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A medieval village in Abruzzo, Italy, with stone buildings and terracotta roofs overlooking a lush green valley and mountains under a cloudy sky.
Italy

The Hidden Medieval Villages of Abruzzo

Program No. 23847RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
10 days
Program Begins
Sulmona (AQ)
Program Concludes
Roma Fiumicino
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
19 ( 8B, 7L, 4D )
Activity Level
From
3,649
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Renowned for its coastline, unique cuisine, mountain ranges and incredible medieval architecture, Abruzzo is a region magically captured in time. Relatively unexplored by the rest of the world, it’s been a 19-time winner of The Most Beautiful Village in Italy, an honor determined by aesthetic beauty, historical importance, culture and livability. Known for its quality of life, visitors to Abruzzo are treated like family by its residents. Explore breathtaking scenery, beautiful stretches of the Adriatic Sea, glaciers, quiet medieval charm and a food culture said to be the undiscovered treasure of Italian cuisine.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Explore Santo Stefano di Sessanio, an enchanting medieval village, recently restored, which has been a cornerstone of agropastoral activity, with its Medicae tower; testifying the richness and power derived from the wool trade in the past.
  • Journey to Calascio, and learn about the Rocca, Italy’s highest mountaintop fort, and one of the oldest — a structure so majestic, it has been featured in numerous films, such as “In the Name of the Rose.”
  • Discover Pescocostanzo, a town of Renaissance and Baroque monuments and architectural marvels like the Santa Maria del Colle Basilica, long considered one of the most beautiful churches in the region.
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Featured Expert
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Kharen Dell'Arciprete
Kharen Dell'Arciprete obtained a degree in foreign languages and literature at the University in Pescara and worked in France as a high school teacher of Italian language and culture. She has been working for many years as a group leader specializing in Abruzzo and Puglia. She speaks Italian, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. Her passion for traveling takes her around the world and gives her the inspiration for poems and short stories, some of which have been published in France.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Francesca Romanelli has been working in the world of travel since 2003. She is currently a freelance group leader in Abruzzo, one of the most beautiful regions of Italy. Her aim is to share her passion for the local territory with visitors from all over the world. After earning a degree in translation and interpretation from the University of Pescara, Francesca worked abroad for the cruise company Costa Crociere, followed by 15 years at Satam Viaggi in Chieti.
Kharen Dell'Arciprete obtained a degree in foreign languages and literature at the University in Pescara and worked in France as a high school teacher of Italian language and culture. She has been working for many years as a group leader specializing in Abruzzo and Puglia. She speaks Italian, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. Her passion for traveling takes her around the world and gives her the inspiration for poems and short stories, some of which have been published in France.
Luca Colecchia earned a bachelor’s degree in language and cultural mediation in L’Aquila and a master’s degree in language and international cooperation in Pescara. Since 2018, as a professional group leader, he has been cooperating with Pallenium Tourism on rides of the historic train called “Transiberiana d’Italia.” As a professional natural guide, he received the title of Maiella Park Official Guide.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 2 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over uneven terrain, inclines and cobblestones. Standing up to 2 hour per day. Program will require approximately 11 miles of walking over 9 days. Must be able to use stairs in order to navigate field trip sites, some without elevators. Due to unavoidable stairs and no elevators are certain field trip sites, wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated on this program. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

    An illustration of a hand using a pen to check off the final item on a clipboard checklist
  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

    An illustration of an elderly man sitting at a computer with a pair of binoculars beside him
  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

    An illustration of an elderly woman holding a piggy bank, with the Eiffel Tower in the background
  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

    An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it
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