(8 Days) The Saracen Trail: A Fixed-Base History & Food Package in Villamagna, Abruzzo
Indulge in an exquisite eight-day sojourn in Villamagna, blending historic excursions, gourmet dining, and artisan experiences, all amid the timeless elegance of Abruzzo - a journey curated for discerning travelers.

8 days

Easy

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This eight-day package is based entirely in Villamagna, a small village in Chieti province, with day excursions out to the coast and inland hills; there are no hotel changes across the week. English and Italian are both spoken throughout, with other languages available on request. Some day excursions are not suitable for travelers with limited mobility, though alternatives can be arranged.

The week follows the route of the 1566 Saracen raids, and Villamagna sits at its center: local tradition holds that the appearance of Santa Margherita here stopped the assault, and the village opens and closes the journey. Day 2 traces that story on foot, through the church and the parts of the village that still hold the memory, followed by a dinner cooked at home by a villager. Day 3 moves to Chieti, the region's oldest city, for its Archaeological Museum and Marrucino Theatre. Day 4 covers two invasions in one place: Ortona, raided in 1566 and the site of a major WWII battle in 1943, followed by Tollo, where the 1566 battle is still re-enacted annually, with dinner at Feudo Antico, a restaurant built around Roman ruins. Day 5 is the longest and most varied: the Trabocchi Coast's wooden fishing platforms, Roccascalegna's castle built into a rock face, the Abbazia di San Giovanni in Venere, sacked in 1566 and still bearing the marks, and dinner at a trabocco over the water at sunset. Day 6 shifts inland to Guardiagrele, for its silver and ironwork tradition, and Pretoro, on the edge of Maiella National Park. The week closes on Day 7 with a visit to Ceramiche Liberati, a working majolica studio, followed by a hands-on cooking and tasting session and a final group dinner in Villamagna.


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What's included?
    • One free call to adjust the package to your needs and speed.
    • 7 nights' accommodation in Villamagna (partner agriturismi and B&Bs, selected for local character)
    • Daily breakfast at the local pastry bar
    • 6 Lunches on day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.
    • 4 dinners on day 1, 2, 5, and 7.
    • Tour leader for the whole trip.
    • Excursions/activities in Villamagna, Chieti, Ortona, Roccascalegna, Rocca San Giovanni, and Guardiagrele.
    • Cooking class on Day 7
    • Private transfers for all-day excursions in a van with refreshments on board.
    • borGO support available throughout the week
    • Basic insurance as per Italian law
    Exclusions
      • Flights and arrival transfers
      • Lunches and dinners, if not with the group
      • Dinner on day 3, 4, 6.
      • Personal expenses
      • Travel insurance extra
      • Tips and gratuities
      • All not mentioned in the included
      Please note
        • Duration: 7 nights / 8 days. An extended version is available on request; a shorter version is not offered.
        • Base: Villamagna, with day trips of 15–40 minutes by car (Fossacesia is just over an hour).
        • Languages: English and Italian, other languages on request.
        • Group size: Maximum 6–8 travelers.
        • Families and children: Welcome, though the itinerary leans toward history and culture and suits families with children aged 12 and up best.
        • Mobility: Not suitable for travelers with limited mobility on some day excursions; alternatives available on request.
        • Best time to travel: May–June and September–October recommended; summer works well too, and winter departures are available for the right group.
        What to bring