Ciclotrabocchi is the first tour that brings together the coast of the Trabocchi with the hilly hinterland close to the Adriatic Sea, enhancing the inland routes, historic villages, wineries and agricultural productions that represent the tradition of the area and that have determined in the past, the history of the Trabocchi, conditioning the culinary culture and the sea/land cuisine that you can enjoy today on the piles. We will go through the rural area, discovering from the inside the evolution of the villages facing the sea that preserve traditions and folklore, customs and traditions of the region with characters from the outside, different in each village, making definitely unique and fascinating rituals. In short, a unique journey to discover the true face of Abruzzo unknown to most. all while riding a bicycle. Perfect tour to disconnect from the wear and tear of modern life.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Francavilla al Mare
Arrival in Francavilla al Mare to test bikes and settle into the facility. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: From Francavilla al Mare to Villa Caldari – KM stage : 32 -Difference in altitude : 509
Departure on the seafront of the town, northern gateway to the Ciclovia dei Trabocchi, to the first rural bike path of the tour: “La via dei Mulini” to reach first the territory of Tollo then the Ducal Castle of Crecchio, famous for having hosted, on September 9, 1943, King Vittorio Emanuele II, the queen and Prince Umberto fleeing from Rome. Here we will enter the varied wine-growing landscape of the province of Chieti, and subsequent passages will be through vineyards and vines with wineries of great quality. The overnight stay will be in one of these wineries. Dinner will be themed. Overnight stay
Day 3: From Villa Caldari to Fossacesia – KM stage : 36 – Elevation gain : 586
We will set off amidst vineyards along the Wine Route of the province of Chieti with views of the eastern Maiella and the Trabocchi Coast. The route runs on low-car roads through expanses of Montepulciano and Trebbiano vineyards. Continuous ups and downs, for river crossings and in particular the Moro River will remind us that a bloody battle between the Allies and the Nazi regime took place here in the past, signs that we will encounter along our route. Through the territories of Guastameroli and Frisa we will arrive at the painted village of Treglio where murals and installations will keep us company on our visit. We will continue to Rocca San Giovanni, always accompanied by vineyards, and in this beautiful medieval village we will see the tower, walls and church of St. Matthew the Apostle. The history and origins of the church in Rocca San Giovanni is closely linked to the history of the abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, which we will visit instead in Fossacesia, the site of today’s stop, with a marvelous view of the coast. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Fossacesia to Scerni -KM stage : 35 -Difference in altitude : 643
The valleys of the Sangro River, will set the pace of this pedaling day. The arrival at the Lecceta Regional Reserve overlooking the sea and the subsequent British military cemetery, both in Torino di Sangro, will continue the narrative about the Great War. Today’s stage will take us cycling through the villages overlooking the Sangro valley, on the old sheep trail and, we will respectively visit and see Torino di Sangro, in the distance Casalbordino, the fortified village of Scerni, bordered by the Lanciano-Cupello sheep trail and to the south by the Centurelle-Montesecco sheep trail. We will then arrive at the farm and prepare for an evening where the innkeeper’s verve will enchant us as well as the tasting of Ventricina, a real treat for the palate and a Slow Food presidium. Here we are in the Academy of Ventricina, you name it! Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: From Scerni to San Vito Chietino – KM stage : 50 -Descent : 641
Today the hill, after an initial part up to Cupello and Vasto, will give way to the coast, which we will ride in its entirety up to San Vito Chietino. The arrival in high Vasto and the visit to the village, will give true emotions while with our eyes we will be able to see the gulf and the Tremiti Islands in the distance. From here we will descend to take the Via Verde dei Trabocchi to return north and travel through the splendid Punta Penna and Punta Aderci Reserves. We will exit at the mouth of the Sangro River to continue in the direction of Lido di Casalbordino, Torino di Sangro marina, Fossacesia marina, Rocca San Giovanni marina until arriving at San Vito Chietino marina through an apotheosis of Trabocchi, with their tentacles jutting out into the sea. The evening will hold a dinner on the Trabocco for farewells at the end of this journey frav the hills and the Adriatic coast, Dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, departure for respective destinations. Possibility of the Train (3 stops) to return to Francavilla al Mare, where you will have left your cars. End of services.
