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.
Calabria is one of Italy’s most untouched regions, off the major tourist routes, where old traditions thrive, and ancient festivals and customs are still enjoyed. From secluded valleys to remote hilltop villages, Roman ruins to Romanesque cathedrals, this is a region steeped in history. The dramatic coastline is studded with secluded beaches and bustling resorts, making Calabria a destination with something for everyone.
We will explore vibrant markets, taste regional dishes, and visit tiny hilltop villages where time has stood still for centuries.
Our home base will be the well-located seaside town of Siderno, in the moderate Grand President, an easy 2 km walk away from the town centre. The hotel overlooks the Ionian Sea, accessible via the hotel’s private pedestrian tunnel. It has a restaurant, bar, tennis court, and fitness centre, and each comfortable guest room has a balcony or terrace. All meals are included daily, and Wi-Fi is complimentary.
En route to Calabria we will spend an overnight in Rome— “The Eternal City”, including a city tour, lunch at a local restaurant, and dinner.
Included Excursions:
- Gioiosa Ionica: We will start with a trip to Gioiosa Ionica, a typical village with a stop at the open-air market to see (and sample!) the fresh, colourful local produce. Our lunch today will be at the home of a Calabrese family.
- Gerace: A half-day tour to the magical town of Gerace, nicknamed Calabria’s “tiny Florence” thanks to its wonderfully preserved medieval past. The historic centre is full of beautiful old churches and buildings, many of which are dug directly into the rock.
- Siderno Superiore: We will visit this small, ancient village to see how the villagers live and work, then enjoy a typical regional lunch with local products.
- Reggio Calabria: We will take a full-day tour to Reggio Calabria, the region’s largest town, taking in the picturesque countryside, with a stop to see the Bronzi di Riace at the National Museum. We will also visit the enchanting coastal village of Scilla —a place reminiscent of the famous Cinque Terre, with colourful houses overlooking calm waters, but not nearly as many tourists!
- Locri: Sitting among hectares of ancient olive groves is the most important archaeological area in Calabria. Established by the ancient Greeks between the 8th and 7th century BC, this seaside town was once the centre of the political and artistic life in Magna Graecia (the Greek settlement in what is now Southern Italy). We will visit a museum with locally excavated finds including Hellenic pottery, architectural remains and objects used by women in everyday life.
- Farm Visit: We will spend some time at a local farm to see how olive oil and wine are produced in the region—and have a chance to sample the delicious products.
- Calabrese Dinners: We will enjoy two special dinners with delicious regional specialties, featuring performances by local musicians, plus a gala farewell dinner on the final night.
- Cultural program: This trip is a chance to immerse ourselves in the warm and vibrant
- Calabrian culture: the hotel hosts a variety of wonderful programs, including language lessons, cooking demonstrations, music, folklore and artisan presentations.
- Rome: On our city tour of Rome we’ll see the highlights—a half day tour dedicated to a guided tour of the monuments and places that made the history of the ancient Roman Empire: Colosseum, symbol of the Eternal City, Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, Piazza Venezia, Theatre of Marcellus, Mouth of Truth, Temple of Vesta (all exterior only).
