MORE SITES TO VISIT AND ITINERARIES...
Teramo  Chieti Pescocostanzo and the National Park of Majella
Civitella Del Tronto and the area of Teramo Scanno and the National
Park of Abruzzo Atri and its badlands and the Abbeys along the River
Pescara valley
THEME ITINERARIES...
The Ancient Abruzzo, from the Warrior of Capestrano to the time of
the Roman Empire
Trade, art and culture in Abruzzo during the 15th century
The Transhumance Tracks in the three National Parks of Abruzzo
Abruzzo and its Christmas Cribs, popular religiousness art, handicraft
and folklore
Pope Celestine the 5th: the story of a Holy Hermit
A Journey in the Poets Places: Ovid and D'Annunzio
Abruzzo and its Castles, from the early Middle Ages to the last Bourbons'
fortress
The Goldsmith's Art In Abruzzo, from the Renaissance of Nicola da
Guardiagrele to the shepherds jewels
Margaret of Austria, wines for Her Majesty
MORE THEME ITINERARIES...
Wines tasting and food tasting: tours through the famous local wines
and typical food producers Trips covering folklore and historical
commemorations Art and nature itineraries Didactic itineraries and
environmental education in the Abruzzo parks
 TOUR DESCRIPTION & MAP...
One of Italy's least populous regions, Abruzzo is home to the most
important national park in the country, and contains some of the most
breathtakingly unspoilt scenery to be seen anywhere in Italy. Because
of its inhabitants and scenery the region is called "Forte e Gentile"
(Strong and Gentle). This is "the old country", often seeming untouched
by the centuries. Gran Sasso is the highest peak in the Italian Apennines
(excellent skiing), and the high mountain plains are home to numerous
villages, some abandoned in their entirety; mountain paths are used
by the odd shepherd, bear, wolf or wild goat, and the inhabited hill-towns
that you'll see are quite unlike any others in Italy, amazing jewels
of art and handicraft...Then there are the long sandy beaches, most
notably at Pescara, and what some would argue is some of the finest
food in Italy, especially pasta and fish dishes. Abruzzo is particularly
well set up for those searching for an Italian camping holiday, but
the unique countryside and the glimpse of such unchanged lifestyles
should put this region on the best "MUST-SEE" lists.
DISCOVER ABRUZZO, DAY BY DAY...
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| Tour Features: |
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7 vouchers at selected hotels Breakfast daily at your hotels |
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Car rental includes: 7-day rental, Category D (upgrade to other categories is available, or visit our web site www.Maiellano.com) |
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Late model car and convenient airport locations Free unlimited mileage |
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CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), TP (Theft Protection), PI (Personal Insurance)
- deductibles vary depending on car Category |
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Third Party Liability also covering passengers Airport surcharge 24-hour-a-day road assistance |
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VAT (Value Added Tax) on the car rental Local city and highway maps Travel bag, one per |
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Document holder and luggage tags Hotel taxes and service charges |
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The following itinerary provides an idea of how to plan an interesting drive through Abruzzo. However, your personal adventure can begin, end or travel
through ANY part of Abruzzo This is a flexible program. To ensure availability, you must book the entire stay before leaving the United States.
Day 1 Sun Depart USA
Evening departure. Meals and refreshments
served on board.
Day 2 Mon Italy/Pescara Arrive in
Pescara and at the airport you will receive your car and maps. Transfer
to the hotel. When Gabriele D'Annunzio, the famous Abruzzan poet was
born (1863) there were only about 500 inhabitants living in Pescara.
A picturesque humanity of fishermen and small time merchants. Today
Pescara is a vibrant and growing mini-metropolis. It is Abruzzo's
main city. Dynamic, active and rich. It is also one of the most important
centers of tourism and economy of the whole Adriatic coast. Balance
of the day at leisure for your getting to know the city.
Day 3 Tue Pescara/Lanciano
Morning excursion to the ancient town
of Lanciano, a few miles from the Adriatic coast and in the heart of
the commercial Southeastern corner of Abruzzo. The town is rich in art,
history and is a special religious destination for its famous Eucharistic
Miracle. Noteworthy are the majestic city walls (XI century), the Church
of Santa Maria Maggiore (XII century) and the Church of San Francesco,
where the Eucharistic Miracle is preserved. The town has a number of
good restaurants and the vicinity offers good Abruzzan meals at typical
Agroturismos. Return to Pescara sometime in the afternoon.
Day 4 Wed Pescara/Sulmona/Pescasseroli
On the way to Pescasseroli, stop in Sulmona, the birthplace of Ovid,
one of the canonical poets of Latin literature, a few Popes and a
notable history. One should not miss some of the beautiful seigneurial
palaces and, among them, Palazzo Tabassi. Another treat would be visiting
a producer of "confetti", the much celebrated sugared almonds. In
the afternoon drive to Pescasseroli and transfer to your hotel. Pescasseroli
is a commune situated in Southern Abruzzo. It is a summer and winter
resort, and headquarter of the Abruzzo National Park. One of Italy's
prominent modern philosophers, Benedetto Croce, was born here. The
Abbey of Sts. Peter and Paul (XII century) houses a wooden statue
of Madonna with Child (XIII century).
Day 5 Thu Pescasseroli/L'Aquila Spend
a morning at leisure and in the afternoon travel to L'Aquila, the
region's capital. The city was founded by Frederick II the Suevian,
Holy Roman Emperor and King of Sicily in 1240. It is located at 2365
feet above sea level and is surrounded by a stunning circle of mountains.
L'Aquila had 99 districts representing the 99 encircling castles.
Day 6 Fri L'Aquila The central Piazza
Duomo, with its daily market, is an excellent place from which to
explore the town with its little courtyards and gardens. In the highest
part of town is the massive fortress, Forte Spagnolo. The Church of
St. Maria di Collemaggio, just outside the town, has a fine Romanesque
façade. The town also contains some fine palaces. Also outside the
town, next to the city wall, is the Fontana delle Novantanove Cannelle
(fountain with 99 jets), built in 1272, its source still unknown.
The neighboring area has Roman ruins, ancient monasteries, numerous
castles and several ski resorts around the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the
highest peak of the Apennines. In the afternoon relax, explore more
of the city or indulge in local shopping. If in the mood for unusual
discoveries, visit La Grotta di Stiffe (Stiffe grotto), a river cavern
leaving the Abruzzo mountains through a cave entrance. The entrance
lies 300 feet below an overhanging rock face. From this point you
have an impressive view ranging from the Gran Sasso mountain to the
L'Aquila valley. The river has water, cascades, unusual rock formations,
chambers named Silence and Cascade. Unlike most other caves this one
is open in winter as well.
Day 7 Sat L'Aquila Today we would
suggest some destinations of high interest. Santo Stefano di Sessanio,
located at 4101 feet from sea level within the National Park of Gran
Sasso. This is, a medieval village, literally intact, represented
by a majestic tower with battlements surrounded by a batch of houses.
A second destination is the Rocca di Calascio, a breathtaking centuries-old
castle, at 4757 above sea level, a must stop for the history-motivated.
Castles and towers were typical medieval features to defend against
repeated invasions. Unlike other castles intended as a refuge for
villagers, the Rocca instead was only meant to accommodate troops.
After lunch in a local restaurant return to L'Aquila via Castelvecchio
Calvisio, a village whose inhabitants were so safety-conscious that
they even covered their streets, which now resemble tunnels.
Day 8 Sun L'Aquila/Rome After spending
a morning in L'Aquila for one more view of its many palaces, landmarks,
market and shopping, you will drive to Rome, where you will transfer
to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Day 9 Mon Rome to USA (or extend your stay)
Return your car at
Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport and board your return flight home.
Meals and refreshments served aloft. Same day arrival into the USA.
SPECIAL AIRFARES ARE AVAILABLE IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OF THE SELECTED PACKAGES
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and may vary according to hotel and airfare seasonality, weekend surcharges, holidays
and local special events. Rates for Single/Triple/Children and extra nights are available on request. Other hotels are also available on request.
For more information, call 800-223-1616
ABRUZZO CAR RENTAL
  IN ABRUZZO*
With an In-Car Navigation System, Hertz delivers this extraordinary technology in Italy. The Global Positioning System (GPS), NeverLost
contains extensive detailed mapping and an easy to use full color touch screen. NeverLost gives you information at your fingertips and
provides turn-by-turn directions to points of interest. User friendly: Controls & Menu are simple, clear and in English. To add NeverLost with
your rental vehicle, there is a nominal daily fee that you settle in Italy. We, at Maiellano Car Rental, look forward to welcoming you to our
programs and assure you that our service will be impeccable.
*The In-Car Navigation System is available for a selection of vehicle categories and locations
RENTAL GENERAL INFORMATION - Enjoy HERTZ low rates and superior service.
Minimum rental age: from 21 to 25 years with valid driver's license
for at least one year. Some restrictions apply. In Italy an International
Driver License** is mandatory.
Young Driver's Age: 21 to 24 are charged at a supplement to be paid
locally.
Rental days are on a 24-hour basis, starting at beginning of rental.
There is a grace period of 29 minutes before charging one Full day
rental at local rates plus IVA tax.
The vehicles shown are examples. Car reservations are made by car
group and not by car model within a category. Specific models within
a car class may vary in availability and features such as passenger
seating, and luggage capacity. Reservations for specific models will
not be accepted
International one way rentals are subject to restrictions and additional
fees
Infant seats, ski racks, and snow chains may be available on request,
at an additional charge to be paid locally
Extension of rentals or upgrades to a larger car group requested locally
must be paid at local rates plus IVA tax and other applicable surcharges
Second driver must meet all above license requirements and pay a supplement
locally
In addition to the voucher, client must be in possession of at least
one major credit card at the beginning of the rental to cover any
incidental charges not covered by the voucher such as refueling.
Free drop-off at Hertz stations within Italy - restrictions may vary
depending on car Category or locations
All rates are subject to change without notice
**You may apply for an International
Driver's License online at http://www.idl-international.com
For more information, call 800-223-1616 |
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