Abruzzo Passion, www.abruzzopassion.com

The Abruzzo region is an undiscovered gem, beautiful mountain scenery and few other tourists. The lady who runs the travel company, could not have been more attentive. Apart from the book of walks provided she took us on 2 herself (we had booked a self guided holiday so this was a bonus). Even on our non walking days she had very good suggestions for exploring the Gran Sasso and coastal areas. The hosts at the accommodation were very kind and happy for us to prepare lunches and even an evening meal in their kitchen.

This was a holiday which exceeded expectations.

We were strangers to the Abruzzi but will hurry back.

From our first contact with the proprietor of Abruzzo Passion, Albina, it was plain sailing. Emails were answered promptly; electronic payment for the holiday was into a UK bank. On arrival by car, at the outskirts of Caramanico Terme, Albina was on hand to guide us to our B & B, Antico Borgo. This was in the centre of what is a most picturesque large village/small town.

Our Accommodation was simple and clean. A bonus was a small garden with fabulous views of the mountains.

There followed three guided walks with Albina, who is very good company and a mine of general information. The object of the holiday was to look at wild flowers and, although Albina is not a botanist, she led us to contrasting areas where wild flowers were profuse. She knew enough to know the whereabouts of signature plants, such as Gentians and wild Paeony. We then did the hunting and a very good Abruzzo specific wild flower book at Anico Borgo allowed us, in the evening, to identify flowers we did not immediately recognise.

The walking was not difficult. I am 70 and my wife 65; we managed fine.

Excellent picnics were provided of local produce, most attractively packaged.

In the evening there was a good choice of restaurants; all inexpensive. We had just come from the Sorrento coast where prices were almost double.

On our non guided day we took a drive to the Campo Imperatore, on Albina's advice, and had a splendid afternoon amongst alpine flowers, wild horses and butterflies.

The Abruzzo seems to be almost completely neglected by UK holiday makers. It is very quiet generally and I was amazed that there are still unspoilt areas such as this in Europe only 50 minutes from an international airport, Pescara.

Abina took the greatest care of us. She even invited us to join her at a local Festa one evening, after dinner, to meet some of her English speaking friends.

My only regret was that trout fishing was not permitted in the Orfento River, being in the National Park!

The days we spent walking in Abruzzo were wonderful and Albina from Abruzzo Passion was a great guide. The accommodation in Caramanico was just what we needed. The walking can be as hard or as easy as you want and the notes provided by Albina provides for the self guided walks are easy to follow.

Great area to walk in with very few tourists, most walks we did we saw only a few other people so you have the place to yourself.

The restaurants in and around Carmanico have good inexpensive food with good local wines.

I can recommend Abruzzo Passion for your trip to this part of Italy, Albina will tailor a trip to meet you needs.

Pictures of our time in Abruzzo http://prds.smugmug.com/Travel/Abruzzo/18463713_C3gJtT#1425208629_H23hq2q

Just back from Abruzzo, best holiday ever. Hiking was challenging, we were complete novices but we did it, all those hills and mountains! But we asked for it and it was a wonderful experience, what a perfect way to see that beautiful country. I think we are hooked... Can't imagine another walking holiday that would combine so much in terms of quiet vilage, breathtaking scenery, delicious cuisine etc,

Thank you Albina from Abruzzo Passion, we will see you again!!!

The variety of walks from Abruzzo Passion was excellent. Our guide made sure our holiday was special by taking us to some fantastic places. The accommodation was a traditional farmhouse with plenty of places to relax. It really felt comfortable and homely. A well organised walking holiday. A great walking holiday. Abruzzo Passin really bring out the best of such a wonderful village and the surrounding mountains.

The area is absolutely stunning and mountains with hardly anyone else there. Abruzzo is a taste of paradise! Plenty of things to do for everyone, bird-watching, wading up rivers, canoeing through crystal waters, swimming, visiting monuments and churches. A real plus is that the food is delicious.

I can't put into words how much fun we had last week. It was a fantastic holiday. The best walks, fantastic flowers, I can only call it ... orchid land. Great food and wine. Abruzzo Passion you are the best.