The Region

I fell in love with Abruzzo well before I ever visited the region. This is where my family is from. I grew up immersed in the culture, eating the food and engaging with the folklore of one of Italy’s most undiscovered, tranquil, and rugged landscapes.

The stories my family would tell spoke to a life that was generally very demanding but filled with the joy and contentment found in simple pleasures – hearty food, spectacular surroundings, and good company. They proudly described life surrounded by snow covered mountains, lush green valleys, glacial lakes and buildings dating back to a time before the Romans – the Gran Sasso, La Maiella, the Arano and Peligna valleys, Alba Fucens, L’Aquila and Corfinio are some of the places that were often spoken of at family gatherings.

My visits to Abruzzo as an adult were essentially a “coming home” to my ancestral roots but the real discovery of this region’s beauty came when I brought my bike and my hiking boots in 2000. I was captured by Abruzzo’s natural beauty and rustic nature. I often asked the question, “Why did my parents leave this land?”

Since then I have had numerous opportunities to expand my cycling and hiking adventures in Abruzzo both alone and with friends. We have discovered quiet roads that wind up challenging mountainsides, roll along flat ocean coastlines, and meander through high alpine plains. We have discovered friendly and welcoming locals with a passion for simple, tasty and healthy food proudly prepared in the old traditions. And finally, we have found an adventurous spirit in this region that resonates in its landscape and translates to a way of life – the stories my family told about Abruzzo had indeed hit home. So, let me share all this with you and by saying, “come ride with us!”   

Travelling to Abruzzo feels like coming home. This is the experience we hope to provide our guests.

–Mario Panetta