PRIVATE ESCAPE 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
The Abruzzo,
a land of contrast
Picturesque stone villages of timeless charm, deep blue lakes, steep mountains, wild horses, plentiful sea: the Abruzzo is a more rustic and pastoral experience of Italy.
In this grandiose landscape, home to the highest summits of the Apennines, the old vineyards of Montepulciano in Abruzzo produce an intense red wine with notes of flower and spices. The Trebbiano of Abruzzo focuses on white wines for a more fresh and dry taste.
It used to be a land of sheepherders, which you can feel in the region’s cooking. Bread, pasta, salumi and cheese are the stars of every table and always produced in close relation to the nature that surround it.
The grand finale of your trip will be your stay in Casadonna and dinner at Reale, three Michelin-starred restaurant, to meet, spiritually, with Niko Romito’s native child cuisine.
“Our land is beautiful but also tough and full of contrast. Here, the summers are blazing hot and the winters freezing cold.” That is how Niko Romito describes his region, located near the Abruzzo national park.
Niko Romito’s
Abruzzo
The three Michelin-starred Chef invites you to discover “his” Abruzzo. Because he loves his land and knows every village, vineyard and producer, he exclusively shares for L'Hedonist clients his favourite places and secret spots, that inspire him endlessly.
Visionary Montepulciano
Leonardo only sells his nectars to happy-few sommeliers. As a friend of Niko Romito, he accepted to open his cellar for you, for a very private tasting session, pairing with outstanding cheeses from Scanno, another one of the Chef’s favourite suppliers.
Ancestral recipes
The founders of Sextantio, where you will sleep, made it their mission to recover ancestral recipes by asking the elders of Santo Stefano di Sessanio village for their secrets. Chef Niko Romito created the menu of the restaurant. Time seems to have stopped in the medieval kitchen where you will join in cooking your exceptional meal.
Panoramic picnic
A gastronomic picnic at the foot of Rocca Calascio castle, one of the Chef’s favourite spots, which offers one of the best views on the high plains of Campo Imperatore, often dubbed the Little Tibet.
A Star is Bread
A dinner at Reale is not complete without the PANE. Niko Romito’s genius turns this plain table “accessory” into an experience in itself.
The Casadonna
Reale experience
An immaculate monastery of utmost sobriety, walls covered with artworks from Ettore Spalletti, exceptional wines chosen by the sommelier Gianni Sinesi, every ingredient’s powerful taste exalted by the genius of Niko Romito and his brigade, service smoothly run by Cristiana Romito, a delicious breakfast: all this marks your unforgettable experience in the Romito family’s universe.
ALT, Niko Romito for all
These three red letters sum-up the Chef's approach to democratize healthy, tasty and affordable food. You can stop by and bring home some delicacies in your suitcase.
DAY 1
. Arrival in Rome, pick-up of your car at Fiumicino airport
. Journey to the Aquila
. Lunch and free time to visit the Abruzzo capital city
. Our tip: visit the MaXXi L’Aquila, a brand-new contemporary art museum opened in 2021 (tickets to be paid on spot)
. Continue on to Santo Stefano di Sessanio and settle in hotel Sextantio
. Dinner at leisure
DAY 2
. Hike to Rocca Calascio castle (around two hours, easy level, map included)
. Gourmet picnic at the foot of the fortress with a spectacular view and products selected by Niko Romito
. Private tasting of the Chef’s choice of wines
. On the road back, we advise a stop at Lago di Capodacqua
. Exclusive cooking class at the Sextantio followed by a dinner of your own cooking
DAY 3
. Time at leisure the morning to enjoy the village of Santo Stefano
. Visit of a vineyard and private tasting of montepulciano and trebbiano accompanied with cheese and charcuterie selected for you by Chef Niko Romito
. Car ride to Sulmona, famous for its “confetti” sugared almonds and free visit of Pelino Museum
. In Pescocostanzo, meet an artisan of filigree jewellery
. Arrival in Castel di Sangro where Cristiana and Niko Romito’s restaurant is located
. Gastronomic dinner at the Reale restaurant where the three Michelin-starred Chef works with his brigade and exceptional sommelier, Gianni Sinesi (drinks to be paid locally)
DAY 4
. After an unforgettable breakfast at Casadonna, stop at ALT Stazione del Gusto, an all-new concept by Niko Romito where you’ll be able to purchase and bring home some of the Chef’s products, as well as taste his famous fried chicken, delicious, crunchy, healthy and served in no less than ten minutes! (to be paid locally)
. Depending on your flight departure time, journey back to Rome Fiumicino
. Drop-off the rental car
Clients are advised to drink responsibly.