“The authentic flavors of Italy”
12 Day Abruzzo, Puglia, and Matera Culinary, Culture, and Art Holiday in Italy
Hotel Ovidius, Via Circonvallazione Occidentale, 177, 67039 Sulmona, Province of L'Aquila, Italy
Food Tour in Italy
Join this 12-day unique Italian cultural and culinary escorted tour to visit 3 of the most stunning Italian regions. Your hosts and local guides, Fabrizio and Katia, together with their families & friends, have put together amazing experiences that combine passion, beautiful places, and locals to show you the best of Abruzzo & Puglia, allowing you to live an immersive adventure in the Italian culture and traditions, where you really get to know the food, region, and people. This is a fully escorted tour that will give you insights into daily life, food & wine, culture, and production and will let you discover authentic Italy in a balanced mix of experiences, relaxation, adventure, and learning. The highlight of this tour is the chance to discover and experience different local cultures that have in common, the warm hospitality of local people, and great food and wine traditions.
Highlights
- Prepare homemade pasta and focaccia with local women
- Discover the fascinating trabocchi fishing huts
- Visit Abruzzo’s acclaimed winemakers
- Visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Matera and Alberobello
- Enjoy amazing landscapes that spread out from the sea to the mountains
- 11 nights accommodation
- Live like a local and sleep in the historical center of 3 charming ancient towns
9 days with instruction in English
The organizer also speaks: Italian
Group size: 2-12 participants
Airport transfer included:
Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
14:30
Check-out Time:
09:00
During this tour you will stay at the centrally located 4* Hotel Ovidius in Sulmona, 3* Hotel San Marco in Vasto, and 4* Hotel Corte Altavilla in Conversano. All of them provide a high standard of service, are meticulously clean, and are equipped with modern conveniences, air conditioning, an elevator, and free wi-fi and they are within walking distance to the main attractions and squares of their respective towns.
At Hotel Ovidius and Hotel Corte Altavilla, you have the opportunity to enjoy a spa experience in their wellness center (book in advance).
Regarding your stay in Vasto, you can also choose to upgrade to a lovely boutique residence located in the heart of Vasto. Originally an 18th-century mansion, it has been renovated into an upscale B&B with 5 bedrooms, located on the Amblingh promenade overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Discover more and inquire for a quote.
Program
Day 1, Sunday: Rome Fiumicino airport pick-up, Sulmona and welcome to Abruzzo dinner
PM
- Rome Fiumicino airport pick up at 12:30 p.m., transfer to Sulmona, the town of the Roman poet Ovid, the most illustrious son of Sulmona
- Get to know your local guide and Italia Sweet Italia founder Fabrizio and learn more about this 12-day Italian cultural vacation
- Check-in, relax and enjoy a welcome dinner at Hotel Ovidius in the heart of Sulmona
Included: Dinner
Day 2, Monday: Confetti Museum, explore Sulmona’s historic center and traditional lunch
After a leisurely traditional breakfast made of freshly baked bread, whole fruit country-style preserves, cake, pastries, coffee, tea, and freshly squeezed juice:
AM
- Visit the Confetti (sugar-coated almonds) Museum, where you can see a wide display of old-fashioned confectionery machines and equipment, memorabilia, and precious, rare objects relating to the ancient Sulmonese art of confectionery
- After confetti tasting, we’ll discover Sulmona and see the Medieval aqueduct on Piazza Garibaldi and the Church of Santa Maria Annunziata with its majestic bell tower
- You’ll have a traditional lunch in the center of Sulmona
PM
- The team knows that not every minute of your time needs to be packed with organized events; you will also be able to explore on your own and actually live like an Italian
- So today you’ll have a free afternoon for your own activities, which could include: visiting Sulmona’s museums and art galleries, taking part in some extra activities/excursions, having a spa experience in the Hotel wellness center (must be booked in advance) or just do some time shopping, visiting artisans or taking a walk in the “piazza” to enjoy the relaxing Sulmona atmosphere
- In the evening, you may experience dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants of Sulmona. Obviously, Fabrizio will suggest to you his favorite places
Included: breakfast, confetti and wine tasting, and lunch
Day 3, Tuesday: Amazing Abruzzo mountains landscapes, Scanno and Vasto on the Adriatic Coast
AM
- After checking out, you’ll drive across the wonderful Abruzzo mountains and National Parks to the ancient Roman town of Vasto on the Adriatic Coast, where you will be staying for the next 3 nights
- On the way to Vasto, you’ll visit the enchanting Hermitage of San Domenico in Villalago and the village of Scanno (one of the most beautiful villages in Italy) in the mountains with its fabulous alleys, churches, landscapes, and artisan boutiques
PM
- Lunch in a traditional restaurant in Scanno
- You’ll also visit an artisanal jewelry shop where they make the “Presentosa”, a famous traditional jewel from Abruzzo, a very ancient piece of art that dates back to the 18th century
- Transfer to Vasto, and check in at a hotel in the historic downtown
- Group dinner in a traditional restaurant in the heart of Vasto
Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4, Wednesday: A visit to the market, make homemade pasta with Mamma, and explore Vasto
AM
- You’ll walk and visit Vasto’s colorful market to get seasonal products. Here you’ll have the possibility to practice a little bit of Italian even if you don’t speak any of it
- Next, you’ll drive to the beautiful countryside of Vasto where we’ll meet Fabrizio’s family to have an exclusive cooking class with them and you’ll learn how easy it is to make fresh pasta and be introduced to Abruzzo sauces
- An example of a menu based on Fabrizio’s family recipes, includes Bread with meat sauce, Pasta alla chitarra with meat sauce, polpette (meatballs), and Tarallucci (typical biscuits from Abruzzo)
PM
- Lunch on the scrumptious dishes that you prepared in the morning while enjoying the relaxing family atmosphere
- After a short break to relax, in the afternoon you’ll go on a guided visit to Vasto’s historic center. You’ll explore Loggia Amblingh, a promenade overlooking the fascinating crescent-shaped coastline, the old town with its medieval Castle, charming lanes, a tower, the Cathedral, and Piazza Rossetti, dedicated to Gabriele Rossetti, a poet from the town and father of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (click here to discover more about Vasto)
- In the evening you may experience dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants of Vasto. After the big family lunch, based on our many years of experience, we know that nobody is looking for a rich dinner, so our travelers usually enjoy spending time like a local trying a simple aperitif, a gelato, or a pizza. Obviously, Fabrizio will suggest his favorite places.
Included: breakfast, cooking lesson, lunch
Day 5, Thursday: The Trabocchi Coast and Punta Aderci Nature Reserve, visit a winery with tasting and an easy walk in nature and make your own souvenir with an artist
AM
- After breakfast, you’ll explore the famous Trabocchi coast. You’ll start with a short and easy walk inside Punta Aderci Nature Reserve, one of the 12 most beautiful Italian beaches according to National Geographic, from where you can also admire snow-capped mountains at certain times of the year
- Next, you’ll visit an award-winning winery that sits between a marine park and the mountains. You’ll sample wine tasting and lunch with pairings from local cheeses and salami and a tour of the vineyard and cellars organized by winemakers Emanuele and Nicola
PM
- After lunch in the winery and a short break at the hotel, we’ll drive to the little hilltop village of Lentella at Ettore’s “Fattoria d’Arte” (Art farm)
- Surrounded by an amazing landscape with a stunning view of the sea, mountains, hills, and small towns, you can enjoy an easy walk and an artistic experience with Ettore, who will let you create your own Abruzzo souvenir (a postcard made with natural colors produced on-site by mixing leaves and flowers that you can pick on Ettore’s property)
- You’ll have an aperitif and a traditional dinner with Ettore and his wife Barbara
Included: breakfast, wine tasting, lunch, dinner
Day 6, Friday: Explore Roccascalegna Medieval Castle, fish-based lunch, and free time
AM
- After breakfast, immerse in nature and surrounded by amazing sceneries, you’ll drive inland to explore Abruzzo’s enchanting castle in the sky in the charming village of Roccascalegna, ranked by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the 9 Most Beautiful Hilltop Towns in Italy
- Next, you’ll visit a trabocco (the symbol of the area), mostly built with acacia wood and railway iron sleepers
- His wife Maria will prepare fish from the Adriatic Sea for the group
PM
- Free afternoon for your own activities, which could include: going to one of the many beaches, visiting Vasto’s museums and art galleries, taking part in some extra activities/excursions, or just doing some shopping, visiting artisans or taking a walk in the “piazza” to enjoy the relaxing Vasto ambiance
- In the evening, you may experience dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants of Vasto
Included: breakfast, lunch
Day 7, Saturday: Welcome to Puglia, exploring Trani and Conversano
AM
- After check out, you’ll move to Puglia where you’ll meet the local guide Katia and you’ll have a guided visit in the beautiful town of Trani: the little fishing port, the Church of the Templar Knights, and the historical district
PM
- Free time and lunch on your own in one of the many restaurants of Trani
- Transfer to Conversano and check in at Hotel Corte Altavilla in the historical downtown (possibility to have a spa experience in their wellness center to book in advance)
- Guided walking tour in Conversano: ancient town with its medieval Castle and Romanesque cathedral
- Welcome to Puglia group dinner in a traditional restaurant in the heart of Conversano
Included: breakfast, dinner
Day 8, Sunday: Exploring Bari, panzerotto tasting, traditional lunch, and guided tour of Polignano a mare
AM
- After breakfast, you’ll drive to Bari, the capital city of Puglia. You’ll have a guided tour to discover San Nicola’s church and the city center called Bari Vecchia (Old Bari) where you can meet local ladies making fresh pasta in the middle of enchanting streets
- You’ll enjoy also a tasting of traditional panzerotti (a pocket of dough stuffed with tomato and vegetables or a meat sauce) in a bakery
PM
- You’ll drive to Polignano a mare to enjoy a traditional lunch and discover its wonderful sea views and charming alleys
- After lunch in Polignano, based on many years of experience, the Italia Sweet Italia team knows that nobody is looking for a rich dinner, so their guests usually enjoy spending time like a local trying a simple aperitif, a gelato or a pizza. Obviously, Katia will suggest to you her favorite places.
Included: breakfast, panzerotto tasting and lunch
Day 9, Monday: Cooking class in a masseria, exploring Monopoli (breakfast, cooking lesson, lunch)
AM
- After breakfast, you’ll move to an ancient masseria (typical Apulian farmhouse) in Monopoli and cooking class with traditional recipes such as orecchiette pasta, melanzane alla parmigiana (eggplant parmigiana), and Almond sweets (a typical Apulian dessert)
PM
- Lunch will consist of the scrumptious dishes that have been prepared in the morning
- Next, you’ll have a guided tour of Monopoli, an enchanting seaside town with a lot of history, surprising corners and fascinating alleys
- Dinner at your leisure in one of the many restaurants of Conversano
Day 10, Tuesday: Olive oil tasting, explore Locorotondo and the UNESCO site Trulli of Alberobello
AM
- After breakfast, you’ll drive south to visit an ancient olive oil mill where we’ll have an extra virgin olive oil tasting
- Next you’ll explore the charming village of Locorotondo, whose name derives from the Latin Locus Rotundus and literally means “round place” recalling the circular shape, which is repeated on several rings between suggestive alleys and streets
- Next, you’ll move to the UNESCO site of Alberobello to enjoy a traditional lunch in this unique town
PM
- Next, you’ll have a guided tour and walk among the trulli
- Dinner at your leisure in one of the many restaurants of Conversano
Included: breakfast, extra-virgin olive tasting, lunch
Day 11, Wednesday: Matera and its UNESCO site, focaccia tasting, and farewell dinner
AM
- After breakfast, you’ll drive to spectacular Matera in the Basilicata Region
- Next, you’ll have a guided tour of the Unesco site of “the Sassi” (cave houses and rocky churches where time seems to stop)
- After some free time to explore Matera by yourself or to relax, we’ll have a Focaccia and bread tasting with a light lunch in a traditional bakery in Matera
PM
- Next, you’ll come back to your Hotel in Conversano
- You will have more free time to relax and pack or do last-minute shopping before you enjoy a farewell dinner at Hotel Corte Altavilla
Included: breakfast, focaccia tasting, light lunch, dinner
Day 12, Thursday: Departure and goodbye
AM
- After breakfast departure (normally at 09:00) for Bari airport or your next destination (45 minutes driving from Hotel to Bari airport and 40 minutes to Bari train station)
Included: Breakfast
About the itinerary
Your Itinerary is a guide to your activities during the week. However, sometimes Italia Sweet Italia modifies the final itinerary to take advantage of the season and the weather. The goal is to ensure that everyone has a fabulous time and that sometimes means tweaking the schedule even after your arrival. Your guide will provide suggestions during the week, and the group will decide if any modifications are desired. Be assured that only enhanced experiences are ever considered.
Location
On this tour, you'll visit 3 of the most stunning Italian regions: Abruzzo with its charming mountain villages, 3 national parks, and the fascinating trabocchi (special fishing structures, a symbol of the area); Puglia with its UNESCO sites, and castles, beautiful medieval towns, and coastal villages; and Basilicata with the enchanting Matera, elected European capital of Culture for 2019.
Food
The package includes daily breakfast and 14 meals (food, water & house wine) in selected restaurants, a farmhouse, a private home, a winery, and a trabocco fishing hut based on traditional regional dishes. Some evenings are free for you to explore the towns by yourself.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Alcoholic beverages
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
You will have ample time to explore the surroundings, immerse in the Italian culture, and participate in multiple activities such as biking, hiking, truffle hunting, wine and cheese tasting, olive harvesting and olive oil tasting, as well as visiting the beautiful nearby beaches, cooking, and swimming. Massages and spa treatments will also be available at an additional cost,
What's included
- 2 nights in Sulmona at Hotel Ovidius, 4 nights in Vasto at Hotel San Marco (or similar accommodation), and 5 nights in Conversano at Hotel Corte Altavilla. Standard rooms, centrally located accommodations
- Daily breakfast buffet
- 14 meals (food, water & house wine) in selected restaurants, a farmhouse, a private home, a winery. Some evenings are free for you to explore the towns by yourself
- Guided tastings of wines, confetti, olive oil, panzerotti, and focaccia bread and visits to the producers
- 2 hands-on authentic Abruzzo and Puglia cooking classes and associated food costs
- Personalized cooking booklet and apron
- Daily trips, excursions, and guided tours
- All transports for daily trips and excursions will be in an air-conditioned minibus or car
- Pick up at Rome Fiumicino airport and drop off at Bari airport/train station in an air-conditioned minibus or car
- All entry fees for museums
- Art experience with a local artist
- English-speaking professional tour directors and licensed local guides as per itinerary
- All taxes
What's not included
- Airfares
- Money spent for personal interests
- Snacks / drinks between meals, or any meals not listed on the itinerary
- Personal expenses like phone calls, visa costs, laundry or tips
- Travel insurance (not obligatory, but recommended)
- Drinks not listed in the itinerary (an extra bottle of wine, for example)
- The cost of additional excursions or activities
- City tax (depending on period and location, varies from 1.5 to 2.50 EUR per night per person to be paid at hotels)
How to get there
Recommended Airports
FCO
Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport
141 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Leonardo da Vinci - Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Transfer from the airport is included. Italia Sweet Italia will pick you up from the airport.
The pick up at Rome Fiumicino airport is planned at 2:30 pm on day 1. The duration of the trip depends on traffic (on Sunday, when most of the tours start, usually there is no traffic) and if you need to stop at the motor service along the way for a snack or to go to the toilet. It is a beautiful and relaxing drive. A few weeks before the tour starts, the team will send you a pdf with the exact pick-up location and times.
Please consider also this information:
If you want you can be picked up at a hotel in Rome, this service has an extra cost of 60 EUR that you can pay on your arrival. The Italia Sweet Italia team will come earlier to pick you up at your accommodation (it depends on the exact location, but it is usually 1 hour before the pick-up at Rome F. Airport). Sometimes it could be also after the airport pick-up.
When Italia Sweet Italia has all flights and arrival information from all the travelers, if everybody that is joining the tour is supposed to arrive before 2:30 p.m., they could anticipate the pick-up time.
You can also reach Vasto or other destinations in Italy by bus or train. Ask Italia Sweet Italia for more information.
For the drop off to Bari for The Abruzzo, Puglia & Matera experience tour, Italia Sweet Italia has this program: after breakfast, you will leave (usually at 09:00) for Bari airport or your next destination (45 minutes driving from the hotel to Bari airport and 40 minutes to Bari train station). When they have information from all the people who will join the tour (about their programs on that day) Italia Sweet Italia will finalize this. If there is any specific need, they can organize a private transfer (before or after the planned one) from the hotel to Bari airport or train station that costs 90 EUR.
Private pick-up and drop-off for group tours:
Of course, Italia Sweet Italia is always happy to support you by organizing a private pick up/drop off only for you to let you join their small group tours listed in their calendar. Please keep in mind that a private transfer (before or after the planned one) from Vasto to Rome airport or city center costs around 300 EUR.
Connecting to or from another part of Italy:
If you are connecting to or from another part of Italy we are happy to assist you in planning your pre and post-trip connections. If your planned arrival or departure does not coincide with the specified meeting time we can assist you in booking a private transfer at an additional cost or some extra nights in Vasto or Puglia.
Airport: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport
Airport transfer included: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 25% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
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