Fabrizio Lucci
Founder & Tour Guide of Italia Sweet Italia
Fabrizio Lucci
Founder & Tour Guide of Italia Sweet Italia
Price: € 2,595
Minimum of 8 participants
17 – 24 October 2027
13 – 20 June 2027
Start - End: Rome Fiumicino Airport/City Center
This unique Italian sustainable and cultural Hosted Discovery is crafted specifically for our return travelers who have already experienced the magic of Abruzzo with Fabrizio.
Since you are now part of our extended family, we want to take you further—beyond the places you know—into the untamed beauty of the Apennine mountains and the poetic soul of the Adriatic coast.
Our goal is to explore new, breathtaking mountain landscapes through a “Triple National Park” vision, celebrating Abruzzo as the greenest region in Europe. We will journey through the wild Gran Sasso, the sacred Maiella, and the pristine Abruzzo National Park—the “Green Heart” that beats with a strength you won’t find anywhere else.
At the same time, this trip is a warm invitation to return to Vasto as old friends. We will relive cherished traditions and discover new secrets, including soulful reunions with Mamma Anna Maria and Rosa for our family cooking rituals, and a special afternoon at the Art Farm with the artist Ettore and his wife Barbara.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Soulful Family Reunion: Return to Vasto as an "old friend" to reunite with Fabrizio’s family (Mamma Anna Maria and Rosa) and the creative spirit of Ettore and Barbara.
- Triple National Park Vision: Deeply immerse yourself in the three distinct hearts of Abruzzo: the wild Gran Sasso, the sacred Maiella, and the historic Abruzzo National Park.
- The Greenest Region of Europe: Discover why Abruzzo is the true "Green Heart," experiencing the powerful silence of high mountain peaks.
- Ancient Echoes in Agnone: Discover the world’s second-oldest family business at the Pontifical Bell Foundry and taste award-winning caciocavallo cheeses.
- Sleeping Beauties: Explore new hidden gems like Pescocostanzo and Barrea
- Majestic Ruins & Spirituality: Visit the iconic ruins of Rocca Calascio, the "Sistine Chapel" of Bominaco, and the silent Hermitage of Santo Spirito.
- The Sea from the Mountains: Experience the legendary 5,000ft view from Passo Lanciano, where the white Apennines seem to dive into the deep blue sea.
- Authentic Hands-on Traditions: From grilling Arrosticini in the mountains to cooking with Mamma Anna Maria and Rosa in Vasto.
- Support sustainable tourism by meeting passionate local producers and artists
ITINERARY
Activities: Pick-up from Rome FCO Airport or Rome Center & Welcome Dinner in Sulmona
PM
- Our journey begins with a personalized pick-up at Rome Fiumicino Airport (12:30 pm). Alternatively, if you decide to stay in the city, we can arrange a private pick-up at a location in Rome center, such as your hotel (please note that, as we have two 8-seater minivans available, we can accommodate a maximum of 8 people at each meeting point. We will then transfer you comfortably to the elegant town of Sulmona).
- Check-in at the Hotel Ovidius or Hotel Rojan, right in the historic center, where you stayed and felt at home last year. We will gather for a warm welcome dinner in a traditional restaurant to toast to new memories under the Sulmona moon.
Activities: Aielli "Borgo Universo" Murales Tour & Naturalistic Walk
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 travel to Aielli, an ancient medieval village perched high in the mountains that has become an incredible open-air museum. We will “romance” the streets to admire the world-famous Murales of “Borgo Universo,” where modern art, astronomy, and literature transform the stone walls into a dreamscape. Seeing the entire text of a classic novel painted across the village is a truly magical sight.
- Lunch: A traditional meal in Aielli featuring the authentic, robust flavors of the Marsica mountain region.
PM
- We head to the Riserva Naturale Gole del Sagittario for a light, easy walk through one of Italy’s most spectacular canyons, returning to Sulmona as the sun begins to set. Click here for a preview of this Walk.
- Evening: Return to Sulmona. Tonight is the perfect chance to stroll through the elegant squares. As we are a true family and a community of friends, we believe in sharing every step of our journey. That is why, by tonight, we will gather together with passion to decide our shared menu for the Vasto cooking class later this week!
- In the evening, you may experience dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants of Sulmona. Obviously Fabrizio will suggest to you his favorite places
Activities: Bominaco Oratory, Santo Stefano di Sessanio discovery, Arrosticini Picnic & World-Famous Castle
AM
- Our morning begins with a visit of the Oratory of San Pellegrino in Bominaco, the “Sistine Chapel of Abruzzo.” Its celestial 13th-century frescoes wrap around you in a romantic embrace of color and mystery. Click here for a preview of Bominaco.
- Next we’ll visit the captivating village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a perfectly preserved medieval jewel. Once a powerful Medici stronghold for the wool trade, its vaulted stone alleys and silent piazzas whisper stories of ancient elegance.
- Late AM: We then ascend to Campo Imperatore, the “Little Tibet” of Italy. Perched high in the heart of the Gran Sasso National Park, the vast landscapes of this plateau offer a sense of wild freedom and beauty that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped onto another world.
- Lunch: We will enjoy an authentic Arrosticini sheep skewers picnic. We will grill these traditional skewers together over an open fire, accompanied by local cheeses, salami, and fine wine.
PM
- We visit Rocca Calascio, spectacular medieval ruins named by National Geographic as one of the 15 most beautiful castles in the world.
- Evening: Return to Sulmona. Fabrizio is always available to suggest new corners of the town to explore for a light bite to end your day
Activities: Pescocostanzo Discovery, Barrea Lake & Wildlife Spotting
AM
- We travel through high mountain plateaus to reach Pescocostanzo, an unexpected jewel of Abruzzo. Known for its sophisticated Renaissance and Baroque architecture, we will wander through stone-paved alleys, discovering the ancient arts of bobbin lace and filigree jewelry that still thrive here. It is a place where time seems to have stood still in a dream of elegance. See the beauty of this village here.
- Lunch: A traditional meal in a local tavern featuring high-altitude mountain specialties, such as local cheeses and slow-cooked legumes.
PM
- We venture into the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise, a sanctuary of biodiversity. We’ll stop at the panoramic village of Barrea, which offers breathtaking views of the turquoise lake below.
- Our journey continues to Villetta Barrea, the “village of deer,” where these majestic animals often roam freely through the streets, living in harmony with the community. It is a rare and moving encounter with wild nature.
- We return to Sulmona via the scenic Passo Godi, crossing wild landscapes before descending through the dramatic and winding Sagittario Gorges.
- Evening: Final evening in Sulmona. This is your time to enjoy a last stroll along the Corso, perhaps picking up some famous confetti or enjoying an aperitivo in the main piazza as the sun sets over the mountains.
Activities: Hermitage of Santo Spirito, Mountain Picnic & Passo Lanciano: A Spiritual Journey from Peaks to Waves
AM
- We bid farewell to Sulmona to penetrate the wild heart of the Maiella National Park, the “Mother Mountain” of Abruzzo. Our first sanctuary is the Hermitage of Santo Spirito, a breathtaking jewel carved into the living rock. Here, silence speaks volumes as we explore the caves where the hermit Pope Celestine V sought divine peace.
- Lunch: Under the cool canopy of ancient forests, we will enjoy a traditional nature picnic, breathing in the pure mountain air while savoring the simple, robust flavors of the park.
PM
- The journey continues through the dramatic Passo San Leonardo, ascending toward the sky until we reach Passo Lanciano (5,000ft). Prepare to have your breath taken away: from this natural balcony, you will experience the iconic “Sea from the Mountains” view. On clear days, the white limestone peaks of the Apennines seem to dive directly into the shimmering deep blue of the Adriatic Sea—a sight that stays in your heart forever.
- From these celestial heights, we begin our descent toward the coast, leaving the mountain silence for the gentle rhythm of the tides.
- Transfer to the charming Roman seaside town of Vasto. Check-in at Hotel dei 7, situated in the historic San Michele neighborhood where Fabrizio was born and raised. Read my personal story here.
- Evening: Welcome dinner in Vasto’s historic center to enjoy the seaside atmosphere.
Activities: Cheese tasting & Visit the Pontifical Bell Foundry
AM
- We head to Agnone to visit a historic dairy. You will experience a cheese tasting featuring award-winning mozzarella and caciocavallo, recognized among the best in Italy
- Visit the Marinelli Pontifical Bell Foundry, the second-oldest family-managed business in the world. You will enjoy an emotional tour of the Bell Museum and the foundry where bells are still handmade for the Vatican.
- Lunch: A traditional meal at a typical restaurant in Agnone.
PM
- We return to Vasto around 4:00 pm to enjoy some free time
- Evening: Return to Vasto. Experience dinner on your own in one of Vasto’s many restaurants; Fabrizio will suggest his favorite local spots.
Activities: Market Visit, Cooking Class & Ettore’s Art Farm Gathering
AM
- Market visit with Fabrizio to select ingredients, followed by an exclusive Cooking Class with Rosa and Mamma Anna Maria. By our second day in Sulmona, we will have decided our shared menu together!
- Lunch: We feast together on our creations.
PM
- After lunch 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)
- Evening: we’ll have the last dinner together in Abruzzo as an Italian family with Ettore and his wife Barbara
Activities: Group Transfer to Rome Airport
AM
- After a final breakfast together with your “traveler family,” we will depart for Rome Fiumicino Airport (or your next destination). The drive from Vasto to Rome typically takes about 3.5 hours.
- To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for everyone, the departure time will be coordinated based on the flight needs of the entire group. It is usually scheduled for 9:00 am, but we can leave earlier if everyone agrees.
- For those extending their stay or traveling elsewhere, we can coordinate transfers to your hotel in Rome City Center or to the Vasto Train Station, which is conveniently only 15 minutes away. From Vasto station, you can easily catch trains to Northern Italy (e.g., Milan) or Southern Italy (e.g., Bari).
- Important: We highly recommend scheduling your return flight after 3:00 pm to allow ample time for the transfer and airport check-in procedures.
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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.
In particular, for our mountain excursions and outdoor picnics, if the weather conditions do not allow for the planned activities, Fabrizio will always consider and substitute them with a “Plan B” of equal value and beauty. 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
8-day package
13 – 20 June 2027: € 2,595
17 – 24 October 2027: € 2,595
*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 (double room for single use): € 210.
Click here for exchange rate
Included in the price
Accommodation
- 7 Nights accommodation (Room type: Classic/Standard) at selected boutique hotels:
4 Nights at Hotel Ovidius**** in the heart of Sulmona historic center (or similar such as Hotel Rojan****)
3 Nights at Hotel dei 7*** in the historic San Michele neighborhood of Vasto (or similar such as Hotel San Marco***) - Breakfast Buffet Daily
- 9 traditional meals (starters, a first or second dish, dessert, water, coffee and locally sourced wine) in selected restaurants, agriturismos, and private homes, based on traditional regional dishes
- All cheese and local product tastings as specified in the itinerary
Transport
- Pick-up and drop-off at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
- All transport for daily trips and excursions in two comfortable, air-conditioned 8-seater minivans.
- All taxes, fuel, and parking fees
Experiences & Services
- English-speaking tour managers throughout the entire duration of the tour
- Local licensed guides
- 1 hands-on cooking class in Vasto including all food costs.
- Guided visits to local artisans (sculptors)
- Personalized cooking booklet and professional apron
- All entry fees for excursions, museums, and national park tours included in the itinerary
All taxes except for the local city tax (to be paid individually at hotels)
- Airfares: We recommend using www.skyscanner.com to check and book your flights.
- Any meals not clearly mentioned in the “What is Included” section.
- All drinks, snacks, and coffee breaks between meals not specifically listed on the itinerary.
Personal extras such as phone calls, laundry, or tips. - Visa costs (if applicable).
- Drinks not listed in the itinerary (e.g., an extra bottle of wine at dinner).
- City tax: To be paid individually at each hotel (estimated at the moment at approx. €1.50 – €2.00 per person per night).
- Medical and Travel Insurance: Not compulsory, but highly recommended for your peace of mind.
- Costs of additional excursions or activities chosen during your free time.
WHY US?
THE "REAL" ITALY
- Authentic Passion: We don’t just work here, we live here
- Family Access: Cook with our Nonnas and meet local artisans
- Community Roots: Support small family businesses, not chains
TRIP OF A LIFETIME
- 100% Worry-Free: We handle every detail so you can relax
- Safety First: Feel safe and cared for, just like family
- Zero Stress: From airport pickup to dietary needs, we got you
SMALL GROUPS, BIG HEARTS
- Intimate Atmosphere: Max 12 people for a personal connection
- Solo Traveler Friendly: You will never feel alone
- Meaningful Connections: Arrive as a guest, leave as a friend
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 Genoa, Bologna and Palermo airports for tours in Liguria, 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 simple and secure. Follow these two easy steps to reserve your spot. At any stage, you are welcome to contact us, and we will personally help you with any questions.
- Pay a 25% Deposit
Choose the payment method that is most convenient for you:
Option A: Online via “Book Now” (Fastest & Easiest). Click the Book Now button on our website. You can pay instantly using:
- Direct Bank Transfer (ACH/Checking): Recommended for guests in the US, UK, Australia, and other international countries. This method is 100% secure and FEE-FREE
- Credit Card: Most major cards are accepted. Please note that credit card companies apply a variable processing fee (typically 3-4%), which will be displayed at checkout.
Option B: Manual Wire Transfer. If you prefer to pay through your local bank branch, you can send a manual wire transfer.
- Important: Please instruct your bank to send the payment directly in Euros (€). All international bank fees and transaction costs must be covered by the sender (customer). Please ensure you select the “OUR” instruction (sender pays all fees) so that the full deposit amount reaches our account.
- Bank Details:
Beneficiary: Italia Sweet Italia Holidays S.R.L.
IBAN: IT41Y0526277910CC1230542024
SWIFT/BIC: BPPUIT33
Bank Name: Banca Popolare Pugliese
Local Branch Address: Via XXIV Maggio, 25 – 66054 Vasto (CH) – Italy
Bank Head Office (if required by your bank): Via Luzzatti, 55 – 73046 Matino (LE) – Italy
Payment Description: Deposit for [Tour Name], [Month/Year]
- Final Balance
The remaining 75% balance is due 45 days before arrival. You can pay this via the same methods: conveniently online (choosing between fee-free Bank Transfer or Credit Card) or via manual Wire Transfer.
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
To check the availability of thus tours, please follow these steps:
- Click the green “Book Now” button on the tour page.
- Select your preferred departure date.
- The system will show you the real time availability of the selected date. If the tour is full, it will be stated during the reservation process.
- If you do not find availibility, you can contact Fabrizio at: fabrizio@italiasweetitalia.it or proceed with the booking proccess and sing up to the waiting list.
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Price: € 2,595
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