Vita Calabra Tours Story: From Family Legacy to
Your Italian Journey
It was a warm August afternoon in 1994 when the phone rang in my grandfather Giulio Ferrieri’s small grocery shop in Altomonte, Calabria. On the line, a local restaurateur shared an unusual request: an American family in his restaurant was searching for the Ferrieri family of Altomonte, Province of Cosenza.
Without hesitation, my grandfather asked my mother Enza and my uncle Joe to meet this mysterious family. Outside the restaurant, a fortuitous encounter turned into an astonishing revelation.
Mike Ferrieri from Wilmington, Delaware, along with his wife Marie, his brother in law, and his son, holding a lengthy file of his genealogical tree, struggled to speak Italian. Then, my mother, with her fluent American English from 20 years in Chicago, broke the ice: “Hey buddy, no worries, we can totally chat in English, alright?” Leaving Mike and his family both stunned and then laughing heartily, they certainly didn’t expect to find such proficient English in a small Southern Italian town.inly didn’t expect to find such proficient English in a small Southern Italian town.
In the next few hours, we discovered we were cousins.
“Mike Ferrier and his nephew proudly present their family tree to my mother, Uncle Joe, and Uncle Maurizio, highlighting the cherished connections of our shared ancestry.”
“The first official family photo with cousin Mike, featuring Mike, his brother-in-law, his nephew, and my mother’s family, including my maternal grandparents and my sister, after discovering our shared ancestry.”
My mother and uncle seated at the pizzeria in Altomonte where my grandfather received a call to meet potential relatives. This photo captures my mother’s first meeting with those who we later discovered were our cousins.
Mike shared that his dying aunt had revealed a secret hidden for over 50 years about their Italian roots and her home town in southern Italy, Altomonte. After her passing, Mike decided to explore Altomonte and discover his heritage. Mike and his family’s journey was a fascinating exploration of Calabrian customs and traditions, some of which Mike had unknowingly experienced in the United States, finding them intact in Altomonte.
I was just a child, a silent witness to this intertwining of stories and affections. I saw in Mike’s and his family’s eyes the wonder, curiosity, and joy of finding a piece of themselves in a distant land, yet so intimately connected. Little did I know, these experiences would become my life’s mission.
“Mike and Uncle Maurizio’s mother-in-law engaged in the traditional preparation of Calabrese tomato passata.”
“My father, Giancarlo Verta, the deputy mayor of Altomonte, is officially welcoming my cousins, Mike and his brother Tim, with the tricolor sash.”
“My family and Mike’s family, including his wife Marie and daughter Misty, sitting by the Trevi Fountain in Rome during a journey through Italy’s most beautiful destinations. I’m the little one in my mother’s arms.”
The Birth of
Vita Calabra Tours
From a young age, I understood the importance of knowing one’s origins, rediscovering forgotten roots, and connecting with a land rich in history and traditions. The desire to share the love for my land, its unique identity, enchanting stories, welcoming people, and helping people like my cousin Mike search for their roots, has always been strong in me.
After completing university studies, in 2015, I made a decision that would shape my future. I founded Vita Calabra Tours, a fully recognized tour operator. My education didn’t stop there: I qualified as a Travel Agency Technical Director, a role of great importance in Italy that ensures the highest level of professionalism and strict adherence to travel and safety regulations for clients. As a Tour Leader and Professional Driver, I am dedicated to providing not only safe and compliant tours but also enriching experiences. This journey of learning and professional growth has enabled me to design and lead tours that are not just tourist itineraries but true journeys into the heart of Calabria, Southern Italy, and its traditions.
A Commitment to Authenticity and Connection
Vita Calabra Tours is committed to offering tailor-made journeys that allow you to discover Calabria and Southern Italy in all their authenticity. Each trip is a unique story, customized to the needs and desires of those who choose to travel with us. From gastronomic tours to cultural and anthropological immersions, genealogical research to accommodation comfort and transfer ease, every aspect is meticulously crafted to ensure an unforgettable experience.
The Promise of
Vita Calabra Tours
Vita Calabra Tours is not just a tour operator; it’s a bridge between people and their roots, an invitation to rediscover one’s cultural heritage, to live authentic experiences, and to create memories that will forever stay in the heart. Our mission is to guide travelers in discovering a surprising Calabria, offering them not just a trip, but a journey of personal growth, adventure, and knowledge.
Your Journey with
Vita Calabra Tours
If you, like me, believe in the value of roots and the importance of family stories, and if you desire a journey that is an authentic and enriching adventure, Vita Calabra Tours is the right choice for you. With us, your journey in Calabria and Southern Italy will be more than just a vacation: it will be a homecoming, an adventure into the heart of your origins, a journey through time and the culture of a unique land.
Join us on this wonderful journey, and become part of a growing community who, through Vita Calabra Tours, have uncovered their family histories and reconnected with their Italian roots. Let Vita Calabra Tours guide you in discovering your roots and the wonders of Calabria and Southern Italy. We look forward to writing a new chapter of your personal story with you, a tale of emotions, discoveries, and deep connections.