A 9-Day Italventure: Hiking, Swimming, Vegetarian Food, and Culture in Italy

  • Day 1: Tocco, Abruzzo
    Starting Point

    Take a stroll through the charming medieval village of Tocco and enjoy the stunning views of the Apeninne Mountains. Sample some delicious vegetarian food at Ristorante La Pergola.

  • Day 2: Campo Imperatore
    1 hr 15 min (33.2 miles) from Tocco

    Drive up to the rooftop of Italy and experience the breathtaking views from the Gran Sasso mountain range. Take a hike along the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park trails before heading to Locanda sulle Montagne for a delicious meal made with local ingredients.

  • Day 3: Rocca Calascio and Santo Stefano di Sessanio
    14 min (5.7 miles) from Campo Imperatore

    Visit the picturesque Rocca Calascio fortress and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the charming medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio and indulge in some delicious vegetarian food at Ristorante degli Orti.

  • Day 4: Pescara
    1 hr 8 min (46.7 miles) from Santo Stefano di Sessanio

    Take a day trip to the beautiful coastal town of Pescara. Soak up the sun on the sandy Spiaggia di Pescara beach or take a refreshing swim in the Adriatic Sea before enjoying some delicious seafood at Ristorante Bellavista.

  • Day 5: Cascate del Rio Verde
    1 hr 49 min (75.2 miles) from Pescara

    Explore the beautiful Cascate del Rio Verde waterfalls and hike through the lush green valley. Have a picnic at the Parco Fluviale del Verde before driving to beautiful Matera.

  • Day 6: Matera
    1 hr 40 min (71.8 miles) from Cascate del Rio Verde

    Visit the ancient Sassi di Matera – cave dwellings that have been inhabited for over 9000 years. Walk through the intricate alleys and discover hidden gems of art and culture. Have lunch at Ristorante Francesca where you can feast on delicious vegetarian food made with local ingredients.

  • Day 7: Trani and Castel del Monte
    1 hr 3 min (41.2 miles) from Matera

    Visit the beautiful Cathedral of Trani and take a stroll along the harbour. Drive up to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Castel del Monte: the medieval citadel in the hinterland of Puglia that is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Enjoy a meal at Tenuta Torre Salsa.

  • Day 8: Alberobello and Locorotondo
    43 min (21.3 miles) from Castel del Monte

    Visit the picturesque town of Alberobello, known for its unusual cone-shaped houses. Walk among the trulli, the UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit Chiesa Trullo Sovrano. Afterward, head to the charming town of Locorotondo to see the beautiful views of the Valle d'Itria while enjoying dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria Signora Gina.

  • Day 9: Bari
    27 min (14.7 miles) from Locorotondo

    Visit the historic Old Town of Bari. Explore the Basilica di San Nicola, stroll through the picturesque medieval streets, and sample some street food at the Mercato di Porta Palazzo. End the trip with a farewell dinner at the renowned Ristorante Terranima.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tocco, Abruzzo (Free)
  • Campo Imperatore (3 hours, €20 person)
  • Rocca Calascio and Santo Stefano di Sessanio (3 hours, €25 person)
  • Pescara (4 hours, €30 person)
  • Cascate del Rio Verde (4 hours, €35 person)
  • Matera (4 hours, €40 person)
  • Trani and Castel del Monte (4 hours, €35 person)
  • Alberobello and Locorotondo (3 hours, €25 person)
  • Bari (3 hours, €30 person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €255 per person

Transportation

Travelers will need to rent a car in order to access all the locations on this itinerary. Rental cars cost approximately €30-40 per day, and gas should be budgeted for €60-70 for the duration of the trip.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the beautiful town of Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South," or spend an extra day exploring the beautiful region of Puglia. If you have less time, consider cutting out a day trip or spending less time in each location.

Airports

The closest airport to Tocco is Abruzzo Airport (PSR), located in Pescara approximately 45 miles away.

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