La Dolce Vita: Italian Cooking & Cultural Retreat, Termoli, 2-6 October 2025
- mammalina3
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Are you ready for the Italian experience of a lifetime? This October, join me for a truly authentic and exclusive escape to Italy - a soul-nourishing journey of cookery, culture and self-love, where you’ll discover the true essence of La Dolce Vita in one of Italy’s best-kept secrets…
The Concept
After the incredible success of last September's Italian Retreat, I’m thrilled to invite you to a new exclusive “Cookery & Cultural Retreat” this October in Termoli and the stunning regions of Molise & Abruzzo.
Molise is my beautiful home, and still one of Italy’s best-kept secrets - with wild Adriatic coastlines, hilltop villages, and deep-rooted culinary traditions.
This is more than a retreat – it’s a journey into the heart of authentic Italian life. We’ll cook, taste, explore and celebrate “La Dolce Vita” together.
Expect hands-on cooking, unforgettable meals, local secrets and real connection - all in a breathtaking setting.
Whether you're travelling solo, with friends, or celebrating something special – come recharge, indulge and fall in love with Italy.
I can’t wait to welcome you in my “Bella Italia”!
Adele
Picture This...
Imagine a vacation where you slow down, reconnect, and fall in love with Italy, in a region most of the world has yet to discover.
Welcome to Termoli and the surrounding regions of Abruzzo and Molise, my home and Italy’s best-kept secret. Picture wild Adriatic coastlines, golden beaches, hilltop villages, and food so soulful it tastes like nonna made it just for you.
Mornings begin with gentle well-being rituals, whether it’s a walk on the beach, light stretching, yoga and mindful breathing, or simply sipping espresso in the sun — to ground, awaken and reconnect with yourself before the magic of the day unfolds. Then it’s time to cook Italian classics with heart, sip local wines overlooking olive groves, and explore untouched landscapes where tradition still reigns.
Wander ancient streets with local artisans, enjoy behind-the-scenes experiences with true culinary masters, and share meals with new friends who feel like old family.
This is your time to unwind, indulge and embrace La Dolce Vita the authentic
Italian way. Raw, real and unforgettable.
At A Glance
What's included?
4 nights beatiful boutique hotel accommodation
Daily homemade Italian breakfasts
Optional morning wellness activities
Delicious, handpicked restaurant meals (full board)
Cookery experiences with local chefs and Adele
Pasta making classes
Guided olive grove tour during the harvest season
Vineyard tour and wine tasting
Gelato making experience
Visit to a local artisan cheese maker
Scenic hike along the Abruzzo “Costa dei Trabocchi”
Explore charming unspoiled villages and historic landmarks
Sunset “aperitivo” in stunning locations
Free time to explore local sights or relax on the beach
Airport and excursion transfers
Welcome gift bags on arrival
What's not included?
Flights
Travel insurance
Alcohol, aside from what's listed in the retreat itinerary
About Termoli
Termoli is my hometown – a very unique, unspoiled gem on Italy’s Adriatic coast.
Termoli is a very popular destination with Italian tourists in the summer months because of its beautiful long sandy beaches, the very charming old town and fortress and some incredible "Trabucchi" - traditional fishing platforms along the coastline, not to mention the fresh seaside meals and a great variety of local artisan products the region has to offer.
However, like the rest of Molise region, it is still relatively undiscovered by non-Italian tourists and I promise you are going to love it!
Borgo Vecchio
The pretty old town of Termoli, known as Borgo Vecchio, sits on a natural promontory sticking into the sea. On one side is a long sandy beach and on the other is Termoli's small port. The old town is surrounded by a wall which drops straight down to the sea and is dominated by its square castle (Castello Svevo) which overlooks the sea and beach. Castello Svevo was built in the 11th century but largely rebuilt by Frederick II in the 13th century.
From the castle, enter the narrow winding streets of the old town - when we say narrow, we do mean narrow! Some of these measure 38-43cm wide and are amongst the narrowest in Europe! One such is Vico II Castello. From the castle, head for the Piazza Duomo and the pretty 12-13th century cathedral, a fine example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Just outside the old town walls, you can enjoy a lovely stroll along the port, where you’ll experience the lively atmosphere of local fishermen at work.
Accommodation: Albergo Diffuso
Many houses in the old town have been renovated and painted in pretty pastel colours, some beautifully restored into unique "fisherman style" boutique hotel rooms scattered across the Borgo Vecchio, which we have handpicked for our guests for their exclusive accommodation during their stay. Each morning, we will meet for a delicious breakfast in the Piazza.
Rooms can be single or double occupancy, however most rooms offer a double bed.
Two rooms offer a sea-view.
If you prefer to share with a friend but want separate beds, please let us know!
The Itinerary
Our unique retreats are based in the historic fishing harbour of Termoli, where coastal Italian charm meets rich culinary tradition.
Each trip includes hands-on cooking classes, expert-led tours, authentic food experiences, and private transport. Once booked, you’ll receive a final itinerary, but here’s a glimpse of the program - full of fresh flavours, local charm and relaxed seaside living.
Day 1 - Thursday 2 October 2025
Arrival in Pescara airport (mid morning)
Welcome lunch at “Trabocco Punta Cavalluccio”
Transfer to Termoli and check in (mid afternoon)
Free time to settle in
Welcome “apericena” at sunset
Evening free
Day 2 - Friday 3 October 2025
Morning wellness yoga on the beach
Breakfast
Cookery class with “Chef Solly” and Adele
Lunch at oyster fish
Free time to explore the old town or relax on the beach
Gelato making workshop
Dinner with “pizza in piazza mercato”
Day 3 - Saturday 4 October 2025
Morning wellness yoga on the beach
Breakfast
Olive oil harvest experience at “Casa Colonna” olive estate
Olive oil tasting, cookery class with Adele and lunch
Afternoon visit to a local cheese maker
Back to Termoli and free time
Dinner at z’ bass (Tubetto Termolese)
Day 4 - Sunday 5 October 2025
Morning wellness yoga on the beach
Breakfast
Hike along the Abruzzo “Costa dei Trabocchi” - Punta Aderci
Visit to a local vineyard, wine tasting and light lunch
Back to Termoli and free time
Optional tour of Borgo Vecchio (old town) with a local historian
Chef demo of “zuppa di Pesce” and farewell dinner “da nicolino”
Day 5 - Monday 6 October 2025
Breakfast and checkout
Free time for last minute shopping
Transfer to Pescara airport (mid morning)
Cookery & Dining
I will take you for a delightful culinary journey at handpicked restaurants, tasting a variety of local produce that this beautiful region has to offer. Seafood is a favourite
on the menu, In particular 'BRODETTO alla termolese' which is a
traditional evening meal prepared for the fishermen.
You’ll enjoy the best "brodetto" in town at the iconic Restaurant "Da Nicolino”, witnessing the entire process, from kitchen preparation to table service.
Cookery class with the most passionate local chef and Adele, mastering
traditional “cucina Termolese” recipes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the delicious dishes you've prepared for lunch with a glass of bubbles (“Oyster Fish” restaurant)
Fine dining experience in the heart of Borgo Vecchio, just steps from the cathedral, in one of the old town's most architecturally stunning locations
Sunset drinks and aperitivo on the terrace, embracing breathtaking views
Please note that wine at the restaurant is not included and may be purchased separately. Alcohol is not included in this package aside from what's listed in the retreat itinerary.
Casa Colonna
Olive grove harvest experience, olive oil tasting, cookery class & lunch
Amid the gently rolling hills of San Martino, Marina Colonna’s country house can be found nestling in a patchwork tapestry of sunflower, wheat and tomato fields, surrounded by the ancient olive groves that have been producing high quality, estate-bottled extra virgin olive oil for many years.
This experience will include:
a guided tour of the estate's olive mill to learn about the production process
olive picking during the harvest season
guided oil tasting with refreshments
cookery class with Adele within the country house
delicious lunch with a glass of Prosecco
opportunity to purchase olive oil and local produce
Tenute Martarosa
Vineyard tour & wine tasting
This experiece will include:
a guided tour of the beautiful estate, learning about the winery's history and its agronomic practices
opportunity to see different varieties of grapes on the vine during harvest season
understand the production and aging processes of the wines
enjoy a wine tasting session after the tour, complemented by local food delicacies
opportunity to purchase wine and local produce
Flight Details
Outbound: 2 Oct 2025
8:30am - 12pm
Ryanair: FR982
Stansted - Pescara
Return: 6 Oct 2025
1:45pm - 3:20pm
Ryanair: FR983
Pescara - Stansted
NB Flights are not included in the price of this retreat package.
Currently these flights are very reasonably priced! Transfers via minibus will be provided from these flights only. If you need different flight arrangements, please get in touch
and I will be happy to assist you.
Rooms & Price List
The maximum number of participants is 15. The minimum number for the retreat to be held is 8 people.
Please note, 50% non refundable deposit is required upon booking. The remaining 50% payment is due by the 10 September 2025.
Deluxe Sea View - Single Occupancy - £1,800 pp
Deluxe Sea View - Double Occupancy - £1,400 pp
Borgo Vecchio - Single Occupancy - £1,600 pp
Borgo Vecchio - Double Occupancy - £1,200 pp
How To Book
To secure your place on the retreat:
Please contact Adele with your room preference.
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking to be paid into the following account: Bank: HSBC Account holder: Adelina Ursitti Sort code: 400304 Bank account: 51457500 Reference: La Dolce Vita and your name
Book your return flights to Pescara
I will send you some more information, including dietary requirements and a health proforma to complete in your own time.
For any questions about our retreat, please contact your host, Adele, on 07979 240300 or adele@mammalina.co.uk.
