Hidden Gems of Italy in Le March and L'Abruzzo you will find history, art, food and wine.
Here we feature two cities, one in each region, both on or near the Adriatic Coast.

Package #84

Package starting at $1599 this package is good for travel Sept through November 2007

Tuesday or Thursday departures.

• RT air from JFK into Rome.
• Fuel Surcharge
• 3 nights Suite accommodations at The Borgo Storico Seghetti Panichi is in the southern province of Le Marche, the Piceno area, in the small village of Castel di Lama. It is 8 kilometres from the beautiful town of Ascoli Piceno and only 10 kilometres from the Adriatic Coast.
• 3 nights at Castello Chiolo, in Loreto Apruntino
• Breakfast daily
• 7 days car rental
  
  Airport fees and taxes an additional $150

The "Borgo Storico Seghetti Panichi" lies on the hill along the valley of the River Tronto. Guests can choose among ten suites furnished with antique pieces and offering a complete range of facilities: five suites in the Relais Villa and five separate apartment suites (duplex) with bedroom, bathroom, sitting room and kitchenette, in the San Pancrazio Cottage. The restaurant "La Quintana", the coffee house, the bookshop, meeting rooms, the swimming pool and sauna together with the historic gardens, complete the compound.

All the events which take place at the Borgo Storico Seghetti Panichi are refined and elegant. Our specialised staff are there to satisfy every request with the utmost care and attention. Cocktail, business and gala dinners, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, christenings or private moments to share in a small number  for a unique experience.

A combination of experience, history and nature makes the Marches one of the most culturally interesting regions in Italy. Here there is the highest density of museums and galleries in Italy, with approximately 100 città d’arte, 106 castles and 71 important historic theatres, 55 of which still in use. In this land, where the country has conserved its natural character, the food and wine produce have maintained their authenticity and originality. The hills of the Marches Appenines slope gently down to the sea and thick tropic-like vegetation merges into the sandy beaches of the Adriatic coast.

The garden that surrounds the San Pancrazio Cottage and the swimming pool, 
is available for small and medium events (up to 200 people). It offers a natural,
private and elegant atmosphere. Wedding, christening and communion events,
birthday parties and anniversaries, are perfectly framed in this space.

The Gardens and the Historic Villa are ideal for intimate or more formal events, 
like weddings, business and gala dinners. Attention to every little detail in the 
choice of fabrics, table-ware, flower arrangements, music, lighting and fireworks
will make your event unforgettable, unique and simply magical! The large kitchen
in the ancient crypt is available for informal dinners up to 40 people.


The impressive and stately Castello Chiola arises from the top of the hill around which nestles the medieval
town of Loreto Apruntino. A magnificent hotel in a castle built around the year 864.  Southwest of Pescara, among hills of olive trees, Loreto stands out against the sky with its imposing Palazzo Chiola (a formerly medieval castle) and the  Church and the bell tower of San Pietro Apostolo, and promises the visitor a wealth of artistic and 
historical treasures, along with its peculiar traditional Feast of San Zopito, the Patron Saint of the village.

This impressive palace enjoys enchanting views over the surrounding plains as far as the sea, and over the hills as far as the mountains, due to its privileged position between the mountains of the Gran Sasso and the sandy coast of the Adriatic sea.

Fantasies and suppositions alternate on the real origins of the castle: the first historical documents testify that in the pre-medieval times it  was the first tower of guards of the Longobardi, then it became residence of noble families  from the century XIII, and  shelter for holy, warriors, noble and emperors, until it came to the hands of the family Chiola that lived there themselves there until 1995. After a careful refurbishment to preserve the glamour, the mystery and the architectural features,  it finally opened its doors to the public with a perfect balance between an imposing exterior and the elegance and the beauty of inside lounges with wonderful vaulted ceilings, which form a charming and unforgettable context for organizing important meetings,  parties and banquets.

The spacious rooms, with very high ceilings, are furnished with precious works of art, and equipped with modern amenities providing a romantic and luxurious atmosphere. An outstanding old yard transformed, thanks to a daring covering in aluminium and glass, is the complement for a perfect stay. A place for relaxing, meeting for cocktails, drinks, buffet and exhibitions.

By far the Castello Chiola is one of the most evocative structures and full of charm places that this attractive region has to offer.