Join me in a unique itinerary in the fantastic land of chili peppers, made of genuine hospitality, bucolic atmospheres and delicious wine & food tastings, to the beat of the epic “tarantella” traditional dance.
Start Date
May, 24 2021
Duration
12 Days
Group Size
Maximum 12
Guided
By Angelina
Day 1
Welcome to Calabria!
Stay in a XVI century castle in the gorgeous village of Altomonte for 4 nights, with Aperitivo and dinner in the refined restaurant of the manor. Discover this famous hamlet, one the most beautiful villages of Italy and immersed in the breathtaking scenery of the Pollino National Park.
Day 2
Back to Medieval Times
Discover the beautiful Altomonte through its romantic alleyways and meet Maestro Russo, a third generation local potter. Visit the fascinating Morano Calabro, immersed in the fantastic scenery of the Pollino National Park and enjoy Master Liutist Gino’s Laboratory through the story of his fantastic instruments.
Day 3
The Calabrese-Arbereshe community and visit to prehistorical houses
Enjoy the day exploring Civita with its cityscape of majectic facades and chimneys, home of the biggest community of Calabrian Arbereshe, with a gourmet journey in a local osteria. Stop in Papasidero for a jump back to prehistorical times and prepare yourselves for a breathtaking experience in an incredible place.
Day 4
Calabrese Farming Secrets and Chef Pasquale’s ancient recipes
Start your day in the greenery of the Pollino National Park discovering the famous Calabrian black pig with the secrets of this native breed and its exceptional Dop meat. Join Chef Pasquale for a cooking class and be ready for a special tour of the historical downtown of Cosenza with a typical Calabrian flavours dinner.
Day 5
In the heart of Pollino National Park and River Tribe Adventure
Piano Ruggio waits for you for a trekking in the heart of Pollino National Park even the magnificent Belvedere del Malvento with its gorgeous Loricati Pine trees. Discover the spectacular canyons of Lao River with an exciting rafting excursion through the beautiful colours and sounds of this pristine slice of heaven.
Day 6
Enchanting islands of Calabria
Tour Praia a Mare and San Nicola Arcella through a fantastic boatride together with the famous Dino’s Island, renowned for its spectacular views with the Grotta Azzurra and the Arco Magno. Discover Orsomarso, visit the Chilli Pepper House and learn everything there is to know about the symbol of Calabria, il peperoncino.
Day 7
Tropea, The Pearl of Calabria.
Discover Tropea, the pearl of Calabria and visit the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola, one of the most beautiful sights in Italy, together with Pizzo, charming village with the Murat Castle and the romantic church of Piedigrotta. The famous Tropea Onion will be the main event of your dinner in the heart of Tropea.
Day 8
Discovering Stromboli Island and its sulfurean waters
Spend a whole day for an incredible experience in the Eolian Islands enjoying Stromboli Island, which is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, swimming in the sulfurean waters of Vulcano Island and experiencing the natural wonders of Lipari and colourful Salina.
Day 9
The Cummari from Zungri
Start your daytrip with an immersive spiritual experience in Zungri, a tiny hamlet with an amazing story. Discover also all the secrets of traditional bread-making in Calabria for a fascinating immersion in the past. Lunch will be in “country Calabrian style” with unique delicacies to taste.
Day 10
The Venice of South Italy and the fascinating story of the Bronzi di Riace
The stunning Venice of South Italy, Scilla, a small fishing village with its fortress Castello Ruffo, is waiting for you with its characteristic downtown, together with Chianalea, a charming hamlet that lies on the coast of Calabria between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the slopes of Aspromonte.
Day 11
Greeks and Ghosts
Visit Reggio Calabria, with its Museum discovering the famous Bronzi di Riace and learn about the cultivation of the bergamotto, refined essence with all its uses.The tour will continue in Pentedattilo, a fascinating hamlet and famous ghost village of Calabria, the story of which is all about ghosts and “dark legends”.
Day 12
Arrivederci!
In the morning we will be at Reggio Calabria International Airport, from where flights depart daily for almost every destination in Italy.
Full Description
Calabria is an undiscovered treasure trove of history and culture: a place which only offers up its secrets of time and history to the intrepid traveller determined to scratch beneath the surface. This wealth of history and tradition is mirrored in the magnificent curves and bends of the extraordinary landscape.
Exhibiting many of the same qualities as the places where history began, Calabria epitomises the cross roads of influences between East and West, which in turn gave birth to an artistic and cultural heritage of great charm and inspiration. It is a land adored by the sun and embraced by two seas, right in the heart of the Mediterranean.
It is a land both mythical and beautiful, inhabited by people of extrordinary generosity who will make you feel instantly at home. Calabria is truly not just a place to be visited, but a place to be lived.
This itinerary is designed to showcase the contrasting landscape of Calabria, and includes spending meaningful time with local people who have an intimate relationship with their land. Thus, this tour give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique tastes and flavours of an unspoiled and breathtaking region of Italy.
Features
✔ Eleven nights accommodation in a XVI century Castle, boutique hotels and boutique agriturismi
✔ Private driver transfers from Lamezia Int. Airport and to Reggio Calabria Int. Airport (transfers will be a full optionals minibus for groups)
✔ Visit to Altomonte, the jewel of the Pollino National Park with visit to the traditional local pottery with Maestro Maurizio Russo
✔ Morano Calabro discovering an old Dominican monastery and visit to Master Liutist Gino’s Laboratory
✔ Civita, the heart of Community of the Calabrian Arbereshe
✔ Papasidero, for a jump back to prehistorical times
✔ Cosenza, with a special tour discovering the historical downtown
✔ Piano Ruggio with the trekking in the Pollino National Park and rafting excursion at Lao River’s canyon
✔ San Nicola Arcella and Praia a Mare, sea tour with the famous Dino’s Island
✔ Orsomarso a charming village discovering the Chilli Pepper House
✔ Scalea, and its special cooking class in historical location
✔ Tropea, the Pearl of Calabria, visiting the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola, one of the most beautiful sights in Italy
✔ Pizzo Calabro, discovering the Murat Castle and the romantic Church of Piedigrotta
✔ Stromboli Island and Vulcano Island Lipari with its colourful Salina
✔ Zungri discovering the secrets of traditional calabrian bread-making
✔ Scilla with the visit to Ruffo Castle Chianalea fishing village with its charming little alleyways Gerace with its stunning panoramas
✔ Reggio Calabria and its famous Museum with the stunning Bronzi di Riace Pentedattilo, fashinating hamlet known as the Ghost Village of Calabria overlooking the Aspromonte National Park
✔ Bova, a corner of paradise with its historical paths and traditions
✔ Cooking class with famous typical regional products
✔ Extra virgin olive Oil tasting&tour in local olive mill
✔ Entrance to sites as per itinerary
✔ Daily gourmet breakfast, Welcome Aperitif and Arrivederci Aperitif, eleven lunches and eleven dinners (with Welcome and Farewell Dinners) and beverages included during the meals (1/2 lt of wine per person)
✔ English-speaking Staff, Food&Wine Expert Guide and concierge services
What is not included
✖ Travel Insurance
✖ Airfare
✖ Lunch and dinner during the free time as well as extra beverage and food
✖ Tips and personal expenses
✖ Everything not mentioned in the package.
Useful Information
We suggest you to bring with you:
• A pair of walking/comfortable shoes
• A cardigan for the evening
• A rain jacket
• Sunscreen and hat