The taste of Abruzzo, a gourmet experience

 

I might be biased since this is my home region, but thanks to its untouched beauty many say that Abruzzo is Italy’s best-kept secret. With BeMyJourney you will experience Abruzzo through all senses, starting from the taste with a journey through the genuine flavours that are peculiar to the local environment of this region. This BeMyJourney’s Travel Experience takes you to the heart of Abruzzo’s savour with a gourmet dining experience and a stay signed by *** Michelin stars chef Niko Romito. However, the gastronomic landscape of Abruzzo is just one side of the wide heritage this region has to offer. Indeed, Abruzzo is also about nature and culture, with historical villages like Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Barisciano, and natural wonders like Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo and Valle del Tirino. To get the advice of a local on your journey planning, get in touch with Andrea.

 

___________

 

SUGGESTED LENGTH

 

One weekend, staying at Casadonna Reale by Niko Romito, or one week staying in two different hotels, to truly discover the region. BeMyJourney has an extended portfolio of hotels and experiences in Abruzzo, get in touch with Andrea to learn more.

 

SUGGESTED SEASON

 

All year round, but Autumn and Winter offer the most magical atmosphere (Casadonna will close on Jan the 10th 2022 and re-open on March the 23rd 2022).

THE EXPERIENCE

 

___________

 

THREE MICHELIN STARRED DINNER

 

Treat yourself to a unique dining experience at Reale, *** Michelin Starred restaurant by Niko Romito. A self-taught chef, deeply attached to his native Abruzzo, he began in the town of Rivisondoli in the bakery that his family had turned into a trattoria, and in 2011 he moved Reale to Casadonna, a 16th-century former monastery in Castel di Sangro. A genuine ‘laboratory’, where materials, research, simplicity and taste dialogue with one another to bring the Italian cuisine of tomorrow to life. The menu changes based on seasonality, you can have a look at the current one here.

Prices start from 150 euro per person. Write to Andrea to learn more.

WHERE TO STAY

 

___________

 

CASADONNA

 

WHERE ~ Castel di Sangro

BEMYJOURNEY’S EXPERIENCE ~ “After a memorable dinner, I still remember the enthusiasm of waking up to have the most incredible breakfast. Staying at Casadonna Reale was a sensorial experience that I would recommend to gourmands and travellers passionate about food culture. Here, the food philosophy forged by chef Niko Romito will let you discover the simplest flavours in the most intense way, while staying in a restored ancient monastery immersed in the peaceful oasis of the Abruzzo National Park.” Andrea

BE MYJOURNEY’S EXTRA ~ Book on Casadonna Reale website mentioning “BeMyJourney” in the notes of your booking and you will get a 8% discount on your stay (gourmet breakfast included, dinner and lunch excluded). The discount will be applied at the payment, this is a limited offer valid only until December 2021.

 

 

WHAT TO EXPECT ~ A 16th-century former monastery in the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, transformed by a bold and at the same time understated restoration. Materials that capture the eye, refined decor, all surrounded by the spectacle of nature. The estate covers 6 hectares, at an altitude of 860 meters, including an experimental vineyard, a grove of fruit trees and a garden of aromatic and wild herbs. This is the home of the restaurant Reale***, 9 charming guest rooms, and the culinary academy “Niko Romito Formazione”. Prices start from 280 euro per night.

FOOD PHILOSOPHY ~ Since 2000, Niko Romito has been running the restaurant Reale with Cristiana Romito. A self-taught chef, deeply attached to his native Abruzzo, in just 7 years he has earned three Michelin stars. Through relentless research and a strong entrepreneurial drive, chef Romito pursued a path of essentiality, balance and taste. In a short time, he has been able to create an incisive and personal culinary language with countless distinctions for the restaurant of Cristiana and Niko Romito.

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY ~ The consciously restored ancient monastery hosting Casadonna Reale is located in Castel di Sangro, a remote destination in Abruzzo. Thanks to the distinction of its proposal, Casadonna Reale brings travellers from all around the world to this beautiful and mostly untouched area, supporting in this way the local economy. To enhance the local heritage, the staff of Casadonna always promote to their guests the little villages in the area as well as small producers and artisans. Seasonality and genuineness are at the basis of the Reale restaurant’s philosophy. The estate land is grown following organic agriculture principles and what is not produced on-site is supplied by local farms.  Moreover, in order to reduce the consumption of plastic, Casadonna Reale offers filtered water served in glass bottles.

OTHER INFORMATION

Parking is available at the property

Closest airport : Pescara  approx 1.30 h, Naples approx 1.40h, Roma Fiumicino approx 3.20 h, Rome Ciampino approx 2.30 h

Small pets are allowed in the property, but not in the restaurant

Casadonna Reale has a max stay policy of 2 nights

Casadonna Reale will be open until the end of December 2021

At the restaurant kids are welcomes from 9 y.o., while no restrictions are in place at the hotel

Check-in from 15.30

Check-out by  11.00

CANCELLATION POLICY ~ Cancellations are free of charge up to 8 days before arrival.  In case of a no-show or if the booking is cancelled from 7 to 0 days before the arrival date, the property will charge 100% of the booking amount on the credit card provided at the time of the booking.  Restaurant reservations can be cancelled free of charge up to 3 days before the day of the experience. If you cancel from 48H before the experience, the restaurant will charge €150.00 per
person.

 

BEMYJOURNEY’S EXTRA DISCOUNT CODE “BEMYJOURNEY”

 

BOOK

 

 

 

 

 

TIME TO MINDFULLY RECONNECT? 

DROP A LINE TO ANDREA, SCHEDULE A CALL AND PICK HER BRAIN TO DISCOVER OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH DESTINATIONS IN ITALY YOU WOULD NOT FIND OTHERWISE

 

Or join BeMyJourney’s community of travellers to fuel your travel dreams. Sign up below to get the inspirational content designed by Andrea exclusively for the community.

One-week winter itinerary in Abruzzo

DEDICATED TO NATURAL WINE LOVERS

Are you a natural wine lover? Get inspired with this winter itinerary, including practical information and tips to spend one week in Abruzzo, discovering the low intervention wine landscape of the region. Use this itinerary to start planning your journey.

EXPLORE