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Italy

The Hidden Medieval Villages of Abruzzo

Program No. 23847RJ
Experience enchanting Abruzzo, a hidden world of medieval landscapes, unique culinary traditions, national parks and incredible mountain ranges.

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At a Glance

Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles over uneven surfaces, some cobblestones; standing for an hour at a time; stairs without railings.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Experience a ride on the Sulmona-Carpinone line, Italy's Trans-Siberian Railway and one of the most scenic rail routes in Italy, and enjoy an unspoiled view of the Central Apennines.
  • 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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Luisa De Fabritiis
Luisa De Fabritiis graduated in tourism economics from the University of L’Aquila and obtained two master degrees in tourism development/marketing and communication from the University of Bologna and Il Sole 24 Ore Business School. She has over a decade of work experience in the organization of medical and sporting events. Luisa has been a group leader in the Abruzzo region since 2012, speaking Italian and English. She is also an international technical official for triathlon races, national and international. She is passionate about contemporary architecture.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Alessandra Sarappa
Alessandra Sarappa View biography
Alessandra Sarappa was born and raised in Rome. She studied English at Rice University in Texas before spending seven years in the UK. She was part of the cabin crew at British Airways for 25 years, and worked with English customers in Sorrento as a customer resort helper for Jet2Holidays for one summer. She then became a group leader for companies including AG Boutique in Rome, Laser Jet in Riccione, and the Aloschi Bros cruise agency. Her interests range from art to nature and gastronomy.
Profile Image of Alma Lizia Vasquez
Alma Lizia Vasquez View biography
Alma Lizia Vasquez was born in Mexico, and moved to Florence over two decades ago. Alma is a licensed group leader who is also a sommelier, photographer, and paper artworks restorer. Alma is curious and restless by nature; she is passionate about history, art history, languages, and travel. Since 2015, she has been working in the tourism sector for several national and international agencies. She began working with Road Scholar in 2022, initially as an assistant and later as a group leader.
Profile Image of Francesca Romanelli
Francesca Romanelli View biography
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.
Profile Image of Kharen Dell'Arciprete
Kharen Dell'Arciprete View biography
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.
Profile Image of Sonia Chiarellotto
Sonia Chiarellotto View biography
Sonia Chiarellotto is a group leader working in Italy since 2013. She received her B.S. in tourism in 2006. She is a native Italian speaker and fluent in English; she also speaks some French and Spanish. She teaches Italian to foreigners and holds Italian courses in the Veneto region and in Puglia. She is an environmental guide and has specific knowledge of leading groups in natural surroundings and in trekking both in mountainous terrain and in coastal hillside areas.
Profile Image of Luisa De Fabritiis
Luisa De Fabritiis View biography
Luisa De Fabritiis graduated in tourism economics from the University of L’Aquila and obtained two master degrees in tourism development/marketing and communication from the University of Bologna and Il Sole 24 Ore Business School. She has over a decade of work experience in the organization of medical and sporting events. Luisa has been a group leader in the Abruzzo region since 2012, speaking Italian and English. She is also an international technical official for triathlon races, national and international. She is passionate about contemporary architecture.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can 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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