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Italy
ABRUZZO HEARTLAND: HILLTOP VILLAGES AND MOUNTAIN MYSTIQUE
Fortresses crowning ochre ridges, mountain silence enveloping villages, alpine lakes with crystal reflections. Abruzzo, Italy's village heart.
≈ 29
Days
1415
Km
26
Stops
Approach Civitella del Tronto and its ramparts on the ridge, then reach lakeside Scanno in a mountain setting. Cross Santo Stefano di Sessanio and its austere stones, discover Guardiagrele and its goldsmith craftsmanship, then stop at Pescocostanzo, a village suspended in Abruzzo's air. The region tells itself in relief, silence and craft.
- Civitella: ridge fortress majesty
- Scanno: alpine lake village
- Santo Stefano: abandoned stone ghost
- Guardiagrele: silversmith tradition
- Pescocostanzo: peak village silence
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Rocca San Giovanni - tiny borgo of 2000 inhabitants with intact medieval historic center
2
Piazza degli Eroi - heart of the village with Palazzo Municipale, Torre Civica and Chiesa di San Matteo
3
Resti delle mura della Rocca - remains of the ramparts of the ancient fortress
Activities
→
Walk through the fortified center that protected the abbey of San Giovanni in Venere
→
Excursion on the Costa dei Trabocchi - coastline with ancient fishing machines on stilts
Next stop
Distance:
87 km
Travel time:
1h45
2
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Crecchio - medieval borgo between Adriatic hills and Majella massif
2
Castello Ducale - castle with four imposing angular towers dominating the village
3
Museo dell'Abruzzo Bizantino ed Altomedievale - archaeological museum in the castle
Activities
→
Suggestive stroll through the alleys of the medieval historic center
→
Visit to the castle and museum dedicated to Byzantine and early medieval Abruzzo
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Hiking and trekking in the surroundings between hills and mountains
Next stop
Distance:
19 km
Travel time:
23min
3
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Città Sant'Angelo - fascinating village on a hill at 317 m between sea, hills and mountains
2
Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo - church with magnificent portico and 48 m high bell tower
3
Porte storiche - ancient entrance gates of the fortified city
4
Palazzi gentilizi - noble residences lining the alleys of the center
Activities
→
Stroll through the vicoli discovering the historic churches and palaces
→
Tasting of wine and extra virgin olive oil of extraordinary quality
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Participation in the cultural and food and wine events of the village
Next stop
Distance:
56 km
Travel time:
1h07
4
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Campli - medieval city at the foot of the Monti Gemelli between the valleys of Siccagno and Fiumicino
2
Palazzo Farnese - Renaissance palace bearing witness to the city's rich past
3
Cattedrale di Santa Maria in Platea - cathedral at the heart of the historic center
4
Scala Santa - sacred stairway, place of pilgrimage and devotion
+1 Places visited
Activities
→
Exploration of the history-rich historic center at a slow pace
→
Excursion to the beech woods of Monte Foltrone in the Parco del Gran Sasso
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Discovery of the Salinello valley a few kilometers from the Adriatic coast
Next stop
Distance:
89 km
Travel time:
1h47
5
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Civitella del Tronto - jewel perched on a travertine spur in the hills of Val Vibrata
2
Fortezza Borbonica - one of the largest and most important fortresses of military engineering in Europe
3
Main square - splendid square with palaces steeped in history
Activities
→
Visit to the Bourbon fortress overlooking the borgo and valley
→
Stroll through the alleyways and panoramic terraces of the historic center
→
Excursion to the Gole del Salinello - spectacular gorges for rejuvenating hikes
+1 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
98 km
Travel time:
1h58
6
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Pietracamela - medieval borgo perched in panoramic position in the shadow of Corno Piccolo of Gran Sasso
2
Historic center - characteristic palaces, houses, alleyways and squares from another era
Activities
→
Stroll through the borgo with its relaxing timeless atmosphere
→
Excursion to Prati di Tivo - main ski resort in the province of Teramo
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Hiking to the peaks of Gran Sasso from the village
Next stop
Distance:
77 km
Travel time:
1h32
7
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Castelli - homeland of ceramics at the foot of Monte Camicia in the Parco del Gran Sasso
2
Museo della Ceramica - museum dedicated to the traditional ceramic art of the village
3
Chiesa di San Donato - small church outside the center with a ceiling entirely covered in ancient majolica
Activities
→
Walk through the alleys discovering the botteghe and workshops of ceramic artisans
→
Visit to the majolica ceiling of San Donato - unique masterpiece of ceramic art
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Purchase of artisanal ceramics in the traditional workshops of the borgo
Next stop
Distance:
37 km
Travel time:
44min
8
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Penne - city of brick on four hills with alleys paved with red bricks
2
Centro storico - palaces, medieval monuments and churches on the Sacro, Romano, Castello and Cappuccio hills
3
Chiesa dell'Annunziata - church that plays a leading role in the Holy Week celebrations
Activities
→
Walk through the alleys characterized by exposed brick and red brick staircases
→
Visit to the Riserva Naturale Lago di Penne - reserve with landscapes changing according to the seasons
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Outdoor activities in the natural reserve near the village
Next stop
Distance:
83 km
Travel time:
1h40
9
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Pretoro - village resembling a living nativity scene, nestled between the Majella mountains
2
Historic center - alleyways, narrow streets and churches in a fascinating setting
3
Museo del Lupo - museum dedicated to the Apennine wolf
Activities
→
Discovery of traditional wood and stone craftsmanship
→
Walking or cycling on the numerous routes of the territory
→
Exploration of the forests and waterfalls around the Majella
Next stop
Distance:
33 km
Travel time:
40min
10
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Guardiagrele - city of stone, iron, copper and the Presentosa, at the gates of Parco della Majella
2
Historic center - historic palaces, churches and artisan workshops
3
Panoramas - spectacular views from the mountains to the sea
Activities
→
Stroll through the narrow streets to discover traditional iron and copper craftsmanship
→
Tasting of Sise delle Monache - traditional pastry emblematic of Guardiagrele
→
Discovery of the Presentosa - traditional gold filigree jewelry symbol of Abruzzo
+1 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
53 km
Travel time:
1h04
11
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Casoli - borgo perched on a hill with castle dominating the houses, visible from afar
2
Castello Ducale - ducal castle dominating the village, main monument to visit
3
Centro storico - historic palaces and narrow streets with evocative views
Activities
→
Aimless stroll through the vicoli to discover panoramic views
→
Visit to Castello Ducale and its historic interiors
→
Excursion to Lago di Casoli with the Torre di Prata - artificial lake and medieval tower
Next stop
Distance:
71 km
Travel time:
1h25
12
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Caramanico Terme - thermal borgo with stone houses on a spur at the confluence of the Orfento and Orta
2
Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore - church with sumptuous facade from 1476 with frescoes and tapestries
3
Chiesa di San Tommaso Apostolo - historic church of the medieval center
Activities
→
Walk through narrow alleys with stone portals decorated with coats of arms
→
Discovery of Renaissance and baroque ornaments of ancient houses
→
Hiking in the spectacular landscape of mountains and forests of the Majella
+1 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
32 km
Travel time:
38min
13
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Abbateggio - stone village with ancient alleys on the northern slopes of the Majella
2
Centro storico - traditional stone houses typical of Abruzzo
Activities
→
Discovery of the farro country - ancestral cereal cultivated for centuries
→
Tasting of zuppa di farro and other specialties based on this cereal
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Sagra del Farro - major summer festival celebrating farro cultivation traditions since 1992
+1 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
40 km
Travel time:
48min
14
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Castel del Monte - typical medieval borgo perched on rock at 1345 m at the foot of Gran Sasso
2
Centro storico - narrow streets, arches and authentic beauty off the tourist circuits
Activities
→
Notte delle Streghe - nocturnal procession searching for evil spirits, ancient popular rite
→
Tasting of Pecorino Canestrato - prestigious sheep cheese, product of transhumance
→
Summer hiking or winter cross-country skiing in the pure air of Campo Imperatore
+1 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
18 km
Travel time:
22min
15
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Santo Stefano di Sessanio - emblematic village among the most famous and characteristic of Abruzzo
2
Case mura - typical house-ramparts forming the village's enclosure
3
Porte antiche - ancient entrance gates to the fortified borgo
4
Palazzo Mediceo del Capitano - historic Medici palace
+1 Places visited
Activities
→
Visit to the Medicean tower restored after the 2009 earthquake
→
Stroll through the stone alleyways with preserved medieval atmospheres
→
Discovery of the surrounding Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga
Next stop
Distance:
69 km
Travel time:
1h23
16
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Navelli - medieval borgo with stone houses in a postcard setting between Gran Sasso and Valle dell'Aterno
2
Centro storico - alleyways, squares, arches and ancient portals creating a timeless atmosphere
Activities
→
Discovery of the Piana di Navelli - famous for saffron and chickpea cultivation
→
Tasting of Zafferano di Navelli - the red gold of Abruzzo, quality appreciated worldwide
→
Sagra dei Ceci e dello Zafferano - gastronomic festival in August attracting many tourists
+1 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
66 km
Travel time:
1h20
17
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Tagliacozzo - pearl of Marsica with medieval origins near the Lazio border
2
Piazza dell'Obelisco - one of the most fascinating squares in the region
3
Chiesa e Chiostro di San Francesco - church and cloister of the Franciscan convent
4
Chiesa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano - church with Benedictine monastery
+1 Places visited
Activities
→
Walk through the cobblestone alleys and small squares where time seems to have stopped
→
Discovery of stone houses and preserved medieval architecture
→
Hiking in the surrounding nature for outdoor enthusiasts
Next stop
Distance:
66 km
Travel time:
1h19
18
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Opi - borgo among the highest in the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo at 1250 m on a rocky spur
2
Cappella di San Giovanni - small historic chapel of the village
3
Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta - parish church of the borgo
4
Palazzo Municipale and Palazzo Bevilacqua - historic buildings of the center
Activities
→
Stroll through the borgo with small stone houses, arcades and staircases
→
Contemplation of breathtaking panoramas over the Valle del Sangro
→
Nature excursions in the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise
+1 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
43 km
Travel time:
51min
19
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Scanno - village immortalized by the greatest international photographers like Cartier-Bresson and Giacomelli
2
Historic center - seigneurial palaces, decorated portals, ancient arches and artisanal workshops
3
Museo della Lana - museum delving into more than two centuries of textile history
4
Lago di Scanno - heart-shaped lake seen from the sky, breathtaking panorama
Activities
→
Photographic walk through the alleyways made famous by the great masters
→
Climb to the belvedere to admire the heart-shaped lake
→
Slow tourism discovering local traditions and particularities
Next stop
Distance:
71 km
Travel time:
1h26
20
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Villalago - perched village at 1000 m with splendid view of the Gole del Sagittario
2
Chiesa della Madonna di Loreto - 14th-century church in the heart of the village
3
Palazzo della Cancelleria - 16th-century palace bearing witness to the rich past
4
Medieval Tower - medieval tower dominating the borgo
+1 Places visited
Activities
→
Stroll through the borgo's narrow streets getting lost
→
Visit to Lake San Domenico - lake with emerald waters, popular tourist destination
→
Hike in the valley surrounded by lakes, rivers and beech forests
+1 Optional activities
21
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Anversa degli Abruzzi - medieval borgo perched on a rocky spur in the upper Valle del Sagittario
2
Church of San Marcello - Romanesque church typical of Abruzzo
3
Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie - Romanesque church in the heart of the historic center
4
Ruins of the Norman Castle - remains of the Norman castle dominating the village
+1 Places visited
Activities
→
Walk through the historic center with its preserved medieval imprint
→
Discovery of the Parchi Letterari - events related to the works of D'Annunzio, poet from Abruzzo
→
Hiking in the spectacular nature of the Valle del Sagittario
Next stop
Distance:
7 km
Travel time:
9min
22
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Bugnara - village of a thousand inhabitants at the foot of Monte Genzana in the Valle del Sagittario
2
Ruderi di mura megalitiche - remains of megalithic walls and ancient fortifications
3
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Neve - historic church of the center
4
Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli - parish church of the village
+1 Places visited
Activities
→
Walk through the historic center discovering the 18th century palaces
→
Visit of historic residences: Palazzo Corrado, Alesi Villapiana and Papi
Next stop
Distance:
103 km
Travel time:
2h04
23
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Pettorano sul Gizio - medieval village in dominant position between Valle del Gizio and Valle Peligna
2
Castello - magnificent castle dominating the fortified village
3
Centro storico - ancient gates, noble palaces, churches and beautiful small square
Activities
→
Walk in the historic center with preserved medieval atmosphere
→
Visit to the Riserva Naturale Monte Genzana Alto Gizio - luxuriant nature and relaxation
→
Hiking on the trails of the surrounding natural reserve
Next stop
Distance:
85 km
Travel time:
1h42
24
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Pacentro - village entirely built in white stone from the Majella, living nativity scene atmosphere
2
Castello Caldoresco - majestic castle dominating the village between the mountains
Activities
→
Walk through the stepped alleys with arches, steps and porticoes
→
Castle visit and climb to the top of the tower for panoramic view over the valley
→
Contemplation of the surrounding mountains from the heights of the borgo
Next stop
Distance:
18 km
Travel time:
22min
25
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Pescocostanzo - pearl of Abruzzo in the altipiani maggiori at the heart of Parco della Majella
2
Basilica di Santa Maria del Colle (La Collegiata) - true showcase of artworks
3
Museo del Tombolo - museum dedicated to the traditional lace of the village
Activities
→
Walk through the narrow streets with balconies blooming with colorful geraniums
→
Visit to the botteghe artigiane and bobbin lace workshops
→
Hiking and trekking in the surrounding natural territory
+1 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
22 km
Travel time:
26min
26
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Palena - millennial borgo at the heart of Parco Nazionale della Majella
2
Castello Ducale - imposing fortress housing the Geopaleontological Museum
3
Area Faunistica dell'Orso - enclosure to meet the Marsican bear
4
Museo dell'Orso Marsicano - museum dedicated to this emblematic animal of Abruzzo
Activities
→
Hiking on trails through ancient forests, green valleys and panoramic peaks
→
Canyoning on the Aventino river - essential adventure activity
→
Visit to the Eremo della Madonna dell'Altare - hermitage offering spiritual and historical experience
Next stop
Distance:
72 km
Travel time:
1h26
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, ideal touring conditions.
Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere, beach season, festival time.
Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, harvest season, wine tourism, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful colors, culinary focus.
Winter (November-March): Mild southern weather, Christmas markets, lowest prices, minimal crowds, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 23 and 35 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Italy?
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