Fabrizio Lucci
Founder & Tour Guide of Italia Sweet Italia
Fabrizio Lucci
Founder & Tour Guide of Italia Sweet Italia
Available on request
Fully escorted small groups tour up to 12 travelers
Join us to a 7-day learning holiday in the undiscovered gem of Italy, Abruzzo, where the richness of both north and south converges amidst stunning landscapes! Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey with our specially crafted learning holiday, exclusively designed for U3A members in the UK, Australia, and fellow lifelong learners from the USA!
Engage your senses in the vibrant landscapes, from picturesque medieval villages to rolling hills and centuries-old olive trees steeped in history. Immerse yourself in the rich aroma of authentic Italian dishes and the sweet scent of freshly harvested herbs during hands-on cooking classes. Feel the clay beneath your fingers as you explore the art of pottery and touch the essence of the region’s traditions. Taste the excellence of local Dop wines and master the appreciation of olive oil.
This journey is a sensory feast, where the beauty of learning intertwines with the charm of Italy, creating lasting memories. Join us for an unforgettable adventure, unlocking the undiscovered treasures of Abruzzo!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Live like a local and sleep in a charming ancient Roman town on the Adriatic Sea
- Walk along the breathtaking Abruzzo mountains and the coastline
- Enjoy amazing landscapes that spread out from the sea to the mountains
- Prepare homemade pasta and pizza with local women
- Discover the fascinating trabocchi fishing huts
- Explore enchanted castles
- Visit Abruzzo’s acclaimed wine makers
ITINERARY
PM
- Private group pick up at Rome Fiumicino Airport or Naples or Pescara (to be agreed) after crossing beautiful Abruzzo mountains looking at amazing landscapes, hilltop villages and castles
- Check in at the charming and family run Hotel dei 7 (or a similar accommodation) in the historical downtown
- Get to know your local guide and Italia Sweet Italia founderFabrizio and learn more about this learning cultural and culinary vacation
- Walking to a traditional restaurant to enjoy a welcome group dinner in the heart of Vasto
* B= Breakfast | L=Lunch | D=Dinner | T=Tasting | C=Cooking Lesson
After a leisurely traditional breakfast made of freshly baked bread, whole fruit country-style preserves, cake, pastries, coffee, tea and freshly squeezed juice:
AM
- We’ll walk and visit Vasto’s colorful market to get seasonal products. 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 drive to the beautiful countryside of Vasto where we’ll meet Fabrizio’s family to have an exclusive cooking class with them and we’ll learn how easy it is to make fresh pasta and we’ll be introduced to Abruzzo sauces
- An example menu based on Fabrizio’s family recipes, includes Bread with meat sauce, Pasta alla chitarra with meat sauce, polpette (meatballs), and Tarallucci (typical biscuits from Abruzzo)
PM
- Lunch with the scrumptious dishes that we prepared in the morning, while enjoying the relaxing family atmosphere
- After a short break to relax, in the afternoon we’ll explore Vasto historic center: Loggia Amblingh, a promenade overlooking the fascinating crescent-shaped coastline, the old town with its medieval Castle, charming lanes, a tower, the Cathedral and Piazza Rossetti, dedicated to Gabriele Rossetti, a poet from the town and father of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood
- Before free time, we’ll meet some local artisans or artists
- In the evening you may experience dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants of Vasto. After the big family lunch, 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 Fabrizio will suggest you his favorite places
AM
- After breakfast we’ll explore the famous Trabocchi coast. We’ll start with a short and easy walk inside Punta Aderci Nature Reserve, one of the 12 most beautiful Italian beaches according to the National Geographic From there, you can also glimpse the snow-capped peaks of Italy’s Apennines Mountain range*
- Next we’ll visit the enchanting Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, part of an ancient monastery located on a hillside facing the sea. The abbey dominates the coastline and is surrounded by orange, olive, oak and pine treesNext we’ll visit a “trabocco,” Abruzzo’s unique fishing platforms and an important symbol of the area. Built mostly with acacia wood and railway iron sleepers, we’ll learn more about them from our host, Rinaldo. The secrets and history behind these traboccos have been featured in the BBC TV show: ”Escape to the Continent”
- Weather permitting, we’ll help Rinaldo fish!
- We’ll then enjoy a delicious seafood luncheon, prepared exclusively for us by Rinaldo’s wife, Maria, and dine al fresco on our perch overlooking the Adriatic Sea
PM
- Feel free to relax or take some great photos of the surrounding beautiful marinescape
- Free afternoon from around 3:30 pm
- Tonight we’ll dine together in a traditional restaurant in the heart of Vasto
*If you prefer, on this day instead of the short and simple walk and visit to the abbey, we could do a painting class (watercolors) in a unique location on the trabocco (before lunch on the trabocco)
* B= Breakfast | L=Lunch | D=Dinner | T=Tasting | C=Cooking Lesson
AM
- After breakfast we’ll drive to the little hilltop village of Lentella at Ettore’s “Fattoria d’Arte” (Art farm)
- Surrounded by an amazing landscape with a stunning view of the sea, mountains, hills and small towns, Ettore, will teach you to create your very own picture postcard made using the natural pigments produced by combining the leaves and flowers that we’ll pick ourselves on Ettore’s property!
- We’ll enjoy an aperitif and a traditional lunch with Ettore, and his wife, Barbara
PM – FREE TIME
- We know that not every minute of your days in Abruzzo must be packed with organised events. Take this afternoon to actually live like an Italian. Slow down or explore on your own. Enjoy your afternoon
- You might choose to go to one of the many area beaches, visit Vasto’s museums and art galleries, take part in some optional local activities or excursions, shop, or simply stroll the “piazza” taking in the relaxing Vasto vibe
- In the evening, dinner is on your own
*If you prefer, on this day instead of the short and simple walk, we could do a pottery class (clay manipulation) or a painting (watercolor) class in the same location
* B= Breakfast | L=Lunch | D=Dinner | T=Tasting | C=Cooking Lesson
AM
- After breakfast we’ll make our way to a farmhouse where Pina and Berardino will reveal the secrets of farming letting you immerse in an authentic slow food experience. You could relax in the beautiful Abruzzo countryside or take part into some or all of these experiences
- We’ll learn how to make a special bread called “pizza scima – stupid pizza”, a pizza without yeast
- After collecting some organic wine from their winery, we’ll have an aperitif including a taste of their production: cheeses, salami and extra virgin olive oil
- Next we’ll learn how to prepare ricotta cheese
- Finally we’ll collect the fresh vegetables from their garden that will be used for our farm-to-table lunch
- A delicious traditional farm-to-table lunch will be prepared and served
- Almost everything we’ll eat is produced in the farm (wheat to produce the organic flour to make different kinds of breads, cookies and fresh pasta together with eggs from their hens, organic extra virgin olive oil, wines, liquors, juices, jams, cheeses, many varieties of salami, meats and vegetables)
PM
- In the afternoon, immersed in the nature and surrounded by amazing sceneries, we’ll drive in the inland to explore the enchanting Abruzzo’s castle in the sky in the charming village of Roccascalegna, ranked by Condé Naste Traveler as one of the 9 Most Beautiful Hilltop Towns in Italy
- After the big lunch at the farm, in the evening you may enjoy a dinner or aperitif on your own in one of the many restaurants and wine bars of Vasto
* B= Breakfast | L=Lunch | D=Dinner | T=Tasting | C=Cooking Lesson
AM
- After breakfast we’ll visit an Olive Grove that has been farmed by Giovanni’s family for three generations to produce DOP olive oils. He will unfurl the secrets of what Homer described as “liquid gold” and we will finish with an olive oil tasting
- Next we’ll visit an award winning winery that sits between a marine park and the mountains. We’ll make a wine tasting and lunch with pairings from local cheeses and salami and a tour of the vineyard and cellars organized by the winemakers Emanuele and Nicola
PM
- After lunch in the winery and a short break at the hotel, we’ll drive to the little hilltop village of Lentella at Ettore’s “Fattoria d’Arte” (Art farm)
- Surrounded by an enchanting landscape with breathtaking views of the sea, mountains, rolling hills, and charming villages, you can indulge in an easy walk and a unique artistic experience with Ettore. He will guide you in creating your own special Abruzzo souvenir—a postcard crafted with natural colors made from leaves and flowers that you can gather from Ettore’s property. (For those who prefer not to join the artistic activity, there are other delightful options: wander through nature amidst captivating artworks, unwind with a glass of fine wine, or simply marvel at the stunning panorama of the sea, majestic mountains, olive groves, vineyards, and picturesque hilltop villages)
- In the evening we’ll have the last dinner together as an Italian family with Ettore and his wife Barbara
All good things must come to an end. After breakfast, we leave for Rome Fiumicino airport or other airports or locations according to your needs
MORE ACTIVITIES
According to your interests and needs we could add/eliminate activities and days to create a tailor-made holiday for your U3A/organization group. We can accommodate groups of up to 50 people – although this is not possible for all the activities we offer such us cooking, painting, pottery or Italian language classes. Please see our Tailor-made section. As well as cooking, painting, pottery and Italian language classes, which include wine tastings and other goodies, there’s a wide choice of other activities to build into a tailor-made holiday. Some examples of the possible activities are a visit to local castles, a wine tasting class, visits to wineries and olive oil mills, grape harvest, olive harvest, truffle hunting, cycling, fishing from a trabocco (an ancient fishing equipment typical to Abruzzo), cheese making, day trips to Rome, Naples or other destinations and many more activities.
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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 PER PERSON
from € 1,750.00 per person in double room (depends on the number of participants, agreed itinerary, accommodation and period)
Small groups up to 16 people, minimum 6 people.
Discover here about a similar tour we have already organized for a U3A group from UK.
* Prices are per person and land only, with accommodation in a twin/double room with ensuite bathroom. Airfare and travel insurance are not included.
Click here for exchange rate
- 6 Nights accommodation at Hotel dei 7 in the centre of Vasto or similar accommodation
- All breakfasts at our hotel
- The following meals (food, water, locally sourced wine wine): 6 breakfasts (all at our hotel), 5 lunches, 3 tastings and 3 dinners
- 2 hands-on authentic Abruzzo cooking classes and associated food costs
- Art experience with a local artist
- Daily trips, experiences and excursions
- All transport for daily trips and excursions (8-seat mini-van/6 seat new car)
- Pick-up and drop-off at Rome Fiumicino airport or other airports on request (8-seat mini-van/6 seat new car)
- Personalized cooking booklet and apron
- All transports for daily trips and excursions
- All entry fees for excursions, tours and wine, olive oil and cheese tastings
- Materials for possible painting, ceramics or other courses
- English-speaking tour manager throughout the vacation
- All taxes except city tax
- Airfare
- Money spent on personal items or for optional activities or excursions not specified on the itinerary
- Snacks/Drinks between meals, or any meals not listed on the itinerary
- Personal expenses like phone calls, visa costs, laundry or tips
- Travel insurance (not obligatory, but recommended)
- Drinks not listed in the itinerary (an extra bottle of wine, for example)
- City tax (at the moment € 2 per night per person to be paid at hotel)
During this tour you will stay at the centrally located Hotel dei 7 or a similar accommodation.
You can also choose to upgrade to a lovely boutique residence located in the heart of Vasto. Originally an 18th-century mansion, it has been renovated into an upscale B&B with 5 bedrooms, located on the Amblingh promenade. Discover more here and inquire for a quote.
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
- We know how to let you feel that at home
- We keep our groups small to take care of all the details
- Discover our guest reviews on Tripadvisor
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. and 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 and Le Marche, at 2:30 pm at Bologna and Palermo airports for tours in Emilia Romagna and Sicily, at 1:00-1:30 pm or at 4:00-4:30 pm at Bari airport or Train station for the 7-day Puglia tour (see details in the brochures).
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.
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.
- 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:
- To Pay a deposit of 25% per person by:
- Credit card using the book now button on the tour page
- Bank Transfer to Italia Sweet Italia Holidays S.R.L. Unipersonale
Account number: 1230542024 IBAN: IT41Y0526277910CC1230542024 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 €.
- 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
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Price from: € 1,750
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