8th – 13th April 2009

Abruzzo is a unique Region, able to enchant and amaze its visitors with natural sceneries, highest peaks, green fields and open uplands. Ancestral elements are mirrored in ancient beliefs and rites we can relieve today particularly over Easter: this period of the year, with all its mysteries and awesomeness will be an unrepeatable experience for everyone who choices to come and rediscover the rooted traditions and origins of this region. Easter performances are so striking and still can capture the emotions of people, let them relieve scenes from the Gospel which symbolize the universal suffering of mankind with the Passion of Christ, as well as the hope and boundless joy of the Resurrection. A tour which will unveil some of the most beautiful artistic town of Abruzzo during the re-enactments of these traditions: Lanciano and the procession of Maundy Thursday, Chieti and the Solemn procession of Good Friday with the Miserere chanting, to conclude with a message of peace taking part in the “Madonna che scappa” in piazza in Sulmona. An unforgettable trip, where you will also have a chance to taste some of the specialities of Abruzzo gastronomy and enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Apennine mountain.

1^st Day: Lanciano

Arrival in Abruzzo in the morning, accommodation in hotel and lunch. In the afternoon leaving by Gran Turismo coach and visit to Lanciano, one of the most interesting and ancient artistic towns of the region. You will see the famous cathedral of St. Maria del Ponte, the church of St. Maria Maggiore, and the church of St. Francesco, well-known all around the world because of the so-called Eucharistic miracle, one among the few officially acknowledged by the Church. Free time for dinner. In the evening you will take part in the most representative performance of the Maundy Thursday, The night Pardon Procession, with the members of several fraternal orders of the town, wearing long dark tunics and a black-hoods. Late in the evening coming back to the hotel and overnight stay.

2^ndDay: Chieti

Breakfast in hotel. Late in the morning, leaving by Gran Turismo coach towards Chieti, to reach the Cathedral of St. Giustino and listen to  the Polyphonic choir tryout of the Cathedral, getting ready for the marching chanting of the striking Miserere, which will be performed in the evening. Free lunch or on request  in  a typical restaurant in  Chieti . In the afternoon you will step into the charming past of ancient Abruzzo visiting  the Nationl Archaeological Museum of Abruzzo in Chieti , whose most famous statue is the warrior of Capestrano. Dating back to the pre-Roman age, this sculpture represents the funerary stele of an Italic warrior-king. The most moving event you will take part in is the night procession through the streets of Chieti : the procession will go out from the church only after sunset, the darkness will be lighted by burning braziers. Rooted in very ancient origins, this tradition is still handed down to younger generations and everybody will be fascinated by this sacred atmosphere. Free time for dinner, the coming back to the hotel and overnight stay.

3^rd Day: S.Stefano di Sessanio – L’Aquila

Breakfast in hotel and leaving by Gran Turismo towards Bominaco, a true hidden artistic jewel where you will admire the 13^th century abbey Santa Maria di Bominaco situated in the beautiful Navelli upland: it is the masterpiece of the medieval architecture, where you can find Benedictine elements with materials of Roman style. The medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio , characterized by a round watch-tower which stands out with its austere shape. In the past it was an important centre for Abruzzese wool trade, one of the most important and profitable activity of the time. You will step into the past discovering the story of this timeless hamlet. 

Late in the morning you will reach the L’Aquila and have free time for lunch (or on request in a restaurant); in the afternoon you will visit the town, that has been for a while Abruzzi ’s capital and has been the theatre of several historical events. You will see Santa Maria di Collemaggio Basilica, San Bernardino da Siena Abbey and the 99 Sinks Fountain. Late in the afternoon coming back to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay

4^th Day: Sulmona

Departure in the morning to reach Sulmona, the most important centre of the Peligna Valley , not far from the slopes of the Majella and Morrone mountains. Well-known for its confetti (sugared almonds), Sulmona has very ancient origins and was the birthplace of the latin poet Pubblio Ovidio Nasone. After a brief sightseeing promenade in the centre of Sulmona, we will reach the central square Piazza Garibaldi, where the most striking and awaited Easter performance of Sunday Easter takes takes place: the procession of the Madonna che scappa in piazza ( Madonna who runs in the square), held by the Confraternity of the Holy Trinity. A rite of very ancient roots, which seems to mingle with pre-Christian spring fertility rites. A scene of hope and resurrection is performed: the statues of St. John the Evangelist and St. Peter move towards the church where the statue of a black-dressed Madonna is preserved. After three knocks, the Holy Virgin comes out and realizes that the two Apostles are announcing the Resurrection of her Son, whose triumphant Statue is waiting for her on the opposite side of the square. Carried by the brothers of the Confraternities, at half a way she sees Jesus and starts running towards him. The black mantle falls down and the Madonna appears with a brilliant green  dress. By Midday the bells starts tolling and doves are freed as symbol of peace. After the procession lunch in a typical restaurant in the surroundings of Sulmona. In the afternoon coming back to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

5^th Day: Civitella del Tronto

Breakfast in hotel and leaving towards the northern side of the Gran Sasso Mountains . You will arrive in Civitella del Tronto and visit one of the biggest European Fortresses. Situated in a wonderful panoramic position between the mountains and the sea, on the highest part of the village, it was built by king Charles V, upon a previous structure and it is the last sign of the Borbonic resistance against the Savoy . Visiting Civitella means stepping into the past, back to those years which led to Italy ’s Unification. Lunch in a typical restaurant in Civitella. Late in the afternoon coming back to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

6^th Day:

Breakfast in hotel and transfer by Gran Turismo coach to Rome/Pescara airport.

Fare per Person

€ 410,00 (min. 15 participants)

€ 397,00 (min. 20 participants)

Fare includes:

• 1 FB+ 3 HB+ 2 BB in a 3 star superior Hotel

•  Accommodation in double room with w.c., direct phone, TV Colour

•  Lunch in a typical restaurant in Sulmona

•  Lunch in a typical restaurant in Civitella del Tronto

•  Beverage on meals (¼l wine and ½l steel-water per person per meal) for all meals included in the program

•  Full time guide/group leader for the whole tour duration

Fare does not include:

• Extras

• Entry tickets

• Everything is not clearly written under “Fare Includes”

Surcharges:  

• Single room € 30,00

• Lunch in a typical restaurant in Chieti                                                              €   22,00

• Lunch in a typical restaurant in L’Aquila                                                          €   22,00

Coach fare:

(fare to be divided according the number of participants)

• 20 seat-coach for all the services above mentioned: 

€ 2.450,00 including Transfer from Roma Airport

€ 2.000,00 including Transfer from Pescara Airport

• 36 seat-coach  for the services above mentioned:

 € 3.300,00 including Transfer from Roma Airport

 € 2.700,00 including Transfer from Pescara Airport

Our coaches are all G.T. Setra in mint condition (the oldest is 2001) with all the comforts such as air conditioning, VHS player, cd Player, Dvd Player, reclining seats, security systems and they are insured with the maximal of € 10.350.000,00. Our own drivers are all professional. Our Coach fare are VAT and tolls included.

NO COMMISSION ON OUR SATAM VIAGGI FARES