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With exception to Rome these beautiful regions are largely undiscovered, offering glistening volcanic lakes, lofty mountains, an expanses of tranquil wild landscapes and unspoilt coastlines.
latium & abruzzo
Surprisingly rural, Latium and Abruzzo are regions of volcanic lakes, mountains, ravines, lanes lined with umbrella pines, rivers oak and beech forests. Bordered by the Apennine Mountains and blissful coastlines, the regions offer great opportunities to combine the cool alpine climate, the lush countryside or the beautiful beaches.
INFORMATION Airport: Latium: direct flights to Leonardo da Vinci airport. Abruzzo: indirect flight to Pescara (via Rome) alternatively drive from Rome to Abruzzo (approx. 3 hours). Flight Time: 2 hours Transfers: For Latium as well as Abruzzo we have included car hire Group `A' (see p14). This is to enable you to explore these beautiful regions.
ABRUZZO REGIONAL MAP
MARCHE UMBRIA
1
3
4
1 Lake of Barrea 2 Pacentro 3 Grand Hotel Stigliano 4 Grand Hotel Palazzo Della Fonte
Canale Monterano Rome
Penne Loreto Aprutino Pescara L`Aquila Sulmona
ABRUZZO
Pescocostanzoo
MOLISE
LAZIO
Fiuggi
2
CAMPANIA
Before the rise of Rome, Latium was populated by Etruscan and various Italic tribes, including Latins after whom the region is named Latium or Lazio in Italian. Besides rich archeological sites, Latium also offers an incredible amount of hill and seaside lively villages and towns. South of the Marche region is the unexplored Abruzzo. Due to the harsh and rugged terrain, the economy has traditionally been pastoral, but with an emphasis on crafts. The Abruzzo National Park is a paradise of flowery meadows and beech. It enjoys a rare range of fauna and flora, home of the Marsican Brown Bear and almost extinct Apennine wolf. For mountain lovers the splendid views of Mt Maiella is nearly as impressive as neighbouring Gran Sasso `The Big Rock of Italy'.
see & do
LATIUM ART & HISTORY Although Rome is the capital of the region, and is definitely worth a well planned visit, Latium has other treasures to offer. Ostia Antica for many centuries was Rome's main port and busy trading centre. Its buildings are still preserved and it now lies three miles inland. Fiuggi, midway between Rome and Naples still preserves the characteristics of a Roman thermal bath and spa. Frascati and the Castelli famed 16th and 17th Century luxurious residences with spectacular parks and gardens. The beautiful abbey of Montecassino, perched high in a mountain was once the richest monastery of Europe. Hill town Tivoli, now probably one of the most popular excursions in the region, boasts beautiful ancient Roman villas filled with marvellous gardens, hundreds of fountains and distant views of the eternal city. On the Appian way Roman Terracina was an important commercial centre. Ancient Tarquinia was once an important Etruscan centre, the 164 archeological museum is definitely worth a visit. Lake Bracciano, an extinct volcano is famous for its fish. These are just some of the spectacular places to explore. ABRUZZO ART & HISTORY L'Aquila, is the historic capital of Abruzzo, and home to 99 fountains, a wealth of churches, the National Museum of Abruzzo and the awesome ruins of the ancient amphitheatre. Its Labyrinthine old quarter, the Romanesque church and Santa Maria di Collemaggio are only some of its artistic 13th Century shrines. The three delightful hill towns of Atri, ancient Penne and the delightful, active farming town of Loreto Aprutino, are very typical and expressive of Abruzzo's charm. Pescara was the birthplace of Gabriele D'annunzio, Mussolini's mentor and an important maritime town. Popular in summer due to its gorgeous unspoilt coastline, wide gently shelving beaches, elegant cafés and shops on Piazza Rinascita.
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