At Vita Calabra Tours, we are a boutique tour operator offering truly authentic experiences deeply connected to the history and traditions of Calabria and southern Italy. We specialize in Roots Tourism and Ancestry Tours. What sets us apart is our team’s profound knowledge of Southern Italy, where we are based. Our team is composed of professional travel specialists who have dedicated their careers to tourism, ensuring that every tour reflects high professional standards. We maintain partnerships with a wide range of operators, all selected based on our high-quality standards. Our uniqueness lies in bringing you the real Calabria and southern Italy – their unexplored paths, hidden gems, and the genuine warmth of its local communities. We work with professional genealogists and have strong partnerships with municipalities, churches, local associations, and state archives, forming a dense network of operators that allow us to conduct targeted and in-depth genealogical research.
Vita Calabra Tours warmly welcomes solo travelers. We believe every journey is a personal exploration and we are here to make it special for you. If you’re interested in a tour, we encourage you to reach out to us directly at [email protected]. We will be delighted to craft an experience that suits your individual preferences and ensures you enjoy the best of Calabria on your terms.
Our tour guides and tour leaders are all bilingual in Italian and English. We understand the importance of seamless communication during your travels. Should there be a need for assistance in other languages, we are more than happy to provide qualified personnel in your preferred language. We’re committed to ensuring that language is no barrier to your enjoyment and exploration of Calabria.
While travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement to join our tours, we highly recommend obtaining private travel insurance. It’s always wise to have coverage for medical care, lost luggage, and unforeseen tour cancellations due to emergencies. Your peace of mind is important to us. If you have any questions or need assistance regarding travel insurance or other concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. We’re here to ensure that your journey with us is both memorable and secure.
For our group tours, we generally close bookings three months prior to the start date. When it comes to tailor-made tours, there’s no set rule for how far in advance you need to book. However, last-minute bookings may face limitations in terms of availability of accommodations, experiential activities, drivers, and other services. Additionally, costs for last-minute requests might be higher. For tailor-made tours, our advice is to book your journey well in advance to enjoy all the possible advantages that come with ample planning time.
We accept payments via bank transfer and most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Our payment process is secure and adheres to international security protocols. Please note that credit card payments incur an additional fee of 4.5%. Rest assured, we’ll make sure your payment process is smooth and secure.
Yes, we often offer discounts for large groups or tours organized by the same family unit. Additionally, promotions and discounts are reserved for subscribers of our newsletter. If you’re not yet subscribed, we recommend doing so soon to take advantage of upcoming deals and offers. Our newsletter is a great way to stay informed about special offers and new tour experiences. You can find our newsletter subscription on our homepage.
Our cancellation policies are stated in the booking form and in the travel terms and conditions, which are as follows:
30% non-refundable deposit due at the time of confirmation.
50-46 days before arrival: 50% penalty.
45-31 days before arrival: 75% penalty.
30 days or less before arrival: 100% penalty.
Note: Cancellations must be requested via email at [email protected] and it is necessary for the tour operator to respond with an official confirmation of receipt of the cancellation request. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24-48 hours of your cancellation request, please contact the tour operator again, either via email or by phone at the number listed in our contacts, to ensure that your request reaches our office. Once the cancellation receipt is confirmed by email, the cancellation policies included in these FAQs and in the travel contract will apply.
Our tours are genuine journeys into the culture of Southern Italy. The activities we love to offer our guests are connected to discovering the most authentic soul of the places through local people, artisans, small agricultural producers, winemakers, and chefs—often delightful grandmothers! Every encounter, experience, person, and activity will be a unique and irreplaceable aspect of your journey. Imagine immersing yourself in local traditions, tasting homemade delicacies, and learning centuries-old crafts. Each tour is a mosaic of these unforgettable experiences.
Absolutely, yes. Our passion for organizing unique experiences and unforgettable moments means that every aspect of your special event will be organized with love and involvement by our entire team. Whether it’s a romantic anniversary dinner overlooking the sea or a birthday celebration in a historic vineyard, we’ll ensure your special day is memorable.
The culture of Southern Italy is ancient, made of authentic experiences passed down through generations. Our goal is to offer experiences that make our travelers feel like true locals. The name of our project, “Vita Calabra,” translates to ‘Calabrian life’ in English. What we offer is precisely to let you live this lifestyle so that you can become, during your journey, a real citizen of Southern Italy. From participating in local festivals to engaging in traditional crafts and activities, you will deeply immerse yourself in our rich and vibrant culture.
Tailor-made experiences are one of our cornerstones, and we are eager to listen to all your needs so we can organize the trip that best reflects your desires. The first step is to fill out our survey in our “Private Tailor Made Tour Page” on our website, where you can let us know what customizations and specific activities you would like us to organize for you. Once we receive your initial information, we’ll contact you within 24-48 hours to further discuss your needs. From quaint villages to hidden beaches, we’re ready to craft your perfect Calabrian adventure.