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Read More Southern Italy (Calabria)
Special Value Holidays in October and the Holiday Season
Both fall and Christmas are lovely times of year in Southern Italy, as the pleasant mild climate is ideal for walking and exploring the small villages and towns of the Calabrian region. The Holiday Season in particular is a very special time of year in Calabria. It is one of the few regions of Italy where old traditions thrive, and ancient festivals and customs are still enjoyed.
Calabria is Italy's most unspoiled region, and is off the major tourist routes. Each turn of the road here reveals secluded valleys, remote hilltop villages and architectural gems that range from Greek and Roman ruins to Norman castles, Byzantine monasteries and Romanesque cathedrals. The dramatic coastline features secluded sandy beaches and bustling resorts, including the city of Reggio Calabria with its lovely wide promenades.
We will stay in the seaside town of Siderno, which has a pleasant boardwalk along the seafront. Our hotel is the moderate Grand Presidente, owned by a local family with a long experience of welcoming visitors. It is modern in design and conveniently located on the main route between Catanzaro (the region's capital) and Reggio. The hotel overlooks the Ionian Sea, which is accessible via the hotel's private pedestrian tunnel. The centre of town and its boardwalk are 2 km. away and can be reached by road or a stroll along the beach. Visiting the nearby towns and villages is easily done by public bus.
Facilities of the hotel include a main restaurant, bar, pool with lounge chairs, tennis court and fitness centre. Guestrooms of the hotel are comfortably furnished with a balcony or terrace. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily, with wine and water served with lunch and dinner (which are “table service” meals). WiFi is complimentary throughout the hotel.
Hospitality is a way of life in Calabria and this tour offers a unique opportunity to engage with the country and its proudly independent people in a personal way, to gain insight into their hearts and minds. We will explore the vibrant markets, visit tiny hilltop villages where time seems to have stood still for centuries, discover typical dishes of the region at a local farm, and enjoy language lessons, folklore and dance performances at our hotel.
Once you’ve immersed yourself in Calabria you’ll no longer be a tourist, but forever regarded as a welcome guest.
*Those joining any of our tours to Europe must be able to walk fairly long distances and climb stairs easily.
Itinerary / Excursions
We first visit Gioiosa Jonica, a typical village with an open-air market offering local produce. Our next visit today is Mammola, famous for its narrow streets, historic centre and brilliant flower displays.
A half-day tour to Gerace, called the "tiny Florence" of Calabria for its medieval appearance, many churches and a cathedral dated from 1045.
A visit to Siderno Antica, a small ancient village, to see how the villagers live and work. We visit private houses and see an exhibition of embroidery making.
A full-day tour to Reggio Calabria, the area's largest town. Our sightseeing includes the surrounding countryside and a stop to view the Bronzi di Riace at the National Museum.
A visit to Locri, one of the oldest Magna Grecian cities in southern Italy. The site was established by Greek colonists between 710 - 683 BC. A small museum houses locally excavated finds including Hellenistic pottery and votive statues.
A visit to a local farm to see the production of olive oil and wine.
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