Abruzzo is a land of endless verdant panoramas characterized by quaint towns with ancient pasts and unique traditions. During this one-of-a-kind itinerary, travelers will discover the best of Abruzzo by taking in the main cultural and historic highlights in addition to the tranquil natural scenery of the region.
This 7-day, custom-crafted vacation package includes:
Spend time in the lovely town of Sulmona, renowned as the birthplace of confetti, before embarking on day excursions to the cultural destinations of L’Aquila and Pescara. Nature lovers can spend a day at the Gran Sasso National Park, which is one of the largest and most-revered parks of its kind in Italy. Whether you are looking to spend time in a lesser-known Italian region or discover the roots of your family heritage, Abruzzo offers something for everyone. Continue reading to discover a few ideas for your vacation to Abruzzo, then contact Trips 2 Italy to begin planning your customized adventure.
Your journey begins after you board your flight. Buon viaggio!
Upon arrival at Rome Airport, collect your checked luggage and meet with your private driver. Together you will travel through the Abruzzo countryside to reach your home base for this trip: the picturesque town of Sulmona. Surrounded by lush greenery and expansive natural parks, Sulmona is perfectly positioned as a gateway to the Abruzzo region’s scenery, history, and cultural sites. Check into your hotel in Sulmona, then take a moment to begin your exploration of this charming town. In the evening, indulge in the culinary specialties of the area at a local restaurant.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then meet with your guide for a private walking tour of Sulmona’s historic city center. During the tour, you will learn about Sulmona’s history and have the chance to admire the city’s most well-known sights, including the medieval Sulmona Aqueduct, the Cathedral of San Panfilo, Palazzo Annunziata, and Sardi House. When the tour concludes, take a break for lunch then continue discovering Sulmona’s rich city center. History lovers may enjoy a stop at the Museo Civico, located in Palazzo Annunziata, which houses Roman artifacts and other objects related to the area’s past. If you enjoy art, make a point to visit the Diocesan Museum located in the former Convent of Santa Chiara. The art on display here dates back to the twelfth century and features paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more. Foodies will want to visit the local shops to learn more about the city’s confetti tradition. These treats consisting of colorful coated almonds were invented in Sulmona and are now ubiquitous at special celebrations throughout the country, such as weddings and baptisms. In the evening, enjoy a local dish for dinner, such as handmade maccheroni alla chitarra, before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, take an excursion to L’Aquila, the capital of the Abruzzo region. The hillside city is surrounded by the Appenine Mountains and is well-known for its Baroque and Renaissance buildings. Though the city was devasted by an earthquake in 2009, some of the key historic sites can now be visited once more. Be sure to take your time walking through the streets of the city center where you can admire the medieval Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts, the Renaissance Forte Spagnolo Castle, and the medieval Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio, which hosted the first Papal Jubilee. Art lovers should not miss the National Museum of Abruzzo, which is located in the Forte Spagnolo. The works on display span from the pre-Roman period to contemporary times. After exploring to your heart’s content, return to Sulmona for dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Now that you have spent a few days sightseeing, it is time to discover the nature and wildlife of the Abruzzo region. Today’s excursion will take you to the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, which is among the largest protected natural areas in Italy and features the Gran Sasso massif. Active travelers may enjoy hiking, trekking, or mountain biking in the park. As for the flora and fauna, the park is home to over 2,000 species of plants and a wide range of wildlife, such as chamois, golden eagles, and apollo butterflies. Spend a day outdoors and enjoy the legendary natural beauty of the Abruzzo region. In the evening, return to Sulmona for dinner and a good night’s sleep at your hotel.
Your last day in Abruzzo will focus on the largest city in the region: Pescara. Located along the Adriatic Sea, this bustling city boasts remarkable coastal views in addition to a plethora of cultural sites. Travelers can discover the history of the locals at the Museo delle Genti d’Abruzzo, an ethnographic museum, or marvel at the local art held in Museo Paparella Treccia Duvlet. Another interesting stop is the Gabriele D’Annunzio Birthplace Museum, which is dedicated to one of Italy’s most important writers from the twentieth century. For scenic panoramas of the Pescara River, take a walk along the impressive Ponte del Mare pedestrian bridge. Travelers can also take a stroll along Corso Umberto and discover Pescara’s main shopping area. Afterwards, travel back to Sulmona where you will enjoy your last dinner in Italy. Top off your evening with a gelato and a passeggiata before returning to your hotel for the night.
Say arrivederci to Abruzzo and return to Rome Airport where you will board your flight.
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