24 DAY TOUR STARTS 10 JUNE 2023

This is a truly off the beaten track tour featuring a collection of charming picturesque places, providing a relaxed easy going holiday enhanced by the tranquil location of our quality hotels.
The itinerary spans from the attractive mediterranean islands of Giglio and Elba to the pristine ambience of the relatively underrated Marche Region, enriched with historic towns and a beautiful undulated landscape to rival the much celebrated countryside of Tuscany.
Our “Gran Finale“ is the Abruzzo Region (almost unknown to foreign tourists) which is a real gem of well preserved traditions, medieval villages and impressive rugged mountains.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Six gastronomic dinners with 1/4 bottle of wine and 1/2 bottle of mineral water included!
• Three and four star hotel accommodation (bed and breakfast). Some hotels are set in high spectacular positions and offer excellent panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
• Modern air conditioned mini coach with English-speaking tour manager.
• A wide range of local excursions available daily from all the major centres of the itinerary. These tours, provided at no extra cost, are on an optional basis.
• Ferry boat to the Isle of Giglio.
• Ferry boat to the Isle of Elba. The motor coach will also be ferried with the group for the 4 night stop in the island.

AT YOUR OWN COST

• Meals, other than those included in the package. Optional group dinners in picturesque restaurants will be arranged at special reduced prices.
• Entry tickets into: museums, palaces, fortresses and castles.
• Cable cars at Isle of Elba and chairlift at Scanno.
• Single accommodation supplement.
• Travel Insurance.

PROGRAM

Sat 10 Jun 09.00 – Passengers report to our tour guide at the Hotel Comfort, 3 km from Rome Airport. This is an excellent four star hotel and if people stay the night before they can also use the hotel shuttle (we can organize accommodation if required). Departure for Vitorchiano, an amazing picturesque historic village where we stop for some sightseeing and lunch.

13.30 – Continuation to Porto Ercole which is of Roman origin and in the 16th century came under the rule of Spain which exerted its power for about three centuries over much of the Tuscany coast establishing the “State of Presidi“ with Porto Ercole as capital. Under Spanish rule four fortresses were built (or rebuilt) around Porto Ercole to protect the medieval citadel and the governor’s palace still prominent today. The fortresses are still in excellent conditions.
16.30 – Arrival in Porto Ercole.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

Sun 11 Jun – Morning at leisure in Porto Ercole. Options: a) visit the medieval district of Porto Ercole, b) scenic walks to the medieval fortresses, c) stroll along the scenic coastline, d) relax and enjoy along the jetty and its amenities.

14.00 – Scenic drive to Capalbio, a small medieval town on top of a hill with sweeping views over the southern coast of Tuscany. Capalbio is still circled by immaculate defence walls and a panoramic stroll along its battlements is a must. Local orientation and time at leisure. 16.15 – Departure from Capalbio.
17.00 – Arrival back in Porto Ercole.
19.30 – Optional dinner in picturesque setting by the jetty.

Mon 12 Jun 08.30 – Scenic drive through the undulated typical countryside of southern Tuscany, to the impressive medieval town of Pitigliano, built on a cliff.
10.30 – Arrival, local orientation and time at leisure.
11.30 – Departure for the picturesque village of Bolsena on the banks of Lake Bolsena. Lunch in lovely setting by the lake.
14.30 – Return to hotel.
19.30 – Optional dinner at the hotel.

Tue 13 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Porto Santo Stefano.
09.30 – Ferry boat to Giglio Island. Motor Coach to Giglio Castello on top of a mountain. Local sightseeing. Return to harbour-village at time of your choice with pre-paid individual ticket.
15.30 – Ferry boat to Porto Santo Stefano.
17.00 – Arrival at the hotel.
19.30 – Optional dinner at the hotel.

Wed 14 Jun 08.30 – Departure for the Isle of Elba. On the way to the island we stop at a couple of picturesque villages: Talamone and Castiglione della Pescaia, both endowed with scenic medieval castles. After lunch/snack in Castiglione we drive to Piombino.
15.30 – Ferry boat from Piombino to Portoferraio (Isle of Elba).
17.00 – Arrival at the hotel in Marciana Marina.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel included.

Thu 15 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Villa San Martino, Napoleon’s country residence.
10.15 – Departure from Villa San Martino and return to hotel.
15.00 – Scenic drive to the beautiful Gulf of Marina Di Campo for a local stroll and refreshment by the sea.
17.00 – Return to hotel.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Fri 16 Jun 8.30 – Scenic drive along the Enfola peninsula and around the Bay of Portoferraio. Stop at Portoferraio, the island’s capital. Visit to Napoleon’s residence (Villa dei Mulini) and the medieval fortresses.
13.30 – Departure from parking area and return to hotel.
15.00 – Scenic drive to Porto Azzurro. Local sightseeing and visit to display centre of minerals and craftmanship. Optional little train through a mine displaying the exceptional variety of minerals to be found at Elba.
17.00 – Departure and return to hotel.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sat 17 Jun 08.30 – Tour of Elba’s West Coast. Scenic drive to Mt. Capanne cable car station. Optional cable car to 1,000m or 15 minutes scenic walk to the village of Marciana.
11.30 – Return to Marciana Marina. For lunch enjoy the local wines which are very famous, especially the Aleatico and Moscato.
15.00 – Scenic drive along the south west coast to Chiessi.
17.30 – Arrival back at the hotel.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sun 18 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Portoferraio.
10.30 – Continuation on a scenic route, across the Appennini Mountain Range, to get to Macerata at the other side of the Italian peninsula. Travel is mostly along picturesque mountain and country roads.
18.00 – Arrival in Macerata.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Mon 19 Jun 08.30 – Full day scenic drive throughout the central part of the Marche Region.
10.15 – Stop and sightseeing at Montefalcone, set on a cliff with sweeping views over the Marche countryside. Continuation through the spectacular Presta Pass (at 1,540m) and on to Castelluccio, an impressive picturesque village on top of a peak.
13.00 – Arrival in Visso, an ancient medieval town boasting an impeccable architecture.
15.00 – Departure from Visso.
16.45 – Arrival in Macerata.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Tue 20 Jun 08.30 – Sightseeing orientation in Macerata, a well preserved medieval city in high position, still circled by ancient defense walls. It’s one of the main heritage cities of the Marche Region. Afternoon at leisure.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 21 Jun 08.30 – Departure for a scenic drive throughout a lush hilly countryside, heading for Offagna, a most picturesque small town boasting a pristine historic architecture.
10.00 – Arrival,local orientation and some time at leisure. Continuation to the Adriatic coast towards Mount Conero Promontory which plunges into the sea quite steeply originating a spectacular coastline. We end up in Portonovo, in a beautiful setting near an old Napoleon fortress. After local sightseeing and lunch by the sea, we continue to another splendid location, high above the coastline, where an historic monastery also features a panoramic bar with a terrace to enjoy a cup of tea or an ice-cream in a delightful spot.
17.00 – Arrival back in Macerata.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Thu 22 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Assisi, one of the most prominent towns in the Umbria Region. It is renowned for the stunning Cathedral of St. Francis, but it also boasts a charming medieval ambience with a rich architectural heritage.
10.30 – Arrival in Assisi and local orientation. Time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure from Assisi. On the way back we stop at the picturesque Abbey of Fiastra in lovely garden setting.
17.00 – Arrival back in Macerata.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Fri 23 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Rieti, set at 400 m in a beautiful valley of the Lazio Region. Our initial drive, south of Macerata is across the green undulated countryside of the Marche Region with a first stop at the picturesque historic village of Moresco.

Continuation along a country road to the premium town of Offida. Local orientation and time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure from Offida driving along a series of picturesque country roads to access the Appennini Mountain Range.
17.00 – Arrival in Rieti.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Sat 24 Jun 08.30 – Brief orientation (about 1 hour) downtown Rieti, covering the main highlights of this small city. Then it’s time at leisure.

13.30 – Scenic drive (about 45–50 minutes) to Lake Piediluco, in picturesque setting amongst unspoilt green hills. Relax and enjoy by the lake side which boasts a picturesque promenade and excellent facilities.
15.30 – Departure from Piediluco and return to Rieti.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sun 25 Jun 08.30 – Panoramic circuit across the Appennini Mountain Range from the Lazio Region to the Abruzzo Region. We start with a scenic drive from Rieti to the heritage village of Castel di Tora (at 600m) in the Lazio Region on the banks of a picturesque lake. After a local visit we continue crossing into the Abruzzo Region and driving up to the National Park of Mount Gran Sasso.

Our scenic drive takes first to Campo Imperatore at 1,700m, surrounded by the highest peaks in Central Italy.

Stop for lunch/snack at a picturesque chalet with view of Mount Gran Sasso (peak of 3,000m) in the background. Then we drive along a premium scenic road to another major highlight of the National Park of Mount Gran Sasso: the village of Campotosto (at 1,400m) overlooking a beautiful pristine lake. Local sightseeing and return to Rieti.
17.00 – Arrival back in Rieti.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Mon 26 Jun 08.30 – Scenic drive across the Appennini Mountain Range to Norcia, a small picturesque medieval town (at 600m) in the National Park of Mounts Sibillini, in a beautiful green valley. Norcia prides itself for its gastronomic traditions. It is renowned for its black truffles and offers a wide range of truffle based dishes. Local orientation and time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure from Norcia. On the way back we stop at the scenic historic town of Leonessa.
17.00 – Arrival back in Rieti.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Tue 27 Jun 08.30 – Departure for a scenic drive on the eastern side of the Rieti’s valley to the resort of Pian de Valli set at 1,600m. Local sightseeing and optional panoramic walk (half an hour) along a circular path which boasts extensive views of the local peaks. Refreshment and facilities are available at the resort. Late morning return to Rieti.

14.00 – Scenic drive on the western side of the Rieti’s valley, climbing to the picturesque village of Greccio, set at 700m on a very panoramic spot. After spending some time at the village we drive to the nearby sanctuary, set on a spectacular cliff, for a local visit. Then we return to Rieti.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 28 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Civitella Alfedena, a picturesque mountain village, dating back to the 11th century, set at 1,100 m in the heart of the Abruzzo National Park. It is surrounded by peaks and forests overlooking a small scenic lake. After a substantial sector on a major freeway we climb across the Appennini Mountain Range and stop for lunch/snack at the scenic Passo di Forca d’ Acero (at 1,500m) in a very picturesque chalet. Then it is downhill to Civitella Alfedena.
15.00 – Arrival in Civitella Alfedena. Time at leisure in the village.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

Thu 29 Jun 08.30 – Scenic drive to Pescasseroli, an ancient village in the heart of the Abruzzo National Park, where bears, chamois and wolves still live in wilderness. Relax and stroll in Pescasseroli.
11.00 – Visit to National Park Centre.
13.00 – Return to hotel.
15.00 – Excursion to the Chamois Valley. Scenic drive + easy scenic walk.
17.30 – Departure for Civitella Alfedena.
19.30 – Optional dinner in picturesque local restaurant.

Fri 30 Jun 08.30 – Scenic drive through the Appennini Mountain Range which in this area display a very pristine landscape alongside traditional villages.
10.15 – Arrival in Sulmona, one of the most prominent heritage towns of the Abruzzo Region (at 400m), flanked by the peaks of the Maiella mountains, reaching almost 3,000m. Within its medieval walls, the clock seems to have stopped a long time ago and the elegant architecture is as pristine as it has been for centuries. Local orientation in Sulmona covering the main architectural highlights of this historic town. Time at leisure.
14.00 – Scenic drive to Barrea set in a panoramic spot on the banks of a lake. This town boasts an impeccable medieval architecture as well as a fortress with sweeping views over the lake.
17.00 – Arrival back in Civitella Alfedena.
19.30 – Very special optional gastronomic dinner in the nearby village of Villetta Barrea.

Sat 01 Jul 08.30 – Scenic drive across the Appennini Mountain Range to the ancient town of Celano (at 800m) where we stop to visit its imposing castle.

Continuation to Rocca di Mezzo, set at 1,400 m on the Rocche Plateau, in the Regional Park of Sirente-Velino. Local sightseeing and time for lunch. Then we drive along another spectacular road to a look-out with sweeping views of Mount Sirente (peak of 2,350m). After that we return to Civitella Alfedena.
17.00 – Arrival back in Civitella Alfedena.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sun 02 Jul 08.30 – Scenic drive across high rising mountains to Scanno, a small picturesque town built on a mountain spur (at 1,100m) with an oriental flavour whose origins are still a mystery. On the way to Scanno we stop briefly at the scenic Pass of Godi (at 1,600m). Then it is downhill to Scanno.
10.30 – Arrival in Scanno and local orientation. Time at leisure and optional chairlift to Colle Rotondo at 1,600m.
14.00 – Departure from Scanno for a short drive (3 km) to Lake Scanno. Time at leisure to enjoy the local facilities.
15.30 – Departure from Lake Scanno.
17.30 – Arrival back in Civitella Alfedena.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Mon 03 Jul 08.30 – Departure for Rome Airport.
15.00 – Arrival at Rome Airport. End of the tour.

HOTELS

We believe that you are entitled to know exactly what you get for your money and that’s why we clearly state not only the number of stars but also the location of the hotels we use.

Unless you are in a rush tour, where you get to the hotel late at night and leave early morning, we do believe that a good location makes a world of difference to the quality of your holiday.