There is something magical about Authentic Italy in Casoli and returning often. No matter how many times we make the trip, the excitement never fades. This visit was especially meaningful because we were welcoming prospective owners to experience the authentic Italy we’ve come to love while checking on the progress of our beloved Palazzo Ricci.
Our first few days were filled with incredible food, warm friendships, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable experiences that reminded us why we fell in love with this special corner of Abruzzo.
If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering the Italy that exists beyond the crowded tourist attractions, let me take you along on our adventure.
Recovering From the Journey to Italy
Getting to Italy from Utah is no small feat! By the time we finally arrived, we had been traveling nearly 24 hours from door to door. Add an eight-hour time difference, and jet lag becomes very real.
Instead of rushing straight to Casoli, we decided to spend our first night in the charming seaside town of Sperlonga.
After a much-needed nap, we wandered down to the beach to dip our toes in the Mediterranean and admire the sparkling blue water before getting ready for dinner. My blue swimsuit cover up is fabulous because you can literally wad it up in a ball and plop in your bag and when you need it take it out and no wrinkles. You can find it here.
I slipped into my favorite green Eileen Fisher linen dress, added a pair of comfortable sandals, and met up with friends for a light dinner overlooking the sea. Just look at my new purse from Soft Surroundings! I am totally in love with the fabric, colors and the gold chain! I think it is sold out but check out all their other beautiful bags here.
Watching the sun begin to set behind the ancient tower was the perfect welcome back to Italy.
One thing we noticed immediately was the weather. The heat and humidity were intense! Even the locals kept telling us this wasn’t typical for early summer. We laughed as we all wiped the sweat from our brows, grateful that the beauty of Italy easily made us forget how sticky we felt.
The next morning, we spent a few relaxing hours on the beach before finally making our way to one of our favorite places in the world—Casoli.
Arriving in Casoli Feels Like Coming Home
Every time we drive into Casoli, it feels like coming home.
Since Palazzo Ricci is still under restoration, we stay with our partners in their beautiful villas nearby. Shortly after arriving, the first couple joining us for our Palazzo Ricci experience settled in, and we couldn’t wait to begin showing them the region we love so much.
One of our favorite things about this project isn’t just restoring a historic palace—it’s introducing people to authentic Italian life.
Learning to Make Authentic Italian Pizza
One of the first stops is always In Arte Pizza, a wonderful restaurant in Casoli where we take guests for a hands-on pizza making class.
Our chef began by teaching us about the different Italian flours used to make authentic pizza dough and explained how important proper fermentation is. After mixing and kneading the dough into smooth little balls, it normally rests overnight in the refrigerator.
Thankfully, he always has dough prepared ahead of time so we don’t have to wait until the next day!
Watching the chef effortlessly stretch the dough makes it look incredibly easy.
Then it’s our turn.
I’m happy to report I finally got the hang of it! My pizza stretched beautifully without tearing, and I felt rather proud of myself. You can find more pizza making and Casoli experiences here.
For my toppings, I chose olive oil instead of tomato sauce, Italian sausage, thinly sliced potatoes, several cheeses, fresh basil, and red onion.
It was absolutely delicious.
The best part is sitting down together afterward to enjoy pizzas we created with our own hands while laughing and sharing stories around the table.
That’s what Italy is all about.
Touring Palazzo Ricci
The following morning we gathered in the Palazzo Ricci showroom to introduce our guests to the vision behind our restoration project.
We shared the story of how we discovered this incredible noble palace and our dream of transforming it into fourteen luxury fractional residences where owners can experience authentic Italian living.
Then came everyone’s favorite part—the tour.
Walking through Palazzo Ricci never gets old.
Although construction is still underway, each visit reveals exciting progress.
This time was especially emotional because the beautifully restored stained-glass atrium had finally been reinstalled.
Without scaffolding blocking the light, sunshine now pours through the colorful glass, creating an absolutely breathtaking centerpiece.
Every room tells another chapter of the palace’s long history.
Stone walls, graceful arches, original wooden beams, hidden staircases, antique olive presses, and elegant salons all hint at the remarkable lives once lived within these walls.
I found myself imagining how incredible it will be when every stained-glass window has been restored and the palace is completely finished.
The dream is becoming more real with every visit.
Exploring Casoli’s History
After our Palazzo tour, we walked just a few steps down the street to one of our favorite restaurants, Ristorante Fiori.
Chef Carmine never disappoints.
Every meal feels thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious.
Following lunch, we climbed to the top of Casoli Castle.
The panoramic views from the tower are spectacular.
On a clear day you can actually see both the Adriatic Sea and the Majella Mountains stretching across the horizon.
It’s one of the many things that makes Abruzzo so unique.
Where else can you ski in the mountains during the morning and relax on the beach later that same afternoon? Both are only about twenty-five minutes from Casoli.
Before heading back to our partner’s villa, we visited one of our dear friends whose family has preserved an old olive press beneath their home. Although it’s no longer operating commercially, stepping inside feels like walking through a small museum filled with generations of history.
E-Biking Along the Adriatic Coast
One of my favorite days is always beach day.
We started by riding electric bikes along the spectacular Adriatic coastline.
The scenery is breathtaking, with turquoise water stretching for miles beside dramatic cliffs and the famous trabocchi reaching out over the sea.
These historic wooden fishing platforms are found only along this stretch of coastline and have become one of Abruzzo’s most iconic landmarks.
After our ride, we enjoyed lunch on one of the trabocchi.
While everyone else enjoyed incredible seafood, the chefs graciously prepared grilled fish, pasta, and a fresh Caprese salad just for me.
It was one of those meals you never forget.
A Romantic Evening in Casoli
That evening we returned to Casoli for a special fundraising event at the castle.
Live music echoed through the ancient stone walls while families gathered for dinner beneath the stars.
Afterward we wandered through the quiet streets of Casoli, beautifully illuminated for the evening.
There is something incredibly romantic about an Italian village after dark.
The slower pace, glowing lights, and conversations drifting from open windows create memories that stay with you forever.
Incredible Restaurants We Can’t Wait to Return To
Soon another guest joined us from New York for a whirlwind tour of Casoli.
One evening we drove to nearby Lanciano where our friends own Abruzzo Gourmet.
Stefano always amazes us with his creativity.
Knowing we don’t drink alcohol, he created beautiful handcrafted non-alcoholic beverages while serving delicious vegetarian pizzas, rice balls, and several other specialties.
The following evening we experienced one of the most surprising meals of our trip at a brand-new vegetarian restaurant housed inside the chef’s grandfather’s home.
Although the chef isn’t vegetarian himself, he loves experimenting with vegetables in extraordinary ways.
Each course felt like edible artwork.
One of my favorites was a simple carrot served with chive mayonnaise and bay leaf that somehow tasted as though it had been slowly barbecued with a delicate sweet glaze.
Another memorable dish combined cucumber, mint, lavender, and vinegar into one incredibly refreshing bite.
Watermelon with parsley and garlic was another unexpected favorite.
Each plate challenged what I thought vegetables could taste like.
It was one of the most creative meals I’ve ever enjoyed.
Why We Love Sharing Casoli
People often ask us why we keep returning to Casoli.
The answer is simple.
It’s the people.
The friendships.
The slower pace of life.
The incredible food.
The history tucked around every corner.
The mountains.
The sea.
And now, watching Palazzo Ricci slowly become the beautiful home we always dreamed it could be.
These experiences are exactly why we love bringing prospective owners here. We want them to see more than a building—we want them to experience the warmth, beauty, and authenticity that make this part of Italy so unforgettable.
Until Next Time…
Before we knew it, our alarm was ringing at 4:00 a.m. as we packed our bags for an early flight from Pescara to Milan for business meetings.
Our Italian adventure was just getting started.
Stay tuned because I’ll be sharing the next chapter of our journey very soon—and trust me, there are even more beautiful places, incredible meals, and unforgettable experiences waiting ahead.
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