Get off the beaten track for your next Italian holiday and experience Italy the way the locals do – by immersing yourself in food and culture with Absolutely Abruzzo Tours. Abruzzo specialists Luciana Masci and Michael Howard personally guide all tours, allowing guests to experience the traditional culture of Italy’s central region of Abruzzo in small intimate groups of up to 12 people in a stunning region untainted by mass tourism. Guests experience hands-on cooking using authentic recipes passed down through generations with village women, taking guided walks through stunning mountain scenery, shopping at outdoor fresh food markets, visiting centuries-old frescoes in quiet medieval churches, enjoying operatic songs in crumbling castles and above all sharing the Italian love of great food, wine and culture. In 2012 Absolutely Abruzzo has expanded its tour offering with the addition of its Tastes of Abruzzo tour. This new tour focuses on the culinary skills shared by local ladies and acclaimed local chefs, and their ability to turn fresh, local ingredients into traditional, mouth-watering meals. Spend four days (3 nights) indulging in hands on cooking and preparing traditional and modern dishes with fresh, local produce. Departing on June 9 with a summer inspired menu, and October 6 with an autumn inspired menu.