If you are seeking a truly 'unique' holiday adventure, a chance to experience one of the most beautiful regions of Italy, along with the rare opportunity to live each sunny day more like a 'resident' than a 'turista' then I urge you to book Michael Giamarco’s GiaMia apartments in Abruzzo for at least a week or two of your next Italian vacation.
The apartments themselves are brand spanking new with large terraces that have amazing views of lush valleys and breathtaking mountains. Each is equipped with a full modern kitchen, comfy beds, and bathrooms with large, incredibly delightful ‘power showers’ that are guaranteed to massage away any tension that could possibly remain in your body after a few days exploring Sulmona and environs. (Make sure you buy bags of Confetti. The sugar coated Almonds that are a specialty of this town!)
Mike himself is on hand to make sure everything is to your liking. Although he spent most of his life growing up in Canada, his love for his birthplace and the lifestyle of Abruzzo brought him 'home’ and his desire to share this experience with others led him to the creation of GiaMia. And aren’t we the lucky ones?
My wife and I have been fortunate over the years to have traveled throughout much of Italy. We have visited the mountains of Alto Adige, the lakes of Como and Garda, the lemon scented Amalfi Coast and Capri, and so many of the famous cities, sights and country sides that make Italy well, Italy. However, my wife is fond of saying that ‘our hearts came to rest’ when we came to the Abruzzo and discovered Sulmona and the little villages in the ‘campania’, such as Campo di Fano, that dot this unspoiled landscape. Prior to GiaMia, about the only way one could experience the special magic of this type of lifestyle, was to have family in the region. Well, now you do!
Treat yourself to a part of the Italian experience that you won’t find on any of the tours. Enjoy the great local food and wine, the warmth and genuine hospitality of the locals, and the feeling that you would stay in this place a lot longer if you could. And enjoy it all from the incredible comfort of your own beautiful apartment in GiaMia. We did…and we can’t wait to return!
Martin Silvestri
Croton-on-Hudson, New York 10520
August 20, 2011
Italian comfort @ canadian quality
Many thanks to Mike for the lovely week we spent in the hearth of Abruzzo !
He takes a big care of his guests.
A set of elegant flats are available, very easy to reach through the motorway and only a few miles beyond the exit. Nice balcony with panoramic view of surrounding mountains, wide shower place, comfortable beds, etc.
Very quiet, true country place, it takes only 10 min by car to reach the town Sulmona, where you can appreciate its friendly people, culture, art and many facilities (shops, hospital, "confetti" 's factories).
Our son enjoyed swimming in a pool with a slide in the next village, and could ride a donkey in another village very close. These so lovely animals are bred there and visitors can feed them.
My wife liked very much the natural environment near the local river Sagittario.
Its water is crystal clear and you can see the stones in the bottom. In the country-side you can meet wild animals (we've seen a fox) and herbs (thyme, lemon balm, agrimony, so useful against infections and for a good digestion ).
My wife picked plenty of leaves and made them dry for a tisane.
I appreciated the typical products of the region, which are particularly tasty (red figs, yellow peaches, blue grapes, almonds, red garlic of Sulmona, salami of L‘Aquila, special cakes made with waffle iron).
Also one of the best bread types of the valley is baked in the same village of the house, Campo di Fano.
I could also attend to art shows and concerts with international artists.
We recommend you a holiday in Mike's villa !
Claudio
from Sabina County, Italy
arrived 20th Aug 2011
Oct 11, 2010
Letter of Reference
GiaMia Villas, host Mike Giammarco
Mike, please find attached a summary of my experience at your rental accommodation. Feel free to use any part of this summary that you wish or forward my email to future potential guests.
GiaMia Villas has provided me and my travel partner with a rare opportunity to experience the local culture of a small, quiet, rural Italian village. Set amid country hills and valleys, the villa itself is of first class quality. It is modern, clean and comfortable, furnished with all things needed for our one month stay. Our favorite place was the large balcony overlooking the villa's fruit, vegetable and flower gardens, pond and fountain, flowing river and distant hills and villages. Our stay included invites to the homes of local families, where we could see what their daily lives were like. We were also generously invited for coffee and meals and to their church services. Our host, Mike Giammarco, was exceptional, introducing us to his family members and neighbors and involving us in local events. He was always available to answer our questions and assist us in any way we needed. For me, this holiday at GiaMia was second to none and I am very excited to recommend it to others looking for a unique and personal experience in Italy.
Toni Becker
58 Patterson Crescent
Red Deer, Alberta T4P 1J5
Phone: 403 755-7877
Sep 15, 2010
"Great Stay in a Great Flat"
"We were in Italy for a couple of weeks as I was doing research for a book and for articles I'm writing. In particular, I was in this area to do research on my grandparents and wanted a good base from which we could see the area.
GiaMia is a very pleasant place to stay. The flat was roomy, and all of the appliances were new and in great shape. The bed was comfortable, and we liked having a terrace from which we could look over the river and valley behind the property while enjoying wine and cheese. There are a washer and dryer for use by tenants, and the rentals have flatscreen TVs.
Mike, the owner, was very cordial, helpful and nice. He even helped me find out information about my grandparents, and for that I am more than grateful. He also offered us watermelon, figs, grapes and limoncello and gave us directions to local markets and sites.
GiaMia is in the country, although it is within walking distance of Campo di Fano. Its location makes it perfect to explore the area. If you have a car, you can get to Sulmona (the largest town in the area) within 5 minutes, to a number of national parks within 15 minutes, and small hill towns within 5-30 minutes. Pescara, a town on the Adriatic Sea, is 40-45 minutes away, and Rome is about 2 hours west.
We plan to go back and will stay at GiaMia again.
Chris and Mike Cutler
Las Vegas, NV
December 18, 2009
My family and I spent a wonderful week at the Gia Mia Apartments in Campo di Fano, Abruzzi Italy this past summer. As we have stayed in other apartments in different parts of Italy before, I truly have to say the Gia Mia apartments are a home away from home. Our hosts Mike and Olga were most gracious and friendly. The apartments open concept has all the amenities, rooms were very large, bright and airy and our meals alfresco were spent on the huge terrace overlooking the beautiful Maiella mountain range. Rome is 2 hours away, white sandy beach 45 mins., away and Ovid's Sulmona, the confetti city is 20mins., away with wonderful shopping, outdoor market and souvenirs. We miss it already, can't wait to return. Five stars for sure.
Joanna Cicerone
Aug 2009
GiaMia Villas are absolutely beautiful! Hosts and owners Michael and Olga went out of their way to make sure our stay was perfect! Everything is brand new, the balcony and views are spectacular. During my stay in Campo Di Fano, they made me feel like I was part of their family. Buses run right at your doorstep to take you wherever you want to go. Only 45 minutes from Pescara airport, the location is convenient, gorgeous and hats off to Michael and Olga for building this gem! Can not wait to return!
Reviews