We are wanting to go to Abruzzo a few days after Christmas. We plan on sulmona as our base. However we prefer public transport. We will arrive by train from Rome. We would love to take the historic train ride up the mountain to Christmas markets one day(although tickets are not on sale yet unless buying a hotel package). We love to hike, visit wineries, agritourismos. Any advice on the train tickets/markets. Wondering about a rec on a day tour to wineries or hikes?
Posted by
Surrey, UK
683 posts
This website has useful information
https://lifeinabruzzo.com/christmas-markets-in-abruzzo/
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you for the link to the info on the Christmas markets. Any advice in using bus transport to other small villages in the area?
Posted by
OP
8 posts
I am especially interested in how to get around the area, or any recc for a day tour as we prefer not to drive on unfamiliar road with the possibility of snow. We were hoping for historic train tickets but currently are on a wait list.
Posted by
Abruzzo Mountains
1158 posts
Unfortunately, buses to and from the small mountain towns are scarce. They exist, but usually run mornings, after school and evenings. So you will waste a lot of time waiting around, or constrain your visits too tightly to match limited schedules. Check the TUA website for schedules. Sulmona does have a train station, but trains run either to Rome (taking hours) or along the river bottom to Pescara, stopping every 5 minutes. You won’t see any hill towns that way! Nor will you get to any agriturismi outside the villages.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that the roads are very well maintained and not heavily trafficked. Not scary at all, except of course it does limit your wine sampling. I suggest giving it a try.
Yeah, the historic trains sell out same day for the Christmas tours. I hope you get on one, as they are really fun. Pro tip, try to take a cushion as the wooden seats feel pretty darn hard halfway through the 8-hour tour.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you Nelly for your guidance. We have booked a hotel, now just praying that someone cancels the train and we can snag it. There are single tickets left on the days we are there. We are looking into the car for 1 or 2 days while there.