Typical Summer Itinerary
What to expect on your Summer Week in Italy ...
Ciao Bella
Upon arrival in Rome, you will be met by our guide and transported to your accommodation for the evening in the vibrant capital city of Italy. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant, then the evening is yours to explore this amazing city.
​
After breakfast the next day, get ready for a three-hour walking tour of the city, including visits to the Colosseum, the Trevi fountain and ancient Roman ruins.
​
On the two hour drive to Canzano is a stop in Sulmona and a visit to the confetti factory and museum. The company started in 1788 and has been producing the sugar coated almonds and hazelnuts since then, with their sweets fashioned into flowers and other shapes.
Your accomodation
Your host Helen who calls Italy "the home of my heart", was born and raised in Australia. She warmly welcomes you to this five-bedroom villa set in the village of Canzano, high on a mountain top. With a population of around 2000, Canzano has a long history. Helen’s home is around 500 years old and truly authentically Italian, spread over three levels, with a rooftop terrace, internal courtyard, and entertainment cellar. The house is located in the Piazza Risorgimento, next to the picturesque church Chiesa di San Biagio.
​
After settling into your home for the next six nights, stroll down the cobblestone street to the local restaurant, La Tacchinella (the turkey) for dinner. This restaurant was opened in 1970, and with its brick and stone built rooms, is warm and welcoming. Enjoy food cooked using fresh and raw local ingredients, including the famous Canzanese turkey. This is a typical Italian dish and usually served on holidays.
​
Every evening for a week in July each year, Canzano is host to a turkey festival where people gather to enjoy the great food and drink for sale, as well as music and dancing well into the night. Canzano is also famous for lace making, with the skills passed down from mothers to daughters over centuries.
Eating, Drinking, Relaxing
Over the course of your stay, there will be several cooking classes available, taught by locals, including Gnocchi del nonna (Grandmothers gnocchi), pasta, pizza, bruschetta and the popular Italian dessert tiramisu. You will then have the absolute pleasure of dining on your creations.
​
Learn how to make Italian pizza at the restaurant right outside your front door. La Canzanese uses six different types of flour in their dough. There is a wine bar conveniently located next to the pizza restaurant in the piazza. After cooking, enjoy your pizza feast on long tables in the piazza, in true Italian fashion. Do not be surprised if local residents come and welcome you to their town.
​
There are a variety of restaurants and settings for lunches and dinners.
​
The Abruzzo region is often overlooked by tourists, which makes it even more appealing. Its breathtaking views and mouthwatering cuisine will make you want to come back again and again. The friendliness of the local people will ensure you do. You may come as a visitor but you will leave as part of our extended family.
​
Lunch by candlelight? Below the street in Canzano down a steep corridor lined with cobblestones, you will arrive in a circular room built in the 1100s, six metres below ground for a unique midday meal. These 'caves' were originally used to collect rainwater and store foodstuffs.
​
Have you ever seen this scene in a movie? A long table in a vineyard, white tablecloth and guests enjoying their meal as the conversation flows as fast as the drinks. Well, this will be one of our midday meals. Salute. Wine tasting and vineyard tours are also on the program.
​
Enjoy an epic charcuterie board whilst dining on the rooftop terrace, looking down over the valley and watching the sun set. The mountain views will charm you as you toast the coming of evening in this glorious setting.
Truffles, the Seaside, and Markets
A morning of truffle hunting, followed by a truffle flavoured lunch is surely enticing.
We will visit the coastal town of Tortoreto Lido for a seafood banquet at long tables on the beach, cooked in front of us by your own chef.
​
Tortoreto Alto is the nearby town high in the mountain where our evening meal will be enjoyed overlooking the spectacular valley of farms, vineyards, olive groves, olive oil factory and cheesemaking venues. While Abruzzo is known for its pecorino cheese, we also sample other regional cheeses such as: gregoriano, caciocavallo, trittico, provolone, scamorza affumicata, caciottina al tartufo
​
Indulge in some of the amazing local delicacies, including but not limited to:
-
Arrosticini, the local meat skewers cooked on charcoal fired braziers called fornacella.
-
Sagne e fagioli, a rustic vegetarian dish made with pasta, beans, tomatoes and vegetables.
-
Spaghetti al cartoccio, a seafood and pasta dish
-
Ferratelle, Italian waffles.
​
With a visit to the local markets, there is time to shop for souvenirs. Canzano is also famous for its handmade laces. Various local festivals are held in the region throughout the year. Depending on the time of your stay, a trip to at least one of these festivals can be arranged.
Arrivederci
Time to say farewell. At the end of your stay, transport will be provided back to Rome airport. For those wishing to stay in Italy longer, arrangements can be discussed.