leads to the famous heart-shaped lake, one of Abruzzo’s most evocative places. Amid panoramic views and ancient woods, you can enjoy shimmering reflections and landscapes that seem straight out of a postcard, with the possibility of walking or cycling along the loop trail around the lake.

Pescocostanzo

Perched on the Altopiano delle Cinque Miglia, Pescocostanzo is one of Abruzzo’s most charming villages, known for its elegant Renaissance and Baroque historic center. Set in a mountain scenery that changes with the seasons, Pescocostanzo offers a mix of art, history, and nature, making it an ideal destination all year round: lively in summer with festivals and excursions, enchanting in winter with the fairytale atmosphere of snow.

Guided tour of the village and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Colle

A guided walking tour to discover the authentic charm of Pescocostanzo. Stroll through cobbled alleys and Renaissance palaces, visit the splendid Basilica of Santa Maria del Colle, and learn the stories and traditions that made this village one of the most beautiful in Italy.

Bobbin lace workshop

An exclusive meeting with the master lace makers of Pescocostanzo to learn the secrets of bobbin lace, an ancient art recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage. A creative and engaging experience that will allow you to make a small artifact to take home as a memory of the village.

Overnight in Sulmona.

On the seventh day of the itinerary, you will return from Sulmona to Pescara, where you will have free time to dedicate to the activities you enjoy most or simply to relax and enjoy the city.

Check-in at the hotel and free time.

Overnight stay in Pescara.

The final day of your itinerary has arrived. After breakfast, depart for the recommended airport, return the vehicle, and board your return flight.