Chic but cheap Easter holidays in Italy

Easter in Italy offers the perfect holiday for foodies, families and couples.

For Foodies: Fattoria Dell’ Uliveto

Where?
In the beautiful Abruzzo countryside.

Why go?
Abruzzo is undoubtedly one of Italy’s best foodie regions. This is a small, working farm with just 4 simple rooms and THE best food in the world and the nicest of people! The owner, Luigi, makes the famous ‘Ventricina’ – a salami that has just one the ‘Salami d’Italia’ award and has been sampled by world leaders at the G8 summit and Prince Charles!!

Things to do?
First of all, don’t forget to take your elastic-waist trousers; cookery courses – Luigi and his family’s passion for food is bound to rub off on you!; eat in local ‘trattorie’ to enjoy the varied, local delicacies, such as saffron, truffles and chitarra alla Abruzzese; walk in the Abruzzo mountains (look out for the bears, wolves and wild boar); visit Luigi’s “happy” Yorkshire black pigs; ‘Pick, Cook & Eat’ – join Luigi on his mission to find the best local produce and pick it yourself – learn to cook some ancient, local recipes with your produce and eat it all around one big table, in convivial company.

How much?
7 nights from £499 per person, half-board, over Easter incl. return flights London to Rome or Pescara. (Based on 2 adults sharing)

For Families: Hotel Gabbiano

Where?
On the Maratea coastline in the region of Basilicata – Italy’s deep south.

Why go?
This family-run hotel has all the perfect ingredients for a relaxing, family holiday – on the sea, with its own fantastic beach in a secluded bay (with clear, clear water), it also has a lovely pool overlooking the sea, a wonderful restaurant serving very good fish and seafood - this hotel represents excellent value for money.

Things to do?
Visit the numerous local towns, including the chic town and port of Maratea, with the huge marble Christ figure towering way above; visit the lush mountains of the Cilento National Park to the north and the Pollino National Park to the south; see wildlife and go for picnics; sample some of Maratea’s excellent gelato; eat 5-foot tall Easter eggs - Italians really know how to do it in style!

How much?
7 nights from £369 per person, on a half-board basis, over Easter incl. return flights London to Naples. (Based on 4 sharing a family room).

For Couples: Corte Altavilla

Where?
In the heart of one of Italy’s ‘Citta D’Arte’ (Art Towns), Conversano, in Puglia.

Why go?
Conversano’s mediaeval ‘centro storico’ is a maze of little streets, converging on the grand castle, which stands imposingly at its centre. With examples of baroque architecture, an impressive cathedral and the main square, lined with small bars and restaurants, it is a lovely place to visit. The 13th century ‘Corte Altavilla’ is small and unusual - it was once the court of the famous Counts of Altavilla, and oozes charm and elegance.

Things to do?
See the exuberant Easter processions; go to one of many sandy beaches (20 minute drive) and swim in the sea; visit the fascinating ‘trulli’ (ancient cottages with conical shaped roofs); ‘passeggiata’ with the locals; eat in one of the wonderful ‘slow food’ restaurants of Conversano; spend a day in the wonderful city of Lecce (a.k.a. the Florence of the South); eat on the coast, for brilliant fish restaurants.

How much?
From £46 per person, per night, over Easter week (B&B based on two sharing a double room). Return flights Stansted to Bari from £150 per person.

For more information and bookings, visit long-travel.co.uk.