There is just so much to see and do in Abruzzo! We operate some small tours so that you can make the most of your stay. They have proved most enjoyable to our guests and as many have promised to return next year, we have included some new ones for 2010! Being a small company we are flexible, so we can alter some days to suit specific requirements.

As our accommodation is in the centre of Abruzzo there are two great advantages. Firstly, you don't have to spend time moving to a second location and secondly, all the places we visit are within easy reach, so you'll have no long journeys.

Please email us at enquiries@abruzzoholidayrentals.com for more details on our tours.

Tour Descriptions

1) Scanno, Cocullo and Ortona Dei Marsi.

Perched on a spur in the middle of the Sagittario valley, Scanno is one of the most beautiful areas in the L`Aquila province. A walk around the lake takes around 1h 20mins or there are cycles to hire, some which can carry up to four people. There is also canoe and pedalo hire. If you are feeling less energetic you can hire a deckchair!

We spend the afternoon at the quaint little town of Cocullo where they hold a snake festival once a year, and also visit the ruins at Ortona Dei Marsi.

2) Penne and Loreto Aprutino

On this tour we explore the beautiful and historic old towns of Penne and Loreto Aprutino plus the WWF sponsored Oasi del Lago di Penne and the Padre Pio monument. You will be able to stroll around the ancient towns, enjoying wonderful views towards the Gran Sasso mountains. There are a host of churches, museums and buildings to be admired. Numerous cafes line the streets where you can enjoy a cappuccino and watch the world go by. The afternoon is spent by Lago di Penne and enjoying views of the Adriatic from the Padre Pio monument.

3) Olive Press, Wine Tasting, Pizza Making (morning only).

Now we're talking, if slightly slurred. It's time to see how all those grapes you’ve been seeing get turned into some of Italy’s most famous and best loved wines. Eduardo is our host in the family owned vineyard. We see how olives are made into oil and soap and get our hands dirty making pizza and pasta.

In the afternoon you could take a short stroll around our village and its medieval centre. Rosciano was founded by the Longobards and was built over Roman ruins and the little church of S.Nicola was built by Benedictine monks of the abbey of San Liberatore.

4) Celano Castle, Roman Ruins of Alba Fucens and Pescina.

The castle at Celano is situated on a hill that once dominated Lake Fucino, the largest lake in central Italy until it was drained in the latter part of the 19th century. The Roman ruins at Alba Fucens are one of the most important and fascinating archaeological sites in Abruzzo.

5) Caramanico Terme and the Riserva Naturale.

We spend the morning exploring the spa town of Caramanico Terme with its shops (many containing local products and great gifts to take back home) and spa, chocolate box cottages and views of the surrounding countryside. After lunch we head for the Riserva which is home to otter, wolf, bear, golden eagle and deer. We take a walk by the river with its enchanting waterfalls. The water can be chilly, however some of this year's guests took the plunge.

6) Lanciano & Chieti.

First stop is the historic old town of Lanciano, an important trade centre since antiquity and a major pilgrim destination since the Middle Ages. The sanctuary of the Miracolo Eucaristico is visited by devotees from all over Italy. There are plenty of sights, shops and cafes to ensure an enjoyable morning, which leads on to one of my favourite parts of the day: lunch!

Chieti is the destination for the afternoon, steeped in history and commanding fantastic views of the Gran Sasso peaks and with so much to see. We discuss the night before, the tour places of interest and you hold sway as to the ones we visit.

7) Maiella National Park

One of our favourite days, exploring all that the Maiella National park has to offer and hoping to sight a brown bear or a peregrine falcon. (We’ll have to be quick though, as it's the fastest bird of prey in the world.) We also take in the wonderful hermitage at Roccamorice and the Volto Santo where we see whats rumoured to be the real face of Christ!

8) Sulmona, Roccacasale and Popoli.

First stop is the castle ruins at Roccacasale where we take a walk around the village and up to the castle. After a coffee we head to the town of Sulmona. Rich in history and monuments, Sulmona stands in the heart of the Abruzzo mountains and is most famous for its confetti candy. After lunch we head to the Sirente Regional Park, then on to Popoli.

9) The Gran Sasso National Park (South)

Today we spend the day exploring the wonders and unspoilt countryside of the southern area of the Gran Sasso National Park. First we stop at the Forca di Penne WWF Oasis, an ideal place for birdwatching. We check out the tower on the old sheep track route, we then head on to the fortified medieval village of Ofena by which time I'm sure we'll be ready for a coffee break. The road gets a little bumpy as we head for our next stop, Calascio Keep. To say it is well worth the ride would be an understatement. Lunch is taken in the delightful refuge in the abandoned village below the castle. In the afternoon we head to Castel del Monte and Santo Stefano di Sessanio.

10) South L'Aquila Province

Southern L'Aquila province is truly a delight, and contains something for everyone. You will need to take a sweater or a jacket with you today and some decent footwear, as Grotte di Stiffe is our first destination. Set amidst the woods of the Aterno Valley this wonderful underground system extends into the hill for 650 metres and features numerous waterfalls and small lakes. Fossa town, Navelli, Capestrano/Piccolimini Castle and Ocra Castle are also visited today.

11) Churches and Places of Spiritual Interest

Due to the large number of churches and places of spiritual interest in Abruzzo, a separate fact sheet is available on request.

12) Museums, Cities of Art and Archaeological Sites

Many are included in our general tours above, however for those wishing to see further sites and in more detail, please contact us directly for information

13) Cycling

For the mountain biker there are 13 suggested routes with varying degrees of difficulty throughout the region. For the cyclist, local advice can be given on routes dependent on your proficiency level. These can vary from a 39km descent through National Park land to a 1-30 km flat sea front ride.

14) Walking

Most of our tours include an element of walking and indeed we sometimes make them into more of a ramble, but for those of you wanting a more demanding walking/hiking schedule we offer 18 suggested routes of varying difficulty.

Prices

For more information on our range of Abruzzo tours please email us at enquiries@abruzzoholidayrentals.com.