Forte e gentile…strong and kind. This is what is said about the Abruzzese people. They’ve had to endure their fair share of poverty and hardship yet they’ve emerged with an indomitable spirit of survival, grace and loyalty to their “territorio.” And in particular, the women of Abruzzo personify these traits. For my small-group tours, I’ve been blessed to partner with several remarkable women who have dedicated their lives and livelihoods to sharing the region they love. Let’s meet some of them:
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- MARISA … The owner and force behind Agriturismo Pietrantica, our guests’ home base during our summer tours, Marisa truly feels like home. She treats her guests like family. I think it’s particularly telling that on our July 2017 tour, our guests invited her to spend the day with them on one of our excursions. She cooks like a madwoman, sings like a lark and laughs like there’s no tomorrow. She is the sun. To know Marisa is to love her.
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- DANIELA … Hiking guru, tree whisperer, Zen spirit, Daniela from Majellando is our rock-star nature guide. She knows Abruzzo’s countless national park trails inside and out and makes even the most novice hikers feel confident and secure. She has a quiet way of pushing you out of your comfort zone without your even knowing it.
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- FRANCESCA … In my opinion, Francesca of Cantinarte epitomizes the future of Abruzzo. A successful wine & olive oil producer, Francesca transformed the old stone olive mill she inherited from her grandmother into a museum and tasting room. She is charming and knowledgeable & one of our guests’ favorite new friends on our tour.
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- GIULIA … Abruzzese by marriage, Giulia turned her husband’s family’s country house into a welcoming event space for cooking classes and B&B. Giulia is a hurricane – she speaks four languages and is a talented cook and energetic cooking instructor who will show our guests how to master Italian specialties.
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- ROBERTA … One of my best friends in the world is also my partner on the ground in Abruzzo. Whereas I’m all about the details and organization, Roberta is the adventure and free spirit of the operation. She has taught me so much about life over the years – how to slow down, savor the moment and enjoy the peace of the mountains. Her smile and positive energy are infectious.
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- ME (Michelle) … I may not be a native Abruzzese, but this land has had a greater impact on my life and my identity than any other place. My dad was born in Abruzzo and I’ve been traveling there since I was a child. Giving tours of my beloved region was a dream for over a decade and I’m blessed to have a talented group of “sisters” to help make it a reality. I hope you’ll join us and see just how special Abruzzo and its people are.
Spend an unforgettable week with us! Click here for information about our Abruzzo for Women by Women tour on July 1-8th, 2018. See you in Italia!
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