A typical day on our tours
Welcome to Italia Sweet Italia, where every day promises a blend of cultural immersion, stunning landscapes, and delectable cuisine. Our tours are meticulously crafted to ensure you experience Italy at a leisurely pace, allowing you to fully savor each moment of your journey.
Your adventure in Abruzzo (is also similar for tours in other regions) begins as you touch down at Rome Fiumicino airport. Usually our driver will be waiting to greet you at 12:30 pm, ready to whisk you away to the captivating ancient Roman town of Sulmona (on the Abruzzo mountains) or Vasto on the Adriatic Coast. Sit back, relax, and soak in the breathtaking scenery as we journey through the picturesque Abruzzo mountains, adorned with quaint hilltop villages and majestic medieval castles.
During a short break at the truck stop, you can have something to your liking while waiting for the evening welcome dinner. The trip takes about 3.5 hours (including a short break) to Vasto and 2 hours to Sulmona. This also depends on traffic conditions which is normally limited by doing this transfer in most cases on Sundays.
Upon arrival in Sulmona or Vasto, you’ll have the afternoon to settle into your accommodations. Whether you choose to unwind and rest or take a leisurely stroll through the tranquil streets of Vasto or Sulmona (have a population between 25,000 and 40,000), there’s plenty of time to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Explore the charming town center, wander along the seaside promenade, or treat yourself to a refreshing gelato or aperitivo– the choice is yours.
As evening approaches, at around 7:30 pm we’ll gather for a warm welcome briefing with our knowledgeable local guide, Fabrizio or one of his colleagues. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with your fellow like-minded travelers and learn more about the exciting adventures that await. Then, we’ll embark on a leisurely stroll to a local restaurant, where you’ll indulge in authentic Italian cuisine and begin to savor the rich flavors of the region. On this occasion, we will also give you a printed copy of the updated itinerary with daily meeting times and a map. We will also recheck your food intolerances or restrictions or foods you do not like if you did not properly indicate this information in the booking form in a way that best meets your needs, helps restaurant kitchens to organize preparations and avoid food waste.
At Italia Sweet Italia, we understand the importance of embracing a slower pace and offering flexibility to cater to your individual needs. Our itineraries are designed with ample opportunities for relaxation and tailored experiences. Whether you prefer to join every activity or take a more laid-back approach, we’ll ensure your journey is customized to suit your preferences.
When there are long traditional lunches scheduled, you can unwind in the late afternoon by taking a leisurely stroll, enjoying an aperitivo, and soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. Additionally, some activities are optional, such as the visit to the local market before our homemade pasta-making class. While the meeting time is at 8:45 am, some may prefer to join us an hour later, allowing them to enjoy a more relaxed breakfast. Our logistics accommodate this flexibility, ensuring everyone can fully enjoy their experience.
Throughout your adventure, you’ll have the chance to participate in optional activities tailored to your interests. From hands-on culinary experiences with Fabrizio’s family to scenic hikes in the mountains, there are endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Italy. And with our relaxed pace, you can fully embrace each moment without feeling rushed.
So a typical day on tour days (excluding arrival and departure days) looks like this:
9:00 am Meeting time at your hotel. Transportation to the first activity of the day will take between 10 and 45 minutes (up to 2 hours for walking tours in the mountains).
9:30/10:00 am – 12:30/1:00 pm Enjoy a variety of activities and experiences based on the itinerary, such as:
- Cooking classes
- Nature walks
- Meetings with local communities
- Visits to wine, olive oil, or cheese producers with tastings
- Encounters with artists, fishermen, or artisans
- Cultural visits to villages, museums, castles, and historic centers
1:00 pm – 2:30/3:00 pm Savor a delicious traditional lunch.
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Transfer to another authentic visit or experience, or return to your hotel.
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Enjoy free time at your leisure, unless there are evening experiences or dinners planned.
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Return to your hotel after a full day of exploring and enjoying the Abruzzo region.
Evenings
Depending on the itinerary, you may have the opportunity to participate in evening experiences such as:
- Traditional meals
- Cooking classes (i.e.: pizza)
- Guided walks through historical villages
Please note
This is just a sample schedule and may vary depending on the specific itinerary. All tours are designed to be small and intimate, with a maximum of 12 participants. This ensures that you receive personalized attention from your guide and have ample opportunity to interact with the local community.
