Experience BellaVita
Experience BellaVita
5
Food ToursWine Tours & Tastings
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Discover the local secrets of Italy! Authentic experiences & sustainable tours along gastronomy, culture and nature in undiscovered Italy. What drives us at Experience BellaVita is enthusiasm and passion for food, traditions, art, travels and people.
Teramo, Abruzzo, Italy

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5.0
96 reviews
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Joan M
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
The Experience Bella Vita Custom Tours of Italy is an outstanding tour program. Marino Cardelli is more than a tour guide, he is a researcher, a diligent worker and an ingenious seeker of new ways to enhance his tours. For Marino, Experience Bella Vita Custom Tours is not a job but a passion. His very strong desire to share the history, culture and people of Abruzzo allows him to share this passion with experiences not with generic tours.

Our group of six are very pleased with everything that Marino provided for us. We contacted him 3 months prior to traveling to Italy. We were searching for an Ancestral Heritage Tour of Abruzzo. We all had grandparents who were born in the Abruzzo region and then came to America to build a better life for themselves and their families.

Marino visited our hometowns and met with many people in each town. He was able to have the mayor of Salle spend the day with us and share his knowledge about Salle and Salle Vecchia. The information he shared gave us more incite into the lives of our ancestors. We not only walked about the town but toasted our ancestors with wine and snacks (provided by Marino). We visited the town hall and were given access to the documents showing the birth, marriage and death of our ancestors. Seeing the birth record in a large book written in the beautiful Italian script is a memory that I will cherish.

We spent 7 days in Abruzzo staying at a Bed and Breakfast in Sulmona. Everyday we traveled by van to our ancestors hometowns; Salle, Penne and Pianella. We went to the beautiful National Parks of Majella and Gran Sasso. We hiked to the Castle at Rocca Colascio, we tasted wine and ate a home cooked meal at Cantina Wilma, we truffle hunted with his family and ate an amazing seafood meal on a Trabocco near Pescara.

Everyday was a new experience. Marino out did himself. His care, his friendly personality and his willingness to meet all our needs made our time in Abruzzo a stunning exploration of the history and culture of the region.

I have shared with family and friends Marino’s website and I will continue to share the fabulous programs that his company provides. Grazie Mille,

Joan McConnell

Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
experiencebellavita
Giovanna, wow! 🌟 Your words are like a warm hug for the soul. I can't express how much it means to read your wonderful words. Your group's quest for ancestral roots and the connection with your grandparents brought such a unique and heartfelt vibe to the tour. Your laughter, talks, and the toasts to your ancestors are etched in my memory. Your enthusiasm and the group's openness to every experience made those 7 days a real treasure. I'm genuinely grateful for your kind words and for sharing your Abruzzo adventure with family and friends. Grazie mille for being part of the Bella Vita family! Marino
Written 18 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

naquynn
Kennett Square, PA1 contribution
Oct 2023
Our tour consisted of visiting the Abruzzo region in Italy. I would highly recommend our tour guide, Marino Cardelli, with reservation. We had a full itinerary visiting various towns and sites in the region. Marino was very personable and made us feel comfortable. He far exceeded my expectations and would endorse any trip he has planned.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
experiencebellavita
Norman and Patricia, a massive thank you for your fantastic review! Exploring Abruzzo with you was a true pleasure. I'm delighted to hear that I exceeded your expectations and that you felt comfortable throughout the tour. Your endorsement for any future trips is the ultimate compliment! Grazie mille for choosing Experience BellaVita. Looking forward to the next adventure together! Marino Cardelli
Written 18 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tom Z
Kennett Square, PA4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Our trip to Abruzzo Italy was an ancestral visit to the towns and region where our ancestors lived. We wanted to experience firsthand the culture, geography, climate and history of the region and its surroundings. Our tour guide Marino Cardelli worked diligently to customize this experience to meet this goal. What we experience with Marino exceeded our hopes and dreams. Each day was filled with new adventure and learnings. In the towns we visited we met with local historians, dignitaries, his family and friends and experienced entry into places off the tourist trail. Without a doubt this was the most memorable trip of our lifetime.
With Marino you truly experience La Bella Vita of Abruzzo and feel like part of his family. We can’t say enough about this wonderful person Marino Cardelli and highly recommend his services.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
experiencebellavita
Ciao Tom! Getting to know you, sharing our traditions, and introducing you to my amazing friends has been an absolute blast. The connection we've built goes beyond the tour— I'm genuinely happy that you trusted Experience BellaVita for your Abruzzo adventure. It's not just about the trip; it's about the bond we've formed and the shared love for the beauty of Abruzzo and the Italian traditions. Looking forward to staying connected and reliving these awesome memories. Grazie mille for being part of the Bella Vita family! Marino
Written 18 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

bobiles606
1 contribution
Sep 2023
The Best way to get acquainted ith Abruzzo is to tour with Experience BellaVita. From the Gran Sasso to Vineyards to Regional Cuisine to Historic Location and everything in between. Contact Marino Cardelli and his Team to personalize your tour that will exceed your expectations. And add on dinner or lunch as part of the tour where you will experience the Food and Wine of the Region.
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
experiencebellavita
Bob, crafting your tour around Abruzzo's best food and natural wines was an absolute pleasure! Thanks a bunch for the shoutout and for choosing Experience BellaVita. Looking forward meeting you again and perhaps seeing your cellar 😁 Grazie mille! Marino Cardelli
Written 18 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

alexponzio
Dallas, TX3 contributions
Sep 2023
Cannot say enough about Marino and BellaVita. For 6 days we were totally immersed in the history and culture of Abruzzo. Best of all we met and ate with local families in a more intimate way then normal tours. Everything was as advertised, and well worth the cost. Highly recommend. You will not be disappointed.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
experiencebellavita
Alessandro, grazie for your wonderful feedback! It's evident you have a knack for embracing the essence of Italy. Your familiarity with Italian surely added a special touch to our Abruzzo adventure. Can't wait to see you again. A presto, Marino Cardelli
Written 18 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

habercarlotta
Monkton, MD1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
I had the absolute PLEASURE of spending a week with Marino Cardelli as our tour guide with Experience BellaVita and five of my friends/travel partners. There were four of us with grandparents from the Abruzzo Region of Italy and decided to "find out roots" in Abruzzo. Marino provided a tour of many towns in Abruzzo, we experienced the food, wine, history, people, culture and Marino's love and passion of his homeland! We were fascinated with his knowledge, friendliness, articulate use of the English language( we are U.S. citizens. Marino arranged and carefully planned our tour, took us to our grandparents place of birth, saw their birth records, our ancestral roots! Marino became our friend, we were picked up each morning at our B&B in Sulmona, Abruzzo, Italy. We walked the Gran Sasso Mountain Range in Majella National Park, ate lunch in a castle, truffle hunting, five course meal in a restaurant on the Adriatic Coast. Every day was a new and exciting adventure created and orchestrated by Marino! Anyone seeking an unbelievable tour of Abruzzo, please contact, Marino, owner of Experience BellaVita, you'll be thrilled and excited with your forever love of Abruzzo Region of Italy! Marino has the knowledge, love, passion, personality and charm to ensure it's your vacation of a lifetime!
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
experiencebellavita
Carlotta, your review brings immense joy! Thank you sincerely for sharing your thoughts. Your appreciation for the tour is truly heartwarming, and I'm grateful for your kind words. It was a pleasure being part of your journey, and I'm delighted that we could make your exploration of Abruzzo a memorable experience. Thank you for choosing Experience BellaVita! p.s. looking forward seeing you again with Giovanna :D Marino Cardelli
Written 18 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Budzo
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
While planning our recent trip to Italy my wife and I wanted to schedule a personal day tour of the town and area were my grandfather was born near L'Aquila in Abruzzo. We were thinking of a walk through the town, a tour of nearby cultural and archeological sites, a meal at a local restaurant all the while being instructed in the local history, culture, and traditions. Marino delivered in spades on the tour he designed and gave for us. First, Marino is friendly and open and immediately made us feel comfortable. His method of starting the planning process with an on-line conversation is a great idea. Second, the research he did specifically for our tour resulted in an experience beyond our imagination. Third, he kept the tour, which was a very full day, going at a pace that ensured that we experienced everything without ever being rushed. In addition to his personal knowledge, Marino acquired the help of a local historian as well as a lead archeologist from Rome to give us a feel for the history of my grandfather's home town. As it turned out, the historian and I are actually related! We had never imagined that the day would be so successful.
Written 29 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
experiencebellavita
Dear Tony and Chris, We are truly grateful that you chose Experience BellaVita for your heritage tour in Abruzzo. It was a privilege to guide you through the Prata D'ansidonia town near L'Aquila where your grandfather was born and explore your family's roots. Before your heritage tour, I dedicated time to gather research and information, and on the day of your tour, we had the pleasure of meeting Antonio, the local historian in Prata d'Ansidonia. Our visit to his home led to an incredible revelation. Antonio's lifelong dedication to building a family tree allowed us to explore his extensive database. After a few initial challenges, the discovery was nothing short of astonishing - you are, in fact, relatives...a moment of immense joy and disbelief. Thanks to Antonio's decades of research, we were able to locate and even visit the historic house where your family lived, which happened to be one of the grandest houses within the walls of the Castle of d'Ansidonia. Although it was under restoration and closed to the public, Antonio's connections enabled us to step inside, providing a glimpse into your family's ancestral home and the old church where your ancestors were baptized. Additionally, we had the privilege of touring the ancient Roman ruins of Peltuinum with the archaeologist, which added to the historical richness of your journey. We're thrilled that your tour exceeded your expectations, and your kind words mean a great deal to us. The unexpected connections and discoveries you made during this journey are a testament to the depth of heritage and history that Abruzzo holds. Should you decide to further explore your family's heritage or any other aspect of Italy, please know that we're here to create more meaningful and memorable experiences for you. Warm regards, Marino and the Experience BellaVita team 🌟🍷🏰🍝
Written 24 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Leonilde O
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
Marino was awesome. He has now become part of our family. He goes above and beyond to meet all your needs. He sent us a driver Ricardo who also is part of our family. Both are genuinely awesome and I highly recommend them both. Also if you need a rental car contact Ricardo thru Marino
Also Marinos family was wonderful as they invited us for a cooking class and made us feel at home
Written 22 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
experiencebellavita
Ciao Lee, Your month and half in Abruzzo with patty was incredible and went too fast, and we're thrilled that you had such an amazing time with us at Experience BellaVita. Connecting with your Abruzzi heritage in Serramonacesca was an absolute highlight. Exploring the history, charming towns, and local delights is what we aim for. The culinary experiences seemed to hit the spot, and that cooking lesson with my mom is always a special part of the journey. Riccardo, your trusty driver, part of your family now, clearly made the rides enjoyable, with those scenic views enhancing the experience. Your journey, in essence, encapsulated our unwavering commitment to crafting uniquely authentic and deeply educational experiences. Our goal was not only to connect you with the destinations you visited but also to immerse you in the rich local culture, heritage of the region, and introduce you to our network of friends and family. I'm blessed this made your trip one-of-a-kind experience. You've welcomed us into your Italian family, and we can't wait to have you back for more adventures. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're excited to create more unforgettable moments together. Here's to more BellaVita moments in the future! Warm regards, Marino and the Experience BellaVita team 🌟🍷🏞️
Written 24 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Voyager08092845853
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Our family vacation in Abruzzi is one we will never forget. It was great to have Marino Cardelli, a friendly, knowledgeable and genuine native of Abruzzi, guide us throughout our stay. He gave personal attention to planning, advising and customizing our trip to make it a relaxed and meaningful event.

The purpose of our trip was to introduce family members to their Abruzzi heritage Marino and our driver Riccardo took great care to provide us with a truly authentic Abruzzi experience in a way we never expected.

With Marino we explored the history of the Abruzzo region, visited welcoming towns, family run farms, olive groves, local wineries and the seaside. As a culinary enthusiast and sommelier, he introduced us to the best wine tasting and 5-star dining experiences.
Our cooking lesson with Marino and his mom was exceptional. As Italians we never expected to learn as much as we did. Spending time with his family added a heartwarming touch to our family-oriented vacation.
We visited the hometown of our grandparents and with Marino’s help found 2 cousins, which was an emotional and exciting encounter.
Driving services were reliable, responsive and entertaining. Our driver Riccardo took us on scenic drives with majestic views of the mountains and the Adriatic Sea. He was most accommodating, flexible and fun to be with. He made our rides so enjoyable.
Our 5 weeks in Abruzzi went by much too quickly. We have adopted Marino and Riccardo into our newly found Italian family and have our return visit planned.
I highly recommend ExperienceBellaVita without hesitation to those seeking a personalized approach to vacationing in Italy and/or experiencing the Abruzzi culture.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
experiencebellavita
Hey there, Pat! Marino here, and your review had me grinning from ear to ear like a kid with a bag of gelato! Your Bellavita adventure in Abruzzo was clearly one for the books, and I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it so much. I'm not sure if I can take all the credit for being "friendly, knowledgeable, and genuine" – I mean, it's tough not to be friendly when you're surrounded by such fantastic folks like your family! But hey, I'll take the compliment, Grazie Mille :) Sharing a meal around a table is the best way to truly connect with someone. It's all about the heart and soul of Abruzzo, one delicious dish at a time! Reconnecting with long-lost cousins? Well, that's Abruzzo magic, my friend! It just goes to show, a little curiosity can turn your trip into a surprise family reunion. I still can't believe when Giuseppe told us the boy in the picture was his father and the farm house was still there! Riccardo, our fearless driver, certainly knows how to make those scenic drives entertaining. We may have to start a fan club for him, complete with road trip karaoke sessions. I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of your Italian family now, and the doors to our Abruzzo home are always open for you and your family. Grazie mille for the laughs and the heartfelt recommendation. Until next time, keep living that Bella Vita, Pat! Un abbraccio, Marino Cardelli
Written 24 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Diane A
West Springfield, VA3 contributions
May 2023
This was a trip of a lifetime. From the initial virtual meeting, Marino confidently shared an interest in meeting our travel goals, which was to explore family heritage and experience local lifestyle. All we knew about visiting the area and Italy is that we wanted to explore heritage and did not want everyone else’s trip to Italy. We love off the beaten path, local gems, lifestyle excursions and personalized service. Experience BellaVita provided that . For family heritage, we sent Marino very few documents which we had acquired through family and online resources, and he expanded upon those records to provide possible familial relationships through his personal research. He asked leading questions which gave him information he needed to further research. For our first welcome dinner, he changed to a restaurant where there are likely family connections, based on his research. The dinner at Hotel Ristorante Pizzeria ll Salice allowed us to experience regional dishes of the finest quality. Admittedly, I stepped out of my comfort zone, but enjoyed every bite of my food adventure while possibly meeting a third cousin.

Marino was extremely responsive to questions regarding the Abruzzo area and beyond, giving us a resource we felt confident with both in the Abruzzo and other areas of Italy we explored. He was terrific with restaurant recommendations and suggesting food and wine pairings ,

The itinerary he designed for us was flawless! All of the transfers were seamless and professional. Our driver, Ricardo, provided historical information during our transfers, as well as allowing to enjoy some quiet time to rest! He was the best! Communication was never lacking. Marino casually learned of a food preference, and made immediate changes for our lunch the following day to accommodate that. We had asked to visit among local people, and to understand the cultural better. He provided us an opportunity to make cheese and eat lunch made and served on the farm where we made the cheese. The family was warm, caring and provided us with only homemade food. We speak no Italian, and the hosts, Guisseppe and Adele, who only speak Italian made us comfortable and welcome. Language was not an issue. Warm smiles, nods and hugs said it all!

We enjoyed a visit to Scuppoz Liquori and saw a passionate business owner who was very welcoming. We sampled many fine craft liquors, and learned of the process and dedication required to produce these quality beverages and the impact his craft has on the region.

We had the opportunity to tour the vineyards and ground at Maurizi, where we learned about growing techniques and also tasted Olive Oil. One of the best experiences of this tours was the local men, who just “popped in” to share time with us and get to know us while we paired wine, meat and cheese in a warm, cozy setting. The wines are natural and delicious.

As we traveled the mountains the abandoned towns and villages of the area, Marino provided information of historical changes over time. As part of this trip was a heritage trip, we appreciated hearing how our ancestors may have lived and where they might have traveled. We visited site of the town hall, where my grandfather’s birth would have been recorded. It’s been newly renovated, but the location is historic .

Abruzzo area is amazingly beautiful! The lifestyle is genuine and comprises of hardworking people caring for one another. It’s beauty and hospitality deserves to be experienced. We are grateful to have been a guest and now family of Experience BellaVita.

From Abruzzo, we moved on to Pompeii, Naples, and Capri where Marino had arranged for a local colleague to be our contact. Antonella provided a similar experience in being available, responsive, and informative, assuring our drivers were communicative and accessible and timely.
Written 6 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
experiencebellavita
Ciao Diane and Bob, Your review truly brought a smile to our faces! 🌟 Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! Your journey with Experience BellaVita was a double celebration. It wasn't just about commemorating your anniversary but also embarking on a captivating quest with Bryan and Faviola rediscovering their roots. Our goal has always been to make your trip meaningful and personal. We explored Faraone, your great-grandpa's hometown, to connect with your family heritage. Additionally, the choice of Il Salice restaurant was based on research that hinted at possible family ties. This added a unique and personal touch to your dining experience. Ricardo, our wonderful driver, ensured your transfers were smooth and provided insights into the region's history. Our aim is to ensure your trip is not just enjoyable but also an educational journey. We are particularly thrilled about your encounter with passionate producers, who happen to be our best friends - these connections are what make our experiences truly authentic, just like exploring the charming abandoned towns and learning about their history, which is an essential part of our heritage trips. We believe in preserving and sharing the rich history of the region. Your adventures didn't stop in Abruzzo but continued in Pompeii, Naples, and Capri. Antonella, our favorite and super knowledgeable guide of the Campania region, ensured the same level of care and support, making sure your travels remained seamless and enjoyable. We're delighted that you're now part of the BellaVita family, where you're not just a guest but a cherished member of the community. In essence, your experience reflects our commitment to offering personalized, meaningful, and educational journeys. Our aim is to connect you not just with the places you visit but also with the people, culture, heritage of the region, and even our friends and family, making your trip truly unique and authentic. Grazie Mille! Marino and the Experience BellaVita team
Written 24 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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