Rome in 1 Days - Campo Imperatore – the 'Italian Tibet' and mountain plateau
In Collaboration with QUA - Italian Travel Advisors. Updated on February 16, 2026.
Private day trip from Rome to Abruzzo visiting Campo Imperatore, Rocca Calascio and Santo Stefano di Sessanio with a local English-speaking guide and BBQ lunch at Ristoro Mucciante. Private minivan transport with hotel pickup in Rome. Duration: 9 hours.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with QUA - Italian Travel Advisors, inspired by the tour From Rome: Private Day Trip to Abruzzo, the hidden gem of Italy. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Campo Imperatore – the 'Italian Tibet' and mountain plateau
- Rocca Calascio – the highest castle in Italy with panoramic views
- Santo Stefano di Sessanio – preserved medieval village
- BBQ lunch at Ristoro Mucciante (local specialties and wine)
- Private English-speaking guide and air-conditioned minivan with pickup
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Itinerary
Day 1
One-day private guided trip from Rome to Campo Imperatore, Rocca Calascio and Santo Stefano di Sessanio with BBQ lunch included. Pickup from your hotel or B&B in Rome; return drop-off in the city.
Hotel pickup in Rome
Pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Rome. Driver and guide will confirm the exact pickup time and meeting point in the city the evening before or morning of the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in the hotel lobby 5–10 minutes before the confirmed pickup time to avoid delays for the private group.
- Inform the operator in advance if your hotel has restricted vehicle access (historic center ZTL) so the driver can arrange the nearest legal pickup point.
- Bring any small personal items you want for the day (camera, light jacket, sunscreen) in a compact bag; space in the minivan is limited.
Campo Imperatore (BBQ lunch at Ristoro Mucciante)
Visit Campo Imperatore, the high mountain plateau known as the 'Italian Tibet'. Included BBQ lunch with local specialties (arrosticini) and Abruzzo wine at Ristoro Mucciante, set in the mountain landscape.
Tips from local experts:
- The plateau is exposed and can be windy; bring a warm layer even in late spring evenings or early mornings.
- If you plan couple photos, the plateau and mountain backdrop are best between late morning and early afternoon when light is even; ask the guide for a quick photo stop.
- Ristoro Mucciante may operate with simple mountain service—carry small change for additional snacks or drinks and advise the guide of any food allergies in advance.
Rocca Calascio
Short visit to Rocca Calascio, the high-altitude medieval fortress known as the highest castle in Italy. Time to walk the accessible parts of the site and enjoy panoramic views.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Paths around the fortress are uneven and include short sections with loose stones—sturdy shoes with grip are recommended.
- The castle sits at high altitude; move slowly if you feel short of breath and inform the guide if you have any health concerns.
- Arrive with a light jacket—temperatures can be several degrees cooler than in the valley, especially if windy.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio
Explore the medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio with its narrow cobbled streets and traditional stone houses. Time for a stroll, photos and light exploration of the village center.
Tips from local experts:
- Streets are cobbled and often stepped; wear comfortable shoes and avoid large wheeled luggage or strollers.
- There are limited cafés and boutiques—carry any essentials you need and use restroom facilities when available in the village.
- For quieter photos and a romantic atmosphere, head slightly off the main square toward the higher alleys where views open toward the mountains.
Return transfer to Rome and drop-off
Drive back to Rome with drop-off at your hotel or original pickup point. Time for rest on the journey after a full day of sightseeing.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow time to relax on the return drive; if you need a restroom stop en route, notify the guide early so a short break can be scheduled.
- Signal the guide/driver in advance if you need to be dropped at a different central Rome address (subject to city traffic and access restrictions).
- Expect to arrive back in Rome around the scheduled return time, but allow a small buffer for mountain traffic or weather-related slowdowns.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Attraction, Neighborhood, Transfer |
Why this experience
Escape Rome's crowds and drive into the Apennine Mountains of Abruzzo — a region so authentic and unspoiled that locals call it Italy's best-kept secret. With a private driver and guide, you'll visit hilltop villages untouched by mass tourism, taste Abruzzo's distinctive wine and food, explore a medieval town's cobblestone heart, and return to Rome having discovered a different Italy entirely. The drive is scenic, the pace is leisurely, and the experience is deeply personal — not a tour bus stop, but a genuine immersion in regional culture.
This day trip transforms your Rome visit from a monument checklist into a real encounter with Italian life beyond the city.
Before you go
- Best time: Spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October). Summer is warm but pleasant; winter can be cool and occasionally snowy at higher elevations.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current pricing. Private day trips typically include driver, guide, some meals or tastings, and entry fees. Budget separately for additional meals and souvenirs.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate — mostly seated in a vehicle with short walks (30 minutes–2 hours) through villages. Uneven cobblestones in medieval towns.
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones. Light jacket or layers for mountain temperatures (cooler than Rome). Hat and sunscreen. Refillable water bottle. Camera.
- Getting there: Your driver picks you up at your Rome hotel. Confirm pickup time and location when booking. Round-trip is typically 8–10 hours including driving time.
- Accessibility: Abruzzo's villages have uneven, cobblestone streets. Notify the operator about mobility concerns so accessible routing and extra break time can be arranged.
Frequently asked questions
What's included in this itinerary? This private day trip typically includes driver, guide, round-trip transport from Rome, village visits, and some meals or tastings (confirm when booking). Check the booking widget for current pricing and what's included.
How far is Abruzzo from Rome? Approximately 1.5–2 hours drive depending on the specific villages visited. Budget 3–4 hours total driving time round-trip.
What will I eat? Abruzzo food is distinct and delicious — expect local pasta, cured meats, cheese, and regional wine. Dietary restrictions should be communicated when booking.
Can I customize the itinerary? Yes. Private day trips are flexible. Discuss your interests with the operator so the guide can tailor the experience to what fascinates you most.
Is this suitable for families? Yes, though children should be comfortable with 3–4 hours of driving and moderate walking on uneven surfaces. Confirm with the operator.
Complete your trip in Rome
Balance this day trip escape with Rome's major sites before or after.
- Colosseum: Entry Ticket with Audio Guide and Arena Floor Access — Return to Rome and explore ancient monuments.
- Pantheon: Elite Guided Tour — Rome's Iconic Ancient Temple — Deepen your understanding of Roman architecture.
- Rome Trastevere Romantic Walking Food Tour (3 hrs) — Explore Rome's neighborhood food culture.
Browse all Rome itineraries at TheNextGuide.
*Last updated: March 2026*
