Calabria, in the far south of Italy, is a unique land washed by the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas, separated from Sicily by the Strait of Messina. Here, wild nature, golden beaches and millennial history come together, offering unforgettable experiences in every season.
Those seeking peace and adventure can explore the unspoiled hinterland, including forests, lakes and waterfalls. The coasts, on the other hand, offer enchanting seaside resorts where the sun and crystal clear sea are the stars. Culture lovers will find in the villages, churches and castles the traces of a past rich in history, from the splendors of Magna Graecia to centuries-old traditions.
Not to be missed is a visit to the Riace Bronzes, masterpieces of Greek art housed in Reggio Calabria. In Cosenza, the “Athens of Italy,” the old town’s ancient charm is mixed with modern vibrancy.
Even the flavors tell the story of Calabria: chili peppers, ‘nduja, Tropea red onions and local wines express the essence of this authentic land.
Calabria is a place that conquers with its landscapes, culture and warmth, giving intense emotions to those who choose to discover it. A journey that leaves its mark, between tradition and wonder.
Tour schedule
01 Day: Destination Cilento National Park
Meeting of participants in the early morning, settling in a Gran Turismo bus and
departure for Cilento with appropriate stops along the way Lunch in a restaurant. Late
afternoon arrival in the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park area. Accommodation in
hotel, time to relax, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 02: Altomonte – Paola – Amantea
After breakfast, meet with local guide and take a guided tour of the ancient “Balbia” of
Altomonte, the medieval village characterized by narrow alleys that develop around the Church
of the Consolation, the greatest example of Gothic-Angevin art in Calabria. At the end
continuation to the Tyrrhenian coast. Stop in Paola to visit the Sanctuary of San
Francesco, a monumental work in the gorge of the Isca River, and for lunch in a restaurant with a menu at
based on typical dishes. Continue along the coastal road with a view of Fiumefreddo Bruzio
,a charming village perched on a rocky outcrop. Guided tour of the historic center of Amantea
with its elegant pastel-colored palaces, the 15th-century Church of San Bernardino da Siena
and the Byzantine-Norman era castle. Hotel accommodation in the Gulf area
diSant’Eufemia, time to relax, dinner and overnight.
Day 03: Tropea – Pizzo Calabro – Roccella Jonica
After breakfast guided itinerary along the famous Gulf of S. Eufemia with enchanting
views of the landscapes opening onto the Tyrrhenian Sea. Arrival in Tropea and visit of the locality with the
Hercules Square dominated by a beautiful 18th-century palace, Corso Vittorio Emanuele ending
with the enchanting balcony overlooking the sea, the Norman-era Cathedral and the Church of San
Francis. Opportunity to enjoy the enchanting views offered by as many as six belvederes overlooking the
sea that give this locality the nickname “balcony over the Mediterranean.” Time at
disposal for lunch in a restaurant and shopping in the characteristic stores where the
famous red onion of Tropea stands out. Continuation to Pizzo Calabro, dominated by the Castle of
Murat, for the scenic walk to the Church of Piedigrotta, in an enchanting position
on the Gulf of S. Eufemia and carved entirely within a tuffaceous spur. At the end, time at leisure to taste the famous “Tartufo,” a historic ice cream of the Costa degli Dei that has its roots precisely at
Pizzo Calabro, handcrafted by master ice cream makers according to the ancient recipe
. Continuation to the Ionian coast, the Riviera dei Gelsomini. Accommodation in
hotel in the Rocella Jonica area, dinner and overnight.
Day 04: Gerace – Scilla – Reggio Calabria
After breakfast itinerary in Locride until reaching Gerace, the “pearl of the Ionian
Sea” or “holy city” for the numerous monasteries it housed. Guided tour of the romantic town,
now a national monument, with the Cathedral, the Church of St. Francis and the charming village
with characteristic narrow streets, noble palaces, typical craft stores dominated by the Norman Castle
. Lunch in a characteristic restaurant with typical menu. In the afternoon transfer to the
Tyrrhenian coast for a guided walk to Scilla, a delightful ancient village,perched on a
spur in a dominant position and with a Castle of Norman origin. Hotel accommodation at
Reggio Calabria, time to relax and dinner. Evening stroll along what
Gabriele d’Annunzio called “the most beautiful kilometer in Italy”: the Matteotti promenade adorned by the vast
palm grove with Art Nouveau palaces, memorial monuments and monumental fountains.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Reggio Calabria – Rossano – Matera
After breakfast guided tour of the Archaeological Museum for a view of the Bronze Statues of Riace, the
famous statues dating back to the 5th century BC. At the end of the visit departure for the Gulf of Policoro with
appropriate stop along the way for refreshments. Itinerary close to the Sila plateau, Park
National Park covered with beech, pine and fir trees, until we reach Rossano, a historic Italian town of the
Amarelli Licorice. Guided tour of the Diocesan Museum, which houses the Codex Purpureus, a UNESCO World Heritage
sacred text. Touching on Sibari, one of the most flourishing colonies of
Magna Graecia, arrival in Matera. Accommodation at the hotel . Dinner in a restaurant inside the characteristic Sassi, a fascinating timeless place with white facades and enchanting streets carved into the rock. Return to hotel and overnight stay.
Day 06: Matera – Return Journey
After a buffet breakfast, depart for the return journey with stops for refreshments . Then continuation of the journey to your final destinations.
Note: The program can be worked out according to your Starting Location