Italy: Highlights of Calabria
Price- $2,684
9 Days | Discover the secrets of Italy’s vibrant south on a journey through Calabria
Embark on a journey south in Calabria, from the striking Amalfi coastline to Sicily’s Catania, visiting the best spots along the way. From the pristine waters and the stalwart fortifications of Tropea, all the way to the smoke gently floating from the volcanoes of the Aeolian Islands – Calabria is a hidden gem for those who stray off Italy’s beaten path. With plenty of opportunity to relax and soak up the Mediterranean sun seaside, you’ll also get to raise your heart rate with a hike through Pollino National Park and a fishing experience with the locals on a traditional boat. Explore the active volcanoes scattered across the Aeolian Islands and wander the historic and charming streets of Taormina, Catania and Tropea. A mixture of culture, nature, history and cuisine (this is Italy, after all), this trip has everything and more!
Trip overview
StartMinori, Italy
EndCatania, Italy
DestinationsItaly
StyleOriginal
AgesMin 15
Group SizeMin 1 - Max 12
ThemeExplorer
Trip CodeZMSK
Itinerary
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in the quaint small town of Minor, on the UNESO World Heritage listed Amalfi Coast. This peninsula's rocky coasts, azure seas and whitewashed villages are quintessential Italy and this small town accommodation provides all the iconic views of Amalfi Town without the tourist crowds. You'll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps stroll along the coast or find a gorgeous little restaurant for pizza and wine with a view.
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This morning you'll travel to Civita by boat, train and private vehicle. Civita was founded by Albanian refugees in the Middle Ages and the Civitesi are recognised as an ethnic minority by the Italian Government. Their language, arberesh, is a mixture of Italian and Albanian and is only spoken here and in some parts of Sicily. Take a walk around this fascinating village, then perhaps choose to visit a local winery and cheese producer, or just walk in the scenic hills instead.
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After breakfast today, you’ll hike into the beautiful Pollino National Park that surrounds Civita. With sheer cliffs, narrow canyons and a diverse range of wildlife including the peregrine falcon, eagle owl and the recently reintroduced Egyptian vulture, this area is a wildlife lover's paradise. If you'd like to opt out of the hike, you can kick back on the terrace of your guesthouse and enjoy the scenery and hospitality of the locals. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure.
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After breakfast this morning, you’ll transfer from Civita to Paola, before taking the train on to Tropea. Tropea has a striking sense of timelessness, created by the streets full of faded buildings and the iconic fortifications that line the city’s cliffs. Explore the town as you head out on an orientation walk. You may want to visit the local Norman cathedral, the Duomo, which holds an icon of the town’s celebrated protectress, the Madonna of Romania. There’s also the Museo Diocesano, a tiny museum hiding in the Palazzo Vescovile next to the Duomo, which is full of religious art and wooden statues. If you’d prefer some time by the water, feel free to head to the beach and marvel at the looming structures on the cliffs nearby.
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If the weather is fine, you'll head out on a boat trip to the Aeolian Islands of Vulcano, Lipari and Stromboli. These islands, affectionately referred to as ‘pearls of the Mediterranean’, attract all manner of adventurers and thrill seekers to their shores due to their natural beauty and volcanic activity. The trip will start with a boat ride to the aptly named Vulcano. Then, land on the isle of Lipari, where you’ll have free time to visit the museum, have lunch, go shopping or stroll through the streets. Following Lipari, you’ll pass the isle of Panarea and travel to Stromboli to learn about the famous Sciara del Fuoco (street of fire) before spending free time on the island’s black sandy beaches. After, return to Tropea where you’ll spend the night.
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Depart from Tropea by train as you travel on to Reggio Calabria, the gateway to Sicily. The city’s placement in a major earthquake zone has caused much destruction over the years, meaning only a few historical sites remain in comparison to the rest of Italy. However, this has resulted in a charming mix of architecture, balanced between the surviving old buildings and the modern structures. Embark on an orientation walk, before visiting the widely renowned National Archaeological Museum of Reggio. This building is arguably the most important tourism destination that the region has to offer, featuring an excellent collection of exhibits from Greek-influenced sites across Calabria, including the Bronzi di Riace, two giant bronze statues found on the sea floor in the 70s. Later in the evening, perhaps hunt down some of the city's spectacular restaurants for grilled swordfish or pasta with cauliflower and broccoli (both are dishes typical to the area) and a glass of local wine, or wander past the city’s panoramic waterfront.
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Bid farewell to Reggio Calabria and travel by ferry to Messina in Sicily, where you’ll enjoy a Messina (a traditional boat ride). You'll experience the thrill of a fishing trip with the locals and learn about the traditions and natural wonders of the Strait of Messina. After, board a bus to the atmospheric city of Catania. The city has a unique energy and an interesting blend of young and old. On one hand, there’s a gritty, attractive bar culture that fuels an exuberant nightlife full of flavour and laughter. On the other hand, the city's very core boasts one of the fabled Late Baroque towns – the UNESCO World Heritage site, Val di Noto. You’ll get the opportunity to explore both sides of this curious city by walking through its grand piazzas and wide roads. The evening is yours to enjoy, so perhaps get a gelato or a granita to cool off at the end of a busy day of exploration.
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Take a day trip to the charming city of Taormina. Start things off with an orientation walk, where you’ll notice the Greek influence in the architecture. Walk through the back streets and gardens, and perhaps visit the world-famous Greek theatre and the cathedral. The whole afternoon will be at your leisure, so there's plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Have a drink in the Mediterranean sun or dig into some traditional Sicilian pasta before heading back to Catania for your final evening. Perhaps, head out with your newfound travel companions for one final pasta dinner together and toast to the Calabrian adventures you shared.
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Your journey come to an end after breakfast today. If you’d like to stay on in Catania, just speak to your booking agent to organise any additional accommodation.
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Inclusions
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Meals 8 breakfastsTransport
Transport Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, FerryAccommodation
Accommodation Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights)
Activities
- Civita - Hike in Pollino National Park
- Tropea - Aeolian Islands Cruise (Vulcano, Lipari, Stromboli)
- Reggio Calabria - Archaeological Museum
- Messina - traditional boat sailing
- Taormina - Day Trip
Add On Activities
- Reggio Calabria - Aragonese Castle - EUR5
- Taormina - Greek Theatre - EUR10
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