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Undiscovered Abruzzo: The Italy You’ve Never Seen 11 Days / 10 Nights

11 Days/10 Nights
Starting from
$6888
per person*

Undiscovered Abruzzo: The Italy You’ve Never Seen 11 Days / 10 Nights

Some corners of Italy still belong to those willing to look beyond the postcards, and Abruzzo is the finest of them all. Pressed between the snow-capped spine of the Apennines and the wild shores of the Adriatic, this is a land of soaring peaks, emerald rivers, and honey-colored villages that seem to grow straight from the rock. On this romantic journey for two, you trade crowds for cloud-high castles, guided city walks for unhurried country drives, and tourist menus for shepherd’s arrosticini and Sulmona’s famous sugared almonds.

You will stand at Rocca Calascio, the highest fortress in the Apennines, watch wild horses drift across the Campo Imperatore plateau, glide over the crystal-clear Tirino, and lose yourselves in the medieval lanes of L’Aquila, Pacentro, and Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Hand-selected hotels, an English-speaking driver, and your own rental car for the open road keep every day intimate and flexible, while a final night in Rome adds an unforgettable Eternal City flourish. This is the Italy your friends have never seen, and the one you will never forget.

Starting from $6,888 per person

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Unforgettable Italian Journeys, Designed for You

Curated by passionate Italy experts, this sample itinerary is just the beginning of your Italian adventure. Every journey we design is unique, crafted around your interests, pace, and dreams so you can experience Italy’s beauty and culture like a true insider. Let us transform your vision into a one-of-a-kind travel experience, filled with authentic moments and lasting memories

Day 1

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS – OVERNIGHT TO ITALY

The adventure starts the moment you leave home, with Italy waiting on the far side of the night.

  • Depart New York (JFK or Newark) on your overnight flight to Rome
  • Settle in, dine above the Atlantic, and rest as the miles melt away
  • Wake on the doorstep of an Italy few travelers ever see
Day 2

ARRIVAL IN ROME – INTO THE HEART OF ABRUZZO

Land in the Eternal City and climb into a wilder, higher Italy.

  • Arrive at Rome Fiumicino and meet your English-speaking driver
  • Journey north into the Apennine mountains toward L’Aquila
  • Settle into your hotel and toast with a local Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Day 3

L’AQUILA – THE PROUD MOUNTAIN CAPITAL

A resilient city of pink stone, grand piazzas, and quiet, hard-won beauty.

  • Enjoy a guided walk through L’Aquila’s historic heart
  • Admire the UNESCO Basilica di Collemaggio and its geometric facade
  • Count the carved faces of the medieval Fountain of the 99 Spouts
Day 4

CASTLES IN THE CLOUDS – ROCCA CALASCIO & THE GRAN SASSO

The day you have dreamed of: a fortress in the sky and Italy’s own Little Tibet.

  • Climb to Rocca Calascio, the highest fortress in the Apennines
  • Cross the vast Campo Imperatore plateau beneath Corno Grande
  • Explore Santo Stefano di Sessanio and the frescoed Bominaco oratory
Day 5

GORGES & FORTRESSES – THE ROAD TO SULMONA

A scenic drive through canyon walls and storybook castles into the Peligna Valley.

  • Travel through the dramatic Gole di Fara San Martino
  • Pause beneath the cliff-top Roccascalegna Castle
  • Arrive in elegant Sulmona, your base for the days ahead
Day 6

SULMONA – TOWN OF OVID & SUGARED ALMONDS

One of Italy’s most beautiful small cities, sweet in every sense.

  • Take a guided tour of Piazza Garibaldi and its aqueduct
  • Discover Sulmona, birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid
  • Visit a historic workshop for hand-crafted sugared almonds
Day 7

CRYSTAL WATERS – THE TIRINO RIVER

Glide over one of Europe’s clearest rivers on a day made for two.

  • Paddle or stroll the crystalline Tirino near Capestrano
  • Watch herons wade among mirrored reeds and reflections
  • Savor a slow riverside lunch in the Abruzzo countryside
Day 8

MEDIEVAL HILL VILLAGES – PACENTRO & CAMPO DI GIOVE

Set your own pace among towers, cobblestones, and mountain air.

  • Wander Pacentro, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
  • Breathe the alpine air of Campo di Giove below the Majella
  • Linger over espresso in a sun-warmed village piazza
Day 9

MOUNTAINS & MURALS – ROCCARASO & AIELLI

From alpine meadows to a village painted like an open-air gallery.

  • Take in the mountain resort of Roccaraso and its meadows
  • Discover the striking street murals of Aielli
  • Gaze skyward at the Torre delle Stelle observatory
Day 10

RETURN TO ROME – THE ETERNAL CITY

Trade wild peaks for the timeless magic of Rome.

  • Enjoy a scenic transfer from the mountains back to Rome
  • Spend a free evening in the heart of the Eternal City
  • Toast your journey over dinner in lantern-lit Trastevere
Day 11

ARRIVEDERCI, ITALY – UNTIL NEXT TIME

Home with a suitcase of memories and a secret Italy all your own.

  • Transfer to Rome Fiumicino for your flight home
  • Carry home the memory of an undiscovered Italy
  • Begin dreaming of your next Trips 2 Italy journey

MAKE THIS ITINERARY YOURS

Turn this sample itinerary into your dream Italy vacation – tailored to your pace, passions, and budget.

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Abruzzo_LAquila_Cellano_Castle_History
Day 1

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS – OVERNIGHT TO ITALY

The adventure starts the moment you leave home, with Italy waiting on the far side of the night.

Your Abruzzo love story begins the moment you leave home. This evening you depart New York from either JFK or Newark on a comfortable overnight flight bound for Rome, the gateway to a side of Italy that most travelers never reach.

Settle into your seats, enjoy dinner high above the Atlantic, and drift off as the hours slip by. By morning you will wake refreshed on the doorstep of the Eternal City, with the wild mountains of Abruzzo waiting just beyond.

Abruzzo_LAquila_Palace_Emiciclo_Architecture_Monument_480x480_GL01
Day 2

ARRIVAL IN ROME – INTO THE HEART OF ABRUZZO

Land in the Eternal City and climb into a wilder, higher Italy.

Touch down at Rome Fiumicino, where an English-speaking driver is waiting to sweep you away from the crowds and north into the Apennines. As the highway gives way to winding mountain roads, Roman umbrella pines surrender to soaring peaks and stone-built villages.

By afternoon you arrive in L’Aquila, the proud capital of Abruzzo, cradled beneath the mighty Gran Sasso massif. Check into your hand-selected hotel, unwind, and raise a glass of local Montepulciano d’Abruzzo to the journey ahead.

Abruzzo_LAquila_Castell_Church_Art_Architecture_History_480x480_GL0001
Day 3

L’AQUILA – THE PROUD MOUNTAIN CAPITAL

A resilient city of pink stone, grand piazzas, and quiet, hard-won beauty.

This morning a local guide leads you into the elegant heart of L’Aquila, a city lovingly rebuilt and radiating quiet resilience. You stroll grand piazzas and honey-colored streets, pausing at the UNESCO-listed Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio, whose pink-and-white geometric facade is among the most beautiful in all of Italy.

Nearby, the medieval Fountain of the 99 Spouts pours from ninety-nine carved stone faces, each one different, a centuries-old mystery. The afternoon is yours to linger in artisan shops and sun-dappled cafes, or simply to wander the old town hand in hand.

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Day 4

CASTLES IN THE CLOUDS – ROCCA CALASCIO & THE GRAN SASSO

The day you have dreamed of: a fortress in the sky and Italy’s own Little Tibet.

Today delivers a moment you will remember forever. You ascend to Rocca Calascio, the highest fortress in the Apennines, floating almost 1,500 meters above the valley with views that stretch to the horizon, a setting so cinematic it has starred on the silver screen.

From there you cross the vast Campo Imperatore plateau, often called Italy’s Little Tibet, where wild horses graze beneath Corno Grande. You wander the restored medieval hamlet of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, admire the rare frescoes of the Oratory of San Pellegrino in Bominaco, and pause beside the emerald waters of Lago di Capodacqua.

Abruzzo_Calascio_Castle_History_Abruzzo_480x480_GL
Day 5

GORGES & FORTRESSES – THE ROAD TO SULMONA

A scenic drive through canyon walls and storybook castles into the Peligna Valley.

Leaving L’Aquila behind, today’s drive is an adventure in itself. You travel through the dramatic Gole di Fara San Martino, a slender canyon carved deep into the Majella massif, where sheer rock walls soar hundreds of feet on either side.

Further along, the storybook Roccascalegna Castle appears, perched impossibly on a rocky spur above its village. By evening you reach Sulmona, your elegant home for the days ahead, nestled in the green Peligna Valley.

Abruzzo_LAquila_Cellano_Castle_History_480x480_GL0001
Day 6

SULMONA – TOWN OF OVID & SUGARED ALMONDS

One of Italy’s most beautiful small cities, sweet in every sense.

A local guide reveals Sulmona, one of Italy’s most beautiful small cities and the birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid. You stroll the grand Piazza Garibaldi, framed by a soaring medieval aqueduct, past palazzi, churches, and centuries-old shopfronts.

Sulmona is also the world capital of confetti, the delicate sugared almonds shaped into flowers and bouquets. You visit a historic workshop where they are still crafted entirely by hand, a sweet tradition to taste and to carry home.

Abruzzo_Sulmona_Confetti_Pastry_Factory_Shop_Food
Day 7

CRYSTAL WATERS – THE TIRINO RIVER

Glide over one of Europe’s clearest rivers on a day made for two.

Today belongs to nature and to the two of you. You follow the Tirino, one of the clearest rivers in Europe, where the water runs so transparent that boats seem to float on air above waving green reeds.

A gentle paddle or a riverside walk near Capestrano makes for an unforgettable, romantic interlude, with herons in the shallows and the Abruzzo hills mirrored on the glassy surface. Cap the day with a long, slow country lunch.

Abruzzo_Sulmona_Main_Square_XX_September_Ovid_History_Monument
Day 8

MEDIEVAL HILL VILLAGES – PACENTRO & CAMPO DI GIOVE

Set your own pace among towers, cobblestones, and mountain air.

With your rental car you set your own pace among the hill villages of the Peligna Valley. First you wander the towered lanes of Pacentro, counted among the most beautiful villages in Italy, where medieval stone houses tumble down the hillside beneath a proud castle.

Then you climb to Campo di Giove, a mountain village cradled beneath the peaks of the Majella, where the air is crisp and the vistas endless. There is time to linger over espresso in a quiet piazza and soak in the unhurried rhythm of Abruzzese life.

Abruzzo_Sulmona_Jousting_tournament
Day 9

MOUNTAINS & MURALS – ROCCARASO & AIELLI

From alpine meadows to a village painted like an open-air gallery.

A day of delightful contrasts awaits. You begin in Roccaraso, Abruzzo’s beloved mountain resort, framed by alpine meadows in summer and glittering slopes in winter, a breath of fresh, high-altitude air.

Then you discover Aielli, an ancient stone village whose walls have become a canvas for striking contemporary murals, an open-air gallery crowned by the Torre delle Stelle observatory, where earth and sky seem to meet.

Abruzzo_Food_Arrosticini_Sheep_Meat_street_food__480x480_GL02
Day 10

RETURN TO ROME – THE ETERNAL CITY

Trade wild peaks for the timeless magic of Rome.

You bid a fond farewell to the mountains and travel back toward Rome, trading wild peaks and silent villages for the timeless grandeur of the Eternal City.

The evening is yours to savor, perhaps a final Italian dinner in the lantern-lit lanes of Trastevere, or a passeggiata past floodlit fountains and piazzas, a fitting finale to an extraordinary journey.

Lazio_Rome_Colosseum_PiggyRidy_Couple_GL2-1
Day 11

ARRIVEDERCI, ITALY – UNTIL NEXT TIME

Home with a suitcase of memories and a secret Italy all your own.

After breakfast you are transferred to Rome Fiumicino for your return flight home, your hearts full and your camera rolls overflowing.

You leave with something rare, the memory of an Italy most travelers never discover, and the quiet certainty that you will return. Arrivederci, until your next Trips 2 Italy journey.

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This Package Includes:

  • Round trip flights in economy class with in-flight meals, drinks, and entertainment*
  • Transportation services will be provided, including a car with driver and car rental.
  • 3 nights accommodation in a premium Hotel (**) in L’Aquila. These are 3-Star, 4-Star or 5-Star options based on your preference.
  • 5 nights accommodation in a premium Hotel (**) in Sulmona. These are 3-Star, 4-Star or 5-Star options based on your preference.
  • 1 nights accommodation in a premium Hotel (**) in Rome. These are 3-Star, 4-Star or 5-Star options based on your preference.
  • Guided walking tour of L’Aquila, including the Basilica di Collemaggio and the Fountain of the 99 Spouts
  • Full day excursion to Rocca Calascio, Campo Imperatore, and Santo Stefano di Sessanio on the Gran Sasso plateau
  • Visit to the medieval Oratory of San Pellegrino in Bominaco and the emerald Lago di Capodacqua
  • Scenic transfer through the Gole di Fara San Martino and the cliff-top Roccascalegna Castle
  • Guided tour of Sulmona, birthplace of Ovid and home of Italy’s historic sugared almonds
  • Nature experience along the crystal clear Tirino River near Capestrano
  • Visits to the medieval hill villages of Pacentro and Campo di Giove
  • Excursion to the mountain resort of Roccaraso and the mural village of Aielli
  • U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
  • Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. Where applicable, it must be paid locally at the hotel.

(*) Rate based on New York, including JFK and ERW only departure gates. Alternative U.S. departure cities available upon request at 1-866-GO ITALY or email trips2italy

(**) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Children’s, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).

This Package Does Not Include:

 

  • All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
  • Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. Where applicable it must be paid locally to the hotel.
  • Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
  • Beverages;
  • Porterage service;
  • All which is not listed under PACKAGE INCLUDES.

Terms and Conditions:

  • All itineraries are customizable.
  • This sample is designed to inspire your own unforgettable Italian travel experience.
  • Independent Tour package customizable to your wishes and needs.
  • Available all year around on request.
  • Minimum number of participants: 2 people.
  • Some transfers are operated with a private transportation with English speaking Driver. Some of the excursions are operated with private guide, others are operated in conjunction with a larger group to offer the opportunity to meet other people and maintain the cost reasonable.
  • (*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Children’s, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Abruzzo?

Abruzzo is beautiful year round. Late spring through early autumn is ideal for exploring the villages, hiking the Gran Sasso and enjoying the Tirino River, while winter brings snow and skiing to Campo Imperatore and Roccaraso. Your journey can be tailored to the season you prefer.

How do we get around during the trip?

This journey blends a car with an English-speaking driver for arrival transfers and full-day guided excursions with a rental car for the days you wish to explore the hill villages at your own pace. It is the perfect balance of comfort and freedom.

Are international flights included?

Yes. The package includes round trip flights in economy class from New York, using the JFK and EWR departure gates, arriving into and returning from Rome Fiumicino. Alternative U.S. departure cities are available on request.

Can this itinerary be customized or extended?

Absolutely. Every Trips 2 Italy journey is fully customizable and can be extended with additional nights, regions or experiences. This sample is designed to inspire your own unforgettable Italian escape.

What kind of hotels are used?

You stay in hand selected 3-Star, 4-Star or 5-Star hotels chosen for character, comfort and location, matched to your preferences and budget.

Is this trip suitable for couples?

Yes. With its scenic drives, intimate villages and unhurried pace, this off the beaten path itinerary is designed as a romantic escape for two, though it adapts beautifully for friends or independent travelers.