Get off the beaten track for your next Italian holiday and experience Italy the way the locals do – by immersing yourself in food and culture with Absolutely Abruzzo Tours.

Abruzzo specialists Luciana Masci and Michael Howard personally guide all tours, allowing guests to experience the traditional culture of Italy’s central region of Abruzzo in small intimate groups of up to 12 people in a stunning region untainted by mass tourism.

Guests experience hands-on cooking using authentic recipes passed down through generations with village women, taking guided walks through stunning mountain scenery, shopping at outdoor fresh food markets, visiting centuries-old frescoes in quiet medieval churches, enjoying operatic songs in crumbling castles and above all sharing the Italian love of great food, wine and culture.

In 2012 Absolutely Abruzzo has expanded its tour offering with the addition of its Tastes of Abruzzo tour. This new tour focuses on the culinary skills shared by local ladies and acclaimed local chefs, and their ability to turn fresh, local ingredients into traditional, mouth-watering meals.

Spend four days (3 nights) indulging in hands on cooking and preparing traditional and modern dishes with fresh, local produce. Departing on June 9 with a summer inspired menu, and October 6 with an autumn inspired menu.

Absolutely Abruzzo also offers three other guided tours for 4 and 8 days. The Gourmet Getaway to Abruzzo will wine and dine you in the Apennine Mountains in an authentic village experience.  Tours depart on May 22, June 6, July 10, August 29, September 18 and October 3.

Be enchanted on the 8-day (7 nights) Medieval Magic of Abruzzo tour. Relive the colourful pageantry of an ancient joust (July tour only), complete with flag throwers and medieval musicians. Departing on July 29 and September 9.

Along the Shepherds Tracks tour is a tour that takes a leisurely pace. You’ll stay in the tranquil countryside of Abruzzo for 8 days (7 nights) and experience central Italy at a slower pace, also with a private cooking class with local Abruzzese women. Departing on May 27, June 17 and September 23.

Tours are all inclusive and include accommodation, all meals and drinks with meals, wine, olive oil and cheese tastings and exclusive performances by international operatic tenor Michael Howard.  Michael and Luciana spend six months of the year in Australia and six in Abruzzo and their passion for the region of Luciana’s family shines through their personal service and attention to detail.

Day tours and custom tours are also available upon request.