WELLNESS & CULINARY ADVENTURE

DAY 1: AIRPORT PICK UP, HOTEL DROP OFF, TOUR BRIEFING, SETTLING INTO ACCOMMODATION, MULTI-COURSE WELCOME DINNER

Free Airport pick up in Rome (FCO), pick up at Terminal 3, arrivals at 1:00 pm and then drive across the Abruzzo mountains towards the resort. After you are settled in, we’ll meet for a briefing of the tour. A welcome dinner will follow, with a multicourse meal.

DAY 2: WELLNESS INTRO – GUIDED TOUR OF WELLNESS FACILITY – WINERY

The morning starts with the smell of a cappuccino and a generous array of freshly baked goodies. After breakfast the tour guide walks everyone through a quick doctor’s visit necessary to make sure no guest is at risk, and to ensure a better understanding of the suggested timing and use of the therapeutic waters and wellness treatments. There will then be time to enjoy the first treatments, followed by an exquisite lunch.

After a short rest, the group sets out to the village of Bolognano for a guided tour of the Zaccagnini winery, one of the most important wineries in Abruzzo. About 3 million bottles of Zaccagnini wines are sold in 45 countries each year. The inside of the winery doubles as an art gallery, with pieces by Dino Colalongo, Franco Summa, Bizhan Bassiri, David Bade, Simone Zaccagnini, Mimmo Paladino, Gino Sabatini Odoardi, Pietro Cascella and Mauro Berrettini. Dinner to follow.

DAY 3: HERMITAGE/SAN TOMMASO CHURCH – COOKING CLASS

Visit the hermitage of Santo Spirito, where Celestino V, who was made pope in the 12th century, decided to build the hermitage on this mountain, and see a Romanesque church. Lunch to follow.

In the afternoon, enjoy a cooking class, with the chef of the restaurant, learning how to make a seasonal dish, with a dessert.

DAY 4: AGRITURISMO FARM – EXPLORE LOCAL PRODUCTS – COOKING DEMO

This visit to a local agriturismo is an incredible experience. Everything is self sustainable and organic, which allows guests to experience the feeling of stepping back centuries in time. The host, Marisa will demonstrate how to cook some traditional foods. Guests can also sample the local products, such as jams, breads, cheeses, salami and more.

The afternoon will be dedicated to enjoying the wellness facility or getting a massage, followed by dinner.

DAY 5: HIKE IN THE ORFENTO VALLEY NATURAL RESERVE – RIVER, WOODEN BRIDGES, 2-HOUR HIKE

The morning starts with a guided wilderness hike in the Orfento valley, within the National Park, across picturesque wooden bridges and peaceful brooks. After lunch, the afternoon will be dedicated to your last treatment: complete relaxation in the heated therapeutic pool. The week then closes with a delicious farewell dinner.

DAY 6: BACK TO THE AIRPORT

Enjoy your last cappuccino in the morning and off to the airport. We want to make sure you’re going home with everything you came for.

At the end of these 6 days, you will be completely relaxed and will have eaten some fantastic meals, drunk some fine wines and learned a few amazing recipes. What else would you expect from a vacation?

Notes:

• The drive to the airport is about 2.5 hours
• Bring hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes and swimsuits

DID YOU KNOW?

Sulfur has been used medicinally since ancient times and is contained in every cell in our bodies. Approximately 0.25% of our total body weight is sulfur. It is most concentrated in keratin, which creates strong hair, nails, and skin. It helps with skin elasticity which maintains youthful skin. Sulfur is a natural antiseptic and is said to encourage insulin production, thus it is indicated for diabetes according to balneology. Sulfur, silica, and metaboric acid are great for chronic skin ailments, as they tonify and moisturize skin.