Molise — Italy’s Adriatic Surprise

THIS TRIP QUICKLY SOLD OUT IN 2025.

Nestled along Italy’s southern Adriatic coastline, the tiny Molise region awaits discovery.

This is the country’s second smallest region and also its youngest, having split from the “Abruzzi” umbrella only in 1963. Why did that occur? Most would say “buh?” and shrug their shoulders …. the Italian way of acknowledging that some things are just lost in the mists of time.

Our days together here are designed for community and immersion. You’ll dive deep into the most delicious things happening in Molise and learn how they’re done. This is the birthplace of fusilli, often served with lamb ragu. The tanginess of the teardrop-shaped caciocavallo cheese harkens back to the time of Moorish dominance; delicious grilled and served with fresh bread and you’ll try it at its source; a mountain town that’s also home to the phenomenal bell foundry that supplies the Vatican. Getting your own hands dirty is an option; or just sip some surprisingly tasty local wine and soak it all in. Enjoy insider’s peeks into kitchens, workshops, studios and tasting rooms. We’ve been curating this idea for years and we know that the locals are now ready to receive curious Americans with a sense of adventure.

Our itinerary includes culinary experiences to discover unique recipes that can easily be repeated at home. The week combines hands-on cooking and demonstrations by professionals, together with talks and tastings all around this tiny region. Lively, informative, and fun! Consider yourselves explorers, conquering the secrets behind authentic dishes and the wines – some quite niche — that pair so well.

DAY 1

Transfer from Rome to the Adriatic + Fonderia Marinelli + Check-in + Welcome Dinner

Late morning group pick up in Rome and transfer (3.5 hrs) across the Italian peninsula. Passing from Rome’s Lazio region through the lush, green mountains of Molise feels like moving back in time. Often the phone signals drop as you cross the border. Life here is adagio … slowly beautiful.

We will stop on the way to the coast at Agnone village in the mountainous northern realm of Molise. Here you’ll visit the oldest artisan bell foundry in the world, where intricate bells are created and sold worldwide … most notably to the Vatican. Guests find fascinating the nearly 1,000-year evolution of this unique production and the emotions that are often triggered by the ringing at the visit’s end.

On to Termoli, a town of medieval origin situated on a promontory jutting into the Adriatic Sea. The DNA of Termoli belongs to the sea; your stay will be right in the old town center that was historically home to fishermen. Home for the next six nights will be Residenza Sveva, a “made in Italy” accommodation in the old town that exemplifies recovery and creativity. The “hotel” comprises rooms scattered about the small historical town center that have been comfortably and stylishly refurbished, allowing a genuine and sustainable stay. The Italian term for this concept is “Albergo Diffuso”.

Settle in and unpack; there will be no baggage drill this week. Welcome drink followed by dinner with traditional local food and wine. You’ll meet Chef Massimo Talia and get a thumbnail of the exciting week ahead. Massimo inherited his passion for food from his grandmother. His food combines tradition and creativity, with utmost respect for raw materials. Massimo is head of the Chefs’ Union for Molise. He and his staff will oversee the cooking class as well as several of this week’s meals. D

DAY 2

Borgo Stroll, including its Underground + local lunch and gelato + dinner 

Morning

Residenza Sveva’s restaurant serves as the core of the hotel, and you’ll enjoy a fresh and local breakfast here daily. Today this is followed by a brief private guided walk in the Old Town of Termoli to discover its plethora of “secret places”. After the walk, venture five meters under the surface of the main square: an itinerary that winds through several rooms dating back to the medieval period and then repurposed over the centuries, including the defensive tower of the Bishop’s Palace. Damaged in the terrible earthquake of 1456, it ended up as a cistern. The adjoining Cathedral preserves the relics of St. Timothy, who was the favored protégé of St. Paul of the New Testament. A skeleton found in the Cathedral’s crypt in 1945 was subsequently proven to be that of St. Timothy – hidden underground by a 13th century bishop during the Saracen raids.

Stroll to the “new town” afterward for pointers from a local on good shopping and a light lunch shared together. A truly memorable gelato will wrap the morning excursion.

Afternoon

Free afternoon to rest, recharge and plan the free time slots this week according to your own interests. Walk together to a local favorite for dinner tonight. B, L, D

DAY 3

Cooking Class + Lunch + Winery and Dinner

Morning

After breakfast, settle in for a three-course hands-on cooking class (featuring local specialties) in an animated, fun environment with Chef Massimo. Feast on your creations for lunch.

Afternoon

After some rest in the afternoon, visit a winery near town that masterfully transforms the native Tintilia grape into liquid gold. Produced only in Molise with origins lost in time, the low-yielding grape was for many years abandoned and replaced with the more vigorous Montepulciano. However, Tintilia has recently been rediscovered for its ability to give high quality wines — lending color, fragrance, structure, good acidity and elegant tannins. Tintilia is the perfect complement for Molise’s savory foods from the earth. You’ll try some of those during a pairing dinner at the winery this evening. B, L, D

DAY 4

Hilltown of Larino + Flowers + Lunch

Morning

After breakfast, you’ll travel a short distance to Larino with its charming medieval old town, narrow stone streets, and historic buildings. The town sits on a hill overlooking the fertile Biferno Valley, surrounded by olive groves (the Gentile di Larino olive is super-prized), vineyards, and gentle rolling hills. While its origins are likely Etruscan, Larino’s golden age was under the Romans. Larinum once stood nearby — and its remains, including an amphitheater and mosaics, can still be visited today.

You’ll visit the Cathedral of San Pardo, possibly southern Italy’s most important Romanesque church, as well as the Bishop’s Palace. Creative juices will flow as you produce your own papier-mâché flowers. Hundreds of these are loaded in the oxen-pulled floats that celebrate the town’s patron saint in late May. Today’s outing concludes with a beautiful lunch in a typical and charming setting.

Afternoon

Back to Termoli in the afternoon. Free time to rest/explore/shop and have dinner on your own in town to discover the town’s culinary scene at your own pace. B, L

DAY 5

Abruzzo + Trabocco Lunch + Pizza Night!

Morning

After breakfast, take a short drive up the coast to the southernmost part of Abruzzo, which until a few decades ago was paired with Molise into a single region. The visit this morning is to Vasto, a hilltop town with views of the entire Adriatic gulf all the way to Termoli and beyond. Relics here date back to 1300 BC and, as a seaside municipality, Vasto flourished under the Roman Empire. You can still see vestiges of Roman baths, a theater, mosaics and marble columns. Take in a couple of the lovely churches, including one with a very tall bell tower, as well as shopping and photo opportunities. You can even learn some local recipes by “reading” the tiles on the side of the central market building.

Lunch will be nearby on a “Trabocco”, an old wooden fishing house sitting on stilts at the edge of the sea. Fishing at this pop-up restaurant is done right off the side of the structure without the use of boats: taking advantage of the rocky coastline, casting the nets out to sea through a system of huge wooden arms. A Trabocco lunch is a super special treat that happens only in this part of Italy!

Afternoon

Back to Termoli for a free afternoon. Enjoy pizza together this evening, remembering that pizza always tastes better when it is shared – with laughter, curiosity and good company. B, L, D

DAY 6

EVOO Tasting + Lunch + Farewell Dinner

Morning

After breakfast, discover a nearby olive oil estate, owned by an ancient Italian noble family and one of the most enchanting places in the Molise countryside. Here an award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oil is produced and sold worldwide in the finest specialty shops. Get lost in the 170-acre olive grove, with different cultivars and 18,000 olive trees. At the mill you’ll see how the olives are transformed, from harvest to bottling. Learn to distinguish a great Extra Virgin Olive Oil from a mediocre one. Decide which of the infused oils is your favorite as they are paired with local products.

Afternoon

Afternoon return to Termoli with time to pack. You’ll meet for a final “Ciao Ciao Dinner” this evening. B, L, D

DAY 7 

Breakfast + Check out

After Breakfast, transfer to Rome (city center or FCO airport) or Le Marche if you’re joining the 3-night post-tour. Flights out of Rome must leave AFTER 2PM TODAY.  B

Feedback from our 2025 Molise tour confirms that among the best memories were the multiple occasions to spend unhurried time with locals.

If you like that kind of experience, consider our 3-day excursion to Le Marche, another hidden Italian gem on the Adriatic Sea.