
Escape to the Wild Beauty of Abruzzo – A Day Trip from Rome’s B&B Savoia
After a restful night at B&B Savoia in Rome, swap the city’s bustle for the untamed mountains of Abruzzo, Italy’s "green heart." Just 1.5-2 hours away, you’ll find medieval villages, soaring peaks, and the spirit of authentic Italy—all without the crowds.
🌄 Morning: Into the Heart of the Apennines
7:00 AM – Early start with breakfast at B&B Savoia (think espresso + cornetto).
7:30 AM – Rent a car (essential for Abruzzo’s remote gems) or take a train to Sulmona (2h).
9:30 AM – Arrive in Sulmona, a jewel of the Peligna Valley. Stroll its piazza and peek at the confetti (sugar-coated almond) shops—a local specialty.
🏔️ Option 1: Majella National Park Adventure
10:30 AM – Drive to Majella National Park, Abruzzo’s wild soul. Hike the Blockhaus trail (moderate, 2h) for panoramic views or visit the Hermitage of Santo Spirito, a cliffside monastery.
12:30 PM – Picnic lunch with local pecorino cheese, salami, and Pane di Solina (ancient wheat bread).
🏰 Option 2: Medieval Villages & Castles
10:30 AM – Head to Roccascalegna, a village crowned by a cliffside castle straight from a fairy tale.
12:00 PM – Continue to Santo Stefano di Sessanio (part of the "Borghi Più Belli d’Italia"), a perfectly preserved medieval hamlet. Lunch at Locanda sotto gli Archi for lentil stew or arrosticini (skewered lamb).
🌿 Afternoon: Wolves, Lakes & Slow Travel
2:30 PM – Wildlife spotting in Abruzzo’s forests (home to wolves, bears, and chamois) or visit Scanno, a lakeside village with cobbled lanes and artisan workshops.
4:00 PM – Coffee break with Parrozzo (Abruzzo’s almond cake) at a rustic café.
🌅 Evening: Sunset Over the Mountains
5:30 PM – Drive to Campo Imperatore (the "Little Tibet" of Italy). Walk the high plains where wild horses roam and watch the sun paint the Gran Sasso peaks gold.
7:00 PM – Return to Rome (or stop for dinner at Trattoria Vecchio Mulino near Avezzano for maccheroni alla chitarra).
9:00 PM – Back at B&B Savoia, dreaming of Abruzzo’s wild silence.
"Abruzzo is Italy’s best-kept secret—where eagles outnumber tourists." 🦅
Photo by Claudio Grande on Unsplash