BETWEEN HISTORY AND THE SEA MOLISE/TREMITI ISLANDS
history / sea / food & wine
(five days - four nights)
DAY 1 – TERMOLI
Arrival at the hotel in the early afternoon and check-in in the reserved rooms.
‘Termoli by Night’ excursion. Guided tour of the town, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria della Purificazione and Underground Termoli.
Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 2 – TERMOLI – LARINO
Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the guide and walk through Termoli’s characteristic (medieval) Borgo Marinaro. The small ancient village, located on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, with the Cathedral at its centre, a national monument and one of the most beautiful examples of Romanesque architecture in Molise, which houses the relics of the patron saint, San Basso. On one side of the village, surrounded by ancient walls, is the fascinating Swabian Castle, probably of Norman origin, but whose defensive structure was reinforced by Frederick II. The sculptures of the two lions and the female heads in the other arches are also very refined. Worth seeing inside is the crypt with its three apses and an 11th-century floor mosaic.
Lunch in a typical restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit of Larino, its historic centre with the Cathedral, the Church of San Francesco, the Ducal Palace – Roman amphitheatre. Dinner in a typical restaurant.
Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
DAY 3 – GAMBATESA – CAMPOBASSO – SEPINO (Altilia)
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Gambatesa, for a guided tour of the castle and the village sights.
Departure for Campobasso, visit to the historical city centre, characterised by narrow streets, long stairways, churches and historic buildings winding their way around the foot of Castello Monforte. Two stereotypes of the capital’s culture are hidden in the alleys: the Museo Sannitico, guardian of numerous archaeological artefacts of the Samnite people, and the Museo dei Misteri.
Lunch in a typical restaurant. After lunch, departure for the archaeological site of Saepinum, a guided tour of the most fascinating ancient city in Molise, which has stood for over two thousand years along the Pescasseroli-Candela ‘Tratturo’. The columns and Ionic capitals of the basilica, the forum, the tomb of the Numisians, the mausoleum of Ennio Marso, the paved streets and the fortified gates of Terravecchia and Boiano, will also help us understand the importance of this centre for the transhumant shepherds marching between the Abruzzi Apennines and the Tavoliere delle Puglie.
Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 4 – TREMITI ISLANDS
Meeting with the tour guide at the coach parking area in the Termoli port, and distribution of boarding passes. Departure by speedboat (hydrojet) to the beautiful Tremiti Islands archipelago, a marine nature reserve since 1989, called the ‘Pearls of the Adriatic’ for their enchanting and unspoilt beauty.
After arriving at the marina on the island of San Domino, which is the largest island in the archipelago and the richest in terms of nature and landscape, transfer a few minutes by boat taxi to the island of San Nicola, the most important from a historical and artistic point of view, where ancient stories and legends are united
Surrounded by a splendid panoramic view of the archipelago, you will discover the secrets of the island of San Nicola, which preserves numerous historical testimonies, protected between the high cliffs and the loopholes of the watchtowers of the ancient fortress. Inside the imposing Benedictine Abbey of S. Maria a Mare, dating back to the year 1000 AD, you can admire precious works of art such as the polychrome mosaic floor from the 11th century and the wooden polyptych from the 15th century.
This will be followed by an exciting boat tour circumnavigating the scenic archipelago (duration 75 minutes) to admire the azure blue seabed, enchanting inlets, imposing reefs and marvellous natural sea caves. Return to the island of San Domino and transfer by minibus for lunch in a typical restaurant. After lunch, a scenic walk among the small houses on the island of San Domino and time at leisure for shopping and relaxation, either on the beach or in the extensive pine forests of typical fragrant Aleppo pines.
Departure from the island of San Domino to return to the port of Termoli.
Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 5 – END OF TRIP AND RETURN HOME
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the return journey.
INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION FEE FROM € 540.00
THE FEE INCLUDES:
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PERIOD: MAY TO SEPTEMBER
