Two regions, one trip!

The journey between Umbria and Abruzzo is not particularly long. Yet it takes you through several very different versions of Italy. It begins among Umbria’s gentle hills, olive groves, vineyards and small medieval towns clinging to the slopes. From there, the road leads east through the forested Apennines and onwards towards the Adriatic Sea. As the journey continues south, the landscape changes once again. Beyond Abruzzo’s coastline, vineyards, olive groves and rolling hills stretch inland, while mountains rise in the distance – from the high peaks of Gran Sasso to the vast Majella massif.

This transition lies at the heart of the journey: three nights at Domus Antiqua, just outside Spello, followed by three nights at Casa Monte Majella in Abruzzo. Two welcoming, independently run places to stay in two lesser-known regions, with plenty of time to explore the surroundings at your own pace.

For Anja and Peter, the six nights formed part of a longer journey that began and ended in Rome. Between their stays in Umbria and Abruzzo, they also added a few days of their own by the sea in the Marche region.

We asked them what had appealed to them about the arrangement.

“We enjoy travelling at a slower pace and really getting to know the places we visit, rather than trying to fit in as many sights as possible.

This arrangement appealed to us because we could spend a few days in each place and use the accommodation as a base for our own discoveries. We also liked the idea of personal hospitality and being close to local life – receiving tips from our hosts, finding small restaurants that never appear in guidebooks and discovering things that are easily missed when you are simply passing through.”

It was not, then, a fixed itinerary with every day mapped out that attracted them. It was the combination of two distinct bases and the freedom in between: the opportunity to receive guidance while still allowing the weather, their mood and their own curiosity to shape each day.

So what did they hope their two weeks in Italy would bring?

“Before the journey, we were looking forward to two weeks of good food, beautiful surroundings and new impressions, but above all to experiencing Italy in a more relaxed and personal way.

The best thing about travelling is often finding the places you never knew you were looking for.”

Among Olive Groves and Flower-Filled Lanes in Umbria

Spello lies at the foot of Monte Subasio, overlooking the broad Umbrian valley. Within the old town walls, narrow lanes wind between houses built from pale, rose-tinted stone. Steps, archways and balconies overflowing with flowers make the town feel almost as though it were created for slow walks with no particular destination in mind.

Beyond Spello, another Umbria unfolds. Assisi, Perugia and Montefalco are all within easy reach, but there are also smaller villages, vineyards, olive groves and walking trails to discover. Those who wish can fill their days with art, history and excursions. Those who would rather linger over a long lunch and leave the rest of the day unplanned can do that too.

Domus Antiqua lies in the countryside just outside Spello, yet close to much of what characterises the region. From here, Anja and Peter set out on their own excursions before returning in the evenings to their host, Cassandra, and the tranquillity of the beautiful garden.

Naturally, we were curious to hear how they had experienced their days in Umbria.

“Domus Antiqua was an excellent base. The personal hospitality made us feel welcome straight away, and we received several valuable tips about places we might otherwise have missed.

We explored different villages and appreciated how easy it was to combine culture, nature and gastronomy within relatively short distances. We tasted wine at the neighbouring vineyard, ate at local restaurants and walked sections of the Olive Trail.

What made the greatest impression, however, was the genuine warmth and sense of welcome throughout our stay. In the evenings, it was lovely to return to Domus Antiqua, reflect on the day’s experiences in the beautiful garden and plan the following day’s excursion.”

Across the Apennines and Out Towards the Sea

The direct drive from Spello to Fara Filiorum Petri takes around three hours, depending on the route and traffic. This makes it perfectly possible to travel directly between the two properties while still allowing the day to become something more than merely a journey from one place to another.

With more time, however, the journey can also be extended. After crossing the Apennines, you reach the Adriatic coast and can continue south through Marche. Along the way, there are lively seaside resorts as well as smaller coastal towns where it is easy to stop for a night – or, as Anja and Peter did, to let a few days by the sea become a separate part of the journey.

They chose Grottammare in southern Marche. The old town sits on a hill above the sea, while the newer part stretches along the coast, with palm trees, villas and a long seafront promenade. After Umbria’s hills and villages, the rhythm changed: sunshine and swimming, walks beside the water and meals in restaurants overlooking the Adriatic.

What made them choose Grottammare?

“We wanted a few days of sunshine and swimming before continuing to Abruzzo, and Grottammare proved to be the perfect stop. We enjoyed some relaxing days on the beach, walks along the beautiful promenade and meals at restaurants overlooking the sea.

It gave us the chance to discover a place we might otherwise never have visited. After a few peaceful days beside the Adriatic, we felt ready to continue south.”

Grottammare is not included in the package itself, but it lies naturally along the route for those wishing to extend their journey. Others choose to drive directly between Umbria and Abruzzo. There is no set route to follow – the freedom to shape the days yourself is part of the experience.

Where the Mountains Meet the Sea

South of Marche, the road continues into Abruzzo. A surprising variety of landscapes is contained within a relatively small area: the Adriatic Sea, olive groves and vineyards, small mountain villages and some of the Apennines’ highest and most dramatic massifs. Gran Sasso rises in the north and Majella farther south, while along the Costa dei Trabocchi, traditional fishing structures stand on stilts above the water.

Casa Monte Majella lies amid this transition between coast, hills and mountains. From here, you can head towards the national park’s walking trails, gorges and ancient monasteries, visit villages and vineyards, or make your way down to the Adriatic and the Trabocchi Coast. In between are family-run restaurants, local food and the opportunity to do very little at all.

For Anja and Peter, there was also an unexpected connection to home. Like us, they have their roots in Gothenburg. It therefore did not take long before our recommendations about the surrounding area became interwoven with conversations, laughter and shared experiences.

One day, we set out together on a hike in Majella. The route followed a mountain stream through a lush green valley before leading us to a medieval monastery. We also stopped for a picnic – a simple pause in the middle of nature, but one of those moments that gave their stay a more personal character.

So how did they experience Abruzzo?

“We were looking forward to the nature, the mountains and the opportunity to discover yet another side of authentic Italy. The reality exceeded our already high expectations.

From the moment we arrived at Casa Monte Majella, we felt it was a place where it was easy to relax while also being inspired to explore the surroundings. The personal hospitality made a real difference, not least through all the tips we received and the many enjoyable conversations and laughs we shared.

We alternated excursions and hikes with peaceful moments at the accommodation. The dramatic landscapes, majestic mountains, excellent food and warm welcome made a lasting impression on us.”

Two Different Regions – but One Journey

Umbria has softer contours, with its hills, art-filled towns and cultivated landscapes. Abruzzo offers greater contrasts: from the high mountains of Gran Sasso and Majella to vineyards, villages and the distinctive Trabocchi Coast along the Adriatic Sea.

Yet the contrast does not separate the two regions – it binds the journey together. The distances are short enough for travelling not to take over, yet long enough for the landscapes, food and experiences to change along the way.

For Anja and Peter, the journey began in Rome and ended there too. A few days in the capital framed their stays in Umbria, Marche and Abruzzo: first the bustle of the city, then the smaller villages, countryside, sea and mountains – and finally Rome once more before it was time to return home.

What, above all, did they take away from the journey as a whole?

“What we remember most is the balance. The combination of two different places to stay and two different regions created variety without making the journey feel rushed. Three nights in each place gave us time to explore the surroundings while still leaving space to relax.

What we will carry with us above all are the small encounters, recommendations, flavours and places we would probably never have discovered on our own. It is often the unexpected experiences that become the most memorable.

We believe this journey is ideal for anyone who wants to experience Italy at a slower pace and appreciates personal places to stay, local food and areas that still feel authentic.

This was exactly the kind of jouney through Italy that we enjoy most - personal, relaxing and filled with discoveries no guidebook ever lead you to.”