Day 1 L'Aquila  

Arrival in the city of L’Aquila early in the morning, meeting with the tour guide, and start of the walking tour from the 99 Spouts Fountain through the entire historic center. Fully restored following the 2009 earthquake, the center can now be enjoyed in all its renewed splendor: the guided city tour will follow an itinerary that chronologically traces its history from its founding to the present day. You will discover the official history along with legends and mysteries linked to the Knights Templar and notable figures like Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor, and Celestine V, the famous Pope of the "great refusal." Starting from Piazza Duomo, we will walk along one of the oldest and most charming cobbled streets in the city to reach the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio—home to the world's first Holy Door and the only one that opens annually, greatest representation of the Celestinian Forgiveness and home to most of the city's mysteries and legends. Next, we will explore the Basilica of San Bernardino, the city's most extraordinary example of Baroque architecture, before concluding with a view of the exterior of the Castle, an impressive 16th-century Spanish fortress and prison. Lunch at leisure.

After lunch: free time or optional visit to L’Aquila Underground (entrance fee applied):

Join us as we descend into the depths of the city and its surroundings to uncover its hidden history and mysteries. (GUIDED TOUR)

Underground L’Aquila will take you into underground spaces hitherto unknown, allowing you to relive myths and legends that still live on in the collective imagination. This subterranean tour is not a conventional visit, but a truly immersive experience. Afterwards, transfer by bus to a hotel located near the center, dinner, and overnight stay.

2°Giorno Baronia: Santo Stefano di Sessanio / Castello di Rocca Calascio /Castel del Monte

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by meeting with the guide and departure for Santo Stefano di Sessanio.

piccolo paese medievale sotto il Gran Sasso d’Italia incastonato come una gemma tra le montagne, completamente ricostruito con la torre Medicea a controllo del territorio, (salita sulla torre €.3,00) previa prenotazione, proseguimento per Calascio, possibilità di salire alla Rocca con minivan su prenotazione €. 5.00, ( si arriva più vicino possibile con il van ma rimangono comunque circa 500 m di sentiero da percorrere a pedi in salita)  anch’essa a controllo del territorio, celebrata in molti famosi film, al termine proseguimento per Castel del Monte ,  pranzo libero. Nel pomeriggio visita del borgo e se possibile del museo della pastorizia.

In the evening return to L'Aquila, dinner and overnight stay in the hotel

day 3 grotte di Stiffe / complesso di Bominaco

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by transfer in your bus to Stiffe for a visit to the famous stiffe caves.

Lunch at a regional agritourism farm featuring a mixed platter of authentic Abruzzo specialties.

In the early afternoon, transfer by bus to Bominaco to visit the Abbey of Santa Maria Assunta and the Oratory of San Pellegrino, which were once part of the Benedictine monks' estate. On the outside, the building appears simple and irregularly shaped. Inside, it houses marvelous frescoes decorating the vault and walls, depicting scenes from four chapters of christian history: the childhood of Jesus, His Passion, the Final Judgment, and the life of Saint Pellegrino. It's known as the "Sistine Chapel of Abruzzo" . Entry is free with a voluntary donation.