Viewed by 80 travelers

9-Day Itinerary for Hiking, Swimming, Vegetarian Food, Culture and Beautiful Views in Italy, on a Budget of 450 Euros for a Couple Staying in Tocco, Abruzzo with Access to a Car

  • Day 1: Campo Imperatore Hiking Trail
    1 hour 10 minutes (72 km) from Tocco, Abruzzo

    Start your trip with a breathtaking hike through the Campo Imperatore Hiking Trail, located in the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. This trail is 20 km long and takes about 6 hours to complete. You will be rewarded with stunning views of mountains, flora, and faunas along the trail.

  • Day 2: Lake Barrea
    40 minutes (40 km) from Tocco, Abruzzo

    Drive to Lake Barrea for a refreshing swim and lovely picnic. Lake Barrea is surrounded by the mountains of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise, with crystal clear water that is perfect for swimming. There are a variety of hiking trails around the lake which offer beautiful views of the whole area.

  • Day 3: La Tartaruga
    1 hour 16 minutes (81 km) from Tocco, Abruzzo. Opens from 12:30 PM to 11:00 PM.

    Experience some vegetarian dishes at La Tartaruga, located in Pescara. They pride themselves on preparing healthy and delicious locally-sourced products at an affordable price. You should not miss the dessert and their vegetarian pizza alternatives.

  • Day 4: Castello Aragonese e Borgo Antico di Castel del Monte
    1 hour 20 minutes (117 km) from Tocco, Abruzzo. Opens from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM on weekdays, and from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM on weekends.

    Visit the impressive Castello Aragonese e Borgo Antico di Castel del Monte. This medieval fortress, built in the 16th century on a rocky hill, will impress you with its well-preserved walls and towers. The ancient mysteries of Castel del Monte make it an exciting destination for all history lovers.

  • Day 5: Beach Day at Bomba Spiaggia
    50 minutes (36 km) from Tocco, Abruzzo

    Visit Bomba Spiaggia, a stunning beach located on the Adriatic coast. Enjoy swimming, relaxing, and sunbathing in the crystal-clear water with the fantastic panoramic view of mountains and greenery around you.

  • Day 6: Terre e Sapori Huercano
    1 hour 10 minutes (56 km) from Tocco, Abruzzo. Opens from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, and from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends

    Enjoy a great selection of vegetarian cuisine at Terre e Sapori Huercano in Chieti. Their extensive menu is full of locally sourced products with a fantastic range of vegetarian options. Try their specialties, and do not forget to indulge yourself in their delicious desserts.

  • Day 7: Lago di Scanno
    47 minutes (38 km) from Tocco, Abruzzo

    Visit Lago di Scanno, a gorgeous lake nestled in the mountains. Take a pleasant walk around the lake and admired the picturesque landscape. A great spot for swimming and canoeing.

  • Day 8: Farindola Gorges
    1 hour 34 minutes (96 km) from Tocco, Abruzzo

    Drive to Farindola Gorges, one of Italy's best-kept secrets. Follow the well-defined path during your hike to the sound of soothing, fresh spring water before you reach the gorgeous waterfalls. This natural wonder, along with the refreshing river, will undeniably take your breath away.

  • Day 9: Farewell Lunch at Ristorante Gran Sasso
    1 hour (48 km) from Tocco, Abruzzo. Opens from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM on weekdays, and from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM on weekends

    End your trip with a tasty farewell lunch at Ristorante Gran Sasso. The delightful vegetarian menu includes a wide selection of healthy and sumptuous dishes, as well as some meat dishes for carnivorous travelers.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Campo Imperatore (6 hours hike, free)
  • Lake Barrea (3 hours, 20 Euros for gas, free entrance)
  • La Tartaruga (1.5 hours, 30 Euros)
  • Castello Aragonese e Borgo Antico di Castel del Monte (2 hours, 20 Euros entrance fees)
  • Bomba Spiaggia (4 hours, 20 Euros for gas, free entrance)
  • Terre e Sapori Huercano (2 hours, 35 Euros)
  • Lago di Scanno (3 hours, 15 Euros for gas, free entrance)
  • Farindola Gorges (4 hours hike, free)
  • Ristorante Gran Sasso (2 hours, 40 Euros)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 180 Euros

Transportation

If you plan to visit the countryside, renting a car is an excellent option. The cost depends on the fuel and distance you cover, but our estimation based on the itinerary is around 120 Euros. Public transport is an economical alternative, but services are sometimes challenging to manage, and it may take you longer to reach your destination.

Useful Tips

If you visit in the summertime, you can add another day for a relaxing trip to the hot springs of Bagni di Caramanico. If you are interested in art, you can include Museo LAB Laboratorio di Arte Contemporanea in Rome. Supposing you have more time, you can visit the "Eternal city" of Rome, which offers endless options for sightseeing and indulging yourself in Italian cuisine.

Airports

The closest airport to Tocco is Abruzzo Airport (PSR), 89 km east of the town, located in Pescara. It provides multiple connections to Rome and European cities.

0