HANDS-ON COOKING IN ATRI

After breakfast we will drive a short distance to fascinating Roman colony of Atri. We'll see historic sites like the 12th century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Palazzo Ducale, a fortress built on the highest point of town which now houses the town hall.

Well before lunch we will head to my friend’s country house for a cooking lesson specializing in local cuisine. He will show us how to make Abruzzese homemade pasta and ravioli - what ever his fancy is for lunch. It is always an adventure and always a truly delicious meal.

In the afternoon we will walk off the food and take you to a nearby town named Silvi, an old village with a breathtaking balcony view over the Adriatic Sea. After this we will return to Pescara and enjoy the elegant city center while tasting delicious gelato that is reputed to be among the best in Italy.

Itinerary 2:

AT HOME WITH DOMENICO

Today we will start out with a visit to a local winery I know well. They produce one of the best Montepulciano D’Abruzzo in the Region: Zaccagnini. The fun part is that my friend Angelo will take us through his winery and he is going to teach us how he makes his wine – the best wine.

Along the way, we'll make a short stop at the San Clemente Chapel, founded by Emperor Ludovic II in 871. At that time the fame and prosperity of San Clemente surpassed those of Montecassino, to the point that its celebrated “Cronaca” written at the end of the 12th century by the monk Giovanni, is one of the most important documents in Italian history.

Lunch at a nearby restaurant where a friend of mine, Paolo, will delight you with a traditional meal of arrosticini (a typical barbecued meat).

In the afternoon we will drive to my hometown nearby: Tocco Casauria. A small village on the hill. Besides seeing the three beautiful middle aged churches, the beauty of the village’s location, and a place well known for its olive oil production, I am going to show you where I grew up.
We will visit my beautiful home and meet my wonderful parents. They are both 79 and doing well. My dad still runs his own Unisex Hairdresser (incredible but true), so you could even have your hair done! He speaks good English having lived and worked in the States for over 10 years. We will enjoy a super espresso coffee together with home made pastries.

While there I’d love for you to meet my best friend Dino. He will offer you a bottle of his own local olive oil which experts say is one of the best in Italy.

Around 6pm we return to Pescara where you could relax for a while until dinner. Around 8:30 pm venture out in to the old city of Pescara where there are plenty of traditional restaurants, pubs, piano bars and so on.

Itinerary 3:

SHOPPING WITH ADRIANA

My wife, Adriana, will meet you after breakfast. Are you looking for local specialties, for gifts for friends & families, looking for something specific? Adriana is very resourceful and will show you around the best shops; designer & fashion outlets; and, when it's time to relax and watch the world go by, the best of the cafes.

At lunch be our guest and appreciate Adriana’s cuisine. In the afternoon, she will take you for a long walk along the beach and she will take you to a favourite café where our friends Alessandra and Simone set out a fabulous cappuccino with cocoa and home made pastries.

In the evening, we could all dine together in a very traditional Trattoria where our friend Duilio will prepare great fish for all of us.

CHANGE OF PACE: THE REGIONAL CAPITAL OF L’AQUILA

After breakfast we will head out toward L’Aquila, about 80 km up the coast. Although it is only half the size of Pescara, it's the capital city of our regione, Abruzzo. On the way we will make a short stop in Sulmona, famous for its sugared almonds. L’Aquila, at the foot of the Appenines and surrounded by medieval walls, is a completely different city compared to Pescara, more historical, cultural and less commercial. Our friend Katiuscia will show us the most interesting sites. She also will take the time to introduce us to its inhabitants. Soon enough we’ll find out how they live their daily lives here.

Of course Katiuscia knows just the place to have lunch at: a local Trattoria.