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 fill our survey CLICK HERE, or 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 CLICK HERE, 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.

At Vita Calabra Tours, the health and safety of our guests are paramount. In light of COVID-19, we have implemented comprehensive measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience. These include:

Regular Sanitization: Our transportation vehicles, accommodations, and dining venues are regularly cleaned and sanitized to the highest standards. We ensure thorough disinfection of all surfaces, with a particular focus on high-touch areas.

Social Distancing Practices: We adhere to social distancing guidelines during all tours. Group sizes are kept small to allow for adequate spacing, and activities are organized in a manner that avoids crowded places.

Health Checks: Our team and partners undergo regular health checks.

Flexible Policies: Understanding the uncertainty brought by the pandemic, we offer flexible booking and cancellation policies. This flexibility allows our guests to make informed decisions without the pressure of rigid timelines.

Local Compliance: We continuously monitor and comply with the local health authorities’ guidelines and regulations to ensure our practices are up-to-date and effective.

Emergency Support: In case of any health concerns or emergencies, our team is prepared to provide immediate assistance. We have established protocols to handle such situations efficiently, ensuring the well-being of our guests.
Our commitment to these health precautions is unwavering, as we strive to offer not only an authentic and enriching travel experience but also one that prioritizes the well-being of our guests and staff. Rest assured, with Vita Calabra Tours, your safety is in good hands for additional information contact us at [email protected]

To initiate a tailor-made tour with Vita Calabra Tours, travelers should first complete our survey (CLICK HERE) to gather essential travel information. After submitting the form, a Vita Calabra Tours travel specialist will contact you within 24-48 hours. While not mandatory, a follow-up phone call, which we may invite you to, can be incredibly useful for understanding your needs. Within 7-10 days of your request, you’ll receive a customized tailor-made tour proposal, tailored to the information gathered in the initial phase.

If the proposal from our travel designer meets your needs, we will proceed to the booking phases, which include signing the travel contract and making a 30% deposit of the total tour cost.

There’s no minimum or maximum duration for our tailor-made tours. As this service is fully customized, travelers have complete freedom to decide the length of their journey according to their preferences.

For 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. Moreover, costs for last-minute requests might be higher. Our advice is to book your tailor-made journey well in advance to enjoy all the possible advantages that come with ample planning time.

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.

At Vita Calabra Tours, we do not charge a fee for creating a tailor-made tour proposal. We believe in offering a seamless and enjoyable planning experience without additional costs. Once you reach out to us with your ideas and preferences, we’ll work diligently to design an itinerary that suits your interests and budget. This initial proposal is our way of introducing you to the unique experiences we can create, with no obligation on your part until you decide to book the tour.

A tailor-made tour by Vita Calabra Tours is entirely customizable to meet your needs, whether you are a solo traveler or planning a trip for your entire family, friends, cousins, and neighbors. We are always happy and able to accommodate your specific requirements. However, for optimal tour experience, we recommend not exceeding a total of 20 people.

The inclusion of a tour leader in our tailor-made tours is not automatic but can be requested. We are flexible in accommodating this feature based on your specific needs and preferences for the tour.

Flights are not included in our tours. Nonetheless, we are more than willing to offer necessary information and guidance, ensuring clients can secure suitable flight options through their trusted travel agents.

During our tours, we offer private transfers, including minivans, minibuses, sedans, or SUVs, ensuring comfort and convenience. Vita Calabra Tours employs only qualified professionals with the appropriate licenses, adhering strictly to current passenger transport regulations. In some cases, particularly in destinations with robust transportation infrastructure, our travel specialists might recommend using high-speed trains or domestic flights for transfers between distant locations, to optimize your travel experience.

If you’re interested in an Ancestry tour, you can request genealogical services when filling out our survey (CLICK HERE). For genealogical research without a tour, contact us via our “Get in Touch” page (CLICK HERE) or email us at [email protected].

Over decades, we’ve helped many people connect with their roots in Southern Italy. A genealogical tour varies case by case, largely depending on the accuracy of the client’s information. Fortunate instances may lead to discovering distant relatives, ancestral homes, and historical documents. Our expert genealogists collaborate with local authorities and churches to gather as much information as possible, before, during, or after a tour.

A genealogical tour remains one of the most beautiful experiences one can have in life. Breathing the same breeze as your ancestors, seeing the places where they lived, the landscapes they admired, and the traditions they left behind creates a profound connection to your heritage. It’s a romantic journey that transcends time, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of those who came before you and to feel the essence of your family’s history.

The cost of genealogical research varies based on several factors. If you’re interested in conducting research and need assistance, please contact us through our contact form CLICK HERE or email us at [email protected].

To reserve your spot on our Group Tours, simply contact us via our contact form CLICK HERE or email us at [email protected]. We’ll send you a copy of the itinerary, booking form, and the tour’s terms and conditions. Your spot will be secured once you sign the documents and pay a 30% non-refundable deposit.

If you need to cancel your tour, please inform us at [email protected], and the following cancellation policies will apply:
– 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.

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.

If our group tour dates don’t align with your schedule, we can arrange a private trip for you with the same itinerary. Contact us via the contact form or email at [email protected], and we’d be happy to discuss and find the best solution for you.

At Vita Calabra Tours, specializing in tailor-made tours, we are more than happy to arrange extensions to your group tour. You can explore other beautiful Italian destinations such as Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, and many other iconic locations. If you’re interested in exploring this opportunity, we’d love to hear about your needs and preferences and create a no-obligation custom travel proposal for you. Contact us through our Contact Form (link to be provided) or email us at [email protected].

Every Vita Calabra Tours group tour includes a professional and licensed tour leader from start to finish. Our bilingual tour leaders are well-versed in the locales covered by the tour, ensuring everything runs smoothly. They assist clients throughout their journey, from the initial airport/station meeting to hotel check-ins and activities. The tour leader will be your go-to person, ensuring everyone has the necessary assistance to enjoy their journey to the fullest.

Flights are not included in our group tours. However, we’re happy to provide all the necessary information and advice so clients can find the right flight solutions with their trusted travel agents.

Throughout the group tour, from the first meeting to the final goodbye, we offer private transfers (minivans, minibuses, sedans, or SUVs). Vita Calabra Tours only works with qualified professionals holding appropriate licenses. Our drivers are professionals compliant with current passenger transport regulations.

Vita Calabra Tours’ group tours aim to offer high-quality experiences at the right price, ensuring unique connections with local culture. We choose accommodations that play a crucial role in the success of a tour. Our selections include boutique hotels, family-run agriturismos, historic manors, and luxury B&Bs, all with a soul, preferably family-operated, ensuring high-quality standards. Every detail matters to us, from the breakfast offerings to the decor and guest services.

Our group tours focus significantly on local gastronomy. Our itineraries balance included meals and free-time meals, allowing participants to enjoy carefully selected local culinary traditions and explore restaurants, cafes, and patisseries independently during ‘free nights’. Meal choices are closely tied to seasonality, organic produce, and local traditions, offering a variety of dishes from mountain to maritime traditions, meats to vegetables, desserts to wines. Traveling well involves dining well.

The minimum number of participants for a group tour is 2, while the maximum is 12. This ensures a personalized and intimate experience for each traveler.

Vita Calabra Tours’ group tours involve a moderate level of physical activity, mainly gentle walks through picturesque and marvelous itinerary locations. There may be instances of climbing stairs or navigating gentle slopes. We advise against participating in a group tour if you have significant mobility difficulties. However, if this is a concern for you, we would be happy to discuss your needs and evaluate a suitable solution. Please contact us through our form CLICK HERE or write to us at [email protected].

We can accommodate special requests and dietary restrictions after evaluating the specifics of each case. We readily offer various dietary alternatives if specified in the booking form’s appropriate section. We always encourage contacting us through our contact form CLICK HERE or via email at [email protected] to discuss specific needs in detail.

In addition to the constant presence of the tour leader, who will be every client’s point of reference, Vita Calabra Tours guarantees 24/7 support for any need or emergency. The group can request any assistance from the tour leader at any time during the tour. Emergency contact numbers for the tour leader and tour operator will also be shared for any necessity.

Vita Calabra Tours is an ethical tour operator deeply committed to sustainable tourism. Our sustainability values are encapsulated in our ‘Sustainability Policy‘, which details how we strive to respect the environment, local territories, traditions, animals, and people. For more information on our sustainable practices, please contact us at [email protected].

Staying connected after your journey with Vita Calabra Tours is something we highly value and encourage. To foster this sense of community, we have several platforms and initiatives:

Social Media Groups: We invite you to join our exclusive social media groups. These platforms are great for sharing memories, photos, and tips with fellow travelers who have experienced the beauty of Calabria.

Newsletter Subscription: By subscribing to our newsletter, you’ll receive regular updates, stories, and insights from other travelers, as well as information on upcoming tours and special events.

Traveler Testimonials and Blogs: We encourage our past guests to share their travel stories, either through testimonials on our website or guest blogs. This is a wonderful way to relive your journey and inspire future travelers.

By joining these platforms, you not only stay connected with the Vita Calabra Tours family but also become part of a larger community of travelers who share your love for authentic cultural experiences.

If you haven’t found the answer you’re looking for, we are more than happy to address any doubts or requests. Please feel free to reach out to us through our GET IN TOUCH page or via our email at [email protected], and we’ll assist you promptly.