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MDL Discoveries

ABRUZZO, ITALY
 

MDL Discoveries

ABRUZZO, ITALY
 

ABRUZZO, ITALY

Mountains & Sea

From the Adriatic coast to the Apennine peaks, all within one unforgettable week.

Hidden 
Gems

UNESCO heritage sites, medieval borghi and trabocco seafood dinners at sunset

Small
Groups

Intimate groups of a maximum 12 guests. You'll travel like a local, not a tourist

Mountains
& Sea

From the Adriatic coast to the Apennine peaks, all

within one unforgettable week.

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MEET YOUR GUIDES

A family connection
spanning 12 generations

Abruzzo is more than a destination for us, it's part of who we are.

We’re Patrick and Monica, two second-generation Italian-Australians with deep roots in Abruzzo, where both of our families originate. Having spent parts of our childhoods in the region, along with Monica living there throughout her twenties, Abruzzo has always been our second home.
 

For decades, we’ve explored its winding roads and quiet corners, discovering the secret spots, local flavours, and rich traditions that you’ll never find in a standard guidebook. We handcraft every single detail of your journey so you can experience Abruzzo through the eyes of true locals.

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Small Groups

Intimate groups of maximum
12 guests.
You'll travel like a local, not as a tourist.

Hidden Gems

UNESCO heritage medieval borghi and trabocco dinner at sunset.

EXCLUSIVE SMALL GROUP TOURS

Discover Italy's
best kept secret

Escape the tourist traps. Explore Abruzzo from sun-kissed Adriatic beaches and medieval hill towns to luxury castle accommodation and mouthwatering local cuisine.

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DISCOVER ABRUZZO

Your 8-day
Italian adventure

A seamless itinerary designed to feel like travelling
with friends - not a packaged tour.

2027

March

5-12 September

2027

LUXURY CASTLE
ACCOMMODATION

4.5 STAR LUXURY CASTLE
ACCOMMODATION

ALL TOUR
TRANSFERS

BREAKFASTS, LUNCHES
& FIVE DINNERS

WINE, BEER & SOFTDRINKS

CURATED EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES

LOCAL CERAMICS FACTORY VOUCHER

HANDS ON
COOKING CLASS

PRE TOUR INTRODUCTORY LUNCH

Day by Day Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival - Rome to Castle

Your exclusive journey begins with a private luxury transfer from Rome, a seamless 2.5-hour journey to your magnificent 4.5-star castle accommodation, perched atop a picturesque village. Settle in, enjoy a guided wine tasting with a gourmet light lunch, then explore this 9th-century castle before a memorable dinner of authentic regional cuisine at a local ristorante.

DAY 2

Sulmona - Birthplace of Ovid

We journey to Sulmona, the ancient birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid. A guided tour takes in the impressive 13th-century Gothic aqueduct, tasting of confetti a confectionery art perfected here for over two millennia. Lunch beside the majestic Piazza Garibaldi before a memorable dinner at an acclaimed local braceria renowned for its wood-fired meats.

DAY 3

Guardiagrele and a Trabocco Experience

Explore Guardiagrele, the 'City of Stone', famed for its medieval walls and artisan traditions, before a light lunch in a charming grotto restaurant. In the afternoon, a private tour of the spectacular 13th-century Abbazia di San Giovanni in Venere is followed by an aperitivo in its serene gardens. Dinner is an unforgettable seafood feast on an iconic trabocco.

DAY 4

Ceramics, Agriturismo and Wine

A fascinating visit to a renowned family ceramics factory to observe master artisans in action, with a complimentary voucher for a special keepsake. A leisurely long lunch at a picturesque agriturismo, followed by a tour of medieval Bucchianico. The day concludes with an atmospheric wine tasting in an extraordinary underground cellar.

A hands-on pasta-making in Roccascalegna, learning to craft a traditional Abruzzese specialty by hand. Then a tour of the breathtaking castle ruins built directly onto a vertical rock spur - a 10th-century Lombard stronghold with panoramic views. Enjoy the fruits of your labour over a freshly prepared traditional lunch before a free evening to explore at your own pace.

DAY 6

Michelin Star Lunch and Pescara

An occasion for elegant attire: a lavish lunch at a Michelin Red and Green Star ristorante. The afternoon is spent in the vibrant coastal city of Pescara. Stroll along the lively promenade, indulge in shopping or savour a famous Italian gelato. The evening is yours for a light bite or relaxed time by the water before a personal escort back to the castle.

DAY 7

L'Aquila and Santo Stefano di Sessanio

Journey to L'Aquila, the historic regional capital, visiting landmarks including the imposing Spanish Fortress. Lunch at a local trattoria before visiting the exquisite fortified medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio. The day concludes with a celebratory castle dinner accompanied by musicians trained at Rome's prestigious institutions.

DAY 8

Farewell Breakfast and Departure

A final breakfast at the castle before your seamless transfer to your choice of departure point; your choice of Pescara airport, Chieti Scalo train station, or direct bus connection to Fiumicino Airport. A perfectly curated farewell to a truly unforgettable week.

DAY 5

Pasta Making and Castle Ruins

$6,290* AUD

per person, twin share
AfterPay available
*subject to currency fluctuations

Single supplement of $1,600 applies. Excludes airfares, travel insurance, spirits & cocktails, and personal shopping. Collection point is Rome (exact location confirmed in advance).

19-26 September

2027

Day 1

Arrival - Rome to our Castle Accommodation

Your exclusive journey begins with a private luxury transfer from Rome, a seamless 2.5-hour journey to your magnificent 4.5-star castle accommodation, perched atop a picturesque village. Settle in, enjoy a guided wine tasting with a gourmet light lunch, then explore this 9th-century castle before a memorable dinner of authentic regional cuisine at a local ristorante.

Day 2

Sulmona, the Birthplace of Ovid

A scenic journey to Sulmona, the ancient birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid. A guided tour takes in the impressive 13th-century Gothic aqueduct, a tasting of world-famous confetti (sugared almonds) made here for over two millennia. Lunch beside the majestic Piazza Garibaldi before a memorable dinner at an acclaimed local braceria renowned for its wood-fired meats.

Day 3

Guardiagrele and a Trabocco Dinner

Explore Guardiagrele, famed for its medieval walls and artisan traditions, before a light lunch in a charming grotto restaurant. In the afternoon, a private tour of the spectacular 13th-century Abbazia di San Giovanni in Venere is followed by an aperitivo in its serene gardens. Dinner is a seafood feast on an iconic trabocco, a wooden fishing platform extending over the Adriatic.

Day 4

Ceramics, Agriturismo and Wine

A fascinating visit to a renowned family ceramics factory to observe master artisans crafting majolica, with a complimentary voucher for a special keepsake. A leisurely long lunch at a picturesque agriturismo, followed by a tour of medieval Bucchianico. The day concludes with an atmospheric wine tasting in an extraordinary underground converted stable cellar.

Day 5

Pasta Making and Castle Ruins

A hands-on pasta making masterclass in Roccascalegna, learning to craft a traditional Abruzzese specialty. Then tour the breathtaking castle ruins built directly onto a vertical rock spur, a 10th-century Lombard stronghold with panoramic views. Enjoy the fruits of your labour over a freshly prepared traditional lunch before a free evening to explore at your own pace.

Day 6

Michelin Lunch and Pescara

An occasion for elegant attire: a lavish lunch at a Michelin Red and Green Star ristorante. The afternoon is spent in the vibrant coastal city of Pescara, stroll the lively promenade, indulge in shopping, savour a famous Italian gelato, or simply walk the sandy beach. The evening is yours for a light bite or relaxed time by the water before a personal escort back to the castle.

Day 7

L'Aquila and Santo Stefano

Journey to L'Aquila, the historic regional capital, witnessing its remarkable key landmarks including the imposing Spanish Fortress. Lunch at a local trattoria before visiting the exquisite medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio. The journey concludes with a celebratory castle dinner accompanied by musicians trained at Rome's prestigious institutions.

Day 8

Farewell Breakfast and Departure

A final breakfast at the castle before your seamless transfer to your choice of departure point: Pescara airport, the Chieti Scalo  train station, or direct bus connection to Fiumicino Airport. A perfectly curated farewell to a truly unforgettable week.

DISCOVER ABRUZZO
Your 8 day
Italian adventure
A seamless, exclusive itinerary designed to feel like
travelling with friends and not a package tour.

2027

March

2027

5 - 12 September

2027

19 - 26 September

4.5 STAR LUXURY CASTLE ACCOMMODATION

ALL TOUR TRANSFERS

BREAKFAST, LUNCHES & FIVE DINNERS

WINE, BEER & SOFT DRINKS

CURATED EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES

LOCAL CERAMICS FACTORY VOUCHER

HANDS ON COOKING CLASS

PRE-TOUR INFORMATION LUNCH

DAY 1

Arrival - Rome to Castle

Your exclusive journey begins with a private luxury transfer from Rome, a seamless 2.5-hour journey to your magnificent 4.5-star castle accommodation, perched atop a picturesque village. Settle in, enjoy a guided wine tasting with a gourmet light lunch, then explore this 9th-century castle before a memorable dinner of authentic regional cuisine at a local ristorante.

DAY 1

Sulmona - the Birthplace of Ovid

DAY 2

A scenic journey to Sulmona, the ancient birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid. A guided tour takes in the impressive 13th-century Gothic aqueduct, tasting of world-famous confetti (sugared almonds). Lunch beside the majestic Piazza Garibaldi before a memorable dinner at an acclaimed local braceria renowned for its wood-fired meats.

DAY 3

Guardiagrele and a Trabocco Experience

Explore Guardiagrele, famed for its medieval walls and artisan traditions, before a light lunch in a charming grotto restaurant. In the afternoon, a private tour of the spectacular 13th-century Abbazia di San Giovanni in Venere is followed by an aperitivo in its serene gardens. Dinner on an iconic trabocco - a wooden fishing platform extending over the Adriatic.

DAY 4

Ceramics, Agriturismo and Wine

A fascinating visit to a renowned family ceramics factory to observe master artisans crafting majolica, with a complimentary voucher for a special keepsake. A leisurely long lunch at a picturesque agriturismo, followed by a tour of medieval Bucchianico. The day concludes with an atmospheric wine tasting in an extraordinary underground converted stable cellar.

DAY 5

Pasta Making and Castle Ruins

A hands-on pasta-making masterclass in Roccascalegna. Then a tour of the breathtaking castle ruins built directly onto a vertical rock spur, a 10th-century Lombard stronghold with panoramic views. Enjoy the fruits of your labour over a freshly prepared traditional lunch before a free evening to explore at your own pace.

DAY 6

Michelin Lunch and Pescara

An occasion for elegant attire: a lavish lunch at a Michelin Red and Green Star ristorante. The afternoon is spent in the vibrant coastal city of Pescara, stroll the lively promenade, indulge in shopping, savour a famous Italian gelato, or simply walk the sandy beach. The evening is yours for a light bite or relaxed time by the water before a personal escort back to the castle.

DAY 7

L'Aquila and Santo Stefano

Journey to L'Aquila, the historic regional capital, witnessing its key landmarks. Lunch at a local trattoria then visit the medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, famed for its white stone architecture and ancient circular Medici tower. The journey concludes with a celebratory castle dinner accompanied by musicians trained at Rome's prestigious institutions.

DAY 8

Farewell Breakfast and Departure

A final breakfast at the castle before your seamless transfer to your choice of departure point; Pescara airport, Chieti Scalo train station, or direct bus connections to Fiumicino Airport. A perfectly curated farewell to a truly unforgettable week.

$6,290

AUD

per person, twin share

AfterPay available

Single supplement of $1,00 applies. Excludes airfares, travel insurance, spirits and cocktails, and personal shopping. Collection point is Rome (exact location confirmed well in advance.

GET IN TOUCH

Ready to start your journey?

Preferred Tour Dates

Register your interest, request a brochure, or simply ask a question. We'd love to hear from you.

PHONE
0499 044 990

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© 2026 MDL Discoveries

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