Sulmoma and time in the mountains

Posted by StuH (Connecticut USA) on 01/13/18 06:18 PM

Hi again,
Going on the Venice/Florence/Rome, and we’ll be extending the trip to go to town called Sulmona (2h from Rome) to reconnect with family roots. We have two nights, but the second night really needs to be back in Rome as we have an early flight the next morning.

Any thoughts on staying out there near Sulmona, and sights to see/things to do during that time. Check out http://welcometosulmona.com

Also, I can take a train out there, but will then be limited on where we can go- was thinking about renting a car. Comments?

Thanks for any input,
Stu

Posted by StuH OP

Connecticut USA

01/13/18 10:28 PM

21 posts

OK people, so no replies so far. I know that this is not the most well travelled area.
Sulmona is 2 miles east of Rome, in the mountains. Pics look beautiful.

Are any of the national parks great to visit? Does the east coast (like Pescara) have nice places to visit?

Or with an extra day, we could come back to Rome and see places like Astia Antica or ??

I’m actually thinking of winging it... rent a car and head out there to Sulmona. And see if it is wonderful and if we can make any connections with locals. Then either stay or travel... I think that heading to Naples might be too far, and we have to be back in Rome the next night.

Thanks for any input.
Stu

Posted by Laurel

Forest Grove, OR

01/13/18 11:11 PM

11839 posts

We did not make it to Sulmona during the time we lived in Italy, but we did spend some time elsewhere in Abruzzo, which is absolutely lovely. Very off-the-beaten for most English speakers so an entirely different experience from V/F/R. The smaller towns may challenge you if you do not speak Italian, but Sulmona should be manageable in English. A car is well-advised. Where will you rent it?

Outside of L'Aquila is Parco Nazionale di Gran Sasso, very beautiful. If you can pass through Santo Stefano di Sassanio, do so. A night at the Albergo Difuso there is magic.

Posted by Mike

Boston

01/14/18 12:01 AM

1814 posts

You don't say when you're going. Last spring was cold and there was snow in Sulmona in late April.
This informative website was there at this time and written up here: https://www.marthasitaly.com/articles/124/sulmona-abruzzo and the Abruzzo written up here: https://www.wanderingitaly.com/maps/abruzzo.html

Posted by StuH OP

Connecticut USA

01/14/18 03:38 AM

21 posts

Thanks for the comments.

We are traveling with the tour Oct 1... and will have a few days at the end of the tour, around Oct 10/11. I suspect that snow is unlikely (hope so!)

Do you have a suggestion on where to pick up the auto rental? We’ll need to return and then head to the airport on the 12th. (Or drop it off on the evening of the 11th and then train to the airport.

So to be clear,
Day of Oct 10- Visit to Sulmona and Abruzzo
Stay overnight in the region
Oct 11 - Visit Abruzzo, experience.
Will travel back to Rome on the 11th, and then to airport early on the 12th to depart.

Is there a hotel close to the airport that is suggested? Seems like most are fairly easy to get to from the main train terminal.

Thanks
Stu