Starts in Tropea, ends in Ischia town

Calabria: An Adventure in the South of Italy

8 days

Calabria, the hidden gem at the heel of Italy, sways between the deep blue of the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. Here, where the sun rises gently over ancient hills, a theater of nature unfolds, written in olive groves, mountain-hugged villages and the sensual dance of lemon trees.

What you'll see

Itinerary & map

This excursion takes you into the hinterland of Calabria. The journey takes you to Zungri, a community located at about 571 meters above sea level on the northern side of the Poro plateau. Zungri is characterized by its simple architecture in the historic town center, which authentically reflects rural life over time and has been preserved to this day. You have the opportunity to visit the Zungri Caves and St. Mary's Church of the Snows (entrance fee included). After this cultural experience, you will reach a small family business that produces Nduja (a typical Calabrian salami), wine and cheese. A small tasting of these regional delicacies awaits you here, followed by the opportunity to purchase these specialties. After this enjoyable stopover, you will return to the hotel where you will have free time. Dinner will be served later, followed by a relaxing overnight stay in the Tropea/Capo Vaticano area.

Today your exploration tour begins along the top of the boot. Your first destination is Pizzo, a picturesque fishing village of incomparable beauty. Stroll through the narrow streets and squares to capture the charming atmosphere before reaching the small church of Piedigrotta (entrance fee, approximately €3 per person). This grotto church, carved into the tuff stone, is hardly noticeable at first glance. According to legend, it was built by Neapolitan shipwrecked sailors who placed an altar here to thank them for their rescue. Hundreds of tuff biblical figures watch as you explore the interior. Afterwards, you will visit the Pizzo Castle together with your tour guide (entrance fee included). This beautiful Aragonese castle, also known as "Castello Aragonese Murat", dates back to the 14th century and is really worth seeing. Of course, a break with a delicious Tartufo ice cream (on request, 1/4 piece included) should not be missed here. Did you know that this ice cream specialty comes from Pizzo? On the way back to Tropea, take a sightseeing tour of this town perched on a steep mountain cliff. The residents of the houses in the front row must have a head for heights! You'll visit the 12th-century Norman cathedral and explore the amazingly well-preserved historic center. The church of Santa Maria dell'Isola (view from the outside) sits gracefully on a rock by the sea. For climbing the steep stairs you will be rewarded with a fantastic view of Tropea. Further along the coast you finally reach Capo Vaticano, where the journey turns out to be a small highlight - numerous motifs for a postcard souvenir photo! On the cape itself you will find the famous lighthouse. From here there is a breathtaking view over the bay and the cliffs, and when visibility is good even as far as the Aeolian Islands. To round off the day, stop off at a specialty shop. Take advantage of the opportunity and find a culinary holiday souvenir here. Dinner and overnight stay are in the Tropea/Capo Vaticano area.

Departure to the farm, located in the heart of Calabria's agriculture, halfway between Lamezia Terme and Piana. Centuries-old olive groves, local and international vineyards and citrus fruits extend over an area of 500 hectares. Finally, an oil and wine tasting awaits you, combined with the opportunity to purchase other delicacies from our region. The journey continues to Curinga, where a fascinating adventure awaits you - a step back in time to places that exude centuries-old charm. Here, admire the famous Platano, a thousand-year-old tree that came second in the European "Tree of the year 2021" competition. Just a few meters away is the Eremo di Sant’Elia, a monastery built in the year 1,000 by Brazilian monks who came from Armenia to seek refuge in prayer and solitude. After a nature walk you will reach the characteristic village of Curinga, where you can take a pleasant walk through the old town. Optionally you can enjoy a good coffee or lunch here. The day ends with dinner and a relaxing overnight stay in the Tropea/Capo Vaticano area.

Today is your free time. Take advantage of the sunshine to relax on the beach or explore the area on your own. If you wish, you have the opportunity to take part in a mini-cruise from Tropea to the Aeolian Islands. The “Islands of the Wind” promise a very special nature experience. The first stage takes you to Stromboli, the mystical fire breather. The volcano has been erupting several times a day for 2,000 years, and the spectacular eruptions are fascinating to watch. Lipari impresses with numerous boutiques and cafés and has still managed to retain its charming character. Vulcano, one of the most active Aeolian Islands, is also on your route. Although the last eruption was more than 120 years ago, sulfur vapor still rises from numerous holes in the ground. The day ends with dinner and a relaxing overnight stay in the Tropea/Capo Vaticano area.

Gerace is not called the “City of a Hundred Churches” for nothing, as there are numerous places of worship to discover here. The most famous of them is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (entrance fee included). With impressive dimensions of 73 meters long and 26 meters wide, it is the largest church in Calabria. The seaside resort of Locri impresses with its characteristic bourgeois buildings from the 19th century. About 3 kilometers outside the city center is an archaeologically important area - the Locri Archaeological Area and the associated museum (entrance fee included). Here you can explore the remains of ancient Greece, including temples, theaters and enclosure walls. The day ends with dinner and a relaxing overnight stay in the Tropea/Capo Vaticano area.

Today is your free time. Explore the surrounding area at your leisure or enjoy the amenities of your hotel. If you have decided on the optional excursion (can be booked in advance, €50 per person) to Scilla/Reggio, you will start after breakfast along the "Costa Viola" to Scilla. The picturesque fishing district of Chianalea nestles in the small bay below the cathedral and the castle. The name is derived from "Canali", the small valleys between the rocky ridges on which the fishermen's houses stand. You will also have the opportunity to admire the outside of the Ruffo family castle and the church of San Rocco, the city's patron saint. In the afternoon the journey takes you to the tip of the boot in Reggio Calabria. Did you know that the city is located right in the middle of the Mediterranean? At the Archaeological Museum (entrance fee not included) you can admire the fascinating collection of ancient Greece, including the impressive bronze statues of Riace, which were discovered in 1972 at the bottom of the Ionian Sea not far from Riace Marina in Calabria. A walk along the lake promenade will make you understand the famous writer and poet Gabriele d'Annunzio, who described this place as the most beautiful kilometer in Italy. You will pass the Roman baths and the Mura Greche archaeological park before visiting the cathedral (entrance fee included) in the city. The day ends with dinner and a relaxing overnight stay in the Tropea/Capo Vaticano area.

transfer to the airport

map
Included
  • Transfers and tour in air-conditioned coach as per itinerary
  • 7 nights in a 4-star hotel e.g. B. Villaggio Club Costa Degli Dei
  • Accommodation in a double room
  • 7 x half board consisting of breakfast buffet and choice of menu for dinner
  • 1 travel guide per room (eBook)
  • Your included excursions at a glance:
  • 1 x full day trip to Pizzo and Capo Vaticano (day 2)
  • 1 x full day trip to Piana de Lamezia and Curniga (day 3)
  • 1 x full day excursion Zungri (day 4)
  • 1 x full day trip to Gerace and Locri (day 6)
Not included
  • personal expenses
  • unmentioned meals
  • optional excursions
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