A Week in Calabria

A week in Calabria

One of Italy’s best kept secrets, nestled in the ‘toe’ of the boot, at the extreme south of the Italian peninsula, is without a doubt the region of Calabria – a balcony on the Mediterranean, lapped by the splendid crystal blue Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas and separated from Sicily by the Strait of Messina. The warm climate, the beautiful colors of the sea, rocky coasts that alternate with sandy beaches, a nature that is wild and mysterious, the strong and genuine flavors of local food and the vestiges of its ancient origins make Calabria a unique place to visit.

Begin Your Calabrian Itinerary by visiting Crotone, the City of Pythagoras, and one of the lesser-visited areas of the region. A most interesting place is La Sila National Park, the greenest of Calabria’s national reserves. You will be given the possibility to have a trekking experience with a WWF qualified guide that will lead You into the wood to capture the best panoramic views of La Sila.

Embark from Marina Le Castella on a mini cruise along the Ionian sea during which the Captain will lead You to explore the famous Marine Reserve of Capo Rizzuto. The colour of the sea changes from sky blue to emerald green and the coast, rich in history and nature, is so spectacular that in 1991 was declared a marine protected area. During the cruise You can visit all the most beautiful coastlines around Capo Rizzuto while enjoying a drink served on board. You can also take advantage of the stops along the enchanting coves to have a quick dip into the crystal clear sea. You cannot miss visiting the enchanting Aragonese Castle, standing on a small island connected with the coast by a thin strip of land, and Santa Severina, which is one of the most suggestive centers of the region. Due to its peculiar location, on a rocky cliff at 1,070 feet above sea level, it is called the “stone ship”. Stroll through the streets of the old town and discover the beautiful Castle of the 11th century and its Cathedral which dates back to the 13th Century.

Make your way, we guarantee that You won’t regret it, to Pizzo to admire the famous little Piedigrotta church, its old town with the castle of Murat and to taste the truffle ice cream of Pizzo. Don’t leave without trying the renowned dessert: tartufo di Pizzo (truffle). Then enjoy a guided tour of Tropea, a picturesque beach town located along the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Stroll around its old town center full of shops, noble palaces and churches, visit the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola, located on a cliff overlooking the sea: we recommend to walk up the stone steps to the highest point for a great view of the beautiful coastline!

Absolutely do not miss a stop in Capo Vaticano, the last strip of land before the Straits of Messina, a famous bathing place that offers a stunning natural scenery of incomparable beauty. The most suggestive bay near Capo Vaticano is Grotticelle, featuring three little beaches placed side by side, with extra fine sand and small rocks speckling a crystal clear blue sea. The journey continues towards Reggio Calabria to explore its splendid Lungomare (seafront promenade), called “the most beautiful kilometer in Italy” by poet G. D’Annunzio. Rich in Greek’s, Roman’s and Byzantine’s influence, Reggio is one of the largest cities of Calabria, located in the last point of the “boot” of the Italian peninsula, between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea. The streets are lined with elegant buildings, there are great shops (time of shopping), and the superb bronze Riace statues at the prestigious National Archaeological Museum of Magna Græcia. End the journey by discovering Scilla, famous for its charming fishermen’s quarter Chianalea. If You walk through the charming little alleyways, You can easily meet the fishermen outside their homes making fishing nets, repairing their boats or preparing to leave to face another day at sea.

The rate includes

• 3 overnights in 4 star hotels in Crotone on BB basis;
• 1 overnight in 4 star hotels in Tropone on BB basis;
• 2 overnights in 4 star hotels in Reggio Calabria on BB basis;
• Private transfers and private guide as per program;
• 4 hours private boat tour as including aperitif and snorkeling equipment;
• Entrance fees as per program.

• Hotel city tax to be paid on spot;
• Assistant at disposal for the whole period;
• Tips (to driver and guide);
• All items not specified in the chapter “the prices include”.