ABRUZZO EXPERIENCE WITH LESLIE AND CARLO
September 11 - 18, 2025 | One Exclusive Departure
Abruzzo, magical from mountains to sea
Join us for an extraordinary gastronomic sojourn in one of Italy’s last undiscovered regions. Situated in central Italy, with the sparkling Adriatic on its eastern side and the majestic Appennine mountains to the west, Abruzzo is a region of breathtaking landscapes, dazzling villages, medieval castles, rich culinary heritage and magnificent wines. From the gorgeous rolling hills blanketed with olive groves and vineyards to the turquoise coves of the Trabocchi Coast, Abruzzo beckons.
8-Day Premium Travel Package from $7,850 per person
(based on double occupancy; excluding flights)
Your guides for this gastronomic adventure: CarloMaria Ciampoli, a native Abruzzese architect and epicure with deep connections to the region, and Leslie Brenner, an award-winning American food writer and cook with a passion for Italian food history and wine.
“One of the most underrated destinations in Italy.”
- TRAVEL + LEISURE
DAY BY DAY
*On rare occasions, this itinerary may change.
-
Arrival at Hotel Villa Maria in Francavilla al Mare
Welcome aperitivo
Dinner at Les Paillottes
Included Meals: aperitivo, dinner
Accommodations: Villa Maria -
Breakfast at hotel
Visit Costa dei Trabocchi and lunch at Punta Cavalluccio
Dinner at Essenza Cucina di Mare
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodations: Villa Maria -
Breakfast at Hotel
All-day eno-gastronomic tour of Vasto and its historic center
Dinner at hotel
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodations: Villa Maria -
Breakfast and taste-walk tour of Pescara
Transfer to Castello Di Semivicoli
Dinner and wine-tasting
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodations: Castello di Semivicoli -
Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Loreto Aprutino
Walking tour of medieval town
Visit Olive Oil Museum
Pasta making demo and Lunch at La Bilancia
Tour + tasting at Amorotti
Return to hotel
Dinner near hotel TBD
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodations: Castello di Semivicoli -
• Leisurely morning at hotel and picnic lunch in the vineyards
• Visit Pretoro - medieval village carved into white stone of hillside
• Walking tour of nearby Guardiagrele, one of the “borghi più belli d’Italia”
• Pastry demo: Sise delle Monache
• Time to lounge at the hotel pool
• Dinner at Villa Maiella (Michelin 1-star)Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodations: Castello di Semivicoli -
• Making cheese — pasta filata (local mozzarella), ricotta, caciocavallo — at a traditional caseificio (cheese dairy)
• Lunch in the vineyards with the growers
• Tour and tasting Marramiero vineyard
• DInner at Ristorante Casa D’ Angelo
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodations: Castello di Semivicoli -
One last gathering at table, before departing for the airport.
Included Meals: breakfast
Accommodations: Castello di Semivicoli
“This spectacular region is one to experience before the tourists discover it.”
- LESLIE
WHERE WE STAY
Situated in the hills overlooking the Adriatic south of Pescara, Villa Maria is a gracious getaway that will be our base for the first three nights. It’s convenient to the Trabocchi Coast to the south, and the glorious Apennine Mountains — with its storybook villages and wild landscapes — to the west. When we’re not exploring and soaking up the local culture, you can relax at the hotel’s two pools, enjoy a massage, or escape to the nearby wide, sandy beach.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Abruzzo, Castello di Semivicoli is a beautifully restored 17th-century baronial palace that blends history, luxury, and the region’s rich winemaking heritage. Owned by the Masciarelli family, the castle offers elegant rooms, breathtaking views of vineyards and the Adriatic coast, and an intimate retreat for wine lovers and travelers seeking authenticity. Whether you're enjoying a tasting of Masciarelli wines, exploring nearby medieval villages, or simply unwinding in its serene atmosphere, Castello di Semivicoli is a timeless escape into the heart of Abruzzo.
Questions? Email, text or call us
+1(501) 232-7333
Upon booking, each guest will receive a copy of D’Amore e d’ Abruzzo, Paride Vitale’s immersive guide to the most beautiful region in the world.
Questions?
What does the price include?
Seven nights of boutique accommodations; private travel for all day-trips and excursions; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners (including local wines).
What is not included?
International roundtrip airfare to Italy; transportation to the trip’s starting point; travel insurance; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary; gratuity for trip leaders.
Where does the trip start and end?
Our trip begins at the Villa Maria Hotel and Spa in Francavilla al Mare, Abruzzo. The closest international airport is Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO), which is a 2.5-hour drive to the hotel. We recommend arriving one day early in Rome to ease jet lag and ensure arrival at our starting point on time. Several airlines (including Ryanair) offer service to Pescara Abruzzo Airport (PSR), which is a 15-minute drive to the hotel. We’ll be happy to arrange transportation from either airport to Francavilla, if needed, for an additional charge.
What travel documents are required?
Please check with the Italian embassy or consulate for information and requirements. More information can be found here.
Do I need to pay a supplement for a single room?
Yes, the trip price for solo travelers is $8,750 to secure a private room. These spots are highly limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who is going on this trip?
Our trip accommodates 8 to 12 guests, plus Leslie and Carlo. Our experiences are fun and inclusive, and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests — including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travelers age 18 and above.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly suggest you purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs if your plans change for unforeseeable reasons; or if you need to get medical help or emergency transport; or if you experience theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. Always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that many ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.
What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel more than 90 days before departure and receive a full refund minus a $500 per person service fee. If you cancel on or after 90 days in advance, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 60 days in advance, there is a 100% cancellation fee.
IS THERE A MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS?
Yes, the trip will be confirmed after we confirm 8 guests, and no later than June 15th. In the unlikely event of a trip cancellation, your deposit will be fully refunded.