PRIVATE ESCAPE 3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS
Itinerary in Abruzzo villages
A land of contrast
Escape into an exceptional land, just a two-hour drive from Rome! The Latium plains make way for the summits of Gran Sasso national park. Small towns turn into medieval castles and picturesque villages. A region where wild horses, chamois, bears and wolves roam freely, quenching their thirst in the deep blue waters of natural lakes. Welcome to the Abruzzo, a land of contrast!
Summer sizzles and winter freezes in the rugged Appennine Mountains, offering a jaw-dropping panorama, with the towering peak of Gran Sasso d’Italia soaring to 9,550 feet. And astonishingly, the beaches of Costa dei Trabocchi are just 35 miles away!
In 2009, a devastating earthquake struck the region's capital, L’Aquila, leaving much of its historic architecture in ruins. Yet, through the resilience of its inhabitants, the town finished rebuilding by 2021, unveiling a brand-new contemporary art museum, MaXXi L’Aquila. Quite a symbol!
On the foothills of Gran Sasso national park lie stunning medieval villages, showing a different side of Italy’s rich history, immortalized by photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson. Visiting Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Pescocostanzo or Scanno feels like traveling back in time hundreds of years.
For wine enthusiasts, Abruzzo is renowned for its vineyard-covered landscape of rolling hills and majestic mountains. The ancient vineyards of Montepulciano in Abruzzo yield a bold red wine with hints of flowers and spices. Meanwhile, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo specializes in crisp, dry white wines, perfect for those seeking fresher flavors.
In Abruzzo, gastronomy is a heartfelt affair, featuring tasty, top-quality local ingredients and a commitment to simplicity. Bread, pasta, cured meats, and cheese are staples on every table, echoing culinary traditions that harken back to the era of sheepherders.
A local favorite is arrosticini - lamb skewers grilled over an open flame - served with bread dipped in olive oil and a couple of glasses of Montepulciano wine.
Abruzzo is a hidden gem boasting majestic mountains, forgotten villages, and lush greenery. Just a short journey from Rome, experience a different side of Italy on this exclusive itinerary crafted with Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito.
"I am a child of the mountains, and I’m filled with nostalgia thinking of all the childhood winters spent in Abruzzo villages, two thousand feet high... I do miss the snow." - Enzo Franceschelli
Niko Romito’s
Abruzzo
The triple Michelin-starred Chef invites you to discover "his" Abruzzo: the Rivisondoli Mountains and Cinquemiglia plateau, where he was born and opened his restaurant. As he loves his homeland and knows every village, vineyard, and producer, he exclusively shares his trusted suppliers and hidden gems that endlessly inspire him. Away from the hustle and bustle, Abruzzo is where Niko Romito continuously reinvents Italian gastronomy.
DAY 1 - Itinerary in Abruzzo
. Free visit of L'Aquila, the Abruzzo capital city, with its famous fountain, Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, and San Bernardino Basilica
. Our tip: visit the MaXXi L’Aquila, the stunning contemporary art museum (to be paid on site)
. Continue on to Santo Stefano di Sessanio, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages and settle in hotel Sextantio
DAY 2 - Itinerary in Abruzzo
. Hike through the beautiful wilderness of Campo Imperatore to reach Rocca Calascio castle (2-hour easy level hike, map provided)
. Gourmet picnic at the foot of the fortress with local products selected by Niko Romito
. Private tasting of trebbiano and montepulciano in a vineyard recommended by Chef Romito
. In Santo Stefano di Sessanio, take part in an exclusive cooking class in the medieval kitchen of Sextantio and enjoy your creations for dinner
DAY 3 - Itinerary in Abruzzo
. Private tasting of Abruzzo wines accompanied with Chef Niko Romito’s selection of charcuterie and cheese
. Journey to Sulmona, famous in all of Italy for its confetti (sugared almonds) and visit the Pelino Museum, where they’ve been made since 1783. Pelino is the favorite supplier of the popes and George Clooney.
. In Pescocostanzo, meet an artisan of gold and silver filigree for an exclusive visit, where you will learn the meaning of presentosa, the emblem of the region.
. Arrival in Castel di Sangro, settle in Casadonna. Dinner at Reale restaurant, the main house of Niko and Cristiana Romito, and their exceptional sommelier Gianni Sinesi (drinks not included).
DAY 4 - Itinerary in Abruzzo
. After an unforgettable breakfast at Casadonna Reale, stop at ALT Stazione del Gusto in Castel di Sangro, an all-new concept by Niko Romito where you’ll be able to purchase and bring home some of the triple Michelin-starred Chef’s delicious products
Please drink responsibly