• travel off the beaten path
• meet the local people and artisans
• roam untouched villages
• scenic routes
• authentic dining
• leisurely pace
• charming accommodation
• cooking class with local produce
• cheese & salumi tasting
• olive oil tasting in ancient olive oil press
• wineries & wine tasting
• seafood lunch on trabocco
• alfresco lunch in alpine plateau
• farmer’s market
• farm visit
• hidden hermitages
• national parks
• museums
• castels & forts

FULLY ESCORTED BOUTIQUE TOUR

DAY 1:   L, D

Hermitage of San Bartolomeo > Hermitage of Santo Spirito a Majella

Marco and Katri will meet you at 2:30pm this afternoon at Termini Train Station in Rome.  Together, we will board our comfortable minibus or van, and enjoy the stunning countryside as we head into the region of Abruzzo.

We will make our way to our beautiful characteristic accommodation, which will be home to us for the next four nights.

There will be time to settle in to your private rooms and refresh before we take a leisurely walk to find the hidden hermitages, the Hermitage of San Bartolomeo, and the Hermitage of Santo Spirito a Majella.  In amongst the hills and wildflowers we will come across the hermitages built into the side of rocky cliff-faces.

Dinner tonight will be typical Abruzzese dishes made from local produce.

DAY 2:         B, L, D

Cooking Class > Olive oil Tasting > Enoteca & Wine Tasting

Enjoy a leisurely morning before we join our hosts for a fun cooking class.  They will teach us how to cook some regional specialty dishes using seasonal produce, while sipping on a glass of prosecco of course! Lunch will follow.

In the afternoon, we will visit the hilltop village of Bucchianico, where we will spend a relaxing and indulgent time with the locals.  We will meet with Francesca, a producer of fine extra virgin olive oil.  In her private ancient frantoio, (olive oil factory) that has been in her family for generations, she will teach us all about extra virgin olive oil, with tastings.

A little way down the narrow lane and around the corner, we will descend the stairs into an ancient cellar that has been turned into an enoteca (wine bar).  Here, we will enjoy an educational wine tasting with the enoteca’sown charismatic host.

DAY 3:  B, L, D

Loreto Aprutino > Winery & Wine Tasting

Today, we will venture into the “Golden Triangle” known for producing the best quality extra virgin olive oil in Abruzzo.  We will visit Loreto Aprutino, a charming hilltop village where Marco and Katri have their home.   In Loreto Aprutino, we will visit a museum to see the most extensive collection of Castelli Ceramics, and an ancient fantoio (olive oil factory) with a distinct gothic facade.

We will eat lunch like real locals today, by enjoying incredibly delicious porchetta panini.  Porchetta panino is a type of sandwich made with crusty bread and filled with slow-roasted pork and flavoured with herbs and spices, from a local vendor in the main piazza.  Wash down your panino with a beer, when we visit our neigbour’s birroteca in the historical centre.

This afternoon will be spent as afternoons should, sipping wine at a local winery.  We will learn about the production of the typical wines: Trebbiano D’Abruzzo, Pecorino, and the renowned red wine, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, explore the grounds and taste some exceptional examples of these varieties.

DAY 4: B, L, D

Trabocchi Coast > Seafood Dining Experience > Pescara Riviera

Today, we will leave the mountains and foothills behind and head to the coast.  With the glittering Adriatic Seaon our left, rolling hills lined with olive groves and vineyards and the Majella mountain on our right, the drive is simply stunning! We will visit the Abby of San Giovanni in Venere, perched up high overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

We will travel along the 15 km of pebbled coastline, known as the Costa dei Trabocchi (Trabocchi Coast).  All along the coastline are the traditional fishing houses that sit out over the water, called Trabocco, or Trabocchi (plural).  Most are over 130 years old and they are unique to Abruzzo.

Lunch today will be a truly unique experience.  We will dine on our favourite Trabocco restaurant and enjoy a seafood feast on the trabocco itself, surrounded by water.  After a demonstration of how the trabocchi are used to catch seafood, we will enjoy traditional dishes such as brodetto di pesce (seafood stew) served in earthenware dishes, and fritto misto (fried gourmet-sized seafood, such as calamari, scampi and fish).

In the afternoon, we will spend time at Marco’s family’s beach establishment in Pescara, where we can enjoy a swim, a stroll along the lively beach, or just relax beneath an umbrella, Italian style!  Nearby, the famous De Cecco family, of pasta fame, have their own beach establishment.  Keep a lookout on the beach for the young man with the traditional granita cart!

We will take a drive along the Pescara Riviera, then make a quick stop at the best Gelateria in Pescara, owned by Marco’s cousins, before returning to our charming accommodation.

DAY 5:    B, L, D

Sulmona > Farmer’s Market > Pacentro

Today, we say goodbye to our hosts and to the foothills of Abruzzo, and head inland, to the town of Sulmona.  In Piazza Garibaldi, overlooked by mountains, we will enjoy the theatrics of the farmer’s market and check out the local produce, such the renowned platted garlic, called Aglio Rosso di Sulmona.

We will wander through the streets with Pelini Confetti (sugared almonds which featured at Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding reception) on display, and refill our water bottles with the fresh mountain water from the renaissance fountain, supplied by the medieval aqueduct.

After we have explored Sulmona, we will venture a way up into the Marrone mountain to the village of Pacentro.  Pacentro has been awarded the title of ‘I Borghi Piu Belli d’Italia’ (One of the most beautiful villages in Italy).  Pacentro has been a mountain retreat since Roman times, and more recently, it is known for being the birthplace of (the singer) Madonna’s grandparents.  After lunching at a locally renowned restaurant, we will visit Caldora Castle, with its towers that give the village its distinct silhouette, and a little house that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years.

From Pacentro, we will to head to the medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio.  Santo Stefano di Sessaniois another village with the prestigious title of ‘I Borghi Piu Belli d’Italia’ set within the Gran Sasso National Park, which will be our home from the next two nights.

After settling into your characteristic accommodation within the village walls, you will have time to wander the cobbled alleyways, and visit the stores to meet the local artisans for a first-hand look at the wonderful crafts and food produced in the area.  Most notably are the production of honey, farro, chickpeas and a smaller version of brown lentil, for which this region is famous.  The production of wool has been an important commodity in the area for thousands of years and we will meet local heroes carrying on the traditional way of dying the wool using natural, traditional means.

Dinner will be at a charming restaurant in the village.

DAY 6:  B, L, D

Campo Imperatore > Alfresco Lunch > Rocca Calascio

This morning we leave Santo Stefano di Sessanio for the day and head into one of the highest pastures of Europe, the alpine meadow of Campo Imperatore, known fondly as “Italy’s Little Tibet”.  Here, at 1800m above sea level, we can see the highest peak in the Apennines, The Corno Grande.   Campo Imperatore is home to one of Italy’s oldest ski resorts and its hotel was once Benito Mussolini’s prison until he was found and freed by German commandos in 1943.

We will enjoy an alfresco lunch in the plateau, of Abruzzo’s most famous dish, arrosticini (sheep’s meat skewers) at an old set used to film “spaghetti westerns”.  While the arrosticini cook over the coals, we can gaze at the shepherds and their maremma sheep dogs tending to their flocks, at the wild horses and the beautiful array of wildflowers out over the plateau.

Later this afternoon, we take a leisurly walk up to the nearby impressive tenth century Fortress of Rocca Calascio, at 1460, above sea level.  We will observe a stunning sunset over the Gran Sasso…. sipping a glass of prosecco, of course!

Dinner will be in the tiny village at the foot of the fortress.

DAY 7:  B, L, D

Farm Visit > Cheese and Salumi Tasting

After breakfast, we meet Marinella and Alessandro at their farm in Castel Del Monte.  They will speak with us about their lives on their farm and their tails of keeping their flock and pigs safe from the Abruzzese Wolves.  A short drive will take us to their store in the village where we will be served a selection of their salumi and cheeses and local wine.

After lunch, we will board our minibus or van for the last time, and bid farewell to wonderful Abruzzo.   In Rome, we will depart at Termini Train Station, in the afternoon.

Or, if you are joining us for a Tour of Basilicata & Puglia, we will be driven to Matera, or head back to Pescara, where we will board our train.

Please note that the details of this tour itinerary may vary.

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PRICES, DEPOSITS, AND PAYMENTS:

Starts/Ends in Tiburtina train station in Rome 
Max 8 people

7 Day Tour Pricing
from $4,200 AUD per person twin share
from $3,395 USD per person twin share

Low Single Supplement
from $840 AUD
from $679 USD

Inclusions:
Fully escorted tour, local English speaking tour leaders, bus/train station transfers, private air conditioned minibus/van, charming and well-appointed accommodations with private ensuite, all meals and drinks with meals including table wine, entry fees and activities.
Vegetarian meals and food allergies can be catered to.

Exclusions:
Air fares, travel insurance, food and beverage outside of meal times unless stated in itinerary, personal purchases, personal phone calls, personal travel costs, personal laundry.

Deposit:

25% deposit of the overall tour cost, is required. No booking will be reserved until the prescribed deposit is received.
Balance of the payment will be due 30 days before the starting of the tour.
Deposits and balance of payments are accepted by bank transfer or credit card via Paypal.
A payment of a deposit indicates an acceptance of all the conditions.

TOUR GROUPS:

Our tour groups have been designed for a group of no more than 8 people per week to ensure that client needs and enjoyment is always our top priority.
Tours and tariffs are subject to change.

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PRICE, DEPOSIT, AND PAYMENTS

The prices shown are per person, double occupancy.

The deposit is 25% of the overall tour price or as listed on the tour booking form. This deposit is required to confirm any bookings by us. No booking will be reserved until the prescribed deposit is received.

Balance of the payment will due 30 days prior to the date of the first day of the tour you have booked. If booking within 30 days of the start of the tour the full payment must be made at the time of booking. Deposit and balance payments are accepted by bank electronic transfer, Pay pal system, credit cards (fees apply for credit cards and Pay pal). After your deposit has been accredited, we will send you an invoice with the due date for the balance pf payment. Should your final payment fail to reach us by the date specified on your invoice, we reserve the right to cancel your booking without refund.

The tour price quoted is based at the time of advertising (including foreign exchange rates) and are accordingly subject to change without notice. Tuscany Untouched tours reserves the right written notice to you to vary the cost of the tour if there is any significant change in currency exchange rates according up to 20 days prior to the first day of tour.

MINIMUN NUMBER

Unless otherwise stated, all tours are based on a minimum number of 2 travellers plus tour leader and maximum of 8. Where minimum have not been achieved on a given departure, the tour may be cancelled by Tuscany Untouched Pty Ltd.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is on a Private cosy villa/apartment in a traditional Tuscany farmhouse. Single supplement may be available at an addition cost.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUND

To cancel your tour booking, you must notify us in writing by email. If you cancel your tour booking for any reason at any stage, your 25% deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel 90 days before tour starting date: 75% of your total tour cost is refundable. If you cancel between 90 days and 60 days before tour starting date: 50% of your total tour cost is refundable for physician documented emergency medical reasons or for police documented cases of accident, flood, fire, or crime. Cancellations less than 60 days from the tour start date:100% non-refundable.

In the unlikely event that we must cancel your tour, you are entitle to a 100% refund within 2 weeks after the tour’s cancellation.

Tuscany Untouched Pty Ltd has the right to decline any booking. Similarly, Tuscany Untouched Pty Ltd, may require any travellers to withdraw from the tour if in its option the actions of that traveller are or no less than 3 hours after our arrival time (2 hours for Italian Domestic Flights and Europe-bound flights).

INSURANCE

Personal travel insurance is not offered by Tuscany Untouched Pty Ltd. Travellers are requires to purchase their own comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellation coverage, airline tickets, trip delay, lost luggage or any potential medical expenses. Before travelling, we require evidence of travel insurance and an emergency contact number for each traveller.

LUGGAGE

You are allowed one suitcase and one small carry-on bag. If you exceed this limit there may not be space in the vehicle to transport your excess luggage and it will be at your own expense to have it transported throughout the tour. We suggest that you bring a day pack for carrying water, guide books, jacket, rain gear, etc.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, HEALTH AND FITNESS

You are responsible for holding all valid travel documents at the time and satisfy any health, visa or other requirements that apply to places you intend to visit.

To comfortably complete our tours, you should be able to do some moderate walks over hills and be able to climb a number of stairs. We will also be doing a lot of walking in the town we visit. If you a planning a tour with us, we suggest starting moderate walking program at least 1 month before the tour.

Anyone suffering from illness or disability or undergoing treatment for any physical or medical condition, must declare the true nature of such condition at the time of booking and make arrangements for the provision pf any medication or other treatment which may be required during the tour. Failure to make such disclosure will constitute a breach of these booking condition and result in such person being excluded from the tour in which case all monies paid will be forfeit.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND MOTION SIKNESS

Please advise us of any special requirements such as dietary requirements, medical requirements etc, at the time of booking. If you get motion sickness, it is advisable to bring with you motion sickness pills, as we will be travelling along mountains roads at times.

ITINERARY

Tuscany Untouched Pty Ltd will make effort to adhere to the advertised itinerary. However, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, Tuscany Untouched Pty Ltd reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary, including previously stated accommodations, modes of transport and all other activities.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

No responsibility is accepted for any loss, expenses, accident, injury or damage to any person or property due to the actions or omissions of any person, or any cause, including but not limited to acts of God, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, defects in machinery, breakdown of equipment, whether quarantine, negligence, loss of baggage, or other causes beyond our control, such losses being the responsibility of the guest.

Except as required or implied by legislation Tuscany Untouched Pty Ltd gives no express warranty in relation to the tour and you acknowledge that you have not relied on any representation or warranty made by or on behalf of Tuscany Untouched Pty Ltd. To the extent that such terms and conditions may lawfully be excluded all warranties are expressly excluded. Tuscany Untouched Pty Ltd does not accept any liability for any act, omission, default or neglect by ourselves, our servents or agents or by the servants of agents of airlines or accommodation services for injury, damage or loss to persons or goods whatsoever and howsoever the same may be caused.

PERMISSION FOR PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF TRAVELLERS

You agree that our Tour Directors or representative may take photographs and film of you while you are on tour and that these may be used in our brochure, social media and/or advertising or publicity material without obtaining any further consent or payment in respect of such photographs and/or videos.

TOUR CHANGES

All information provided by Tuscany Untouched Pty Ltd regarding our tours is, to the best of our knowledge, correct. However, we reserve the right to make changes in group composition, accommodations, visits, and itineraries at any time should it become necessary or desirable. Delays, or itinerary changes caused by strikes, bad weather, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances are beyond our control and we are not obligated to pay Travellers compensation.

RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY

I understand and acknowledge that the recreational activities available on the Tuscany Untouched Pty Ltd may be dangerous. I understand and acknowledge that serious injury or death may result from participants in recreational activities. I agree that I PARTECIPATE at my OWN RISK.

BY SIGNING THIS WAIVER, I ACKNOWLEDGED THAT:

1. participation in recreational activities is a hazardous activity and may result in injury, loss, damage or death to me;
2. participation in recreational activities may require certain skills. I declare that I have sufficient skills to be able to safety and properly participate in the recreational activities;
3. Where recreational activities are held outdoors, there are risk to me as a result of the weather condition, including either extreme hot or cold weather, rain or wind;
4. I am responsible for ensuring that I have and will wear equipment suitable for safety and properly participating in the recreational activities.
5. I agree not to take drugs prohibited by law before or during participation in recreational activities.
6. I agree that I am in good health and free from any adverse medical conditions.
7. I agree to follow the directions of any instructor or any signage and that any misconduct or refusal by me to follow any direction will result in my immediate removal from the tour.
8. Any child under the age of 16 must be supervised at all time by a responsible adult parent and this waiver will bind both the responsible adult parent and supervised child.
9. I use all facilities entirely at my own risk, as I find them and with the prior acceptance of the risk of possible danger to me.
10. If I suffer harm while participating in any recreational activity, I will not hold Tuscany Untouched Pty Ltd, their employees or agents legally responsible for any injuries I suffer. I will not sue the supplier (Tuscany Untouched Pty Ltd), their employees or agents for any claims, costs, damages, or liability. I agree to release the Supplier and their employees from legal responsibility for the service I have been provided.
11. I acknowledge and agree that my participation in any recreational activities are a danger and may have inherent risks as a result of which personal injury (and sometime death) may occur and I accept and assume all such risks of personal injury or death in anyway whatsoever arising from these activities and hereby waive my individual right to sue the Supplier for all claims I or my representatives may have for such personal injury or death against the Supplier in any way whatsoever arising from or in connection with these activities.

ANIMALS:

Our tours are not pet friendly

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