Region Calabria

Calabria is the toe of the Italian boot. This hot and sleepy place with fiery burning peppers and honey-sweet onions, swordfish and tuna, Scylla and Charybdis will make you love it forever. Narrow streets are filled with mopeds, children, stairs, guitar strumming and a cute mess. Beaches, not crowded by the tourists, are framed with ultramarine waves. If you want to hear just one phrase about the culture and history of this beautiful place: pirates robbed local settlements with enviable constancy. But nature said a generous “thanks” and blossomed lushly. Roads blessed surrounded by olive trees, melons, lemon trees and liquorice (I hate it). Let’s go, we’ll show you another in Italy!

We will meet in Lamezia Terme (Reggio Calabria or other city if agreed)

Day 1

We will visit a wonderful southern cheese factory, of course, the tasting will be compulsory :) Cheeses such as caciocavallo, pecorino, pepato, cheese with pepper and tender ricotta are made here. Owners will tell you about the manufacturing and will definitely let you try each of these godlike cheeses!

After tasting, we will move to the Isola di Capo Rizzuto area. The Capo Rizzuto marine reserve is a small protected natural area. The rare species here are breathtaking. Our guide will show and tell you all the secrets of the reserve. The main attraction of Isola di Capo Rizzuto is the 16th-century Le Castella castle. Of course, we will not miss it in our program!

Visiting Aragonese castle. Its rocky base is geologically defined as "stagnation dome", which equals a bubble of magma, solidified throughout eruptions. You will love this place forever - the feeling of connection to magnificent nature and ancient architecture is so inspiring.

Lunch with the freshest seafood in a cosy local restaurant. Have you ever tried pasta with sea urchins or fish in a salt crust? Or maybe the freshest fritto misto? Today, you will have a chance to enjoy these delicious dishes.

What is the best way to spend time after lunch? Spoiler - not a nap! Surely, the wine tasting in Ciro Marina at one of the most famous wineries in Calabria from 1953. In addition to traditional local wines, which will delight even the pickiest person, olive oil tasting awaits you.

We will check in our favourite boutique hotel in the centre of Catanzaro. It’s even cosier than our homes!

Then, you will enjoy the evening walk in Catanzaro, the capital of the region. No need to be in a rush - your aim is to relax your body and soul. Believe me, this city is made for relaxing.

Dinner at one of the best restaurants in the city, as the locals said.

Day 2

Breakfast.

Transfer to Vibo Valentia. The main gastronomic feature of this district is "nduja" - spicy sausage with Calabrian pepper; bright red, very soft akin to a paste - it is something you have never tried before. Even in the process of ageing, the product retains its creaminess. We will observe the production and taste of the reference product.

Then, we will transfer to the beautiful Tropea, the “typical Italian town." Don’t forget to charge your camera to capture Tropea’s narrow streets, ancient churches, the historic centre, sea blessed by the sun. And of course, be ready to experience an emotional “overdose” from talking with good-natured locals and tasting delicious local food.

The main gastronomic attraction of the city is the sweet red onion (Cipolla Rossa di Tropea). It’s everywhere here. Therefore, you will have an unforgettable onion lunch at a local restaurant. Salads and pasta with onions, sauces and even onion ice cream!

Walk around the town kissed by the sun.

A visit to another winery, this time the Tropean one. Wine tasting and soulful gatherings with the hosts over a glass of southern wine.

Transfer to the Palmi, the famous city of the Calabrian mafia. So, you can imagine you are a movie star!

Settlement in a beautiful hotel near the sea.

Dinner with the freshest seafood prepared according to the local recipes.

Day 3

Breakfast.

Visiting Scylla, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, which was designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site. Scylla is located on the shores of the "Purple Coast", named due to the colour of the sea at certain hours of the day. The main jewel of this place is Castello Ruffo, which hangs over the sea.

The facades the houses piled one above the other and painted in different colours and the view of the coast of Sicily makes Scylla more likely to the dream-town than to a real city.

Lunch near the sea. Believe me, tuna and swordfish will be better than you can even imagine. After all, these fish are caught right here in the waters of Strait of Messina.

Visiting Reggio Calabria.

Reggio Calabria is considered one of the oldest cities in the region. It is famous for its picturesque views. Be sure to visit the legendary "city of bronze statues" museum. This is not just an ordinary museum, but a way to understand the history of the region.

Then, the master class Calabrian traditional cuisine in a local restaurant will be waiting for you. You will try to cook pasta in an old manner - with the help of a piece of metal wire. You will cook rolls of swordfish, parmigiana with eggplant and many other famous dishes. And, traditionally, self-cooked masterpieces for dinner.

The end of our fascinating journey.

A price starts from: €3000