Start your trip exploring the quaint village of Tocco, located in Abruzzo. Stroll through the town's historic center, check out the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and grab some authentic Italian vegetarian dishes for lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria La Brace. In the afternoon, take a hike in the nearby Majella National Park, which is home to beautiful lakes and breathtaking landscapes.
Take a scenic drive to the beautiful town of Scanno, known for its traditional architecture and gorgeous views. Walk through the charming old town and enjoy some gelato while discovering the town's history. In the afternoon, head to Lake Scanno, where you can swim or kayak. Take the opportunity to have dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo, which offers authentic local dishes.
Visit the picturesque town of Sulmona, known for its confetti candies and medieval architecture. Walk through the town center and visit the beautiful Cathedral of San Panfilo. In the afternoon, take a 30-minute hike to the Hermitage of S. Onofrio al Morrone, a beautiful ancient monastery nestled in the mountains. End your night with a delicious pizza at Antica Pizzeria di Michele, which offers vegetarian options.
Take a break from hiking and head to the beautiful beaches of San Salvo, located on the Adriatic Sea. Spend the day sunbathing or swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and have lunch at one of the beachside cafes. In the evening, head back to Tocco and try some local wine at Cantine del Notaio.
Take a scenic drive to Roccaraso, a town located in the Apennine Mountains. Spend the day skiing or snowboarding at the Monte Pratello Ski Resort, which offers a variety of slopes for all levels. Warm up with some hot cocoa at one of the on-mountain cafes. End your day with a dinner at Ristorante Vallefura, which offers vegetarian dishes.
Spend the day exploring the seaside town of Ortona, located on the Adriatic Sea. Walk through the town center and visit the beautiful Ortona Cathedral. In the afternoon, head to the Costa dei Trabocchi, a stretch of coastline that is home to traditional fishing huts that extend into the sea. Take a walk along the coast and have dinner at Il Pescatore da Maria di Filippo Ciccone, which serves fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes.
Visit the historic town of Chieti, which dates back to Roman times. Walk through the town center and visit the ancient Roman ruins, including the Roman Amphitheater and the Santa Maria dei Civita Cathedral. In the evening, have dinner at Cotto & Mangiato, which offers vegetarian options.
Spend the day exploring the stunning Gran Sasso National Park, known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. Take a hike to the Corno Grande, the highest peak in the Apennine Mountains, and enjoy the breathtaking views. End your day with dinner at Ristorante la Rocca ai Due Sapori, which offers vegetarian dishes.
Spend your last day relaxing in Tocco before heading back home. Take a scenic drive through the countryside and take in the beautiful views. Have lunch at Ristorante Mama Rosa, which serves authentic Italian vegetarian dishes. End your trip with some wine tasting at Azienda Agricola Chiara Spinosa, which offers scenic views of the surrounding vineyards.
Consider renting a car to explore these destinations at your own pace. Hiring a car can cost around €30-€50 per day. Keep in mind that some places may be challenging to reach on public transportation, and driving in major cities can be difficult.
If you have more time, you may want to visit other nearby towns and attractions, such as the town of Pescocostanzo, the Fara San Martino Gorge, and the Cascate del Verde. If you have less time, you may want to focus on exploring either the seaside or the mountains, depending on your preferences.
The closest airport to Abruzzo is Abruzzo Airport (PSR), located in Pescara. The airport is around 75km away from Tocco and may require additional transportation to reach the village. Rome's Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is another option, which is approximately a 3-hour drive from Tocco.