Holiday to Rome & Abruzzo - Original Travel

Itinerary Highlights

Experience the many facets of Italy with stays in two locations; one in the heart of Rome and the other deep in the Abruzzo countryside

Discover Rome with a local guide and make the most of priority pass tickets to top attractions

Indulge in delicious food and good wine in the hilltop-perched villages of Abruzzo

Tour the village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio and learn to make traditional bread

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Description
Route
A la carte
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This trip has been designed for travellers who are looking to see a multi-faceted, but still authentic, Italy. You'll spend the first two days experiencing first-hand the eternal splendour of ancient Rome, surrounded by the commotion of the Vespas and buzz of the terraces. A city-sized open-air museum, Rome invites you to stroll around its beautiful Renaissance facades and shaded piazzas. The best way to experience Rome is by strolling through its neighbourhoods by day, and sampling its culinary delights in the evening, accompanied by a glass of white wine. To ensure you don't miss out on any of the must-see spots, we can arrange a local guide to show you around the city, along with priority passes for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

Once you've had your fill of the city, you'll head off to the lush countryside of the little-known region of Abruzzo, where you’ll spend the next three days. Located in the Gran Sasso Nature Park, the medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, sitting at 4,101ft above sea level, is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The village, which was once an important rural centre that has since fallen into disrepair, now only has only about 50 permanent residents. This is the perfect place for those who are eager to explore the region's heritage and cuisine.

Route

Everything is 100% tailored to you

Upon arrival in Rome, you'll journey from the airport to the historic centre and spend two nights here. From your hotel, you’ll easily be able to walk to some of the main sights of the capital, such as Piazza Navona, Campo De' Fiori, Trastevere district, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

Kick off your trip by going on a walking tour with a local guide, to explore the capital and discover its hidden treasures. You can stop off in a literary cafe or a traditional gelateria, visit a flower market or the antique shops, or sip an Italian aperitif with the most beautiful view of Rome in front of you. Or take a private tour of the Trastevere district, one of Rome's most picturesque areas.

Today you can continue to discover the city, whether you choose to tour the fashion or design boutiques in Piazza di Spagna, stroll Aventine Hill's residential district, wander along the small streets of the Jewish quarter, or line up for a pizza bianca at lunchtime – the city is your oyster. We could also arrange priority passes to the Vatican Museums, which house a huge collection of works of art gathered over the centuries by the Popes, and the Sistine Chapel, where you'll discover Michelangelo's masterpieces. There’s also the opportunity to discover more with a historic tour of Villa Medici, an icon of Rome.

This morning you will pick up your hire car from Rome train station and drive to the medieval fortified village of Santo Stefano di Sessiano, in the heart of the Abruzzo Mountains (about a two-hour drive). Spend the next three nights here, soaking up the slower pace of life while sampling local food and exploring the Gran Sasso Nature Park.

Up next on the agenda is the opportunity to enjoy a traditional bread making course, where, with the help of a local housewife, you will prepare the mixture for pizza and bread using ancient and traditional wooden instruments. You will cook the bread in an authentic wood-burning oven from the 16th century. You can then enjoy the fruits of your labour before journeying onwards for an afternoon spent touring the village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio with a guide, taking in the breath-taking landscape of this countryside escape.

Sadly, it’s time to head back to the capital and return your car to the airport before you catch your flight home.

A la carte

Rome - The Historic Tour of Villa Medici

This is arguably one of the finest villas in Rome. The former secondary residence of the de Medici family was handed over to France at the beginning of the 19th century so that it could set up the French Academy in Rome, aimed at welcoming young French artists to live and work in the community. The tour covers the historical, artistic and architectural aspects of Villa Medici, and you'll visit the gardens, the Cardinal's apartment and the Pavilion of Ferdinand de Medici. Also included are the priority pass for the Vatican Museums, which house a huge collection of artwork gathered over the centuries by the Popes, and the Sistine Chapel, where you'll discover Michelangelo's masterpieces.

Option -

Rome - Private tour of Trastevere

This is one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods of Rome. Nestled in a bend of the Tiber, Trastevere boasts historic medieval streets, magnificent squares and richly decorated churches, which make it the ancient yet modern symbol of 'romance'. Having been on the outskirts of the city for a long time, this former working-class district of artisans and shopkeepers is now a trendy place where street artists, poets, and party animals meet on an evening in trattorias and lively cafes.

Not to be missed - The squares: Piazza Trilussa, Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, Piazza S. Cosimato - Villa Farnesina and its magnificent frescoes - The Fountain of the Acqua Paola - Santa Maria Basilica in Trastevere.

Option - With a private guide

A Rough Idea of Price

Dependent on season, accommodation and activities

The cost for this trip starts from £1,480 per person. The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote. The average starting price for this trip is £1,700 per person.