Abruzzo Grand Tour

Time to meet your Vago Cycling guides and begin your adventure with the first glimpse of Abruzzo’s beauty: the “Golden Triangle”, a hilly area renowned for the premium extra virgin olive oil Aprutino Pescarese. In the quiet hills of Loreto Aprutino we will be hosted at Azienda Agricola Chiara Ciavolich for a private wine tasting, and a delightful farm to table dinner. Welcome to Abruzzo!

Make sure your camera is fully charged as there will be no shortage of views on this spectacular day. We’re heading to Campo Imperatore: the remote plateau surrounded by mighty peaks and rightly known as “Little Tibet”. At the impressive height of 2129 meters, in the shadow of the Corno Grande, we’ll reach the highest peak of the whole Apennines before heading to the enchanting hamlet of Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Wander narrow alleys filled with the magical beauty of a world gone by and enjoy a bountiful dinner of local delights in our favourite trattoria.

Before we hit the road for another great ride, enjoy an early visit to the marvellous Rocca Calascio: the highest fort in all of Italy at nearly 1,500 meters above the sea level. On the bike, merge in the beauty of the Sirente Velino National Park and ride to Pacentro, a charming hamlet dominated by the Caldora Castle. Our favourite local restaurant awaits for another feast. Buon appetito!

Today’s route is a spectacular loop in the heart of the Majella National Park. We’ll ride through the Bosco di Sant Antonio, a majestic beech-tree forest, the Valico della Forchetta and the San Leonardo Pass. Back in Pacentro, relax by the pool and sip a glass of Montepulciano as your guides will cook you a delicious dinner to share with you the real Italian home cooking experience.

The hardest climb of the tour awaits on today’s menu:  the mighty Blockhaus with its 31km at 6,2%. The last mountaintop summit of this great trip is also the most rewarding with endless views from the Adriatic Coast to the Gran Sasso massif. Celebrate with a craft  beer at Birrificio Majella before we head to our charming accommodation, the elegant Castello di Semivicoli.

Rolling through vine-covered hills we’ll finally reach the UNESCO-Heritage Trabocchi Coast, a stretch of sea dotted with a striking collection of trabocchi: unique fishing structures directly suspended above the water. Ride on the stunning bike path and enjoy a sunset drink on the beach of Punta Aderci before we wrap-up this great trip with a farewell dinner of seafood delights.

What a trip it was!  See you soon for your next adventure with Vago Cycling!