How Does it Work?
Get in contact with us and let us know your travel needs and we’ll get back to you with a custom quote. Anything we can do to help you and make your stay in Abruzzo better, we are happy to do!
Professional English Speaking Driver: Travel safely with a local driver, who understands how to handle our curvy and narrow roads, keeps to the speed limits, and knows where to park without getting any fines. Stay safe, and let us drive you through Abruzzo and beyond!
Transport in Abruzzo & Beyond: Whether you need a pickup or drop-off from Rome, Naples, Venice Airport, or any other destination in Italy, we can take care of it.We also offer local transportation services in Abruzzo. So go to that wine tasting or dinner and don’t worry about drinking an extra glass of wine and then navigating our curvy roads, let us transport you!
We Go the Extra Mile : As a past traveler, Rebecca said, ”they went the extra mile”. We make sure you have fresh water available and a little homemade snack from Abruzzo to keep your belly in order. We’ll inform you of any points of interest and on some occasions, we might even offer you a little wine. But please, don’t try to convince the driver to have a sip! We love wine but drink only if we’re not driving.
Hear From Our Previous Travelers & Guests
- Our trip to Abruzzo Italy was an ancestral visit to the towns and region where our ancestors lived. We wanted to experience firsthand the culture, geography, climate and history of the region and its surroundings. Our tour guide Marino Cardelli worked diligently to customize this experience to meet this goal.... read moreOur trip to Abruzzo Italy was an ancestral visit to the towns and region where our ancestors lived. We wanted to experience firsthand the culture, geography, climate and history of the region and its surroundings. Our tour guide Marino Cardelli worked diligently to customize this experience to meet this goal. What we experience with Marino exceeded our hopes and dreams. Each day was filled with new adventure and learnings. In the towns we visited we met with local historians, dignitaries, his family and friends and experienced entry into places off the tourist trail. Without a doubt this was the most memorable trip of our lifetime. With Marino you truly experience La Bella Vita of Abruzzo and feel like part of his family. We can’t say enough about this wonderful person Marino Cardelli and highly recommend his services. read less
(opens in a new tab) Tom Zunino01/11/23 - The Experience Bella Vita Custom Tours of Italy is an outstanding tour program. Marino Cardelli is more than a tour guide, he is a researcher, a diligent worker and an ingenious seeker of new ways to enhance his tours. For Marino, Experience Bella Vita Custom Tours is not a job... read moreThe Experience Bella Vita Custom Tours of Italy is an outstanding tour program. Marino Cardelli is more than a tour guide, he is a researcher, a diligent worker and an ingenious seeker of new ways to enhance his tours. For Marino, Experience Bella Vita Custom Tours is not a job but a passion. His very strong desire to share the history, culture and people of Abruzzo allows him to share this passion with experiences not with generic tours. Our group of six are very pleased with everything that Marino provided for us. We contacted him 3 months prior to traveling to Italy. We were searching for an Ancestral Heritage Tour of Abruzzo. We all had grandparents who were born in the Abruzzo region and then came to America to build a better life for themselves and their families. Marino visited our hometowns and met with many people in each town. He was able to have the mayor of Salle spend the day with us and share his knowledge about Salle and Salle Vecchia. The information he shared gave us more incite into the lives of our ancestors. We not only walked about the town but toasted our ancestors with wine and snacks (provided by Marino). We visited the town hall and were given access to the documents showing the birth, marriage and death of our ancestors. Seeing the birth record in a large book written in the beautiful Italian script is a memory that I will cherish. We spent 7 days in Abruzzo staying at a Bed and Breakfast in Sulmona. Everyday we traveled by van to our ancestors hometowns; Salle, Penne and Pianella. We went to the beautiful National Parks of Majella and Gran Sasso. We hiked to the Castle at Rocca Colascio, we tasted wine and ate a homecooked meal at Cantina Wilma, we truffle hunted with his family and ate an amazing seafood meal on a Trabocco near Pescara. Everyday was a new experience. Marino out did himself. His care, his friendly personality and his willingness to meet all our needs made our time in Abruzzo a stunning exploration of the history and culture of the region. I have shared with family and friends Marino’s website and I will continue to share the fabulous programs that his company provides. Grazie Mille, Joan McConnell read less(opens in a new tab) Joan McConnell01/11/23
- While planning our recent trip to Italy my wife and I wanted to schedule a personal day tour of the town and area were my grandfather was born near L'Aquila in Abruzzo. We were thinking of a walk through the town, a tour of nearby cultural and archeological sites, a... read moreWhile planning our recent trip to Italy my wife and I wanted to schedule a personal day tour of the town and area were my grandfather was born near L'Aquila in Abruzzo. We were thinking of a walk through the town, a tour of nearby cultural and archeological sites, a meal at a local restaurant all the while being instructed in the local history, culture, and traditions. Marino delivered in spades on the tour he designed and gave for us. First, Marino is friendly and open and immediately made us feel comfortable. His method of starting the planning process with an on-line conversation is a great idea. Second, the research he did specifically for our tour resulted in an experience beyond our imagination. Third, he kept the tour, which was a very full day, going at a pace that ensured that we experienced everything without ever being rushed. In addition to his personal knowledge, Marino acquired the help of a local historian as well as a lead archeologist from Rome to give us a feel for the history of my grandfather's home town. As it turned out, the historian and I are actually related! We had never imagined that the day would be so successful. read less(opens in a new tab) Tony Pastro29/10/23
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The Best way to get acquainted ith Abruzzo is to tour with Experience BellaVita. From the Gran Sasso to Vineyards to Regional Cuisine to Historic Location and everything in between. Contact Marino Cardelli and his Team to personalize your tour that will exceed your expectations. And add on dinner... read moreThe Best way to get acquainted ith Abruzzo is to tour with Experience BellaVita. From the Gran Sasso to Vineyards to Regional Cuisine to Historic Location and everything in between. Contact Marino Cardelli and his Team to personalize your tour that will exceed your expectations. And add on dinner or lunch as part of the tour where you will experience the Food and Wine of the Region. read less 
(opens in a new tab) bobiles60626/10/23 - I had the absolute PLEASURE of spending a week with Marino Cardelli as our tour guide with Experience BellaVita and five of my friends/travel partners. There were four of us with grandparents from the Abruzzo Region of Italy and decided to "find out roots" in Abruzzo. Marino provided... read moreI had the absolute PLEASURE of spending a week with Marino Cardelli as our tour guide with Experience BellaVita and five of my friends/travel partners. There were four of us with grandparents from the Abruzzo Region of Italy and decided to "find out roots" in Abruzzo. Marino provided a tour of many towns in Abruzzo, we experienced the food, wine, history, people, culture and Marino's love and passion of his homeland! We were fascinated with his knowledge, friendliness, articulate use of the English language( we are U.S. citizens. Marino arranged and carefully planned our tour, took us to our grandparents place of birth, saw their birth records, our ancestral roots! Marino became our friend, we were picked up each morning at our B&B in Sulmona, Abruzzo, Italy. We walked the Gran Sasso Mountain Range in Majella National Park, ate lunch in a castle, truffle hunting, five course meal in a restaurant on the Adriatic Coast. Every day was a new and exciting adventure created and orchestrated by Marino! Anyone seeking an unbelievable tour of Abruzzo, please contact, Marino, owner of Experience BellaVita, you'll be thrilled and excited with your forever love of Abruzzo Region of Italy! Marino has the knowledge, love, passion, personality and charm to ensure it's your vacation of a lifetime! read less (opens in a new tab) habercarlotta25/10/23
- The BellaVita tour with Marino was truly an unforgettable 5 star experience. My wife and I were seeking an opportunity to visit Italy like a local, and without the crowds. Marino took care to speak with us to learn about our preferences and requirements as we had our children and... read moreThe BellaVita tour with Marino was truly an unforgettable 5 star experience. My wife and I were seeking an opportunity to visit Italy like a local, and without the crowds. Marino took care to speak with us to learn about our preferences and requirements as we had our children and grandparents along. He curated an experience unlike anything we could have imagined and coordinated a call to review and ensure it was on point prior to booking. This consisted of a cooking class, tour of local farm where we made cheese, truffle hunting, five star lunch on a traboochi, and journey into a village with a castle dating from the tenth century. The journey started with a welcome dinner in a restaurant owned by his friend featuring local cuisine and tasting menu. Highly recommend this tour. read less(opens in a new tab) Ben Ingersoll29/09/23
- Experience Bellavita is truly a bella vita experience. Our family vacation in Abruzzi is one we will never forget. It was great to have Marino Cardelli, a friendly, knowledgeable and genuine native of Abruzzi, guide us throughout our stay. He gave personal attention to planning, advising and customizing our trip... read moreExperience Bellavita is truly a bella vita experience. Our family vacation in Abruzzi is one we will never forget. It was great to have Marino Cardelli, a friendly, knowledgeable and genuine native of Abruzzi, guide us throughout our stay. He gave personal attention to planning, advising and customizing our trip to make it a relaxed and meaningful event. The purpose of our trip was to introduce family members to their Abruzzi heritage Marino and our driver Riccardo took great care to provide us with a truly authentic Abruzzi experience in a way we never expected. With Marino we explored the history of the Abruzzo region, visited welcoming towns, family run farms, olive groves, local wineries and the seaside. As a culinary enthusiast and sommelier, he introduced us to the best wine tasting and 5-star dining experiences. Our cooking lesson with Marino and his mom was exceptional. As Italians we never expected to learn as much as we did. Spending time with his family added a heartwarming touch to our family-oriented vacation. We visited the hometown of our grandparents and with Marino’s help found 2 cousins, which was an emotional and exciting encounter. Driving services were reliable, responsive and entertaining. Our driver Riccardo took us on scenic drives with majestic views of the mountains and the Adriatic Sea. He was most accommodating, flexible and fun to be with. He made our rides so enjoyable. Our 5 weeks in Abruzzi went by much too quickly. We have adopted Marino and Riccardo into our newly found Italian family and have our return visit planned. I highly recommend ExperienceBellaVita without hesitation to those seeking a personalized approach to vacationing in Italy and/or experiencing the Abruzzi culture. Pat O August 2023 read less(opens in a new tab) Pat O29/09/23
- Marino Cardelli is an exceptionally knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide who loves his work and the Abruzzo region. We spent four very enjoyable and informative days with Marino as we met local wine, cheese and liquor makers and were able to hunt truffles among other activities. What is especially obvious is... read moreMarino Cardelli is an exceptionally knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide who loves his work and the Abruzzo region. We spent four very enjoyable and informative days with Marino as we met local wine, cheese and liquor makers and were able to hunt truffles among other activities. What is especially obvious is the high regard and love for Marino exhibited by all we met. I highly encourage anyone who wishes to become for familiar with the “greenest” region in Italy to contact Marino. read less(opens in a new tab) Fred Decosimo29/09/23
- This was a trip of a lifetime. From the initial virtual meeting, Marino confidently shared an interest in meeting our travel goals, which was to explore family heritage and experience local lifestyle. All we knew about visiting the area and Italy is that we wanted to... read moreThis was a trip of a lifetime. From the initial virtual meeting, Marino confidently shared an interest in meeting our travel goals, which was to explore family heritage and experience local lifestyle. All we knew about visiting the area and Italy is that we wanted to explore heritage and did not want everyone else’s trip to Italy. We love off the beaten path, local gems, lifestyle excursions and personalized service. Experience BellaVita provided that . For family heritage, we sent Marino very few documents which we had acquired through family and online resources, and he expanded upon those records to provide possible familial relationships through his personal research. He asked leading questions which gave him information he needed to further research. For our first welcome dinner, he changed to a restaurant where there are likely family connections, based on his research. The dinner at Hotel Ristorante Pizzeria ll Salice allowed us to experience regional dishes of the finest quality. Admittedly, I stepped out of my comfort zone, but enjoyed every bite of my food adventure while possibly meeting a third cousin.
Marino was extremely responsive to questions regarding the Abruzzo area and beyond, giving us a resource we felt confident with both in the Abruzzo and other areas of Italy we explored. He was terrific with restaurant recommendations and suggesting food and wine pairings ,
The itinerary he designed for us was flawless! All of the transfers were seamless and professional. Our driver, Ricardo, provided historical information during our transfers, as well as allowing to enjoy some quiet time to rest! He was the best! Communication was never lacking. Marino casually learned of a food preference, and made immediate changes for our lunch the following day to accommodate that. We had asked to visit among local people, and to understand the cultural better. He provided us an opportunity to make cheese and eat lunch made and served on the farm where we made the cheese. The family was warm, caring and provided us with only homemade food. We speak no Italian, and the hosts, Guisseppe and Adele, who only speak Italian made us comfortable and welcome. Language was not an issue. Warm smiles, nods and hugs said it all!
We enjoyed a visit to Scuppoz Liquori and saw a passionate business owner who was very welcoming. We sampled many fine craft liquors, and learned of the process and dedication required to produce these quality beverages and the impact his craft has on the region.
We had the opportunity to tour the vineyards and ground at Maurizi, where we learned about growing techniques and also tasted Olive Oil. One of the best experiences of this tours was the local men, who just “popped in” to share time with us and get to know us while we paired wine, meat and cheese in a warm, cozy setting. The wines are natural and delicious.
As we traveled the mountains the abandoned towns and villages of the area, Marino provided information of historical changes over time. As part of this trip was a heritage trip, we appreciated hearing how our ancestors may have lived and where they might have traveled. We visited site of the town hall, where my grandfather’s birth would have been recorded. It’s been newly renovated, but the location is historic .
Abruzzo area is amazingly beautiful! The lifestyle is genuine and comprises of hardworking people caring for one another. It’s beauty and hospitality deserves to be experienced. We are grateful to have been a guest and now family of Experience BellaVita.
From Abruzzo, we moved on to Pompeii, Naples, and Capri where Marino had arranged for a local colleague to be our contact. Antonella provided a similar experience in being available, responsive, and informative, assuring our drivers were communicative and accessible and timely. read less(opens in a new tab) Diane A06/06/23 - If you are planning to travel to Abruzzo, look no further than Experience Bella Vita for a truly once-in-a-lifetime, unique gem of an opportunity! My sister, cousin, and I wanted to take our Nonna back to her hometown of Pratola Peligna for the annual Festa della Madonna della Libera. In... read moreIf you are planning to travel to Abruzzo, look no further than Experience Bella Vita for a truly once-in-a-lifetime, unique gem of an opportunity! My sister, cousin, and I wanted to take our Nonna back to her hometown of Pratola Peligna for the annual Festa della Madonna della Libera. In a short time, Marino curated a thoughtful, deeply personal itinerary specifically tailored to our interests. His passion for, and in-depth knowledge of the Abruzzo region, alongside his relationships with local business owners, wine makers, and artisans, really allowed us to feel at home, like locals – not tourists or travelers, but cherished friends and guests. We were even able to reconnect with long-lost relatives, which left my grandmother crying tears of joy every day of our experience, something that was so meaningful for us! Marino really went above and beyond to accommodate our very specific needs, in a way that seemed effortless, and I return to the United States with the hope that our paths will cross sooner rather than later! Additionally, Giuseppe and Riccardo assisted with airport transfer from Rome, and made us feel so at home during this experience. I cannot recommend Experience Bella Vita enough! read less(opens in a new tab) Matthew Larson29/05/23
- Marino and the Experience BellaVita team made our trip to Abruzzo one of the most amazing trips of my lifetime. We brought my grandmother from Connecticut to her hometown of Pratola for a festival, and Marino made an itinerary that exceeded our expectations in every way. From the very start-... read moreMarino and the Experience BellaVita team made our trip to Abruzzo one of the most amazing trips of my lifetime. We brought my grandmother from Connecticut to her hometown of Pratola for a festival, and Marino made an itinerary that exceeded our expectations in every way. From the very start- the driver, Giuseppe, who picked us up from the Rome airport, greeted/met us exactly where we expected- and drove us safely and comfortably to our B&B in Sulmona. Getting set up in the B&B that Marino acquired for us was simple, and the apartment was lovely- and ideally located! Marino picked us up for a wine tasting of the Abruzzi region- and during that wine tour, we found out the owner was related to us! This surprise was a special treat for my grandmother and an excellent way to kick off the weekend. My highlight was eating at the Campo Imperatore Plateau for Arrosticini and spending the day with Marino. He became a member of our family as well! If I gave a play-by-play of every place that Marino took us and all of the beautiful expertise that he shared- this review would be a novel. On our last day, Ricardo was available to us for transport from Sulmona and Pratola for the festival- then he brought us to Rome as we had a flight early the next day. Ricardo was so sweet and accommodating! All in all, this was the trip of a lifetime, all thanks to the Experience BellaVita team. I can not thank Marino, Ricardo, Giuseppe, and Francesca for their incredible hospitality, kindness, expertise, recommendations, and memories. I hope to travel back to have this trip again and again, and I highly recommend that anyone traveling to the Abruzzo region use BellaVita tours to enhance their experience! read less(opens in a new tab) Arianna Larson29/05/23
- I can’t begin to express how amazing our experience with Marino and Experience BellaVita was! It started with a video call where Marino listened to the long list of things that my husband and I hoped to do while in Abruzzo. He took these ideas and put together an amazing... read moreI can’t begin to express how amazing our experience with Marino and Experience BellaVita was! It started with a video call where Marino listened to the long list of things that my husband and I hoped to do while in Abruzzo. He took these ideas and put together an amazing itinerary, not just of what his company could offer, but also what we could do and see in our ‘off’ time, hotel recommendations, AND all of the gluten/dairy free restaurants in the area for me! Our first tour day was spent with Marino and his amazing family. We went on a truffle hunt, learned about truffle growing and the truffle industry, and then sat down (in his Uncle’s home!) to a seven course truffle meal, created by Marino’s cousin. Marino and two of his cousins joined us for the meal and there was a lot of laughter and great conversation. It really couldn’t get more authentic! We even got to try Marino’s home made wine! Over the next few days we toured beautiful old towns, walked through ancient ruins of towers and forts, and learned of the 3000 year history of the Transumanza and how sheep have shaped the area. We tried the world’s first sheep milk parmesan, were treated to delicious meals of local foods and wines, and even toured a few areas not usually seen by tourists since Marino grew up in the area and has connections. Marino and his crew went well above and beyond what was expected or even hoped for. I couldn’t recommend them more and will definitely book with them again in the future! read less(opens in a new tab) Ninja Chickens29/05/23
- I can’t begin to express how amazing our experience with Marino and Experience BellaVita was! It started with a video call where Marino listened to the long list of things that my husband and I hoped to do while in Abruzzo. He took these ideas and put together... read moreI can’t begin to express how amazing our experience with Marino and Experience BellaVita was! It started with a video call where Marino listened to the long list of things that my husband and I hoped to do while in Abruzzo. He took these ideas and put together an amazing itinerary, not just of what his company could offer, but also what we could do and see in our ‘off’ time, hotel recommendations, AND all of the gluten/dairy free restaurants in the area for me! Our first tour day was spent with Marino and his amazing family. We went on a truffle hunt, learned about truffle growing and the truffle industry, and then sat down (in his Uncle’s home!) to a seven course truffle meal, created by Marino’s cousin. Marino and two of his cousins joined us for the meal and there was a lot of laughter and great conversation. It really couldn’t get more authentic! We even got to try Marino’s home made wine! Over the next few days we toured beautiful old towns, walked through ancient ruins of towers and forts, and learned of the 3000 year history of the Transumanza and how sheep have shaped the area. We tried the world’s first sheep milk parmesan, were treated to delicious meals of local foods and wines, and even toured a few areas not usually seen by tourists since Marino grew up in the area and has connections. Marino and his crew went well above and beyond what was expected or even hoped for. I couldn’t recommend them more and will definitely book with them again in the future! read less
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MariaMuscarella29/04/23 - WOW! We just returned from the experience of a lifetime and ‘living like a local’ in Abruzzo with Marino and Experience Bella Vita. His complete detailed planning and tailor-designed trip of what we were interested in experiencing exceeded every expectation! From truffle hunting, making fresh pasta with his family and... read moreWOW! We just returned from the experience of a lifetime and ‘living like a local’ in Abruzzo with Marino and Experience Bella Vita. His complete detailed planning and tailor-designed trip of what we were interested in experiencing exceeded every expectation! From truffle hunting, making fresh pasta with his family and Nonna to cheese making, visiting a local winery and, my favorite, enjoying fresh seafood in an authentic Trabocchi! We found the Abruzzesi very warm and welcoming even if their understanding of English was limited. Every single encounter with these wonderful people was heart-warming. The passion and love of their craft and the pride they exhibited was only surpassed by the love of their family. Insuring the family was cared for was paramount. It wasn’t about material possessions or money. It was pure love of family, providing for family and making sure we felt we were part of the family. The meals they prepared for us were amazing. If you are looking to avoid the crowds and commercialism of the big cities, travel at a relaxed pace, explore quaint hilltop villages, taste the delicious wines of the Montepulciano grapes, dine as a member of an Italian family and experience absolutely stunning views from the Adriatic Sea to the Gran Sasso and Maiella mountains in a small intimate group of your choosing, contact Marino at Experience Bella Vita. Abruzzo is an undiscovered gem which makes it more valuable! You will not be disappointed. Marino went above and beyond to make sure our Abruzzo vacation was perfection! Every detail was exquisite and he included several surprises to make it even more memorable. From the time he picked us up in Rome until we returned our experience and enjoyment were his top priority. He made us comfortable from the very beginning, almost like we had known him for years and at the end we felt like family! His passion for his Abruzzo culture, knowledge of wines and authentic foods, extensive network of contacts throughout the region and enthusiasm for people to learn about Abruzzo are exemplary. We plan to return to Abruzzo and, if you couldn’t tell, Marino is our only choice. It will be like coming home! read less(opens in a new tab) Paula W29/11/22
- With very little information available, Marino was able to weave together the story of my father's family and life in Orsogna. We had one day to visit the town, and it was the highlight of our trip to Italy. From a visit with the town's mayor, a tour with the... read moreWith very little information available, Marino was able to weave together the story of my father's family and life in Orsogna. We had one day to visit the town, and it was the highlight of our trip to Italy. From a visit with the town's mayor, a tour with the town historian, an incredible local meal, wine tasting at a local winery, a visit to the cemetery where he pulled together pieces of our family's history -- he also found living relatives and the site of my father's home. It was an emotional and beautiful experience, and Marino made it all possible. We will forever be grateful to Marino for creating the experience of a lifetime. read less(opens in a new tab) Lisa D'Angelo29/11/22
- Marino was an absolute pleasure to work with. I took a trip to Italy and wanted to visit the hometown of my Grandmother. Marino went above and beyond in scheduling an amazing day trip to Penne. We went to a small vineyard to sample some great local wine, and had... read moreMarino was an absolute pleasure to work with. I took a trip to Italy and wanted to visit the hometown of my Grandmother. Marino went above and beyond in scheduling an amazing day trip to Penne. We went to a small vineyard to sample some great local wine, and had a terrific lunch, and then he drove us to Penne. He was able to line up a local to show us around. This local provided us with such a great perspective on the history as well as current happenings in Penne. It was a trip I'll never forgot. read less(opens in a new tab) Joseph Gionta29/11/22
- My husband and I traveled to Italy for our 25th anniversary. As a second generation Italian immigrant, my husband was interested in finding out more about his Italian roots. Marino Cardelli was referred to us by a family friend as someone who had experience in ancestry research. Marino did an... read moreMy husband and I traveled to Italy for our 25th anniversary. As a second generation Italian immigrant, my husband was interested in finding out more about his Italian roots. Marino Cardelli was referred to us by a family friend as someone who had experience in ancestry research. Marino did an absolutely amazing job for us. he found the village that my husbands family was fun, helped us obtain transportation to the village, which was high up in the mountains 3 hours away from any City and, since we do not speak Italian, even met us at the village to translate for us. Marino was able to find birth records and marriage certificates which he used to create a family tree for us. He even interviewed people at the Village for us and from these interviews we learned a lot more about our family than we knew. He also found a living cousin of ours in the Village and from the information he learned from this cousin he was able to track the rest of our family who it turns out had emigrated to Canada. Thanks to Marino, we found a whole Canadian wing of the family we never knew existed. Throughout the process Marino was professional, fun to work with, was as interested in our family as we were and most importantly is simply superb at researching family history. It is evident that he has a passion for ancestry research. We are so immensely grateful to him for his outstanding work. I highly recommend Marino to anyone looking to find out more about their ancestors. We were so impressed with his work that we plan on working with Marino to discover my Sicilian roots next. It does not get any better than Marino! read less(opens in a new tab) Laurie Mancinelli29/11/22
- We booked two day trips with BellaVita during our recent stay in Abruzzo - one to the mountains/Rocca Colascio/Santo de Sessanio and the second to the Trabocchi Coast - both of which were truly memorable, thanks to our guide, Marino Cardelli, of BellaVita. Our first trip was to the mountains... read moreWe booked two day trips with BellaVita during our recent stay in Abruzzo - one to the mountains/Rocca Colascio/Santo de Sessanio and the second to the Trabocchi Coast - both of which were truly memorable, thanks to our guide, Marino Cardelli, of BellaVita. Our first trip was to the mountains where we explored, admired beautiful vantage points, learned about the challenging lives of the shepherds in the mountains, and enjoyed a special lunch where we enjoyed grilled lamb skewers (traditional dish of Abruzzo), along with vegetables, dessert and wine. There was a table of men behind us that Marino befriended, and they shared some delicious fruit and homemade liquor with us. We truly enjoyed our "new friends". After lunch we made our way up to Rocca Colascio and hiked up to it to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains/valley. We finished the day in the small village of Santo Stefano de Sessiano and enjoyed some more wine, meets and cheeses at a small restaurant where the chef was well acquainted with Marino. Marino brought us back to our B&B in Sulmona that evening. Our second trip (2 days later) was out to the Trabocchi Coast for lunch on a Trabocco (traditional fishing hut of Abruzzo built out over the ocean). On the way, we stopped to admire the Abbey in Portovenere and take pictures - another spot with breathtaking views. The highlight of the day was a multi-course gourmet lunch (approximately 4 hours) on the Trabocco. Beautiful weather, views, delicious food and wine, plus a lot of laughs made for a truly memorable day - one of my top vacation experiences. On our way back to Sulmona, we stopped in San Vito Chietino for a walk around this beautiful town and enjoyed more beautiful vistas. Marino drove us back to Sulmona in the evening. We found Marino to be very personable and fun, and communication was easy as he speaks English very well. I would highly recommend BellaVita for great memories of Abruzzo! read less(opens in a new tab) Margaret Verrochi29/11/22
- WOW! What can I say about Marino Cardelli and Experience BellaVita? This was the best tour of my life, and I travel a lot! We had a large group of 16, and Marino worked very hard to provide transportation, which was excellent, and to accommodate our needs. Our 3 days... read moreWOW! What can I say about Marino Cardelli and Experience BellaVita? This was the best tour of my life, and I travel a lot! We had a large group of 16, and Marino worked very hard to provide transportation, which was excellent, and to accommodate our needs. Our 3 days were full of fun, interesting adventures, superior lunches, and for our group, wine tastings. We had a great tour of a winery, a self-guided day in Sulmona using Marino's recommendations, and on the third day a tour of an Abbey and a lunch at a Trabocco, a traditional seafood restaurant on a pier over the sea. Again, all lunches were fabulous, and Marino worked to find chefs who would accommodate our many food restrictions. On the final day, Marino arranged transportation to our hotel in Rome, and made sure that each of us arrived safely. During the entire trip, Marino was cheerful and confident. He was a joy to work with, and made sure to try and arrange the trip that we wanted. read less(opens in a new tab) Jan Donatelli29/11/22
- Marino did a great job for me and my fellow travelers. He found one of my cousins before I arrived in Rivisondoli, Abruzzo. He arranged transport for five of us from the Rome airport to our hotel in Rivisondoli. Our driver, Riccardo was prompt, courteous and shared lots of information... read moreMarino did a great job for me and my fellow travelers. He found one of my cousins before I arrived in Rivisondoli, Abruzzo. He arranged transport for five of us from the Rome airport to our hotel in Rivisondoli. Our driver, Riccardo was prompt, courteous and shared lots of information about the area as we were driving. Marino arrived later in the day and took us to meet my cousin Renato and his wife Oksana and later we all had dinner at a wonderful restaurant, La Portella. The next day he accompanied us to the town hall to find my grandparents' records. We were able to get a certified copy and even have our picture taken with the mayor! He then went above and beyond and took us on a short trip to see the beautiful town of Pescocostanzo where he disappeared for a while saying that he had to take care of his parking. He was gone quite a while but when he returned he walked us to a fabulous restaurant, La Corniola, for a delicious lunch. We soon learned to where he had disappeared. He made photo magnets for all of us from the photos that he took in the previous days! We were overwhelmed. Marino was a pleasure to deal with before and during our trip. I highly recommend Experience Bella Vita for an unforgettable travel experience to Abruzzo - a jewel in Italy. read less(opens in a new tab) Diane Reimer29/11/22
- WOW! What can I say about Marino Cardelli and Experience BellaVita? This was the best tour of my life, and I travel a lot! We had a large group of 16, and Marino worked very hard to provide transportation, which was excellent, and to accommodate our needs. ... read moreWOW! What can I say about Marino Cardelli and Experience BellaVita? This was the best tour of my life, and I travel a lot! We had a large group of 16, and Marino worked very hard to provide transportation, which was excellent, and to accommodate our needs. Our 3 days were full of fun, interesting adventures, superior lunches, and for our group, wine tastings. We had a great tour of a winery, a self-guided day in Sulmona using Marino's recommendations, and on the third day a tour of an Abbey and a lunch at a Trabocco, a traditional seafood restaurant on a pier over the sea. Again, all lunches were fabulous, and Marino worked to find chefs who would accommodate our many food restrictions. On the final day, Marino arranged transportation to our hotel in Rome, and made sure that each of us arrived safely. During the entire trip, Marino was cheerful and confident. He was a joy to work with, and made sure to try and arrange the trip that we wanted. read less (opens in a new tab)
Jan D27/10/22 - Marino did a great job for me and my fellow travelers. He found one of my cousins before I arrived in Rivisondoli, Abruzzo. He arranged transport for five of us from the Rome airport to our hotel in Rivisondoli. Our driver, Riccardo was prompt, courteous and shared lots of information... read moreMarino did a great job for me and my fellow travelers. He found one of my cousins before I arrived in Rivisondoli, Abruzzo. He arranged transport for five of us from the Rome airport to our hotel in Rivisondoli. Our driver, Riccardo was prompt, courteous and shared lots of information about the area as we were driving.
Marino arrived later in the day and took us to meet my cousin Renato and his wife Oksana and later we all had dinner at a wonderful restaurant, La Portella.
The next day he accompanied us to the town hall to find my grandparents' records. We were able to get a certified copy and even have our picture taken with the mayor!
He then went above and beyond and took us on a short trip to see the beautiful town of Pescocostanzo where he disappeared for a while saying that he had to take care of his parking. He was gone quite a while but when he returned he walked us to a fabulous restaurant, La Corniola, for a delicious lunch. We soon learned to where he had disappeared. He made photo magnets for all of us from the photos that he took in the previous days! We were overwhelmed.
Marino was a pleasure to deal with before and during our trip. I highly recommend Experience Bella Vita for an unforgettable travel experience to Abruzzo - a jewel in Italy. read less(opens in a new tab) 
drr53016/09/22 - My husband and I traveled to Italy for our 25th anniversary. As a second generation Italian immigrant, my husband was interested in finding out more about his Italian roots. Marino Cardelli was referred to us by a family friend as someone who had experience in ancestry research. Marino... read moreMy husband and I traveled to Italy for our 25th anniversary. As a second generation Italian immigrant, my husband was interested in finding out more about his Italian roots. Marino Cardelli was referred to us by a family friend as someone who had experience in ancestry research. Marino did an absolutely amazing job for us. he found the village that my husbands family was fun, helped us obtain transportation to the village, which was high up in the mountains 3 hours away from any City and, since we do not speak Italian, even met us at the village to translate for us. Marino was able to find birth records and marriage certificates which he used to create a family tree for us. He even interviewed people at the Village for us and from these interviews we learned a lot more about our family than we knew. He also found a living cousin of ours in the Village and from the information he learned from this cousin he was able to track the rest of our family who it turns out had emigrated to Canada. Thanks to Marino, we found a whole Canadian wing of the family we never knew existed. Throughout the process Marino was professional, fun to work with, was as interested in our family as we were and most importantly is simply superb at researching family history. It is evident that he has a passion for ancestry research. We are so immensely grateful to him for his outstanding work. I highly recommend Marino to anyone looking to find out more about their ancestors. We were so impressed with his work that we plan on working with Marino to discover my Sicilian roots next. It does not get any better than Marino! read less (opens in a new tab)
lauriemG2854QK29/08/22 - Having deep Abruzzo roots I wanted my friends to have a real traditional pasta making experience. Marino, Alberto, mama Anna and nonna herself gave us exactly that. We had a blast making chitarra pasta The home made Ragu was fabulous as well using all local ingredients... read moreHaving deep Abruzzo roots I wanted my friends to have a real traditional pasta making experience. Marino, Alberto, mama Anna and nonna herself gave us exactly that. We had a blast making chitarra pasta The home made Ragu was fabulous as well using all local ingredients Then to all sit down together and enjoy the wonderful taste of fresh pasta, local vino , while chatting and laughing about all that Italian wonderfulness .. really made it a fantastic day. Grazie your new friend , Mauro read less (opens in a new tab)
Mauro11rev6921/07/22 - We are to older couples how visiting Italy for many decades. We love eating and drinking. Marino arranged a culinary trip for us. The best wines and foods of the Abruzzo. And I can tell you it was an wonderful experience. We visited the special fish restaurants in the south... read moreWe are to older couples how visiting Italy for many decades. We love eating and drinking. Marino arranged a culinary trip for us. The best wines and foods of the Abruzzo. And I can tell you it was an wonderful experience. We visited the special fish restaurants in the south (trabucco), get a taste of the cucina povery of the Abruzzo in local restaurants of very high quality, discovered the specialties like vino cotto, local meat and fish, and visiting the best wineries of the Abruzzo like Emidio Pepe. We met the family of Marino his father and mother en grandmother. It was warming. With Marino we not only had a perfect experience of la dolce vita of Abruzzo but we can call him now a good friend. If you want to experience the best of Abruzzo get in contact with Marino. There will be no better choice.
As a wine lover we now drink more wines from the relatively unknown wine region of Italy. We will come back to this wonderful place that have everything to offer. From the coast to the mountains.
For us that travelled tens of times to Italy this was one of the top three experience. High level of food and wine, in a relaxing not touristy area with excellent price performance. Hard the get in other regions of Italy. read lessHan24/06/22 - I have such fond memories of my evening making chitarra con pallottine with Mario! I learned about Abruzzo customs--wines, appetizers and most of all had a great time! Mario is a knowledgeable and welcoming host and has a real passion for Abruzzo.Frank Olivieri24/06/22
- My name is Gail, our experience will Bellavita was awesome and memorable. Professional and educated staff and so friendly! We scheduled a few tours with Bellavita and each one was over the top. We loved the truffle hunt, cheese making!
We felt like family not a number.Gail24/06/22 - I am Paula from Virginia, USA. We have a home in Montedinove. I have “Experience BellaVita’s” 3 times and will be there again in a couple of weeks! I’ve made Chitarra and cheese dishes! When we go to BellaVita, we always bring friends with us! It’s a great... read moreI am Paula from Virginia, USA. We have a home in Montedinove. I have “Experience BellaVita’s” 3 times and will be there again in a couple of weeks! I’ve made Chitarra and cheese dishes! When we go to BellaVita, we always bring friends with us! It’s a great way to spend the day! read lessPaula Damgaard24/06/22
- With very little information available, Marino was able to weave together the story of my father's family and life in Orsogna. We had one day to visit the town, and it was the highlight of our trip to Italy. From a visit with the town's mayor, a tour with the... read moreWith very little information available, Marino was able to weave together the story of my father's family and life in Orsogna. We had one day to visit the town, and it was the highlight of our trip to Italy. From a visit with the town's mayor, a tour with the town historian, an incredible local meal, wine tasting at a local winery, a visit to the cemetery where he pulled together pieces of our family's history -- he also found living relatives and the site of my father's home. It was an emotional and beautiful experience, and Marino made it all possible. We will forever be grateful to Marino for creating the experience of a lifetime. read lessLisa D'Angelo23/06/22
- Having fallen in love with the Abruzzo region (online during lockdown!) my husband and I booked a holiday-home hunting trip for Spring 2022.
We have both spent time in Italy in the past however had never visited the Abruzzo region before.
Prior to visiting in person we wanted to research the food... read moreHaving fallen in love with the Abruzzo region (online during lockdown!) my husband and I booked a holiday-home hunting trip for Spring 2022.
We have both spent time in Italy in the past however had never visited the Abruzzo region before.
Prior to visiting in person we wanted to research the food and culture of the region and, in the Winter of 2020, stumbled across Experience Bella Vita’s website; specifically the food box service.
Marino was brilliant from the first order. His passion for Abruzzo was infectious (and the food/wine delicious!) which only cemented our desire to visit this undiscovered Italian gem and find a holiday home.
He was a fantastic resource and when I enquired about putting together an itinerary for a couple of days exploring the region he came up with a number of options, any of which would have been wonderful.
In the event (and as was travelling with my husband’s parents as a group of 4) we settled on the following:
Day 1: Winery Tour (including lunch), tour of Loreto Aprutino (we were specifically interested in some properties here), Aperitivos/nibbles in a local bar
Day 2: Campo Imperatore, Cooking Arrosticini in the open-air, Castle Calascio, mountain villages, Aperitivos/nibbles in a local bar
Highlights of the tours:
- the winery tour was BRILLIANT. Having been on a more ‘touristy’ tour in Tuscany this felt incredibly personal and we learned so much! We visited the Ciavolich vineyard and really enjoyed learning about the history and process of the wine making there. We also learned that the Ciavolich vineyard shares a valley with the well known Valentini winery. During the tasting (4 wines) we enjoyed a number of Abruzzese delicacies to accompany the wines. Delicious and fun!
- Marino had arranged for a local ‘ambassador’ of Loreto Aprutino to show us around and we, again, really loved the personal touch. Our guide had curated a wonderful ‘history of football’ exhibition in an old palazzo. There was room after room of interesting artefacts, posters, shirts…very unexpected and interesting. There is also a ‘history of cinema’ museum which we visited which is run by an animator who runs workshops (we viewed a short film that had been made by local children). The olive oil museum was closed when we visited however I understand that is very good.
- the day in the mountains was exceptional. Visiting in springtime is highly recommended as you will be blessed with meadows of wildflowers. A particular highlight was stopping off en route to the plateau to enjoy the perfume of the ‘broom’ flowers. Delightful! Also cooking arrosticini on the plateau should be on everyone’s ‘to do’ list. Especially if cooked by Marino - Delicious!
- Marino’s commentary (and music choices!) in the car. He is so knowledgeable and really enriched the experience.
- Aperitivos each evening were lovely. It genuinely felt like going for a drink with a friend…a friend who conjures up all the best things for you to try. You just need to sit back and enjoy them 🙂
There were endless other little things that Marino did to ensure we had the best time however you need to experience for yourself.
Abruzzo is a beautiful region; if you have any interest in exploring the region please book a tour/experience with Experience Bella Vita. You will not regret it!
Jasmin and Richard read lessJasmin and Richard20/06/22 - My friends and I had an amazing truffle hunting experience with Marino, followed by a delicious meal made with local dishes and ingredients. One of the best meals I had in 5 years living in Italy.Gabriel Gomes10/06/22
- WOW! We just returned from the experience of a lifetime and ‘living like a local’ in Abruzzo with Marino and Experience Bella Vita. His complete detailed planning and tailor-designed trip of what we were interested in experiencing exceeded every expectation! From truffle hunting, making fresh pasta with... read moreWOW! We just returned from the experience of a lifetime and ‘living like a local’ in Abruzzo with Marino and Experience Bella Vita. His complete detailed planning and tailor-designed trip of what we were interested in experiencing exceeded every expectation! From truffle hunting, making fresh pasta with his family and Nonna to cheese making, visiting a local winery and, my favorite, enjoying fresh seafood in an authentic Trabocchi!
We found the Abruzzesi very warm and welcoming even if their understanding of English was limited. Every single encounter with these wonderful people was heart-warming. The passion and love of their craft and the pride they exhibited was only surpassed by the love of their family. Insuring the family was cared for was paramount. It wasn’t about material possessions or money. It was pure love of family, providing for family and making sure we felt we were part of the family. The meals they prepared for us were amazing.
If you are looking to avoid the crowds and commercialism of the big cities, travel at a relaxed pace, explore quaint hilltop villages, taste the delicious wines of the Montepulciano grapes, dine as a member of an Italian family and experience absolutely stunning views from the Adriatic Sea to the Gran Sasso and Maiella mountains in a small intimate group of your choosing, contact Marino at Experience Bella Vita. Abruzzo is an undiscovered gem which makes it more valuable! You will not be disappointed.
Marino went above and beyond to make sure our Abruzzo vacation was perfection! Every detail was exquisite and he included several surprises to make it even more memorable. From the time he picked us up in Rome until we returned our experience and enjoyment were his top priority. He made us comfortable from the very beginning, almost like we had known him for years and at the end we felt like family! His passion for his Abruzzo culture, knowledge of wines and authentic foods, extensive network of contacts throughout the region and enthusiasm for people to learn about Abruzzo are exemplary. We plan to return to Abruzzo and, if you couldn’t tell, Marino is our only choice. It will be like coming home! read lessPaula W.31/05/22 - Marino was an extremely helpful travel guide not only for the 3-4 specific days we spent together, but also for detailed travel guidance and unique places to see for the few days getting to Abruzzo and the few days afterward as we continued south toward Puglia! He offered us great... read moreMarino was an extremely helpful travel guide not only for the 3-4 specific days we spent together, but also for detailed travel guidance and unique places to see for the few days getting to Abruzzo and the few days afterward as we continued south toward Puglia! He offered us great restaurants, cities to visit, places to stop on the side of the road and regional specialties to try.
Marino is a genuine enthusiast of Abruzzo's wonders. He is warm and giving with excellent English and professional expertise! Far more than just a wonderful Italian family experience - Marino helps you figure out how to maximize your entire travel experience. We give BellaVita a rating of 11 out of 10!
We've lived in Italy several times and have visited most of the country over the years. Once you've seen all the museums and churches and major cities, Marino knows where all the other amazing and unique experience remain. Many of them are in and around Abruzzo where his knowledge is unparalleled. read lessSteve G02/04/22 - Marino was amazing! We had such a great time exploring the small towns my ancestors were from. I was able to see my great grandfathers birth/baptism and marriage note and explore the community’s my ancestors may have lived. I learned a lot about the area of Abruzzo. Marino went above... read moreMarino was amazing! We had such a great time exploring the small towns my ancestors were from. I was able to see my great grandfathers birth/baptism and marriage note and explore the community’s my ancestors may have lived. I learned a lot about the area of Abruzzo. Marino went above and beyond my expectations.
I highly recommend Marino to assist with ancestry research. read lessNikki D'Alonzo20/03/22 - Marino was so generous, with his time and storytelling. His passion shone through. Thanks for giving me, my kids and their partners an inspiring time. A great way to be together, separately(opens in a new tab) Janet Albrektsen09/02/22
- This was the best trip of my life. Marino took I and two friends to visit the ancient city of Matera. He designed the entire trip according to our interests. Each experience included a personal rather than tourist oriented approach. We visited with cheese makers in their small business, a... read moreThis was the best trip of my life. Marino took I and two friends to visit the ancient city of Matera. He designed the entire trip according to our interests. Each experience included a personal rather than tourist oriented approach. We visited with cheese makers in their small business, a young wine producer who discovered and renovated a century old wine production facility, a bread making company that told us the ancient history of the place and it's relationship to bread. A tour of the national park opposite the city with a geologist who explained the evolution of the terrain and the reasons it has been one of the oldest continuously populated places on earth. An evening in the mountains making and eating our own pasta with people who love people. I could go on... Furthermore, Marino himself is an incredibly good sport. He is all of 27 years old with the wisdom of an ancient. He spent 5 days with 3 women in their late 50's' and 60's and we all had a great time. He arranged everything perfectly and adjusted seamlessly if needed. He is special and if you want the best vacation of your life, contact Marino. read less(opens in a new tab) MICHAEL SWANEY29/11/21
- This was the best trip of my life. Marino took I and two friends to visit the ancient city of Matera. He designed the entire trip according to our interests. Each experience included a personal rather than tourist oriented approach.We visited with cheese makers in their small business, a young... read moreThis was the best trip of my life. Marino took I and two friends to visit the ancient city of Matera. He designed the entire trip according to our interests. Each experience included a personal rather than tourist oriented approach.We visited with cheese makers in their small business, a young wine producer who discovered and renovated a century old wine production facility, a bread making company that told us the ancient history of the place and it's relationship to bread. A tour of the national park opposite the city with a geologist who explained the evolution of the terrain and the reasons it has been one of the oldest continuously populated places on earth. An evening in the mountains making and eating our own pasta with people who love people. I could go on...Furthermore, Marino himself is an incredibly good sport. He is all of 27 years old with the wisdom of an ancient. He spent 5 days with 3 women in their late 50's' and 60's and we all had a great time. He arranged everything perfectly and adjusted seamlessly if needed. He is special and if you want the best vacation of your life, contact Marino. read less(opens in a new tab)
Ellen Swaney09/09/21
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