A Perfect 10 Days Itinerary: Exploring Italy's Hidden Gems

  • Day 1: Campo Imperatore, Abruzzo
    1 hour 20 minutes (55 km) from Tocco

    Spend your first day admiring the stunning views of the snow-capped Gran Sasso Mountains as you hike in Campo Imperatore. This plateau is known as "Little Tibet" and is characterized by vast open spaces, great plains and stunning views.

  • Day 2: The Blue Lagoon of Pescasseroli
    1 hour 10 minutes (50 km) from Campo Imperatore

    Relax and swim in the Blue Lagoon of Pescasseroli, surrounded by the stunning green forests of the Abruzzo National Park. The crystal clear waters of this natural swimming pool will recharge you for more activities ahead.

  • Day 3: Lago di Scanno, Abruzzo
    1 hour 20 minutes (62 km) from Pescasseroli

    Head to the picturesque town of Scanno and take a dip in Lago di Scanno, the "Pearl of Abruzzo". This scenic lake has crystal clear, turquoise waters and white pebble beaches, surrounded by the high peaks of the Apennines.

  • Day 4: Frasassi Caves, Marche
    2 hours (160 km) from Lago di Scanno

    Experience an underground adventure by visiting the Frasassi Caves, one of the most fascinating cave systems in Europe. Admire impressive stalactites and stalagmites in several unique halls and grottos.

  • Day 5: Urbino, Marche
    45 minutes (40 km) from Frasassi Caves

    Explore the charming town of Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of the famous artist Raphael. Admire the stunning Renaissance architecture, and visit the impressive Ducal Palace - a true masterpiece of Italian art and culture from the 15th century.

  • Day 6: The Beaches of Portonovo, Marche
    1 hour 20 minutes (85 km) from Urbino

    Relax and soak up the sun on the pristine beaches of Portonovo in the Conero Riviera, surrounded by gorgeous beaches and natural parks. Enjoy the stunning scenery and swim in the crystal-clear waters.

  • Day 7: Assisi, Umbria
    2 hours 30 minutes (140 km) from Portonovo

    Visit the charming town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Basilica of San Francesco, a truly spectacular church built in the 13th century and home to breathtaking frescoes by renowned Italian artists.

  • Day 8: Lake Trasimeno, Umbria
    50 minutes (50 km) from Assisi

    Enjoy the spectacular scenery and tranquillity of Lake Trasimeno, surrounded by rolling hills and medieval towns. Take a dip in the refreshing waters or take a boat trip to the picturesque island of Isola Maggiore.

  • Day 9: Siena, Tuscany
    1 hour 45 minutes (115 km) from Lake Trasimeno

    Discover the splendid city of Siena, with its medieval charm and famous for its Palio horse race, held twice a year. Visit the iconic Piazza del Campo, the historic Duomo, and climb the stunning Torre del Mangia for incredible views of the city.

  • Day 10: Florence, Tuscany
    1 hour 20 minutes (75 km) from Siena

    End your itinerary in the breathtaking city of Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the Brunelleschi's Dome of the Duomo and visit the famous Uffizi Gallery, which houses some of the most famous Italian Renaissance art masterpieces.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hiking in Campo Imperatore (4 hours) - Free
  • Swimming in Blue Lagoon of Pescasseroli (3 hours) - Free
  • Swimming in Lago di Scanno (4 hours) - Free
  • Exploring Frasassi Caves (2 hours) - €15 per person
  • Visiting Urbino's Ducal Palace (2 hours) - €10 per person
  • Relaxing on the Beaches of Portonovo (4 hours) - Free
  • Visiting Assisi's Basilica of San Francesco (3 hours) - €8 per person
  • Relaxing on Lake Trasimeno (4 hours) - Free
  • Exploring Siena's Piazza del Campo and Duomo (3 hours) - €11 per person
  • Visiting Uffizi Gallery in Florence (4 hours) - €20 per person
  • Total Estimated Costs for Two: €114

Transportation

It is recommended to rent a car for this itinerary to access all the destinations comfortably. This itinerary includes a lot of driving, so it's best to make sure you are comfortable driving a manual or automatic car. The estimated travel cost for 10 days is around €350, including petrol and car rental.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other places in Abruzzo such as the town of Sulmona famous for its confetti sweets or the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park where you can see wolves in their natural habitat. Additionally, if you have less time, we recommend cutting out Frasassi Caves or Lake Trasimeno and spending more time on the beach or exploring Florence.

Airports

The closest airport is Abruzzo Airport (PSR), located 2 hours and 10 minutes driving distance from Tocco. Another convenient airport is Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI), located 4 hours driving distance from Tocco.

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