Experience the beauty of the Majella National Park with its lovely and rugged mountain scenery, great hiking trails, and opportunities to spot rare wildlife such as the Apennine wolf and Abruzzo chamois. Don't miss the hermitages, shrines, and medieval monasteries.
Enjoy the serene beauty of Lago di Scanno, famous for the clarity of its waters and surrounded by picturesque medieval villages, such as Scanno itself. Take a swim, a boat ride, or just relax by the shore and savor the tranquil atmosphere.
Explore the charming ancient town of Sulmona, renowned for its elegant palaces, Romanesque churches, and lively markets. Indulge in the local delicacies such as the confetti, tasty sugared almonds in all colors, or the torrone, the nougat-like sweet made with local honey and almonds.
Discover the art, history, and culture of L'Aquila, one of the most important centers of medieval architecture in Italy. Marvel at the imposing fortress, the elegant Baroque churches, and the fascinating Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at Osteria Baralla, famous for its organic and sustainable cuisine.
Relax on the sandy beaches of Termoli, a picturesque fishing village overlooking the Adriatic Sea, with its lively old town, the imposing Castle of Frederick II, and the charming Cathedral of San Basso. Savor some delicious seafood at the atmospheric La Locanda di Ciccio.
Explore the rugged beauty of the Gargano National Park, with its dense forests, hidden grottoes, and dramatic cliffs plunging into the turquoise sea. Trek along the Trajan Path, visit the ancient abbey of Santa Maria di Pulsano, or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Pugnochiuso Beach.
Get enchanted by the unique landscape of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its trulli, traditional dry stone huts with conical roofs. Stroll along the narrow alleys, visit the Museum of Trulli, and taste the local specialties, such as the orecchiette with turnip greens and the bombette.
Experience the mesmerizing beauty of Matera, the European Capital of Culture 2019, with its breathtaking sassi, ancient dwellings carved into the rock, and its stunning blend of medieval, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture. Learn about the fascinating history and culture of the town at the Casa Noha or the Museo Nazionale d'Arte Medievale e Moderna.
End your memorable journey in Bari, a vibrant port city with a lively old town, the imposing Norman-Swabian Castle, and the impressive Basilica di San Nicola, dedicated to the patron saint of the city. Savor some delicious street food, such as the focaccia barese or the involtini di cavallo.
If you have access to a car, you can conveniently and flexibly explore the different parts of Abruzzo and Puglia. However, be aware that the roads in the mountainous areas can be steep, narrow, and winding. Parking can also be a challenge in the historic towns. Consider renting a scooter or taking a guided tour if you prefer more relaxed and sustainable travel. The total estimated travel distance is around 700 km, which should cost around 50 euros in fuel.
If you have more time, you could extend your stay in one of the places you liked the most or explore other nearby destinations, such as the Gran Sasso National Park or the Trani Cathedral. If you have less time, you could combine some of the places or skip some of the less interesting ones. Make sure to check the opening and closing hours of the attractions and the weather forecast before planning your visits. Bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and a swimsuit.
The nearest airports to Tocco are the Abruzzo Airport (PSR) in Pescara, 100 km away, and the Ciampino Airport (CIA) in Rome, 200 km away. The Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI), which handles both domestic and international flights, is located in Bari, around 60 km from Matera.