Early Autumn Culinary Retreat with Trabocchi Coast & Grape Harvest
Experience Abruzzo in early autumn, when the vineyards are preparing for harvest, the countryside is full of seasonal flavours and the Adriatic coast is still beautiful to explore.
Together with my wife Gaia, I'll welcome you to our corner of Italy, where we'll discover the picturesque Trabocchi Coast, explore historic villages, meet local food producers and experience the traditions of the grape harvest.
From seafood by the Adriatic and local wines to seasonal cooking and leisurely meals shared around the table, this retreat is an opportunity to experience Abruzzo through its food, people and everyday life, at a relaxed pace and in good company.
Accommodation & Retreat Prices
Prices are in GBP for the complete five-night retreat, including accommodation and the organised experiences and services specified in the programme. Each price covers the entire room or apartment at the stated occupancy, not a single guest. All five apartments are offered within the same apartment category, with pricing based on occupancy rather than individual apartment names or sizes. Accommodation allocation is subject to availability.
| Accommodation | Total retreat price | Booking deposit | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double room — single occupancy (1 guest) | £1,884.60 | £565 | BOOK NOW |
| Double room — 2 guests sharing | £3,418.58 | £1,026 | BOOK NOW |
| Apartment — 2 guests | £3,593.90 | £1,078 | BOOK NOW |
| Apartment — 3 guests | £5,272.50 | £1,581 | BOOK NOW |
| Apartment — 4 guests | £6,837.16 | £2,052 | BOOK NOW |
Sample Schedule
WEDNESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER — ARRIVAL & WELCOME DINNER
- Scheduled private group transfer from Roma Tiburtina to Agriturismo Villa Fiore.
- Guests are also welcome to arrive independently, including via Pescara or Ancona airports, which are much closer to Villa Fiore. We can help arrange alternative transfers or provide information on public transport options, at an additional cost where applicable.
- Arrival, check-in and time to settle in, explore the property and enjoy the surrounding countryside.
- Welcome dinner prepared by Danilo, celebrating traditional Abruzzese flavours and accompanied by local wines.
THURSDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER — THE TRABOCCHI COAST
- Breakfast together at Villa Fiore, enjoying fresh local produce.
- Private transfer to the Trabocchi Coast in southern Abruzzo, along the Adriatic coastline between Ortona and Vasto.
- Explore a charming coastal fishing village, with time for a relaxed stroll and views of the sea.
- Visit a traditional trabocco and discover the history of these distinctive fishing structures.
- Enjoy a seafood lunch on a trabocco, celebrating the flavours of the Adriatic.
- A gentle coastal walk before returning to Villa Fiore in the late afternoon, with time to relax.
- Evening free for guests to enjoy at their own pace.
FRIDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER — CIVITELLA DEL TRONTO & LOCAL TRADITIONS
- Breakfast together at Villa Fiore, enjoying fresh local produce.
- Private transfer to Civitella del Tronto to explore its historic village and impressive Fortezza Borbonica (Bourbon Fortress).
- Visit a local food producer to discover traditional methods and regional specialties followed by a traditional Abruzzese lunch.
- If time allows, take a leisurely stroll through Campli or Teramo, discovering its historic streets and local traditions.
- Return to Villa Fiore in the afternoon, with time to relax and get ready for the evening.
- In the evening, we’ll head out to a local fine-dining restaurant to discover a contemporary interpretation of Abruzzese cuisine.
SATURDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER — GRAPE HARVEST & WINEMAKING TRADITIONS
- Breakfast together at Villa Fiore, enjoying fresh local produce.
- Private transfer to a local vineyard to meet the winemaker and discover the traditions of the autumn grape harvest.
- Take part in a hands-on grape harvest experience and learn how local grapes are transformed into Abruzzese wines.
- Enjoy a special harvest-themed lunch featuring seasonal produce, local wines and traditional regional flavours.
- After lunch, enjoy a relaxed stroll through a nearby hilltop village, such as Tortoreto Alto or Colonnella, depending on the winery and the day’s arrangements.
- Return to Villa Fiore in the afternoon, with time to unwind by the pool or in the gardens.
- Evening free for guests to make their own dinner arrangements.
SUNDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER — COOKING, FAMILY & ITALIAN TRADITIONS
- A leisurely breakfast together at Villa Fiore, followed by a relaxed morning at the agriturismo.
- Hands-on cooking class with Danilo, preparing traditional Italian and Abruzzese recipes using seasonal ingredients — and, if we're lucky, a little help from my mum!
- A long, traditional Italian Sunday lunch together, sharing the dishes we've prepared, accompanied by local wines and good conversation.
- A relaxed afternoon, with time to enjoy the swimming pool, take a gentle countryside walk or join a few informal activities around Villa Fiore.
- In the evening, a final culinary gathering with a relaxed cooking demonstration, wine pairing featuring local wines and a light farewell dinner together.
MONDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER — ARRIVEDERCI, ABRUZZO!
- One last breakfast together at Villa Fiore.
- Check-out and scheduled private group transfer to Roma Tiburtina for onward travel.
* This is a sample schedule designed to give you a flavour of the retreat. The order of activities, destinations and seasonal experiences may vary depending on weather, local conditions and supplier availability. Final arrangements and included services will be confirmed to guests closer to the retreat dates.
Your Home in Abruzzo
Throughout the retreat, we'll be staying at Agriturismo Villa Fiore, a welcoming country house near Torano Nuovo, surrounded by the rolling hills and vineyards of northern Abruzzo.
Villa Fiore offers three guest rooms and five self-contained apartments, combining traditional country hospitality with comfortable accommodation. There are gardens, countryside views and a swimming pool to enjoy during your free time, weather permitting.
You can choose between a private double room for single occupancy, a shared double room, or an apartment for two, three or four guests. Apartments offer additional space and facilities, making them particularly suitable for couples, families or friends travelling together.
Booking Information
A deposit of approximately 30% of the total retreat price is required to secure your accommodation and is payable online at the time of booking. The remaining balance is the difference between the total retreat price and the deposit paid and will be payable by bank transfer, with payment instructions provided in your booking confirmation.
Prices are for the complete accommodation at the stated occupancy and include the retreat experiences and services described in the programme.
Your retreat includes five nights' accommodation, five breakfasts, four lunches, three organised dinners, cooking experiences, scheduled group transfers from and to Roma Tiburtina, and transport for the organised excursions described in the programme.
Flights, personal expenses and meals during free evenings are not included.
Please read our Booking Terms & Conditions before making your reservation. All bookings are subject to these terms, including payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Booking Terms & ConditionsRetreats are organised by Abruzzo Retreats Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 17471970.