TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Sulmona, L'Aquila, Gran Sasso National Park, Pescara

Day 01: OUT-BOUND FLIGHT 
Your journey begins after you board your flight. Buon viaggio!

Day 02: SULMONA
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.

Day 03: SULMONA

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.

Day 04: L'AQUILA

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.

Day 05: GRAN SASSO NATIONAL PARK

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.

Day 06: PESCARA

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.

Day 07: RETURN FLIGHT
Say arrivederci to Abruzzo and return to Rome Airport where you will board your flight.

PACKAGE START AT $ 4,984 Per person INCLUDES (*):

- Round trip flights in economy class with in-flight meals, drinks, and entertainment (**)
- Transportation by Private Car with Driver as per itinerary;
- 5 Nights accommodation in 4* Category Hotels or Similar in double/twin rooms with private facilities;
- Daily Buffet Breakfast;
- 3 Dinners as per itinerary;
- 4 Half day English Speaking Local and expert Tour Guide (Sulmona, L'Aquila, Grand Sasso National Park, Pescara);
- Panoramic Visits as per itinerary;
- Vat Taxes and service Charges.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- 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.
- Porterage service.
- Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
- All which is not listed under “PACKAGE INCLUDES”.

GENERAL CONDITIONS: 

(*) 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).
(**) Rate based on NYC departure gates. Alternative U.S. departure cities available upon request at 1-866-GO ITALY or Email Trips2italy .

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