ABRUZZO CULINARY RETREATS WITH DANILO
Authentic food, local traditions, beautiful landscapes and genuine Italian hospitality.
Welcome to Abruzzo, one of Italy's best-kept secrets.
Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains, Abruzzo offers remarkably diverse landscapes. Mountains, rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and charming villages all coexist within a relatively small area.
It's also the place I'm incredibly proud to call home.
Together with my wife Gaia, we'd love to invite you to discover the Abruzzo we know and love, through its food, wines, traditions and, most importantly, its people.
Based in the beautiful province of Teramo, we'll take you beyond the usual tourist routes to meet local families, passionate producers, artisans and winemakers, and share the stories and flavours that make this corner of Italy so special.
Our retreats are about much more than eating well. We want you to experience genuine local hospitality, discover the traditions behind our food and enjoy the simple pleasures of life here.
From exploring historic villages and tasting regional wines to cooking together and sharing a leisurely Sunday, we've designed these retreats to feel personal, relaxed and authentic.
Each retreat celebrates its season, with menus, visits and activities inspired by the ingredients, landscapes and traditions of spring, early summer and autumn.
Throughout your stay, our base will be Agriturismo Villa Fiore, near Torano Nuovo, surrounded by peaceful countryside. A welcoming place to relax between adventures, with a swimming pool to enjoy when the weather allows.
With small groups, wonderful food, good wine and plenty of opportunities to connect with local people, we hope you'll feel less like a tourist and more like a guest among friends.
Come hungry, leave happy.
Private retreats are also available for families and groups of friends. Get in touch at info@danilocortellini.com to discuss a tailor-made experience.
Choose your 2027 retreat
Spring Culinary Retreat with Trabocchi Coast & Spring Harvest
Experience Abruzzo in full bloom, from the picturesque Trabocchi Coast to the green countryside, discovering spring harvests, fresh ingredients and local food traditions.
Explore Spring Retreat
Early Summer Culinary Retreat with Gran Sasso Mountains & Traditional Cheesemaking
Discover the mountain villages and landscapes of the Gran Sasso, experience traditional cheesemaking and enjoy the local flavours and relaxed pace of early summer in Abruzzo.
Explore Early Summer Retreat
Early Autumn Culinary Retreat with Trabocchi Coast & Grape Harvest
Celebrate early autumn in Abruzzo, from the fishing villages of the Trabocchi Coast to vineyards in grape harvest season, discovering local wines, seasonal flavours and longstanding traditions.
Explore Autumn Retreat* All retreats share the same core culinary experience, with menus, excursions and activities tailored to the season. Itineraries and activities are subject to confirmation, with final details shared closer to departure.
What might five nights in Abruzzo look like?
Every retreat is a little different, and that's part of the beauty of travelling with the seasons.
Here's a glimpse of what you can expect.
Welcome to Abruzzo
Our journey begins with a scheduled group transfer from Roma Tiburtina to the beautiful Abruzzo countryside.
Guests are also welcome to arrive independently, including via Pescara or Ancona airports, which are much closer to Agriturismo Villa Fiore. We can help arrange alternative transfers or public transport at an additional cost.
Once we've arrived at Agriturismo Villa Fiore, there will be time to settle in, explore the country house and relax after your journey.
In the evening, we'll gather for our first meal together: a welcome dinner I'll cook to celebrate the flavours of Abruzzo, accompanied by local wines.
A chance to meet your hosts and fellow guests and settle into the rhythm of Abruzzo.
Flavours of the Adriatic
From the rolling hills to the Adriatic Sea, today we'll discover a beautiful side of Abruzzo.
We'll explore the region's coastline, perhaps visiting a traditional fishing harbour, discovering the fascinating trabocchi fishing platforms and experiencing the atmosphere of its seaside towns.
Food will naturally take inspiration from the sea, with a lunch celebrating the flavours and seafood traditions of the Adriatic.
The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Villages, Culture & Fine Dining
Today we'll explore Abruzzo's charming hilltop villages and the traditions that have shaped local life for generations.
We’ll stop at a local winery for a guided tour and a tasting of Abruzzo’s signature wines, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, followed by a delicious regional lunch before returning to Villa Fiore later in the afternoon.
Along the way, we may also meet a local artisan or family-run food producer keeping these traditions alive.
In the evening, we'll come together for a special fine-dining experience, enjoying a more contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine.
Into the Countryside
Today we'll head inland, away from the coast, to discover Abruzzo's rural heart while admiring the majestic Gran Sasso mountains.
We'll visit one of the province of Teramo's 'Borghi più belli d'Italia', exploring its historic landmarks and traditions while admiring the surrounding mountain landscapes.
Lunch will be a celebration of hearty, traditional Abruzzese cooking.
After lunch, we'll visit a farm or local producer to discover how some of the region's most characteristic products are made, before returning to Villa Fiore.
The evening is free for you to relax or make your own dinner arrangements.
Cooking, Sharing & Celebrating
Sunday in Italy is all about family, food and spending time together around the table.
We'll start the day with a hands-on cooking class, preparing some of my favourite dishes using seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques.
Then we'll sit down with my family for a proper, leisurely Italian Sunday lunch, accompanied by local wines and plenty of good conversation.
The afternoon will be yours to enjoy at a slower pace, perhaps with a gentle countryside walk, some time by the pool or simply relaxing at Villa Fiore.
As evening approaches, we'll gather again for a final shared food experience. Expect something informal, delicious and perhaps a little hands-on, followed by our farewell dinner together.
A fitting way to end our time in Abruzzo, before saying goodbye the following morning.
Arrivederci, Abruzzo!
After our final breakfast at Villa Fiore, it's time to check out and say goodbye to Abruzzo.
Our scheduled group transfer will take us back to Roma Tiburtina, where our retreat comes to an end.
We hope you'll leave with wonderful memories, new friendships, a few recipes to recreate at home and a lasting affection for this beautiful part of Italy.
This is a sample itinerary designed to give you a flavour of the experience. The order of activities, destinations and seasonal experiences may vary depending on the retreat dates, weather, local conditions and supplier availability. Confirmed arrangements and included services will be provided for each retreat.
Everything you need to know
Before you join us
Everything you need to know about the retreat, accommodation, food, activities and booking.
1. What can I expect from the Tours with Danilo?
Discover a lesser-known side of Italy, where food, wine and local traditions are still deeply connected to everyday life.
Our retreats take place in northern Abruzzo, mainly around the province of Teramo, a beautiful corner of Italy nestled between the Adriatic coast and the Apennine mountains.
We'll take you beyond the usual tourist routes to meet local artisans and food producers, explore historic villages, discover regional wines and enjoy authentic meals in places that reflect the character of this wonderful region.
With chef Danilo Cortellini as your host, our aim is to share the Abruzzo we know and love, through its people, food and traditions.
2. Will Danilo personally accompany the tour?
Absolutely!
Danilo will personally host the retreat, joining guests throughout the scheduled activities, culinary discoveries and shared meals.
He'll also lead our cooking experience, sharing his recipes, stories and a few tricks picked up throughout his career.
3. How many guests will be joining the retreat?
We like to keep our groups small and intimate, generally around 8–12 guests, allowing everyone to enjoy a more personal experience.
You'll have plenty of opportunities to get to know your fellow travellers, share meals and enjoy the week together.
4. Will there be any free time?
Of course! This is a holiday, after all.
Although we've planned plenty of exciting experiences, there will also be opportunities to relax, enjoy the countryside and spend time at your own pace.
Some evenings are intentionally left free, but that doesn't mean you're on your own! We'll be happy to help arrange local restaurant reservations, transportation, takeaway or food deliveries, and other activities depending on your preferences.
Additional services and experiences may involve an extra cost.
5. Can you organise private tours or bespoke experiences?
Absolutely! Alongside our scheduled retreats, we can arrange private culinary tours and bespoke experiences for families, groups, corporate retreats, weddings, birthdays and other special occasions.
Whether you're planning a celebration with friends or a team getaway, we'd be happy to discuss your ideas and create a tailored experience in Abruzzo.
Please get in touch at info@danilocortellini.com to discuss your requirements and availability.
6. What language will the retreat be conducted in?
Our retreats are conducted in English, making them accessible to international guests.
Danilo speaks both English and Italian and will help connect our guests with the local people, producers and traditions we'll discover along the way.
7. Where will we be staying?
Our home for the retreat will be Agriturismo Villa Fiore, a charming, family-run country house in Torano Nuovo, in the province of Teramo.
Set among the rolling hills of northern Abruzzo, this historic farmhouse dates back to the late 18th century and has been lovingly maintained by the same family for generations.
Surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and beautiful countryside, Villa Fiore offers a peaceful setting with lovely views towards the Gran Sasso mountains, a swimming pool and welcoming accommodation.
You'll spend five nights here, with breakfast included every morning. Different room categories are available, including options for solo travellers, couples and small groups.
8. How do I get to Abruzzo?
We'll arrange a private group transfer from Roma Tiburtina railway station to our accommodation in Torano Nuovo on the first day of the retreat, with a return transfer to Rome on the final day.
Alternatively, northern Abruzzo is easily accessible from two smaller airports:
- Pescara Airport: approximately 50–60 minutes by car.
- Ancona Airport: approximately 1 hour and 15–30 minutes by car.
If you're planning to fly into either airport, we'll be happy to help arrange public transport or a private transfer to Villa Fiore upon request. Additional transfer costs will apply.
We'll share the exact meeting point and departure time for the included Rome transfer ahead of your trip.
9. Are flights included?
No. Flights to and from Italy are not included, giving you the flexibility to arrange your journey as you prefer.
Once you've reached our designated meeting point in Rome, we'll take care of the scheduled group transfers and transportation for the activities included in the itinerary.
10. Can I arrive earlier or stay longer in Italy?
Absolutely, and we'd encourage you to make the most of your visit!
Whether you'd like to spend a few days exploring Rome or extend your holiday elsewhere in Italy, you're welcome to arrange additional travel independently.
We're happy to share a few recommendations to help you plan.
11. Can I join the retreat as a solo traveller?
Of course! Solo travellers are very welcome.
Our small-group experiences are a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded people who share a passion for food, travel and Italian culture.
Single-occupancy rooms are available, subject to availability, with pricing clearly displayed when booking.
12. What kind of culinary experiences can I expect?
Our retreats are about much more than cooking!
From visiting selected local producers and discovering traditional food-making techniques to wine tastings, family-run restaurants and memorable dining experiences, we've designed a programme that celebrates the culinary heritage of northern Abruzzo.
You'll also have the opportunity to join Danilo for a relaxed, hands-on cooking session, suitable for everyone regardless of their cooking experience.
It's all about discovering, tasting and enjoying great food, rather than attending a traditional cooking course.
13. What meals and drinks are included?
Food is at the heart of our retreats, and we've made sure you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy it!
Your retreat includes breakfast every morning, all four lunches and three special dinners, including our welcome dinner and a fine dining experience.
Our traditional Sunday long lunch and hands-on cooking class are also included.
Wine pairings are included with our organised meals, allowing you to discover some wonderful local wines alongside the food.
Additional drinks outside the included wine pairings are at your own expense.
The 2 remaining evenings are free for you to explore local dining options or simply relax. We're always happy to help arrange restaurant reservations, local transportation or informal dining experiences, subject to availability and any additional costs.
14. Can you accommodate dietary requirements or food allergies?
We'll always do our best to accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies wherever possible.
As part of our experience, we'll be visiting small local producers, traditional eateries and family-run restaurants, where accommodating certain dietary requirements may sometimes be challenging.
For this reason, it's particularly important that you let us know about any allergies, intolerances or specific dietary needs before making your booking, so we can discuss your requirements and check what can reasonably be accommodated.
15. Are the retreats suitable for guests with reduced mobility?
Our retreats are designed to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, with no strenuous hiking or demanding physical activities. However, some excursions involve walking through historic villages, where you may encounter hills, steps, cobbled streets and uneven surfaces.
Please also note that Villa Fiore does not have a lift, and all accommodations require climbing up the stairs.
If you have reduced mobility or specific accessibility requirements, please contact us before booking so we can discuss your needs and help you understand whether the retreat is suitable for you.
16. Are children welcome on the retreats?
Our scheduled small-group retreats are primarily designed for adults, with a focus on food, wine, local culture and shared experiences.
Older children and teenagers may be welcome depending on their age and the nature of the group. Please contact us before booking to discuss your family's needs.
For families with younger children, we also offer private retreats, which can be tailored to suit different ages and interests.
17. What happens if the weather is bad?
A little rain won't spoil our adventure!
Some activities may depend on the weather or seasonal conditions, and we'll always aim to arrange suitable alternatives when necessary.
Our goal is to make sure you enjoy the best possible experience, whatever the weather.
18. How do I book and pay for my retreat?
You can reserve your place directly through our website.
A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. The remaining balance will be payable by bank transfer ahead of the retreat, according to the payment schedule provided at booking.
You'll receive further details and payment instructions following your reservation.
19. What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change, and we'll always try to be as helpful and flexible as reasonably possible.
Our cancellation policy is based on how far in advance you cancel:
- More than 120 days before departure: your deposit is refundable, minus applicable administrative costs.
- Between 120 and 90 days before departure: 50% of your deposit is retained.
- Between 90 and 60 days before departure: your deposit is non-refundable.
- Within 60 days of departure: cancellation charges may apply up to the full booking price, as detailed in our Booking Terms & Conditions.
Where possible, we'll explore options such as transferring your booking to another available retreat, arranging a replacement traveller or offering a discretionary refund if we're able to recover costs.
Please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for the complete policy, including applicable statutory cancellation and transfer rights.
20. What happens if the retreat is cancelled by the organiser?
In the unlikely event that we need to cancel a retreat, we'll contact you as soon as possible and explain the available options.
Depending on the circumstances, these may include transferring to another available date or receiving a refund in accordance with our Booking Terms & Conditions and applicable package travel legislation.
21. Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend arranging comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book.
Your policy should provide suitable cover for medical expenses, trip cancellation, travel disruption and your personal belongings.
Please ensure your insurance is appropriate for your individual circumstances and planned activities.
22. What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, good walking shoes and a healthy appetite!
Northern Abruzzo's weather varies with the seasons, so we recommend bringing a few layers and a light waterproof jacket, particularly during spring and autumn.
There's no strict dress code, but you might like to pack something a little smarter for our special fine dining evening. Nothing too formal, just whatever makes you feel comfortable!
We'll send you more practical information before departure to help you prepare for your trip.
Please read our Booking Terms & Conditions before making your reservation. All bookings are subject to these terms, including payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
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