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Italy: Highlights of Calabria

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Italy: Highlights of Calabria

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Description

Embark on a journey through southern Italy, from Naples (the birthplace of pizza) to Sicily’s Catania, exploring the best spots along the way. For those seeking to venture off Italy’s beaten path, Calabria offers clear waters and the stalwart fortifications of Tropea, as well as active volcanoes on the Aeolian Islands. Besides having plenty of opportunities to relax and soak up the Mediterranean sun by the seaside, you’ll also get to test your fishing skills with the locals on a traditional boat ride. This trip promises a blend of culture, nature, history and cuisine – truly embodying the essence of Italy!

Trip Name
Italy: Highlights of Calabria
Last Updated
2024-08-30
Days
9
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Get up close and personal with the active volcanoes scattered across the Aeolian Islands and maybe take a dip in one of the sulphur springs.
  • Search crumbling Greek and Roman ruins and wander the back streets of Taormina – a charming hilltop Sicilian town.
  • Explore the cliffside fortifications of Tropea and unwind at the beach under the Aeolian sun. Then, hop on a boat for a tour of the Aeolian Islands and cool off with a swim in the sea.
  • Taste a Neapolitan pizza in Naples – where it allegedly all began – then indulge your senses with local favourites from Civita, Tropea and Stromboli.
  • See the best of Calabria in a short time by learning from the locals – try your hand at fishing with them on a traditional Messina boat ride.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Naples
Ciao! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Naples, the vibrant city celebrated as the birthplace of pizza. Naples is also known for its rich history and is home to many narrow, winding streets and ancient churches. You have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps stroll along the coast and find a little eatery for a pizza dinner, a glass of local wine and a view of the Gulf of Naples.
Day 2 - Civita
This morning, you’ll travel to Civita by boat, train and private vehicle. Founded by Albanian refugees in the Middle Ages, Civita is recognised by the Italian government as home to an ethnic minority. The Civitesi speak Arberesh, a unique blend of Italian and Albanian, found only here and in parts of Sicily. Explore this fascinating village on foot, visit a local shop to sample regional delights or take a scenic walk in the hills.
Day 3 - Civita
Make sure you get a good breakfast this morning as you have the option to hike up Mount Sellaro, one of the peaks of Pollino National Park. But before you tackle this rocky mountain, stop by Cerchiara di Calabria, a little town in the National Park best known for its bread. Perhaps stock up on some of the tasty local produce and then continue your journey to a remote sanctuary built by Byzantine monks, perched on a rocky hillside. The hiking path begins just beyond the sanctuary – although it's a reasonably long trek, at 2.5 hours, it is well worth it for the summit views of the Achaean coast. If you decide the hike isn’t for you, you can still enjoy the National Park. 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. Feel free to ask your local leader for restaurant recommendations for dinner tonight.
Day 4 - Tropea
After breakfast this morning, you’ll transfer from Civita to Paola, then take the train to Tropea. Known for the faded buildings and iconic fortifications that line the city’s cliffs, Tropea feels timeless. Explore the town on an orientation walk with your leader, then maybe visit the local Norman cathedral, the Duomo, which houses an icon of Madonna of Romania – the town’s revered protectress. Next to the Duomo, there’s the Museo Diocesano – a small museum in the Palazzo Vescovile full of religious art and wooden statues. If you’d prefer some time by the water, head to the beach and see the impressive structures on the nearby cliffs.
Day 5 - Tropea / Stromboli
If the weather permits, you’ll embark on a boat trip to the island of Stromboli. Here, you’ll visit San Vincenzo, where you can swim in the deep blue sea of the Aeolian Islands, shop along the main street or dine at a local restaurant. Depending on the season, you’ll depart Stromboli in the evening and cruise to the Sciara del Fuoco (Steam of Fire) to witness the path of lava that flows during Stromboli's eruptions.
Day 6 - Reggio Calabria
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.
Day 7 - Catania
Bid farewell to Reggio Calabria and embark on a scenic ferry ride to Messina in Sicily, where you’ll experience a traditional boat ride. Join locals on a fishing trip and discover the rich traditions and natural beauty of the Strait of Messina. After, journey by private minibus to the city of Catania. Explore its gritty yet alluring bar culture that ignites the lively nightlife, alongside the UNESCO World Heritage site of Val di Noto, famed for its Late Baroque architecture. Wander through the city’s grand piazzas and wide streets, then the evening is yours to explore, indulge in gelato or find a granita to cap off your day.
Day 8 - Taormina/Catania
Take a daytrip to the Taormina – a hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily. Begin with an orientation walk, where you’ll immediately notice the Greek influence in its architecture. Wander through the backstreets and gardens and consider visiting the renowned Greek theatre and the cathedral. Enjoy the entire afternoon at your leisure, offering ample time to explore at your own pace. Relax with a drink under the Mediterranean sun or indulge in traditional Sicilian pasta. Later, return to Catania for your final evening. Perhaps head out with your travel group for a farewell dinner, where you can toast to the Calabrian adventures you shared.
Day 9 - Catania
Your trip will come to an end after breakfast. For those who wish to stay in Italy, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-05-202526-05-2025AUD $ 3,692-
25-05-202502-06-2025AUD $ 3,692-
08-06-202516-06-2025AUD $ 3,516-
22-06-202530-06-2025AUD $ 3,516-
13-07-202521-07-2025AUD $ 3,516-
20-07-202528-07-2025AUD $ 3,656-
31-08-202508-09-2025AUD $ 3,796-
07-09-202515-09-2025AUD $ 3,796-
14-09-202522-09-2025AUD $ 3,796-
21-09-202529-09-2025AUD $ 3,796-
28-09-202506-10-2025AUD $ 3,796-
05-10-202513-10-2025AUD $ 3,656-
12-10-202520-10-2025AUD $ 3,516-
03-05-202611-05-2026AUD $ 4,980-
10-05-202618-05-2026AUD $ 4,980-
17-05-202625-05-2026AUD $ 4,980-
24-05-202601-06-2026AUD $ 4,800-
31-05-202608-06-2026AUD $ 4,800-
07-06-202615-06-2026AUD $ 4,800-
14-06-202622-06-2026AUD $ 4,615-
21-06-202629-06-2026AUD $ 4,615-
28-06-202606-07-2026AUD $ 4,615-
05-07-202613-07-2026AUD $ 4,615-
12-07-202620-07-2026AUD $ 4,615-
19-07-202627-07-2026AUD $ 4,615-
26-07-202603-08-2026AUD $ 4,615-
02-08-202610-08-2026AUD $ 4,800-
30-08-202607-09-2026AUD $ 4,800-
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $ 4,980-
13-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 4,980-
20-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 4,980-
27-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 4,980-
04-10-202612-10-2026AUD $ 4,800-
11-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 4,800-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights),Guesthouse (2 nights)

Transport

Train,Public bus,Private vehicle,Ferry

Map

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