REGION VISITED:
Calabria
PLACES VISITED:
Altomonte, Rossano, Civita, Morano, Catanzaro, Tropea, Scilla, Zungri, Reggio Calabria, Pizzo
DURATION:
9 Days
Dive into the enchanting world of Calabria, a land of boundless beauty, where every corner tells a story of ancient traditions, breathtaking vistas, and unparalleled flavors. This 8 night, 9 day small group tour is a celebration of life, designed for those who crave connection to history, to culture, and to the soul stirring magic of Southern Italy.
Imagine wandering through picturesque villages steeped in centuries old charm, sailing crystal clear waters that shimmer like a dream, and savoring dishes crafted with love and tradition. From the legendary Bronzi di Riace to the mesmerizing sunsets over the Aeolian Islands, each moment is crafted to ignite your senses and leave you inspired.
Join us on this unforgettable journey and uncover the best things to do in Calabria, where adventure meets serenity and every day becomes a story worth telling.
550€
Lamezia Terme International Airport
Your adventure begins the moment you arrive at Lamezia Terme International Airport. A warm welcome from our team sets the tone for your journey as you’re whisked away to a magnificent farm castle hotel in Altomonte. Settle into the charming countryside and take a moment to soak in the serene ambiance of this historic retreat.
In the evening, indulge in an authentic welcome dinner crafted with the finest local ingredients. Raise a glass to the start of your Calabrian adventure in a setting steeped in history and hospitality.
Included:
Wake up to the aroma of fresh pastries and coffee before heading into the enchanting streets of Altomonte. Discover its unique Gothic architecture and visit a local artisan’s workshop, where you’ll witness the creation of stunning pottery that embodies centuries old traditions.
Next, dive into the world of Calabrian olive oil at a historic mill. Learn about the production process, taste the “liquid gold” of Calabria, and savor a rustic lunch featuring local specialties.
In the afternoon, explore the medieval village of Morano Calabro, perched on a hilltop in Pollino National Park. Wander its cobbled streets, visit the medieval castle, and enjoy a magical performance on the Calabrian lira, an ancient musical instrument.
Cap off the day with a hearty dinner at a traditional farmhouse restaurant, where every dish tells a story of Calabrian culinary heritage.
Included:
Step back in time with a visit to the Amarelli Licorice Factory, where the art of licorice production has been perfected over generations. Afterward, journey to Civita, a village rich in Arbereshe culture, where the traditions of Albanian settlers from the 15th century are still alive today.
Stroll through streets lined with “talking houses” and learn about the unique Arbereshe customs, language, and cuisine. For lunch, savor traditional dishes paired with ancient Calabrian wines, a true feast for the senses.
The evening offers time to relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries back at your farm castle.
Included:
Set sail on a private boat tour exploring the dazzling coastline of San Nicola Arcella. Marvel at the natural beauty of Dino’s Island, the Grotta Azzurra, and the iconic ArcoMagno, a hidden cove accessible only by sea.
For lunch, delight in the freshest seafood at a charming seaside restaurant. As you return to your castle accommodation, let the gentle sea breeze and stunning views linger in your memory.
Included:
Embark on a journey through time at San Floro, where the ancient art of silk production is brought to life. Learn about the “golden thread” of Calabria and enjoy an organic farm-to-table lunch prepared by local artisans.
On the way to Tropea, stop at Pizzo Calabro to visit the enchanting Piedigrotta Church and indulge in the town’s famous Tartufo di Pizzo gelato. Arrive in Tropea, where your boutique hotel awaits in the heart of this coastal jewel.
Included:
Spend your morning exploring Tropea’s historic center. Lose yourself in its labyrinth of narrow streets, ancient buildings, and sea views.
In the evening, head to a vineyard overlooking the Aeolian Islands. Sip on exceptional wines paired with local delicacies as the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson.
Included:
Visit the fascinating cave dwellings of Zungri, a glimpse into Calabria’s ancient past. Participate in a hands-on bread-making workshop, guided by local women who keep this tradition alive.
After a hearty country-style lunch, return to Tropea for a relaxing evening.
Included:
Conclude your journey with a visit to the picturesque fishing village of Scilla. Stroll through the charming alleys of Chianalea and savor a seafood lunch by the sea. In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Reggio Calabria, home to the world-famous Bronzi di Riace, and uncover the mysteries of these ancient Greek statues.
End the day with a farewell gourmet dinner in Tropea, celebrating the flavors and memories of your Calabrian adventure.
Included:
After breakfast, your private transfer will take you to Lamezia Terme Airport. As you bid farewell to Calabria, take with you the memories of its landscapes, flavors, and stories.
Included:
Private transfer to the airport.
Group Tours Booking and Cancellation Policies
To reserve your spot on our Group Tours, simply contact us via our contact form 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.
Tour Customization
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].
Tour Inclusions and Logistics
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.
Accommodations and Meals
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.
Group Size and Physical Requirements
The minimum number of participants for a group tour is 4, 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].