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Experience Le Marche with its hidden gems, artisans and sustainable food sources

Live like a local
Immerse yourself among local life, culture and tradition of le Marche
Discover the land’s hidden gems and most beautiful hamlets
Meet local farmers, artisans and genuine people
Forage for truffles
Learn ancient crafts from the local artisans
Make “tacconi”, a typical fresh pasta
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Fabrizio Lucci

Founder & Tour Guide of Italia Sweet Italia

Fabrizio Lucci

Founder & Tour Guide of Italia Sweet Italia 

5-11 May 2024

6-12 October 2024

Fully escorted small groups tour up to 12 travelers

Why a small group of travelers and a local tour operator

Here’s why we believe that traveling with a small group of people and a local tour operator as we are can really make the difference:

We love our region – Attention to details – Local knowledge and experience – Support sustainable and responsible travel - Live like a local – Feel part of a big family – Make new friends – Explore on your own – Everybody feels at home – Small groups tour up to 12 travelers.
Click here to learn more!

Join us on a 7-day unique Italian sustainable and cultural escorted tour to visit one of the most stunning Italian regions: Le Marche. 
This tour is geared to those who want to live, an immersive Italian culture experiencing “Marchigiana” culture and traditions, and, who want to get to know the food, region and its people. Our hosts and local guides, together with their friends, have put together amazing experiences that combine passion, beautiful places, eco-friendly visits to show you the best of Le Marche by putting you in touch with local communities.
This is a fully escorted tour that will give you the insights into daily life, culture, food, and wine production and will let you discover authentic Italy in a balanced mix of experiences, relax, adventure and learning opportunities.
 
In keeping with our  approach to support the local economy,  we employ local guides that love and know everything (or almost:-)) about Le Marche like Fabrizio (Italia Sweet Italia founder & Tour guide) for Abruzzo. The tour has been designed by Fabrizio in partnership with local suppliers committed to selecting partners, licensed tour guides and passionate people living and working in Le Marche. The result is a tour that supports small local enterprises and sustainable tourism.
The highlight of this tour is the chance to discover and experience Le Marche, a region of infinite beauty and hidden gems (we know them as “Sleeping Beauties”) in the heart of Italy. You will go back home with life-long memories and with many friends, for sure!

Who is this tour suitable for?

Like-minded travelers - Everybody that travelled enough to know that touristy vacations are just not them - Travelers that appreciate la dolce vita and want to learn something new - Solo travelers - Couples - Group of friends - Families

HIGHLIGHTS

ITINERARY

DAY 1 | Sunday | Rome airport pick-up and welcome to Le Marche dinner! (dinner)

PM

  • Rome Fiumicino Airport pick-up at 12:30 pm and transfer to the ancient Roman town of Fano on the Adriatic Coast after crossing the green heart of Umbria through the Apennines, with its hilltop villages and vibrant colors of nature
  • Check in at the family-run Hotel Angela (or similar accommodation) with seaside view and walking distance from the historical downtown
  • Get to know your local tour leader Michela and/or Giulia and learn more about this 7-day cultural and local life vacation
  • Walk to a traditional restaurant to enjoy a welcome dinner in the heart of Fano
DAY 2 | Monday | Fratte Rosa and its 3 gems: “favetta” Slow Food, cooking class, terrecotte and organic winery (breakfast, tastings, lunch)

After a leisurely traditional breakfast made of freshly baked bread, whole fruit country-style preserves, cake, pastries, coffee, tea and juices:

AM

  •  We meet at the hotel and drive to the beautiful village of Fratte Rosa to meet farmer Rodolfo in the countryside. He is the guardian of “favetta”, a small bean vegetable, a slow food staple of Le Marche
  •  Next we’ll reach the hamlet Fratte Rosa to discover a small and historical bakery producing a very local biscuit “con la glassa” biscuits in syrup (homemade biscuits with icing. The biscuits tell a very special story which involves America!
  • Sofia is waiting for us with a cooking lesson focused on “tacconi” (you’ll make only this pasta during this cooking section). You will learn how easy it is to make fresh pasta with 2 different kinds of flour! The best part is taking the pasta you have made, home!
  • Lunch at Sofia’s traditional restaurant. Usually she and her dad Francesco, prepare fresh handmade pasta with seasonal vegetables or local meat, ragu with mushrooms and tomato sauce for example, roasted meat with lots of spices and “favetta”, pie with seasonal jam

PM

  • We take a leisurely walk along the walls of the village from where you will admire amazing landscapes of the sea and the Apennines.We will visit Daniele’s “bottega” and workshop of pottery, where you will learn of this ancient tradition attributed to the  rich clay found in Fratte Rosa and surrounding areas
  • We will close this rich and interesting day with a visit at the  organic winery of Luca and Vittorio, two passionate siblings and their families…We tour the vineyards and cellar, and enjoy wine tasting with local products
  • The evening is free for you to experience dinner on your own in Fano. After enjoying our traditional lunch and wine tasting with some food, based on our many years of experience, we know that nobody is looking for a rich dinner, so our travelers usually enjoy spending time like a local trying a simple aperitif, a gelato or a pizza. Obviously Michela and/or Giulia will suggest their favorite places
DAY 3 | Tuesday | Fano and the fishermen’s life, “brodetto” fish soup is waiting for you! (breakfast, aperitivo, cooking demonstration, lunch)

AM

  •  After breakfast we’ll walk to the fish market (10’) and travel downtown where our chef for passion Ivana is waiting for us. With her, we will choose the fish to prepare the “brodetto” soup, a special fish soup of local and ancient culinary tradition of Fano. We then visit the local town market, where we will find local products such as cheese, salami, bread and pizza, seasonal fruit and vegetables. Here you’ll have the possibility to practice a little bit of Italian even if you don’t speak any of it
  • Next, we’ll walk to the port to meet Andrea, a young man who hails from a family of  fishermen, telling us about life on the fishing boat, and the ancient tradition of clam fishing
  • Let’s taste the delicious and very traditional “vongole alla poretta” typical of Fano with a glass of local wine and drink “Moretta” at a local establishment: a bar but it is much more than a bar, where local fishermen hang out
  • We travel to the hills just outside of Fano to Ivana’s country house. Are you ready to sit and taste? Show-cooking and lunch all together. The focus: “brodetto” fish soup and other delicacies. Ivana and Otello are farmers and live in a relaxing place surrounded by ancient olive-trees, vegetable gardens, and nature. Possibility to visit Otello’s centuries olive-trees

PM

  • Head back to your hotel in the afternoon. Free leisure time or the possibility to explore Fano’s historic center: Augustus’ Arch, Roman Walls, the sacred chapel Nolfi inside the Cathedral, the historical theater (outside) in Piazza XX Settembre, the lively squares and shops, with your tour leader Michela
  •  Dinner on your own, Michela and/or Giulia will suggest their favorite places
DAY 4 | Wednesday | Urbino: Unesco Heritage Site discovered through the blue color called “guado”... A special day among art, history, and heritage (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

AM

  • After breakfast, we’ll travel to the very charming Urbino where your local guide Silvia is waiting for you to explore the ideal court of Renaissance in Italy through the history and meaning of the very ancient blue color “guado” starting from the Botanic Garden (if opened) where you can discover the plant from which this color is produced
  • Next we’ll walk through the historic center of the town crossing Piazza della Repubblica, up to the Cathedral, the Ducal Palace/National Art Gallery to Alessandra who opens her home, situated in an ancient building (1544). She will tell us the origins and evolution of the Guado color, that we find in the works of art of the most important Italian Renaissance painters such as Piero della Francesca just to name one
  •  We will proceed with our visit to a hidden gem, a small place with its indoor walls completely covered by frescoes by Salimbeni brothers (from Marche Region) and where you can admire this color with your eyes! 
  • Monia, our host, will prepare lunch for us focused on local products of Urbino and the Montefeltro area: usually she proposes bread with fresh truffle, polenta with cheese cream and fresh truffle, local salami and ricotta cheese with wild and black cherries of Cantiano, very local…and of course, all paired with local wine!

PM

  • Free afternoon in Urbino where you can visit on your own: Palazzo Ducale/National Art Gallery of Marche Region, Raphael’s birthplace, or do some shopping
  •  Enjoy our group dinner at a local restaurant in Fano, walking distance from the hotel
DAY 5 | Thursday | Truffle hunting in Acqualagna and exploring nature at Gola del Furlo…flavors and nature…what else? (breakfast, lunch)

AM

  • After breakfast we’ll travel to Acqualagna, a very well-known village for its production of truffles!
  • Paolo, your local hunter and his dog Lilla, on a very easy walk, will guide and show you the truffle hunting among the fields and woods around Acqualagna discovering the characteristics of this special product, the utensils used, the training of dogs and …other secrets
  • Visit their small workshop with Lorenzo to see how truffles are cleaned, preserved and transformed
  • Lunch at Susy’s family restaurant operating for three generations, to taste her traditional recipes: usually she prepares homemade pasta with fresh truffle, eggs with fresh truffle followed by dessert prepared with truffle…full immersion day for you!

PM

  • The ancient consular, Roman Road Flaminia is waiting for you at “Gola del Furlo” a fascinating place where colors and vegetation will capture your attention immediately. Meeting with Maurizio, to discover the life of a special animal inhabiting  this place for a long time: the eagle. Enjoy magic storytelling and learning a lot of interesting information about local life through the passion and knowledge of our expert and passionate historian
  • Dinner on your own: Michela and/or Giulia will suggest you their favourite places
DAY 6 | Friday | Free morning. Natalia (sculptress) in Sant’Ippolito and “l’oli bon” (good olive oil) in Cartoceto! (breakfast, tasting, dinner)

AM

  • Breakfast and free time for your own activities, which could be: going to one of the many beaches, biking, taking part in some extra activities/excursions or whatever you prefer to explore Fano
  • Lunch on your own

PM

  • We travel to Sant’Ippolito where our sculptress Natalia is waiting for us. She creates Virgin Marias using sandstone; she is the ambassador of this ancient tradition of “scalpellini” stonemasons in this small and ancient village. It’s a short walk inside the ancient part of this small town to admire the amazing landscape with sloping hills toward the Adriatic Sea
  • We end our afternoon and evening in a special place: Cartoceto, called the “town of the oil” where you can find “l’ oli bon”, and meet Tommaso who will guide us to visit the olive oil mill
  • Last dinner together in the “osteria” of the olive oil mill in a familiar atmosphere and place up on the hills just behind Fano
DAY 7 | Saturday | Arrivederci Le Marche and transfer to Rome airport!

After breakfast we will leave (usually at 09:00 am) for Rome Fiumicino Airport or your next destination (Rome Fiumicino is about 3,5 hours driving from Fano) so make sure to get an afternoon flight (after 3:00 pm)

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NOTE ABOUT YOUR ITINERARY 

Your Itinerary is a guide to your activities during the week. However, sometimes we modify the final itinerary to take advantage of the season and the weather. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has a fabulous time, and that sometimes means tweaking the schedule even after your arrival. Your guide will provide suggestions during the week, and the group will decide if any modifications are desired. Be assured that only enhanced experiences are ever considered.

PRICE

5-11 May 2024: € 1,995.00*

6-12 October 2024: € 1,995.00*

*Prices are per person and land only, with accommodation in a twin/double room with ensuite bathroom. Airfare and travel insurance are not included. Single occupancy supplement: + € 160.

During this tour you will stay at Hotel Angela*** with sea view and at walking distance from the historical downtown or similar accommodation. You can also choose to upgrade to a boutique hotel**** in front of the ancient Roman walls of Fano and the entrance to the historical downtown without sea view.  Inquire Fabrizio for a quote.

Click here for exchange rate

WHY US?

WE ARE PROUD TO BE LOCAL

  • Only 100% authentic experiences
  • Deep connections with the people who live here
  • We have a passion for our culture and our communities

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME TRIP

  • Read the glowing reviews from our  guests on Tripadvisor
  • We know how to make you feel right at home
  • We keep our groups small so we can  take care of every detail

SUSTAINABILITY AND PASSION

  • We promote the local culture as a sign of responsible travel
  • We are focused on preserving our way of life
  • We involve small, family-run and passion-driven businesses

FAQ

Italia Sweet Italia (ISI) is a small incoming tour operator specialized in organizing vacations around Abruzzo Italy, our home. ISI is a fully licensed company covered by insurance policy no. 4378340 by Europe Assistance Italia S.p.A. band authorised by the local government to create and sell tour packages from 2011. 

Our mission is to show people from all over the world the beauty of Abruzzo and other Italian regions so they can experience our homeland, traditions, arts and folklore in a unique way, also demonstrating the benefits of sustainable tourism to everyone. In order to help you discover everything Abruzzo and other Italian regions have to offer, we organize small groups (up to 12 people) escorted tours including cultural, culinary, active, pottery, Italian language and ancestry experiences. We are happy to create a tailored vacation around your wishes. Our tours provide you with the rare opportunity to be invited into homes and farms, as well as into the daily lives of locals.

ABRUZZO TOURS

Yes, Fabrizio will be happy to guide you to let you discover his Abruzzo although there may always be some unforeseen events that may make it necessary to replace Fabrizio with another experienced and trusted Abruzzese guide who has worked with Fabrizio for many years.

ABRUZZO AND PUGLIA TOUR

Yes, Fabrizio will be happy to guide you for the first 5 days of the tour to let you discover his Abruzzo although there may always be some unforeseen event that may make it necessary to replace Fabrizio with another experienced and trusted Abruzzese guide who has worked with Fabrizio for many years. In Puglia there will be Katia, an enthusiastic local guide who share our philosophy and we prefer to have people that love and know everything (or almost) about their region just like Fabrizio does for Abruzzo. It’s best to have the knowledge of a local to appreciate all that is local. Rest assured that we designed the tour together and Fabrizio has personally met the local suppliers to make sure they share Italia Sweet Italia’s philosophy and style to create new and unique trips to support small local businesses and sustainable tourism.

TOURS IN OTHER ITALIAN REGIONS

No, Fabrizio won’t personally lead these tours. We prefer to entrust our trips to enthusiastic local guides who share our philosophy. While it would be wonderful to have Fabrizio accompany the tour, we believe in giving space to individuals from the area who have a deep love and knowledge of the region. Nonetheless, Fabrizio has worked closely with local suppliers to ensure they align with Italia Sweet Italia’s values and style. This collaboration allows us to create new and unique trips while supporting small local businesses and sustainable tourism.

Here are some general information, please read in the final part of the tour brochure that you can download by clicking on the Download free brochure button (button you will find on the page you are reading) all the details about the pick up time, drop off, the duration of the transfer to and from the hotel and the meeting point which is very simple.

Pick up

For all the small group tours listed in our calendar, the pick up is planned at 12:30 pm on day 1 at Rome Fiumicino airport  for tours in Abruzzo, Puglia and Le Marche and at 2:30 pm at Bologna and Palermo airports for tours in Emilia Romagna and Sicily.

Drop-off

For the drop-off we usually leave the hotel at 9:00 am after breakfast.

Private pick-up and drop-off for group tours

Of course, we are always happy to support you to organize a private pick up/drop off only for you to let you join our small group tours listed in our calendar

Connecting to or from another part of Italy

If you are connecting to or from another part of Italy we are happy to assist you in planning your pre and post trip connections. If your planned arrival or departure does not coincide with the specified meeting time we can assist you in booking a private transfer at an additional cost or some extra nights.

Once a complete booking is made you may also contact us directly for further details and assistance. We are always here to help and have insider knowledge and on the ground support to ensure you find the best option available to arrive or depart from your tour.

Make sure to arrive at the meeting point on time but don’t get stressed

Please note that all guests joining our tours are responsible for ensuring they make it to the meeting point by the indicated time. Those who are unable to be on time will not be guaranteed a transfer from the airport and will have to seek other arrangements to participate in the remainder of the tour. Anyway, don’t worry, in most cases, there are public buses or trains that connect the airport with our locations. 

Private pick-up and drop-off for group tours

Of course, we are always happy to support you to organize a private pick up/drop off only for you to let you join our small group tours listed in our calendar which needs to be quoted as an extra cost.

Connecting to or from another part of Italy

If you are connecting to or from another part of Italy we are happy to assist you in planning your pre and post trip connections. If your planned arrival or departure does not coincide with the specified meeting time we can assist you in booking a private transfer at an additional cost or some extra nights inItaly. 

Once a complete booking is made you may also contact us directly for further details and assistance. We are always here to help and have the insider knowledge and on the ground support to ensure you find the best option available to arrive or depart from your tour.

For arriving in Italy (Rome or other airports) from abroad, we recommend allowing an average of 1.5 to 3 hours before our meeting.

This timeframe accounts for the time needed for the customs clearance process, baggage retrieval, and reaching our meeting point.

Our travelers typically take between 40 minutes and 1 hour to complete these procedures.

Arriving early will allow you to manage any delays and complete the checks without rushing.

As for returning from Italy ((Rome or other airports) to your Country, we suggest arriving at the airport at least 2 or 3 hours before the scheduled departure time of your international flight.

This additional time is necessary for check-in, security screening, and customs checks for international flights.

Please note that these times are indicative and may vary depending on passenger flow and the efficiency of checks at the time of travel.

Therefore, it’s advisable to plan with some extra time to avoid stressful situations.

To book your flights and check available schedules, we recommend using the website www.skyscanner.com.

This tool allows you to compare different flight options and find the best solution for your travel needs.

  • Our tours are suitable for everybody that travelled enough to know that touristy vacations are just not them and long for more authentic travel, ways to truly experience the culture and people they’re visiting
  • Our travellers appreciate la dolce vita and the pleasures of exquisite food, wine, and fellowship with others who share their passions
  • Our guests are not afraid to take bold steps…to learn something new…to explore something completely out of the ordinary
  • The minimum age for pre-arranged tours is 14 (14-18 accompanied by an adult) with no upper age limit. For tailor-made and private tours any age is fine
  • Our tours are perfect for solo travellers (we don’t charge single room supplements for our 7-day tours in Abruzzo), couples, groups of friends and even families are welcomed
  • Our guests don’t need to have any experience in cooking or painting or do pottery or speaking Italian to join our tours. Our experienced course tutors will soon discover your level of knowledge and will adapt their approach accordingly

All classes are taught in both Italian and English so you’ll have the opportunity to learn and practice a little bit of Italian

The booking process with Italia Sweet Italia is very simple. All you have to do is follow the 2 easy steps. At any stage you are welcome to contact us and we will help you with any doubts or problems:

  1. To Pay a deposit of 25% per person by:
  2.     Credit card using the book now button on the tour page
  3.   Bank Transfer

(Italia Sweet Italia Holidays di Lucci Fabrizio)

Account number: 1231254113 IBAN: IT21R0526277910CC1231254113 SWIFT: BPPUIT33 Banca Popolare Pugliese – Società cooperative per azioni Via XXIV Maggio, 25 66054 Vasto (CH) – Italy. Motivation of the payment: Deposit for Tour… to add name of the tour, month and year). Please inform your bank to make it directly in €.

  1. You pay the 75% balance within 45 days before arrival

You can pay the balance by Bank Transfer or Credit card (you will receive an automatic email from our booking platform).

Tours booked less than 45 days before their start date must be paid in full

Welcome to Italia Sweet Italia, where each day blends cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and culinary delights. Arriving at Rome Fiumicino airport, our team whisks you away to Sulmona or Vasto amidst the stunning Abruzzo landscape. After settling in, explore at your leisure before a warm welcome briefing with our guide. Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine at local eateries, with flexibility to accommodate preferences. From optional activities to leisurely strolls, every moment promises an unforgettable Italian adventure. Read more 

PHOTOS

MAP

REVIEWS

Price: € 1,995

Cultural, Culinary and Active Tours in Italy - Enquiry

To get more info and for booking enquiries, select your preferred starting date, add your personal data and needs and I’ll get back to you with more information accordingly as soon as I can! Thanks, Fabrizio

Download Free Brochure

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Cultural, Culinary and Active Tours in Italy - Travel Privately

To get more info and for booking enquiries, select your preferred starting date, add your personal data and needs and I’ll get back to you with more information accordingly as soon as I can! Thanks, Fabrizio, Founder and Tour guide

  • This tour can be booked privately from a minimum of 6 travellers
  • There may be an additional fee when booking this tour privately

Discover Authentic Italy With Fabrizio: How to Plan an Amazing Tour of Abruzzo

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