Slow down with Slow Food of Italy
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 The central Italian region of Abruzzo known as the country’s ‘best kept secret’ is giving up more of its treasures to its visitors this year. And culinary delights are at the top of the list. Steeped in fascinating history and breathtaking landscapes, Abruzzo is beginning to show on the radar of people looking for the quintessential Italian food and wine travel experience.
Brisbane couple Luciana Masci and Michael Howard are about to return to central Italy taking private small tour groups through Abruzzo with their Absolutely Abruzzo Tours. Passionate about food, where it comes from and how it is prepared, they are members of Slow Food Italy. Slow Food Italy was founded by Carlo Petrini in 1989 as a reaction against fast food and fast life and today the organization has over 100,000 members in 132 countries.
Ms. Masci says the culinary delights of Abruzzo are becoming a big attraction with well travelled people looking for an authentic Italian experience.
“Meeting local producers who embrace traditional methods are creating world class extra virgin olive oils, pecorino sheep cheeses and wonderful Montepulciano wines. Local regional produce including truffles and saffron is the key to some fascinating recipes that date back generations,” said Ms Masci.
 So far Abruzzo has remained unspoiled and virtually untouched by modern tourism, but is now providing an insight to centuries old arts and crafts, medieval history and the village culture that has endured for hundreds of years.
The region’s cuisine is perhaps Italy’s most diverse and imaginative. Abruzzese cooks have long been considered Italy’s best. Over the eight days on an Absolutely Abruzzo Tour, guests not only experience the fresh seasonal dishes but they learn how they are prepared in a cooking class included in the itinerary. Food does not have to travel miles to get to the table. “The tomatoes that are served at breakfast for example, have been picked from the sun drenched vines that morning and the flavour is exquisite,” said Ms. Masci.
Absolutely Abruzzo Tours is considered to have the best specialist local knowledge in this part of country Italy making Luciana and Mike the essential Abruzzo Tour guides.
“My parents are from Abruzzo and my extended family still lives there so we have wonderful local contacts and enjoy the slow pace of life. There is so much in Abruzzo and the only proper way to experience it is through people who really know it,” Ms. Masci said.
Dates set down for 2010 tours include departures on May 30, July 25, September 5 and 19, and October 3. All tours depart Rome on a Sunday and the cost is AUD $4500 per person twin share. Or indulge in your very own GOURMET GETAWAY on a departure date that suits you.
For details on the 2010 programme being offered by Abruzzo specialists Luciana Masci and Michael Howard visit their website or contact Absolutely Abruzzo Tours today.
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