Call Anytime
Excursion 7: Grotte di Frasassi Expedition
Journey to the Heart of Earth's Wonders: Grotte di Frasassi Expedition
Discover the largest cave system in Europe, a vast underground space resembling a city block adorned with colorful mineral formations created over thousands of years by water dripping through sulfuric cracks, nourished by the Sentino River. Believed to be around 1.4 million years old, these caves were only found in the 20th century. Start your journey with a scenic 1.5 hour drive from San Benedetto del Tronto to Genga for some light snacks. Just a short distance away lies the Grotte di Frasassi, where you can marvel at towering rock formations reaching up to five stories high. After a two hour guided tour of the caves, treat yourself to a porchetta sandwich or other delicious local foods available at nearby stalls. Optionally, take a detour to visit the Santuario della Madonna for breathtaking views and impressive architecture. Make a pit stop in San Vittore for coffee while taking in sights of the ancient Abbey from the 11th century and a Roman bridge dating back to the 16th century. Head back to San Benedetto for some relaxation and enjoy an exquisite dinner.
- Morning Departure 1-1/2 Drive to Genga
- Visit the Largest Grotto in Europe, Grotte di Frasassi
- Visit to Santuaria della Madonna (Optional)
Included/Excluded
-
Transportation
-
Lodging, One Night
-
Fine Dining
-
Personal Tour Guide
True Colors of Italy
Book Excursion 7
Tour Plan
Stop 1 Genga
It’s about a 1-1/2 drive from our home base in San Benedetto del Tronto. The stop is at a caffe for refreshments and bathroom break.
Stop 2 Grotte di Frasassi
Just two minutes down the road from the caffe is the parking lot from where we’ll be taken to the entrance of the grottos. Entering the grotto is surreal. You can look at pictures and read descriptions, but nothing can prepare you for immersion in this nature wonderland. The figurines are huge, some over five stories tall.
Stop 3 Lunch
The tour of the grottos takes about two hours. When finished we return to the parking lot where there are food stands and we can try a sandwich of the local specialty, porchetta (roasted pork). There are also plenty of veggie and other selections available.
Stop 4 The Santuario della Madonna (Optional)
Actually all stops are optional because this is your trip and we are here to cater to your wishes. The Santuario della Madonna is a five minute drive from the grottos and consists of a half mile walk up a pretty steep slope. Once there you have a spectacular view of the gorge below and enjoy the architectural wonder of this sanctuary constructed in the mountain crevice.
Stop 5 San Vittore
Before heading back to San Benedetto we’ll stop in San Vittore, also only a five minute drive for a coffee or refreshment. While sipping our coffee we can enjoy the view of the Abbey, built in the 11th century and the Roman bridge traversing the Sentino river built in the 16th century.
Stop 6 San Benedetto del Tronto & Dinner
Returning the 1-1/2 hour drive to your hotel for a rest.
Location
