A unique GUIDED TOUR OF ABRUZZO REGION, featuring 12 days and 12 nights in Italy's last wilderness, a true adventure land of unspoiled natural parks right in the heart of the Italian peninsula, amid pre-historic memories, medieval castles, baroque churches and wild plains, - plus 3 days and 2 nights in Rome!

THE TOUR PROGRAMME: >> Full Tour Pricing

DAY 1
Arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Airport, meeting with your English-speaking Escort-Guide and transfer to a 3-Star Hotel in the city centre "ROMA HOTEL GALLES". After settling in your reserved rooms, lunch is offered in the hotel restaurant. The afternoon is reserved for your first guided tour of Rome's most cherished tourist spots in the historic centre, like the unbelievable Trevi Fountain, the ancient Pantheon, the Trinita`dei Monti (Spanish Steps) and the huge Piazza Navona, known as Rome's lounge-room…After dining in a city restaurant, it's back to the hotel for the night. ( B - D )

DAY 2
Breakfast at the hotel's and then off for full day of exploration of the immortal city, the second part of your guided tour. First destination is the Vatican and the great artistic treasures it holds, from the celebrated sculpture by Michelangelo Pieta` in St Peter's basilica to Bernini's giant bronze canopy. At another level (in the catacombs under St Peter's basilica as well as in terms of significance) you are in proximity of the resting place of some of the most significant Popes, including John Paul II. After the visit, one has the freedom of own choice for a lunch in one of the many restaurants in the area. Free afternoon, allowing tour-members to do a bit of shopping in the city centre, or have a congenial and restful break in Piazza Navona or Piazza di Spagna or sit on the Spanish steps where Romans as well as tourists choose to rest and refresh themselves with classical Roman ice-creams… Dinner will be in downtown Trastevere -the heart of popular Rome - just like what Montmartre is to Paris. Then back to the hotel. (B - D )

DAY 3
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a visit to the largest existing Roman amphitheatre, the Colosseum, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Even naval battles were re-enacted there. It is a stunning view even if dilapidated and stripped of its hundreds of statues and marble coverings by one and all (including some Popes) in the course of the centuries. This will be followed by an inspection of the Roman Forum, the stage of ancient Rome's political life, a stage trod by some the most significant and famous names of antiquity. Lunch of one's own100 choice. In the afternoon, departure for Abruzzo (only a couple of hours away). Arrival is expected in the early evening. The Four Star Hotel "HOTEL SEA LION / PARK HOTEL ALCIONE" is situated between two picturesque towns, Francavilla al Mare and Montesilvano. A dinner on arrival. (B - D)

DAY 4
Breakfast in hotel and a free day to be enjoyed by the hotel swimming pool or on the beach. Lunch (at own choice) and …siesta, in the afternoon the vacationers are conducted to the hills of the hinterland, and precisely to the township of Picciano where they will be tempted to indulge in a dinner of traditional cuisine in one the Regions most famous restaurant. Back to the hotel at night. ( B - D )

DAY 5
Soon after breakfast the group will depart for Guardiagrele to view an exhibition of skilled artisans mould and shape wrought-iron artifacts in the Maiella mountains region. Lunch will be served, in one of the characteristic restaurants of Guardiagrele, a traditional cake known as 'Sise delle Monache' ('Nuns' Secrets') will be offered for those with a sweet tooth. More discoveries of local products from a agro- tourist farm where there is a production of wine and olive oils which can be tasted. Following a dinner at the hotel. ( B - L - D )

DAY 6
A leisurely breakfast precedes a free morning: the choice, then, is between an equally leisurely time by the hotel-pool or a more active one at the beach. After lunch, of one's own choice, the destination is Pescara, Abruzzo's second largest city, commercial hub of the region and seaside resort. The locals as well as the tourists extract as much of and as many as possible of the summer delights offered till late in the night. After an evening tailored around Italian pizza, pizze or pizzette, conversations, walks and visits to night spots, well, time to head back to the hotel. (B - D)

DAY 7
Breakfast at hotel and free morning. Swimming pool, gardens or the beach?. Lunch at own choice. In the early afternoon departure for Civitella del Tronto, a township still dominated by the presence by one of Europe's largest fortresses. It was erected by Charles V on the highest point of the area so that it could oversee as wide a panorama as possible and control the area militarily. It was last used as such by the Bourbons of Naples and Sicily in a vain attempt to block the advance of the Kingdom of Savoy which eventually managed to unify the North, the Centre and Southern Italy under its crown (with the help of Garibaldi) in 1861. Its urban appearance is still that of a XVI century fortress-town. And the local restaurants still concentrate on traditional Abruzzese cuisine to be enjoyed, return to the hotel. ( B - D )

DAY 8
Breakfast and a lazy early morning in expectation of the late-morning departure for Loreto Aprutino, an important historical centre situated in the hills with spectacular views of the Gran Sasso massif to the sea. Followed by a traditional lunch at a typical restaurant. An extraordinary collection of artistic ceramics (the Baron Acerbo collection) will be on display for the tourists who will then be guided to a XII century church (Santa Maria del Piano) featuring a famous 14th Century painting depicting the Particular Judgments of the Souls. A guided tour of a local wine cellar specialising in degustazione (tasting) of the best Abruzzo Wines DOC (Documented Place of Origin). Back to the hotel for a short afternoon break and then off again for dinner in a Pescara restaurant, by the sea. This is followed by a passeggiata along the palm-trees studded marina interspersed with shops a-la-moda, night-spots and …promenading people who enjoy late-spring / early summer nights, and than back to the hotel. (B - L - D )

DAY 9
Breakfast in hotel, this is a free day devoted to unhindered relaxation. one can choose to relax in the hotel gardens, have a quiet swim in the hotel pool or enjoy the open sea on the private beachside of the hotel. Lunch is a matter of one's own choice and followed for a dinner in the hotel. ( B - D )

DAY 10
Following breakfast, the group is off to Lanciano, one of the most beautiful art cities of the region. It's an old town, already renowned in antiquity for its trading fairs which attracted merchants from all over the Mediterranean. A tour of the monuments of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Ponte erected on an old bridge whose construction took place under Roman Emperor Diocletian, perhaps to obliterate his memory as this Dalmatian persecuted early Christians with particular zest. Another interesting location is the 'old city' (Lanciano vecchia) whose urban structures have remained substantially unchanged since the 12th Century. The medieval shops, the stone portals of the Santa Maria Maggiore Church are unique and many constructions still reveal the presence of the baked bricks of centuries ago. For the devout, an extremely beautiful processional crucifix, made by celebrated Master Craftsman Nicola di Guardiagrele can be viewed in the Santa Maria Church. The imposing Montanare towers are an impressive view; and special interest is often displayed in the Church of St Francis where the Miraculous Eucharist (the only one held to be true by the Church) is still kept and venerated. The lunch at a restaurant of San Vito Chietino, of local seafood specialties. The next destination after the lunch break will be the 13th Century Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere which was built on the foundations of an ancient pagan temple dedicated to Venus just as the bay is still called Golfo di Venere. Incidentally, the Abbey synthesises the architectural and artistic shift from the Romanic the Gothic style. After all this, back to the hotel for dinner. ( B - L - D )

DAY 11
Breakfast, free day until afternoon. Lunch own choice. Later in the afternoon departure for one of the regions celebrated restaurants for a dinner situated on the nearby hills. Back to the hotel. ( B - L - D )

DAY 12
Breakfast in hotel, then departure to a 3 star hotel in the city of l'Aquila "HOTEL DEL PARCO" situated in the historal centre of the city with reserved bedrooms. It is a free morning and lunch is your own choice. The city was founded by the same Frederick II, and is rich in art and culture including the famous fountain with 99 spouts (representing the 99 centres which agreed on federating) which commemorates the founding of the city. Notable architectural monuments are the Basilica of Santa Maria Collemaggio where a local hermit (Pietro del Morrone) was crowned Pope in 1296. Another beautiful Basilica is dedicated to St Bernardino da Siena who is buried there. There is also the castle called Castello Spagnolo of XVI and the splendid Piazza del Duomo. It's time, by then, to return to the hotel for dinner. ( B - D )

DAY 13
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the Gran Sasso National Park. The destination is Campo Imperatore, an extensive plateau measuring 26 Km in length and 10Km in width, and of 1600 mt of altitude, of magical beauty, or so thought the Emperor Frederick II (12th Century) after whom the plateau was named. This picturesque location was rediscovered in recent years by Italian film director Sergio Leone for his 'Spaghetti Westerns' -i.e. 'The Good the Bad and the Ugly', 'For a fistful of dollars' etc. Final destination is Santo Stefano di Sessanio, an extraordinary medieval fortified town preserved, almost in a time-warp, as a memorial to the times it was part of the Archduchy of Tuscany (from 1500 to 1700 ac). But it was a commercial (rather than a military outpost) for the Tuscan wool merchants as it is clustered below the sheep grazing pastures of Campo Imperatore. Following a hearty luncheon in a traditional restaurant near the town of Barisciano. In the early afternoon the tour will visit the XIII century abbazzia of Santa Maria di Bominaco(splendidly included in the territorial context of Navelli hills),the church is a mediaeval masterpiece,which harmonize the Benedettini monks with material of the Romans riusi. The oratory became entirely painted in affresco in the middle of the second century, and represents an excellent contact point,and of a whole caesura,between medieval and renaissance art. We than will continue for STIFFE to visit local caves,spectaculary hypogeum complex populated of colours and interesting atmosphere,also thanks at the masterly illuminations,which donates big suggestions for the stalactite and stalagmite. In the evening back to the hotel,dinner will be served at one of the restaurant near the hotel. ( B - L - D )

DAY 14
Breakfast at the hotel, and an early departure for Sulmona, an important artistic centre which, specialises in the production of confetti.(sugar-coated almonds). Tour of historical sites and the tour will continue along a spectacular highway which crosses the Gole del Sagittario (The Archers' Throat) to Anversa degli Abruzzi where a special lunch will be served at a agro-tourismo farm. The next destination is Scanno, a well-known summer resort, a mountain-lake totally encircled by mountains. A little relaxation along the banks of the lake followed by a tour of the historic centre. Back to the hotel for dinner. (B - D )

DAY 15
After breakfast, time to say good-bye to the Region of Abruzzo, its enchantments, its great hospitality and friendship and depart to Rome's Fiumicino airport… "Alla prossima…" Until next time ( B )

- The tour package: *AUD $4,990 per person twin share.

- Single room supplement total: **AUD $920 per person.

THE TOUR (conducted by an English-speaking guide)

Includes:

 → Accommodation in 3-4 Star Hotels (depending on availability)
 → Meals (as indicated) Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
 → All transfers to and from point of arrival, airport Rome Fiumicino.
 → All transportation to various locations included in the Tour
 → Services of English-speaking Tour Guide

Note:
 - Breakfast, Lunches, and Dinner ( as indicated " B - L - D ") will be supplied.

 - The Coaches will be at full disposal for the entire tour from the first day to the last, including transfers from and to Rome - Fiumicino Airport.

 - Coaches used for transportation are all GT Mercedes or Seratri Mercedes registered on or after the year 2000. All drivers are fully professional and directly employed by the Company.

 - Coaches feature air-conditioning, videos, reclining chairs and are equipped with all standard safety features. THEY ARE INSURED BY RCA for up to 10million 350 thousand (Euros).

 - All quoted prices are inclusive of IVA (GST) and comprise parking, highways and transit fees.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE:

 * Airfares, Taxes, Travel Insurance, Tips, Personal Expenses and items not included above. ie. Entrance to Museums and Archaeological Parks.

 ** Prices are per person and based on two persons sharing a room. Prices may
vary based on the actual date of travel or hotel booked. All prices are in
Australian Dollars unless otherwise stated. Prices are based on the exchange
rates in effect at time of printing and are guaranteed upon confirmation of
booking. Published rates may change due to changes in duties, taxes,
goverment levies and fluel surcharges.

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