Please sign in to post.

Abruzzo in September plus someplace else?

Posted by (US) on

Hello - This is my first post on the RIck Steves forums. I've traveled a fair bit solo and with two of Rick's tours many moons ago. My husband's family hails from San Vito di Chietino, on the Abruzzo coast so we plan to visit family and friends there in Sept. My husband traveled here with his sisters a few years ago and pretty much stayed along the coast. I've never been to Italy and I am a photographer, so I also want to explore inland a bit, including Grand Sasso as well as many of the mountain villages, like Scanno, etc. We will have a car, and plan to be in the country for probably 18 days, give or take. I usually photograph nature and wildlife but I want to do some people and village life type things this trip with a little nature thrown in. We love food and wine and exploring, would love to get on a bike for a day or two, the usual things one does in Italy I guess!
So - One question I have is, well actually I am struggling mightily - whether to spend the extra time exploring Puglia and areas south, or to head north and spend a week or so in Tuscany. Thinking farm stays or something like that. I've been given carte blanche for the most part to plan the journey after San Vito.

I also have a more specific question about base camp around the interior of Abruzzo. I'm looking at an apartment in Calascio because I want to have good light when I photograph up in that area, but wondering if it's too remote or if there is a more convenient option? I promise I've been studying and researching until I'm blue in the face and now I would just appreciate input from anyone with experience in these areas. I can't get a feel for how long it really takes to get to places given the winding roads and terrain.
One last tidbit: I prefer to not be in super hot weather - so maybe that will help with your expert guidance...
Thank you so much!
Sharon

Posted by
16206 posts

From Abruzzo, you should take advantage to see that part of the country. Abruzzo, Molise, and maybe Puglia and Basilicata (at least Matera) is where you should visit. I presume Rome will be part of your trip as well, if you fly there.
Leave Tuscany and the North for another trip, there is only so much you can visit in a couple of weeks. Tuscany is about 5-6 hours away from Abruzzo.

Posted by
7 posts

Thank you Roberto! We fly into Rome, and then take a bus to Pescara where we will have a friend and car waiting. My husband likes the idea of going south so that we can just drop off the car in Pescara, and take the bus back to Rome where we'll stay for probably two nights before heading home. Do you have any thoughts on staying in Calascio for a few nights which appears pretty remote, as opposed to a farm in Capestrano that is outside the park? (Grand Sasso)
Going north to Tuscany wouldn't be a big deal as we would go slow, visit Assisi, make it a full day's drive, then find a place to stay for 4 or 5 nights before heading to Rome.

But will it be terribly hot down south still in September? I have to lug around some camera gear, and I"m not a young woman... ;-)

I am just very torn; either area is quite appealing. Thanks again!

Posted by
16206 posts

I would concentrate on Abruzzo and Puglia. Those regions aren’t easy to reach like Tuscany. That is why I suggested to leave Tuscany to the next time. Take advantage of being in Abruzzo to visit beautiful Puglia. The temperatures don’t vary much between Tuscany and Puglia in September. The latitude is similar.

Posted by
7 posts

Thanks again - any thoughts on where to base ourselves? Is Puglia a place to do some bicycling?

Posted by
16206 posts

Of course you can bike there.
Try and google PUGLIA then click on images to see some of the region’s spectacular landscapes.
Also Google PUGLIA BIKE TOURS or ITINERARIES or in Italian ITINERARI PUGLIA BICICLETTA, there will,be plenty of companies offering bike tours or even just suggested itineraries.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.