Hi, I am Luciana Masci and welcome to my website and blog. Throughout these pages you can share my love and passion for all things Abruzzese. Having lived there and worked there with my tours over the last 16 years I have truly reconnected with my ancestral heritage, my family and my village in Abruzzo. I have also reconnected others from all over the world to rediscover their Abruzzese heritage, ancestral village and meet their new family in Abruzzo… Hoping you will enjoy the many stories, recipes, latest news and travel information that makes Abruzzo the best destination for great Italy tours. Stay tuned for my cooking classes in Brisbane (Australia).

Born in Australia, my Abruzzese heritage and cultural ties have remained strong. My parents migrated to Australia from Abruzzo in the 1950’s, however the extended family still in Abruzzo welcome me back over the years. A long rewarding career in physiotherapy (physical therapy) in Australia led the way for me to follow my next dream from 2004 to today- to return to my ancestral home and create special itineraries and Italy tours in Abruzzo to share with like minded travellers to offer the best Italy vacations. I have been a escorting small tour groups in Abruzzo as well as offering small  group experiences to other regions in Italy such as Puglia, Basilicata and now also to Sardinia and Molise.

I am fluent in the regional Abruzzese dialect and Italian language which were my first languages before learning English. I have taught Italian language and Italian cooking in Brisbane as a way of sharing ‘la dolce vita”… The time in Abruzzo has become a natural extension of my passion for my people and land. I have been compiling a collection of Abruzzese recipes handed down from my mother, aunties and the many family and friends in Abruzzo. I love to create the most memorable and adventurous Italy tours for many more travellers around the world.

Nada is from San Vito Chietino, a small seaside village on Abruzzo’s Adriatic Coast. She has studied at Urbino University and graduated in Languages and Culture for Tourism and speaks fluent English and German. She has subsequently had a year in New York and in Germany to improve her language skills. After returning to her native Abruzzo, Nada has dedicated herself to tourism and the promotion of her beautiful region. She also is busy managing her accommodation rentals in Lanciano and San Vito. Nada has been assisting Luciana with Abruzzo heritage research work and is the perfect local guide to accompany guests for an amazing Touring Abruzzo travel experience.

Guido is from Civitella Del Tronto in northern Abruzzo and hails from an old noble family in the area. He is dedicated and passionate about his village and his native region of Abruzzo that he has become one of the few English guides at the Fortress complex in Civitella del Tronto. In 2013, Guido and his colleagues established a private museum in the village, featuring one of the largest collections of textiles and clothing from the 1800’s from his family and from the locals. Guido loves Abruzzo with its food, culture and traditions and above all to share his passion with other guests and to show the many undiscovered gems of this amazing region on their Italy tours.

Antonella is from Villetta Barrea in southern Abruzzo where she lives and works in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. She is a full time environmental / nature guide and interpreter and shares her passion and love for the mountains of Abruzzo with her husband and two children. Antonella attended the prestigious La Sapienza University of Rome where she graduated with an Arts Degree majoring in philosophy and anthropology. However her love for nature won her over and she continued to study to be a National Park guide. In her spare time, she loves to read, listen to music, walking in the woods and spending time with her family. Antonella and Luciana have been working together for the last 6 years, bringing much happiness to those who visit with Touring Abruzzo.

Teresa grew up in Pescara and studied Foreign Languages and Teaching at the University of Gabriele D’Annunzio, Abruzzo. She has been teaching English at secondary school for nearly 30 years and is very fluent in English. Her passions are reading in several languages, cooking traditional Abruzzese dishes for her family and friends as well as gardening and visiting museums and loves art and history. She has travelled extensively but always remains attached to her heritage and her beautiful Abruzzo. She is a valuable member of Luciana’s team to help accompany guests while on their tour to Italy, also helping to translate and share her love of Abruzzo and its people.

Chef Maurizio is from Rosciano in the Pescara province. He studied at the well known Hospitality School at Villa Santa where many famous chefs around the world have hailed from. After having his own restaurant in Abruzzo, he now teaches the next generation of chefs at Pescara at a hospitality school. He is also in demand to prepare for many private and business functions across the region. He loves his native region of Abruzzo and all the fabulous ingredients from fresh seafood, lamb, truffles and precious saffron are used in his traditional and innovative cuisine. Maurizio has teamed up with Luciana over the last few years to offer her Italy tours clients a most wonderful experience with private cooking classes or private dining events.

Meet Fabio, your guide throughout your stay in Puglia. Fabio is 47 yrs old and graduated from Lecce University as an archeologist. His profession has taken him to great digs in Italy, Egypt and Romania. He is now in private practice and has extensive knowledge of his land and people. Fabio is also an accredited English speaking tour guide and along with Luciana he has created special and unique itineraries for Puglia and Basilicata regions in Italy’s south. From 2020 he will also lead our new tour to Sardinia!

His personable style makes him warm and endearing to all. He loves reading historic novels and listening to rock music; moreover he is a great fan of Lecce football team! He is ready to share with you the best of southern Italy touring with its fabulous art, history, nature and of course its marvellous food and wine. Fabio lives with his young family and works in Lecce. He is so happy to be part of the Touring Abruzzo team.