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The Abruzzo, Puglia & Matera Experience

Highlights

  • Discover the stunning unspoilt villages and coast of southern Italy
  • Visit local artisan food producers
  • Learn to make traditional recipes with real Italian cooks
From £3096 pp*
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11 Nights

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What you'll do

Overview

The absolute essence of this holiday is the chance to discover and experience the wonderful Italian countryside, local crafts and traditions, the warm hospitality of the local people and great food and wine - the Italian way!

This holiday is available on the following dates:

2025:
6 – 17 April
11 – 22 May
8 – 19 June
21 September – 2 October
5 – 16 October
9 – 20 November

An 12-day unique Italian cultural and culinary experience visiting 3 of the most stunning Italian regions: Abruzzo with its charming mountain villages, 3 National Parks, and the fascinating trabocchi (special wooden fishing structures, a unique symbol of the area), Puglia with its UNESCO sites, castles, beautiful medieval towns and coastal villages, and Basilicata with the enchanting Matera, elected European capital of Culture for 2019.

In a small group you will be able to embrace a deep cultural history of food, wine, art and living la vita dolce in a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure and learning, all with your local host and his welcoming family, friends, and producers. This is an Italian cooking holiday like no other – you will be embraced into the village life and traditions, and return home as part of the Italian family!

*From price based on 2 people sharing a room

Arrival

You’ll be picked up from Rome Fiumicino airport at 12:30 pm and then start your transfer to Sulmona via the beautiful Abruzzo mountains with its amazing landscapes, hilltop villages and castles.

Check in relax, then get to know your local guide and learn more about your 11 day Italian cultural immersion over a welcome dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Ovidius

Meals: Dinner

Confetti museum, explore Sulmona's historic centre & traditional lunch

This morning after breakfast you will take a guided visit to 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 a confetti tasting you’ll discover Sulmona and see the Medieval aqueduct on Piazza Garibaldi and the Church of Santa Maria Annunziata with its majestic bell tower.

Enjoy a traditional lunch in the center of Sulmona. 

You’ll have a free afternoon to explore Sulmona, which could include visiting Sulmona’s museums and art galleries, or relax in the hotel wellness center (this needs to be booked in advance) or enjoy a walk in the “piazza” soaking up the relaxing  atmosphere.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice. 

Accommodation: Hotel Ovidius

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Amazing Abruzzo mountain landscapes, Scanno and Vasto on the Adriatic coast

After breakfast you will check out of the hotel and be driven 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 of Italy) in the mountains.

Enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant in Scanno.

Afterwards you will visit an artisanal jewelry shop where they make the “Presentosa”, a famous traditional jewel from Abruzzo, an ancient piece of art which dates back to the 18th century.

You will then be transferred to Vasto and check in at hotel in the historical downtown.

Enjoy a group dinner tonight in a traditional restaurant in the heart of Vasto.

Accommodation: Hotel San Marco

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

A visit to the market, homemade pasta making with Mamma and explore Vasto

This morning, after breakfast, you will take a walk and visit Vasto’s colorful market to get fresh, seasonal products. Here you’ll have the opportunity to practice a little bit of Italian even if you don’t yet speak any – Fabrizio is there to help!

Next you’ll drive to the beautiful countryside of Vasto and meet Fabrizio’s family to have an exclusive cooking class with them and learn how easy it is to make fresh pasta and traditional Abruzzo pasta sauces.

An example 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). 

You’ll enjoy the sumptuous lunch you prepared in a family atmosphere. 

After a short break to relax, in the afternoon you will go on a guided visit of Vasto’s historic center. Exploring 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.

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 you his favorite places

Accommodation: Hotel San Marco

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Discover the fascinating Trabocchi coast, wine tasting and make your own souvenir with a local artist

After breakfast, you will explore the famous Trabocchi coast. We’ll start with a short and easy walk inside Punta Aderci Nature Reserve, one of the 12 most beautiful Italian beaches according to the National Geographic, from where you can also admire snow-capped mountains at certain times of the year.

Next you will visit an award-winning winery that sits between a marine park and the mountains. Sample wine and lunch with pairings from local cheeses and salami and a tour of the vineyard and cellars organized by winemakers Emanuele and Nicola

After lunch you’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 villages, you can enjoy a creative art experience with Ettore, making your own Abruzzo souvenir – Ettore is an artisan who creates art projects from nature – leaves , flowers and plants picked from the garden.

Afterwards, enjoy a local aperitif and a traditional dinner with Ettore and his wife Barbara. 

Accommodation: Hotel San Marco

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Roccascalegna Medieval Castle, fish-based lunch on a trabocco fishing hut

After breakfast, immersed in the nature and surrounded by amazing sceneries, then drive inland to explore Abruzzo’s enchanting castle in the sky in the charming village of Roccascalegna, ranked by Condé Naste Traveler as one of the 9 Most Beautiful Hilltop Towns in Italy.

Next you will visit a trabocco (the symbol of the area), mostly built with acacia wood and railway iron sleepers. Weather permitting, Rinaldo our host will show us how to fish from it and the secrets and history behind Abruzzo’s unique fishing platforms that have been featured in the BBC TV show: Escape to the Continent, his wife Maria will prepare fish from the Adriatic Sea for us.

This afternoon you will have free time to do 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, or just doing some shopping, visiting artisans or having a walk in the “piazza” to enjoy the relaxing Vasto ambiance.

Enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants of Vasto.

Accommodation: Hotel San Marco

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Welcome to Puglia, explore Trani and Conversano

After breakfast and check out in the morning, you’ll be transferred to Puglia where you’ll meet the local guide for a visit to the beautiful town of Trani, a historic fishing port, between Bari and Barletta on the Adriatic coast, it is  a lovely place to explore, wander or relax. The town is reminiscent of a 1950s film, set in old-fashioned seaside Italy there are historic buildings fading with casual charm, boats in the harbour and sleepy dogs lazing in the midday sun by the deserted waterfront.

Enjoy a stroll and lunch at one of the many restaurants in Trani.

Afterwards you will be transferred to Conversano where you will stay for the next 5 nights.

Once checked in join the guided walking tour in Conversano – an ancient town with a medieval Castle and beautiful Romanesque cathedral.

This evening enjoy a group dinner in a traditional restaurant in Conversano. 

Accommodation: Hotel Corte Altavilla

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

 

Exploring Bari & Guided Tour of Polignano

After breakfast you will be driven to Bari, the capital city of Puglia for a guided tour to discover San Nicola’s church and the city center to meet the local ladies making fresh pasta in the middle of the enchanting streets.

Afterwards you will drive to Polignano a Mare to enjoy a traditional lunch and discover its wonderful sea views and charming alleys.

Accommodation: Hotel Corte Altavilla

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Cooking Class in Masseria and explore Monopoli

After breakfast you will move to an ancient masseria (typical Apulian farmhouse) in Monopoli, to enjoy a cooking class with traditional recipes such as orecchiette pasta, melanzane alla parmigiana (eggplant parmigiana) and Bocconotti (a typical Apulian dessert).

Lunch on the delicious local dishes that you have prepared in the morning. 

Next we’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 local restaurants of Conversano.

Accommodation: Hotel Corte Altavilla

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Olive Oil Tasting, explore Locorotodo the UNESCO site Trulli of Alberobello

After breakfast, you will be driven to an ancient olive oil mill where you will taste extra virgin olive oil to find your favourite one!

Next you will explore the charming village of Locorotondo, whose name derives from the Latin Locus Rotundus and literally means “round place”. This is due to its circular shape, which is repeated on several rings between alleys and streets.

Afterwards you will make your way to the UNESCO site of Alberobello for a traditional lunch in this unique town.

After lunch you will join the guided tour and walk among the trulli, visit to the trullo “sovrano”and its museum.

This evening enjoy some free time and dinner at your leisure in one of the many restaurants of Conversano.

Accommodation: Hotel Corte Altavilla

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Matera and its UNESCO site, Focaccia Tasting, and Farewell Dinner

After breakfast you will be driven to the spectacular Matera in the Basilicata Region for a guided tour of the Unesco site of  “the Sassi” (cave houses to the rocky churches).

After some free time to explore Matera by yourself you will experience Focaccia tasting in a very old bakery with a wood burning oven in Altamura, town famous for its DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) bread with a light lunch.

This afternoon relax before the farewell dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Corte Altavilla

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Departure and Goodbye

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).

Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • Pick up from Rome Fiumicino airport and drop off in Bari airport/train station in an air conditioned vehicle
  • 11 Nights Accommodation; 2 nights in Sulmona, 3 nights in Vasto and 5 nights in Conversano
  • Daily breakfast buffet
  • 14 meals including water and local wine in selected restaurants, a farmhouse, a private home, a winery and a trabocco fishing hut based on traditional regional dishes.
  • Guided tastings of wines, sugared almonds, olive oil and focaccia bread
  • 2 hands-on authentic Abruzzo and Puglia cooking classes
  • Personalised recipe booklet and apron
  • Art experience with a local artist
  • English-speaking professional local guides throughout your stay
  • All entry fees for museums
  • All transports between hotels and for daily trips and excursions will be in an air conditioned minibus or car

Accommodation

Hotel Ovidius (or similar)

Hotel Ovidius is a modern building set just 300 metres from Sulmona's main square.

There is a traditional restaurant, 24 hour bar and spa within the hotel.

The spa includes sauna, Turkish bath, chromotherapy showers, a swimming pool with hot tub, and a relaxation corner with infusions and tea.

Hotel San Marco (or similar)

Hotel San Marco has 18 beautiful modern rooms.

There is a restaurant on site which provides an Italian breakfast daily.

Hotel Corte Altavilla (or similar)

Corte Altavilla is a mediaeval building in Conversano's historic centre - it has a roof garden that offers beautiful views.

The property features the Sibilla Thermarium Spa, housed in ancient cellars. Here you will find a Turkish bath, chromotherapy treatments and a relaxation area.

The on site restaurant, Goffredo Osteria in Terrazza, serves local dishes made with seasonal and organic products. Breakfast is a varied buffet and free tea is available in the lounge.

Your local host

Fabrizio and friends

Fabrizio is your tour guide and host extraordinaire on his Italian gastronomy holidays. Native to the region of Abruzzo in central Italy, he is immensely proud of its history and heritage. Fabrizio’s passion for keeping everything local also means that guests on his holidays will be joining his family for cooking lessons, meeting local producers and using only locally sourced products.

This is not your typical cooking school or indeed cookery holiday. All cooking activities and gastronomic experiences take place in the local’s homes, on local farms, or in the hills on the lands of local suppliers and families. There is no “professional chef” on this holiday – you are learning from housewives, mothers, fat... Read All

Fabrizio is your tour guide and host extraordinaire on his Italian gastronomy holidays. Native to the region of Abruzzo in central Italy, he is immensely proud of its history and heritage. Fabrizio’s passion for keeping everything local also means that guests on his holidays will be joining his family for cooking lessons, meeting local producers and using only locally sourced products.

This is not your typical cooking school or indeed cookery holiday. All cooking activities and gastronomic experiences take place in the local’s homes, on local farms, or in the hills on the lands of local suppliers and families. There is no “professional chef” on this holiday – you are learning from housewives, mothers, fathers, brothers, farmers and fisherman, as well as wine makers, olive producers. Pretty much everyone in the community and what you’ll learn, see and experience are not taught it in schools but refined and passed down through the generations.

Fabrizio and friends image

Location

If you’re ready for great food, wine, cultural heritage and the warmth of joining Italian families – this is perfect for you! Get ready for the 3 stunning Italian regions of Abruzza, Puglia and Matera, where you will get to spend time in each place with local families and producers over ten memorable days. See how the locals live and tread where many tourists miss, and, of course, be treated like family.

Nearest airports:
Roma Fiumicino Airport (around 3 hours away)

Return airport transfers:
Free airport transfers to and from Roma Fiumicino are included in the price.

FAQs

Can I bring my kids?

The minimum age is 14 (14-18 accompanied by an adult).

Is this holiday in English?

Your local host is a fluent English speaker, some of the artisans will speak in both Italian and English, so you’ll have the opportunity to learn and practice a little bit of Italian.

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