Day Itinerary
13 Activities
Day 4
276 mi2 mi
Unique Gems Between Abruzzo and Molise
Today will be dedicated to discovering places of great cultural and historical interest in these two fascinating regions. First of all, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, part of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy association, and today an example of sustainable tourism development. You’ll then drive along the famous Costa dei Trabocchi, from San Vito Chietino, a place whose beauty inspired D'Annunzio, to Termoli, with its charming and "narrow" historic centre. Finally, you’ll visit Ferrazzano, the "Sentinel of Molise", where houses are joined together in an ancient intricate embrace to protect themselves from the cold winter wind. Sleeping in a renovated old mill will be a fitting end to the day.
47.4 mi
1 hr 20 min
10:4015 min
Chiesa di Santa Maria di Ronzano
Landmark
Open Details
This abbey, in a distinctly Romanesque-Apulian style, is worth a visit just for the surrounding landscape: it’s set in a natural context of particular quietness and meditative peace.
The interior can be visited on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., while from Monday to Saturday it can be visited by appointment.
For further historical-artistic information and contacts to book your visit, please check the website.
The interior can be visited on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., while from Monday to Saturday it can be visited by appointment.
For further historical-artistic information and contacts to book your visit, please check the website.
40.9 mi
1 hr 10 min
12:101 min
Parcheggio Camper e Autobus Santo Stefano di Sessanio
RV Parking
Open Details
Leave your car in this large car park to comfortably visit the centre of Santo Stefano di Sessanio on foot.
0.7 mi
15 min
12:3030 min
Torre Medicea
Landmark
Open Details
The Medicean Tower is a perfect example of the resilience of these places, deeply affected by the 2009 earthquake. Completely destroyed, it was rebuilt using the original stones, giving it back its role as the iconic building of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, in its striking position standing out over the village.
You can give a voluntary donation to enter, and a guide will take you up the tower in about half an hour, telling you its history.
To find out more about the tower and for information, visit the website.
You can give a voluntary donation to enter, and a guide will take you up the tower in about half an hour, telling you its history.
To find out more about the tower and for information, visit the website.
0.5 mi
10 min
13:101 hr
Ristorante L' Elisir del Poeta
Restaurant
Open Details
How to describe this authentic gem: the Elisir del Poeta is a one-of-a-kind place. Human warmth, passion for one's work and sharing the riches of a territory are indeed the trump cards of this restaurant, which expresses Abruzzese excellence in a vegetarian key.
Let yourself be pampered by Barbara's dishes and Andrea's welcome, who will accompany you on a "culinary stroll" (as they like to call it) in an intimate and familiar environment.
The restaurant is open every day, except Wednesday, only for two hours a day (at lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and at dinner from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and accommodates a maximum of 12 people, to ensure maximum care and attention to the customer.
Impossible to leave unsatisfied, in fact it will be a real disappointment to have to leave.
Don't miss out on this experience and be sure to book your table via the contacts on their Facebook page.
Let yourself be pampered by Barbara's dishes and Andrea's welcome, who will accompany you on a "culinary stroll" (as they like to call it) in an intimate and familiar environment.
The restaurant is open every day, except Wednesday, only for two hours a day (at lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and at dinner from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and accommodates a maximum of 12 people, to ensure maximum care and attention to the customer.
Impossible to leave unsatisfied, in fact it will be a real disappointment to have to leave.
Don't miss out on this experience and be sure to book your table via the contacts on their Facebook page.
0.3 mi
5 min
14:151 min
Parcheggio Camper e Autobus Santo Stefano di Sessanio
RV Parking
Open Details
Retrieve your car and proceed to your next stop.
26.2 mi
40 min
15:0015 min
Abbazia di San Pietro ad Oratorium
Open Details
Stop at the Church of San Pietro ad Oratorium, a jewel of Romanesque ecclesiastical architecture nestled in the Abruzzo countryside.
The church, of ancient origins, was founded in the 8th century, thus dating back to the Longobard period of King Desiderius.
Simple but very intriguing, its main peculiarity is the "Magic Square", the enigmatic inscription "ROTAS OPERA TENET AREPO SATOR", which can be read from left to right and right to left, from top to bottom and from bottom to top.
Today it’s kept open thanks to the activities of a few volunteers. Don’t miss the opportunity to talk to them if you meet them: courtesy and passion for historical knowledge are at home here.
The abbey can be visited in August and September during the hours 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., while from the end of September onwards it can only be visited by appointment.
For more information and to book your visit, please consult the website.
The church, of ancient origins, was founded in the 8th century, thus dating back to the Longobard period of King Desiderius.
Simple but very intriguing, its main peculiarity is the "Magic Square", the enigmatic inscription "ROTAS OPERA TENET AREPO SATOR", which can be read from left to right and right to left, from top to bottom and from bottom to top.
Today it’s kept open thanks to the activities of a few volunteers. Don’t miss the opportunity to talk to them if you meet them: courtesy and passion for historical knowledge are at home here.
The abbey can be visited in August and September during the hours 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., while from the end of September onwards it can only be visited by appointment.
For more information and to book your visit, please consult the website.
54.8 mi
1 hr 10 min
16:3015 min
Belvedere Marconi
Open Details
A short walk through this pretty village will take you to one of Italy's wonders, a picturesque balcony over the sea where your gaze can sweep from the famous Costa dei Trabocchi, the ancient fishing machines typical of this area, to the Majella, the Mother Mountain of Abruzzo.
Enjoy a romantic and evocative moment in this area, where for a long time Gabriele D'Annunzio also lived, who later set his famous novel "The Triumph of Death" in San Vito Chietino.
Enjoy a romantic and evocative moment in this area, where for a long time Gabriele D'Annunzio also lived, who later set his famous novel "The Triumph of Death" in San Vito Chietino.
46.2 mi
1 hr
17:5010 min
Castello Svevo of Termoli
Landmark
Open Details
Once in Termoli, start your exploration from Svevo Castle, so called because it was renovated by Frederick II of Swabia (Svevia in Italian) in 1247, but is actually thought to date back to Norman times. It’s an emblematic defensive building on the Molise Coast and a true symbol of the town.
A walk around its thick walls is a great way to start getting to know the town, since it’s located in a privileged position on the sea and the entire historic centre develops around it.
If you’re in the area on 15 August, don't miss the characteristic celebration of the burning of the castle, recalling the assault suffered at the hands of the Turks, a town festival much loved by the people of Termoli.
The castle is nowadays often chosen as a location for weddings and can only be visited inside on request from the municipality.
A walk around its thick walls is a great way to start getting to know the town, since it’s located in a privileged position on the sea and the entire historic centre develops around it.
If you’re in the area on 15 August, don't miss the characteristic celebration of the burning of the castle, recalling the assault suffered at the hands of the Turks, a town festival much loved by the people of Termoli.
The castle is nowadays often chosen as a location for weddings and can only be visited inside on request from the municipality.
0.1 mi
5 min
18:0510 min
A Rejecelle (Vicolo Stretto)
Landmark
Open Details
Have you ever passed through an alleyway only 41 centimetres wide? In Termoli you can, by walking down the narrowest alleyway in Italy.
A gem of which the people of Termoli are very proud, dating back to the town's first urban agglomeration.
An amusing story has it that, in ancient times, when two gentlemen met in the alley, the less noble one had to step back to allow the more aristocratic one to pass. But, in the event that the two were of equal social rank, it could even come to a duel!
An amusing story has it that, in ancient times, when two gentlemen met in the alley, the less noble one had to step back to allow the more aristocratic one to pass. But, in the event that the two were of equal social rank, it could even come to a duel!
46.7 mi
1 hr 10 min
19:305 min
Castello Carafa
Museum
Open Details
Park your car a stone's throw from Carafa Castle, the junction point of the magical village of Ferrazzano, which was also mentioned by the ancient Roman writer Livy.
The castle is now converted into a charming residence and so cannot be seen from the inside. It has medieval origins and was once an excellent point of control over the surrounding territory.
Carafa Castle offers a privileged vantage spot over the province of Campobasso, a veritable mosaic of natural shapes and colours that will appear right in front of your eyes.
The castle is now converted into a charming residence and so cannot be seen from the inside. It has medieval origins and was once an excellent point of control over the surrounding territory.
Carafa Castle offers a privileged vantage spot over the province of Campobasso, a veritable mosaic of natural shapes and colours that will appear right in front of your eyes.
0.4 mi
10 min
19:4510 min
Teatro del Loto
Open Details
Continue your walk through the narrow streets of Ferrazzano, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, until you reach the Lotus Theatre.
The Teatro del Loto is one of the smallest theatres in Italy, but is nonetheless incredibly beautiful. The contrast between the stone village of Ferrazzano and the modern forms of the theatre create a unique, harmonious context.
Check out the website for more information on the history of the theatre and the scheduled performances.
The Teatro del Loto is one of the smallest theatres in Italy, but is nonetheless incredibly beautiful. The contrast between the stone village of Ferrazzano and the modern forms of the theatre create a unique, harmonious context.
Check out the website for more information on the history of the theatre and the scheduled performances.
0.3 mi
5 min
20:0010 min
Belvedere viewpoint
Open Details
Before you leave the village of Ferrazzano, treat yourself to an indescribable view from this very valuable vantage point.
From here, you’ll have a wide view of the entire central part of Molise, and you can take spectacular photos that will serve as unique souvenirs of your visit to Ferrazzano.
From here, you’ll have a wide view of the entire central part of Molise, and you can take spectacular photos that will serve as unique souvenirs of your visit to Ferrazzano.
13.8 mi
25 min
20:3512 hrs 30 min
La Piana dei Mulini
Lodging
Open Details
To rest from the exertions of the journey, tonight you’ll stay in a relaxing place surrounded by nature: La Piana dei Mulini, once a rural hamlet that housed an old mill, now a popular hotel that maintains a very strong bond with nature and the concept of hospitality.
Here, in addition to enjoying a night of absolute rest, lulled to sleep by the flow of the river, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the quintessential traditional Molise dish: pizza and soup, prepared according to ancient culinary knowledge.
The next morning, start the day in the best way possible, savouring the varied breakfast included in your stay in this dream location.
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.
Here, in addition to enjoying a night of absolute rest, lulled to sleep by the flow of the river, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the quintessential traditional Molise dish: pizza and soup, prepared according to ancient culinary knowledge.
The next morning, start the day in the best way possible, savouring the varied breakfast included in your stay in this dream location.
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.