𐌅𐌝𐌕𐌄𐌋𐌉𐌞

Víteliú - the original nation of central southern Italy.

Follow us to the ‘hidden’ and remote regions of Ciociaria & Molise in central Italy, nestled in the arms of the Apennine mountains. Just one hour south of Rome and in between Rome & Naples, it’s a whole world away.

Long before the ancient Romans, Ciociaria & Molise formed the heartland of one of the original nations of the central Italian peninsula - known as 𐌅𐌝𐌕𐌄𐌋𐌉𐌞 [Víteliú] in the original Oscan language. Víteliú was the home to the twelve Italic tribes of the Samnite civilisation, who formed an alliance to establish a unified country around 300 BC in an attempt to fight back the ancient Romans and defend their lands. The Samnites pre-dated the ancient Romans by tens of thousands of years.

We take our small groups (max. 10) of curious explorers on an 8-day personally hosted adventure through these undiscovered regions, staying in diffused hotels within ancient castle walls, restored palaces and 1,000 year old monasteries.

Join us for a deep dive into the ancient origins of these lands and the story of Víteliú at abandoned pre-historic sites, while meandering through mountaintop villages, wandering through forests filled with waterfalls, foraging in mountain meadows, and experiencing the joyful vitality of these organic & biodynamic lands through their food, wine, craft and culture.

Our local guides are experienced academics, archeologists and artisans - and our very good friends.

A Ciociarian native, Antica Travel Co. Founder Paolo Picarazzi is descended from the Ernici & Volscii tribes of Víteliú and is deeply connected to the land. He also understands each of the dialects of the region, which enables our local producers, artisans and wine-makers to share their stories in their own way and words, with Paolo providing translation.

Our personally hosted & inspirationally curated Wild Heart of Italy experiences will recommence from September 2024.

Antica Travel Co. exclusive & experiential small group tours are open only members of Antica Australis cultural dining experiences, followers of the Antica Travel Journal and for private group enquiries.