Europe
Monday – Day 01
Meet at the airport at 05:00 for check-in for flight KM612 departing at 07:00 and arriving in Rome at 08:30. Upon arrival, we begin our journey to the Abruzzo region, with a first stop in Avezzano, a major commercial and agricultural centre in the Marsica area. The modern town was rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1915. Together we explore the beauty of Castello Orsini-Colonna, Piazza Torlonia, Via Roma, Piazza Risorgimento, and Duomo San Bartolomeo. Free time, then continue to Pescara and check-in at the Hotel Esplanade 4★. Room allocation: excursion with the leader.
Tuesday – Day 02
Breakfast, then with the leader we visit the centre of Pescara: Corso Umberto, Lungomare, Ponte del Mare, and Piazza Primo Maggio.
Free time. In the afternoon, transfer to Sulmona, one of the most beautiful towns in Abruzzo, surrounded by mountains. We visit Porta Napoli, Corso Ovidio, Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza XX Settembre, the statue of the poet Ovid, Villa Comunale, and San Panfilo Cathedral. Free time, then return to the hotel. Evening stroll with the leader along Lungomare Aldo Moro.
Wednesday – Day 03
Breakfast and excursion to Grotte di Stiffe in San Demetrio ne’Vestini (extra entrance fee). We explore the caves and admire the formations of small waterfalls, rocks, and cascades. Afterwards, visit Centro Commerciale Globo for shopping and lunch. Continue to L’Aquila, visiting Villa Comunale (Viale Crispi) with the Dei Caduti monument, Corso Federico II, Piazza del Duomo, Fontana Luminosa, and Forte Spagnolo. Free time, then return to Pescara.
Thursday – Day 04
Breakfast and excursion to Lanciano, a town famous for the Eucharistic Miracle. Tour the town visiting Piazza del Plebiscito, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Ponte, San Francesco Sanctuary, Teatro Comunale, Corso Trento e Trieste, and Villa delle Rose. Free time, then continue to Chieti, a town located on the hills beneath Maiella mountain. Explore the historic center with streets, squares, and palaces. With the leader, discover Largo Cavallerizza with panoramic views, Palazzo di Giustizia, the Gothic Cathedral of San Giustino, and Corso Maruccino for shopping. Return to the hotel.
Friday – Day 05
Excursion to the highest peak of the Apennines, Gran Sasso. Full-day journey through stunning mountain scenery and valleys filled with greenery. Upon arrival at Fonte Cerreto, take the Funicular (extra) for breathtaking views from the Belvedere Osservatorio Astronomico. Continue by coach to San Gabriel Sanctuary in Teramo, one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the world, visited by around two million pilgrims every year. Visit the Basilica, the ancient Chapel, and the tomb of Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. Coffee break, then return to Pescara through scenic mountain roads. Evening stroll with the leader.
Saturday – Day 06
Breakfast and free time to enjoy the last moments in Pescara, one of the most beautiful resorts on the Adriatic. Departure to Tivoli to visit Villa D’Este (extra entrance fee), a 16th-century villa famous for its gardens and fountains. Continue to Fiumicino airport for the flight back to Malta on KM615, departing at 21:00 and arriving in Malta at 10:30.
