Authentic Italian Cooking Vacations
The city of Vasto is one of Abruzzo’s many charming towns. It’s center is perched high on the hillside overlooking the Adriatic sea, and slopes downward to the coast, where fishermen have been harvesting from their wood “trabocchi” structures for centuries. Like much of this richly historical land, Vasto has roots that can be traced back millennia. During the Roman Empire is was a flourishing town known as Histonium, whose remains can be seen in the ruins, mosaics, and statuary that survive. During the medieval period it passed into the hands of a local lord who built the town walls, tower, and castle that make the city so distinctive. During the Spanish rule of southern Italy in the early 18th century, Vasto was again a vibrant and important town on Italy’s eastern coast. Today it is known for its pristine beaches, its centuries of history, and charming historical center, which features a number of interesting and important churches and buildings.
Abruzzo is where the seaside meets the mountains, and that is true also in its gastronomy. Local regional specialties range from wonderful pastas to the meats and cheese produced in the lush mountainous interior, to the fresh seafood fished from the Adriatic. You will have the chance to enjoy all of these and more during your cooking classes., which will be with different chefs and will feature local pastas and sauces, seafood recipes, and a wonderful pizza-making class.
In addition to the weeks taking place in Vasto, you can also choose a special 10-night itinerary that takes you from Abruzzo south to Puglia and Matera, a special 6-night itinerary in nearby Le Marche, or even a 7-night tour of Sicily.
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Highlights of your Italian Cooking Vacation in Abruzzo
Depending on the specific week, enjoy 1 to 3 hands-on cooking classes based on the season, among which you might find:
- homemade pastas and sauces
- homemade pizza, ‘bruschette,’ and tiramisù
Itinerary
A sample itinerary for the Italian culinary vacations in Vasto follows. The itinerary varies week to week depending on the theme and the season – please inquire with specific dates. Weather may force some excursions to be modified.
Day One
- Arrival at Rome airport on your own. Meet the group transfer at 2:30 pm, and transfer to the ancient Roman town of Vasto, located right on the Adriatic Coast. Check in to your accommodations and time to relax.
- Welcome dinner tonight in the center of town.
- Overnight.
Day Two
Day Two- Breakfast, followed by a morning market visit and cooking class focussing on homemade pastas and sauces based on seasonal ingredients.
- Lunch to follow based on your efforts.
- In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Loggia Amblingh, a promenade that overlooks the crescent-shaped coastline near Vasto. You will also explore the town’s medieval castle, towers, and alleyways, as well as the Cathedral and the town’s main piazza, named for the poet Gabriele Rossetti.
- Time to explore the local artisan shops.
- Dinner tonight is on your own (most travelers prefer to get something light after the big family lunch.)
- Overnight.
Day Three
Day Three- After breakfast head to the marvelous Abruzzo mountains and national parks. On the way to the town of Scanno, stop and visit the enchanting 11th-century Hermitage of San Domenico on the lake of San Domenico.
- Next, enjoy an easy and scenic walk along the heart-shaped Lake Scanno.
- Lunch today is a picnic based on local products (weather permitting).
- Next discover Scanno, one of the most beautiful Italian villages, with its fabulous alleys, churches, and artisans boutiques. Maybe stop for a refreshing gelato and a visit of an artisanal jewelry shop where they make the “Presentosa,” a traditional, highly decorative type of pendant from Abruzzo that dates back to the 18th Century.
- Dinner tonight is in a traditional restaurant in Vasto.
- Overnight.
Day Four
Day Four- Breakfast, and then off to the coast! Visit the Punta Aderci Nature Reserve, one of the 10 most beautiful Italian beaches.
- Weather permitting, you will enjoy a fishing demonstration on a “trabocco,” a typical Abruzzese fishing platform. Your host will show you how fishermen have been fishing from the trabocchi for centuries, and you will enjoy a seafood lunch on the sea.
- In the afternoon, free time to explore on your own, to shop, or to relax in town.
- Overnight.
- Dinner tonight is on your own.
- Overnight.
Day Five
Day Five- Breakfast and then head to a local farm where friends Dino and Pina will show you the art of farming. You can even milk a sheep or cow if you’d like!
- Learn to make the Abruzzese bread called “pizza scima” (stupid pizza), a pizza made without yeast, and after collecting some organic wine from their winery, enjoy an aperitif including a tasting of their cheeses, salami, and extra virgin olive oil. Almost everything you’ll eat this morning is produced on the farm.
- Next learn how to make cheese, and collect vegetables from the garden for your farm to table lunch.
- In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Roccascalegna Castle, known as “the castle in the sky.”
- Dinner on your own tonight (if you are still hungry after the farm lunch).
Day Six
Day Six- After breakfast, visit a family-run olive farm that has been producing top-quality olive oil for 3 generations. Your host Giovanni will share the secrets of this wonderful gastronomic product.
- Next, visit an award-winning winery that sits between the mountains and a marine park, and enjoy a wine tasting lunch with pairings of local products such as cheese and salami.
- In the afternoon, a bit of free time to pack or do any last minute shopping.
- This evening, enjoy a farewell party with your new friends. You can help prepare homemade pizza, as well as traditional bruschette and tiramisù. Dinner to follow.
- Overnight.
Day Seven
- Breakfast and group transfer to Rome’s Fiumicino airport (please plan on an afternoon flight, as you will arrive at the airport around 12:30 pm).
See the sample itinerary below for a wonderful 10-night cooking vacation in Abruzzo, Puglia, and Matera (located in the Basilicata region).
Day One
- Fly into the Rome Fiumicino airport. Pick up today is at 2:30 pm. Transfer to Sulmona, the birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid, and one of Abruzzo’s most picturesque towns.
- Get to know your local guide and get an overview of the week.
- Check in, relax and enjoy a welcome dinner in the center of Sulmona.
- Overnight in Sulmona.
Day Two
Day Two- Breakfast at the hotel.
- This morning visit the Confetti Museum, dedicated to the special “confetti”–colorful, sugar-coated almonds–for which Sulmona is famous. See the old-fashioned confectionary machines and equipment, as well as other objects related to the Sulmonese art of confectionary.
- Have a confetti tasting, then head to the Medieval aqueduct on Piazza Garibaldi and the Church of Santa Maria Annunziata and its bell tower.
- For lunch today, enjoy a wine tasting in the center of Sulmona. Learn about Abruzzo wines and taste 3 different wines paired with local cheese, salami, and other products.
- Free afternoon today. You might explore the shops, visit the museums and galleries of Sulmona, or book a Spa service. Or perhaps just enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine in the piazza!
- Dinner tonight is on your own.
- Overnight in Sulmona.
Day Three
Day Three- Breakfast and check out. Head across the Abruzzo mountains to the ancient Roman town of Vasto, which lies on the Adriatic coast. On the way you will stop to see the Hermitage of San Domenico in Villalago, and the village of Scanno, considered one of the most beautiful villages of Italy.
- Lunch today will be in a restaurant in Scanno.
- Upon arrival in Vasto, check in and then enjoy a guided visit of the historical center.
- Explore Loggia Amblingh, the promenade that overlooks the crescent-shaped coastline of Vasto, as well as the old town with its medieval castle. Stroll through the charming lanes to the Piazza Rossetti.
- This evening, enjoy a group dinner in the heart of Vasto.
- Overnight in Vasto.
Day Four
Day Four- Breakfast, followed by a morning market visit then a cooking class in the countryside focussing on homemade pastas and sauces based on seasonal ingredients.
- Lunch to follow based on your efforts.
- Return to town for a short rest, then in the afternoon head tot he hilltop village of Lentella to visit the Fattoria d’Arte (“Art Farm”) of Ettore, an artist friend of your host. Ettore will help you create an Abruzzo postcard using colors made from the natural flora and fauna found on his property, all while surrounded by stunning views of the sea, mountains, and hilltowns.
- After, enjoy a traditional aperitif and dinner with Ettore and his wife.
- Overnight in Vasto.
Day Five
- Breakfast, and then off to the coast! Visit the Punta Aderci Nature Reserve, one of the 10 most beautiful Italian beaches.
- Weather permitting, you will enjoy a fishing demonstration on a “trabocco,” a typical Abruzzese fishing platform. Your host will show you how fishermen have been fishing from the trabocchi for centuries, and you will enjoy a seafood lunch on the sea.
- In the afternoon, free time to explore on your own, to shop, or to relax in town.
- Dinner tonight is on your own.
- Overnight.
Day Six
Day Six- Breakfast and check out, and head south to the region of Puglia! Meet your local guide local guide for a guided visit of the beautiful town of Trani, including the fishing port, the Church of the Templar Knights, and the historical quarter.
- Free time for lunch on your own in Trani.
- Transfer to the town of Conversano and check in.
- This afternoon, have a guided walking tour of the ancient town with its medieval castle and Romanesque cathedral.
- A Pugliese group dinner tonight will be in a traditional restaurant in the center of town.
- Overnight in Conversano.
Day Seven
Day Seven- Breakfast, then head to an ancient masseria (a typical Apulian farmhouse) in Monopoli. Enjoy a cooking class with traditional recipes such as orecchiette pasta, melanzane alla parmigiana, and Bocconotti (a typical Apulian dessert). Lunch to follow based on your efforts.
- This afternoon, have a guided tour of seaside Monopoli, which is full of history and picturesque streets.
- Dinner tonight on your own in Conversano.
Day Eight
Day Eight- After breakfast, head to the charming village of Locorotondo, meaning “round place,” which is thusly named due to the circular shape of the town.
- Next, head to famous Alberobello for a guided tour of among the Apulian “trulli” houses.
- Lunch in Alberobello.
- In the afternoon, visit an ancient olive mill to taste the fabulous extra virgin olive oil of Puglia.
- Return to Conversano for dinner on your own.
- Overnight in Conversano.
Day Nine
Day Nine- Breakfast, then head to Bari, the capital of Puglia. You will have a guided tour to discover the church of San Nicola, the castle of Federico II, and the historical center known as “Old Bari” (Bari Vecchia).
- Taste traditional panzerotti in a local bakery, then head to a family-run winery for a wine tasting and lunch featuring local products.
- After lunch head to Polignano a mare to see its picturesque sea views.
- Return to Conversano for dinner on your own and overnight.
Day Ten
Day Ten- After breakfast head to Matera, the stunning town in the Basilicata region, and have a guided tour of the “Sassi”. Matera is considered one of the oldest towns on earth, and its “Sassi” area (literally ‘the rocks’) is a labyrinth of rustic homes and cave dwellings that were built one on top of the other over the centuries. Its aesthetic is so unique and evocative that it has formed the backdrop fro many movies. Once a center of poverty, the Sassi quarter has become a hip center boasting restaurants, pubs, hotels, and a thriving artists’ community.
- Head to Altamura for a tasting of traditional wood-fired focaccia.
- Return to Conversano for time to relax, pack, or shop, and then enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight in Conversano.
Day Eleven
- Breakfast, then depart for Bari airport or train station (you can expect to arrive at either around 10 am).
Trip Details
Included in the 6-Night Abruzzo Culinary Tour
Accommodations
6 nights accommodation in 3* hotel in Vasto
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- Daily lunches and some dinners (specific number varies week to week, please inquire)
- Local wine included with all included meals
Classes & Instructors
Depending on the specific week, enjoy 1 to 3 hands-on cooking classes based on the season, among which you might find:
- homemade pastas and sauces
- homemade pizza, ‘bruschette,’ and tiramisù
Excursions
Excursions vary by week and by season, but may include among the following:
- A tour of Vasto with its promenade, castle, towers, cathedral, and piazza
- A visit of a traditional ‘trabocco’ fishing platform (weather permitting)
- A visit of the abby of San Giovanni in Venere
- A seasonal excursion on day 4 (truffle hunt, visit to national park, etc.)
- Dairy farm visit with cheese making
- Roccascalegna Castle, the ‘castle in the sky’
- Olive farm visit and winery visit with tastings
Transfer Details
- Group arrival transfer from Rome FCO airport at 2:30pm, and departure transfers to Rome FCO Airport with arrival around 12:30 pm (please plan on an afternoon flight, or on staying an extra day in Rome).
- Please note that for the 10-night Abruzzo and Puglia tour the return transfer is to the Bari airport or train station.
Included in the 10-Night Abruzzo and Puglia Culinary Vacation
Accommodations
- 2 nights in Sulmona (Abruzzo) at the Hotel Ovidius
- 3 nights in Vasto (Abruzzo) at the Hotel San Marco or Hotel dei 7
- 5 nights in Conversano (Puglia) at the Hotel Corte Altavilla
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- 8 lunches
- 5 dinners
- Wine with all included meals
Classes & Instructors
You will have 2 hands-on cooking classes during your stay. One will feature traditional Abruzzese dishes, the other will feature traditional Apulian fare.
Excursions
- Guided visit of Sulmona
- Wine tastings and olive oil tastings
- Guided tour of Vasto
- Market visit
- Art experience in Lentella
- Visit of Punta Aderci Nature Riserve
- Trabocco fishing demonstration
- Guided visits of Trani and Conversano
- Tour of Monopoli
- Visit to Locorotondo and Alberobello
- Guided visit of Bari
- Tastings of panzerotti and focaccia
- Visit of Polignano
- Guided visit of Matera in Basilicata
Transfer Details
- Group arrival transfer from Rome FCO airport at 2:30pm, and departure transfers to Rome FCO Airport with arrival around 12:30 pm (please plan on an afternoon flight, or on staying an extra day in Rome).
- Please note that for the 10-night Abruzzo and Puglia tour the return transfer is to the Bari airport or train station.
Country:
Italy
Region:
Abruzzo
Tour Dates:
Available select weeks February through early December for a minimum of two people. Please review our complete pricing details.
6 Nights
Starting at
$1,755
10 Nights
Starting at
$3,460
Accommodation Information
Most weeks in Vasto will have accommodations at the centrally located , 3* Hotel dei 7, which has been recently renovated and is located next to the panoramic Belvedere San Michele. It affords views over the gulf and easy access to a tree-lined public garden as well as the historical center. The rooms are basic but newly redone and offer air conditioning as well as en suite bathrooms with hair dryers.
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You can also choose to upgrade to a lovely boutique residence located in the heart of Vasto. Originally an 18th-century mansion, it has been renovated into an upscale B&B with 5 bedrooms, located on the Amblingh promenade. (If unavailable an comparable accommodation will be proposed.)
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Please note for the following itineraries you stay alternate accommodations (inquire for details):
Abruzzo, Puglia, Matera
- 2 nights in Sulmona (Abruzzo) at the Hotel Ovidius
- 3 nights in Vasto (Abruzzo) at the Hotel San Marco or Hotel dei 7
- 5 nights in Conversano (Puglia) at the Hotel Corte Altavilla
Le Marche
- 6 nights at the Hotel Angela in Fano
Abruzzo Culinary Vacation Pricing & Tour Dates
Find pricing and dates for our Italian culinary tours below, and contact us for availability or to plan your trip.
6-Night Culinary Weeks Pricing:
(excluding Christmas Traditions week)
6-night Program
US$2085 per person based on double occupancy
Please inquire with specific dates for detailed itinerary.
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!
Upgraded accommodations: please inquire.
Single occupancy supplement: please inquire.
Christmas Traditions Week Pricing:
(December 4-10, 2022 and December 3-9, 2023)
6-night Program
US$1755 per person based on double occupancy
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!
Upgraded accommodations: please inquire.
No single occupancy supplement (unless you select upgraded accommodation).
Vasto Abruzzo Cooking Vacation Tour Dates
Our Italian culinary vacations in Vasto are available select weeks. Other weeks are also available on request – please inquire.
2023
April 6-12 (Easter Week)
April 30-May 6 (Special Week in Le Marche, please inquire for itinerary)
May 7-13 (Italian Food and Language)
June 4-10 (Culinary and Walking)
June 25-July 1 (Culinary and E-Cycling)
September 3-9 (Culinary and Walking)
September 24-30 (Special Week in Le Marche, please inquire for itinerary)
September 28-October 4 (Patron Saint & Grape Harvest)
October 15-21 (Italian Food and Language)
December 3-9 (Christmas Recipes)
Please note that a special 7-night itinerary in Sicily is also available May 7-14
and October 8-15, 2023. Please inquire for details and pricing.
10-Night Abruzzo and Puglia Culinary Tour Pricing:
10-night Program
US$3460 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$270 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!
Upgraded accommodations: please inquire.
Abruzzo and Puglia 10-Night Tour Dates
Our Italian culinary vacations in Abruzzo and Puglia are available select weeks.
2023
April 18-28
May 16-26
June 13-23
July 4-14
September 12-22
Ocotber 10-20
November 7-17
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Country:
Italy
Region:
Abruzzo
Tour Dates:
Available select weeks February through early December for a minimum of two people. Please review our complete pricing details.
6 Nights
Starting at
$1,755
10 Nights
Starting at
$3,460
Want more flexibility? We can customize all of your trip details for you, including:
- Trip length and Itineraries
- Hotels and Tours
- Transfers and Airfare
Let us show you how we can create a complete package just for you. Contact Us