Embrace Surprise: Calabria in May 2027

Calabria is filled with villages that gently recall yesteryear.The beauty of seaside Tropea with a monastery almost lost in the sea will haunt your memory.  Traveling the sometimes-tortuous roads can feel like a time warp. Diving into the impossibly blue waters and joining fishermen who comb the sea in an ancient search for the precious swordfish exhilarate beyond words. Discovering the Greek and Albanian roots of this region through language, archeology, architecture, food, wine and crafts leaves you scratching your head, in the best way possible.

We will access Calabria from the southernmost reaches of the toe, resting up in a tiny hotel/restaurant with waves lapping outside the windows. For three days we’ll explore history from many perspectives: gorgeous bronze figures retrieved from the local sea; ancient rituals; Greek-influenced food; and numerous stories told by the locals. Next stop: Calabria’s gem, the gorgeous seaside resort called Tropea, where we’ll enjoy gentle rhythms and exquisite food. The journey then pierces Calabria’s rugged inland, rich with the indelible print of millennia of different peoples and ancient vineyards. Our 10-day sojourn ends with a visit to the stunning Greek temples at Paestum and a face-to-face meeting with the magnificent creatures that produce buffalo mozzarella.

First guests to sign up will be given priority for the best rooms at our first stop (three nights in the fisherman’s town of Scilla).

B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner provided

SUN MAY 2 – DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ITALY – REGGIO CALABRIA TO SEASIDE SCILLA

Transfer (about 30 minutes) provided from the Reggio Calabria airport to our tiny lodging in the middle of Scilla. This picturesque fishing community boasts zero cars; its houses (including our home for the next three nights!) are built right up to the sea. Scilla fairly oozes rustic Italian charm. Dinner in-house; seafood absolutely reigns here. Welcome drink, D

Lodging for the next 3 nights: Il Casato Deluxe Rooms or similar. Please see room images here.

 

MON MAY 3 – DAY 2: SETTLE INTO THE SWEET, SLOW RHYTHM OF CALABRIA; PRIVATE CRUISE ALONG THE VIOLET COAST THIS EVENING

Life’s pace is slow here, and you’ll have the chance to enjoy that today. Have a late breakfast … explore and fully delight in the beauty of Scilla. Stroll through its charming alleys, visit the ancient Ruffo Castle, and relax on its beautiful beaches. Perhaps go in hunt of the best swordfish sandwich for lunch (Scilla is famous for these!)

In the late afternoon, we’ve reserved a private sunset cruise aboard a comfortable catamaran just for our group. Explore the caves and grottoes along the famous Violet Coast north of Scilla, including a chance to swim/snorkel (water might still be chilly). Local wine and excellent seafood hors d’oeuvres on board make this the perfect conclusion to the day.  B, aperitivo on the boat at dusk

 

TUES MAY 4 – DAY 3: REGGIO CALABRIA: BRONZE WARRIORS AND VOLCANIC VIEWS

Start the day with breakfast by the sea, followed by a visit to Reggio Calabria, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a city rich in history and culture. The highlight will be a guided visit to the National Archaeological Museum, which showcases the Riace Bronzes (c. 460 BC). These ancient, life-size Greek statues are in a beautiful state of conservation, having been discovered at the bottom of the local sea only in 1972. The duo of a younger and more mature warrior stands on anti-seismic foundations in a climatically controlled room; they have become the modern symbol of Calabria.

After the museum, savor lunch together followed by a stroll along the seafront, enjoying views of the Strait of Messina all the way to Sicily’s Mount Etna – the largest active volcano in Europe. End your time in Reggio with a scoop of the region’s best ice cream at a historic gelateria. You’ll be battling the locals for that!

Back home and enjoy a free evening to wander Scilla’s tiny streets and choose among its many restaurants for dinner.  B, L, gelato

 

WED MAY 5 – DAY 4: TOWARD TROPEA: “PEARL OF THE TYRRHENIAN SEA”

Check out and depart for your next discovery, Tropea. But first, there’s a de rigueur stop: Casa Comerci Winery. Here you’ll learn about the strong influence of the sea on these hardy grapes, tasting different expressions through a lineup of fine wines accompanied by local products.

Finally, Tropea. This city of about 6,000 is considered the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Famous for its white beaches, crystal-clear water, and picturesque old town perched on the cliffs, Tropea was named “most beautiful village in Italy” in 2021. You’ll check in this afternoon to the finest accommodation in this area, housed in a former convent and boasting phenomenal views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Relax into the slow rhythm on one of the terraces or by the pool at this discreet property; or adventure into Tropea on your own. We’ll reconnect over a light aperitivo this evening. Embrace romance! B, L, aperitivo

Lodging for the next 2 nights: deluxe rooms at Hotel Villa Paola 5*

 

THURS MAY 6 – DAY 5: TROPEA – CALABRIA’S MOST ALLURING TOWN

After breakfast, visit Tropea, with its enticing historic center. Legend says Tropea was founded by Hercules, and certainly graves have been found nearby that date from Magna Graecia times. Also interesting is Virgin Mary’s supposed protection of the town from disaster on multiple occasions. These include the 1783 Calabrian earthquakes (which barely touched Tropea) as well as the six bombs dropped on the city in WWII (which failed to explode). Time to visit the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola (jutting daringly into the sea — see our photos), shop, have lunch, photograph and wander independently through this coastal oasis. Dinner on your own tonight. B

 

FRI MAY 7 – DAY 6:  INTO THE HILLS – STRAIGHT TO CALABRIA’S NORTHERN HEART

After breakfast and check-out, head inland about 2.5hrs to the Ferrocinto Winery, one of our favorites in Calabria, for a tasting of fine wines accompanied by myriad family-style antipasti. We guarantee some of these indigenous grapes will be new to you! Winemaking extends back millennia here to pre-Roman Italic tribes; this has resulted in both expertise and a great respect for the land.

Soon after lunch arrive at your home for the next two nights, a freshly-created reality in the mountain town of Civita. We love the rustic chic style of this property and the innovation of owner (and our tour guide here) Eliana. Like so many Calabrian entrepreneurs, she has an amazing story to recount. Enjoy the sauna or take a little dip in the tiny, refreshing pool this afternoon.

Eliana will introduce us to her town late this afternoon. Perched on a rocky spur and enveloped in an evocative atmosphere, Civita is home to a nearly 600-year-old community of Albanians who have chosen to retain their language and culture. Originally having fled a Turkish invasion of their homeland, the locals include Byzantine rites in their worship and exotic spices in their foods. Their town also overlooks the Devil’s Bridge, which spans the bottom of a spectacular canyon reachable by a crazy zigzag of hiking trails or by jeep. Farm to table dinner tonight. B, L, D

Lodging for the next 2 nights: Ecolodge Ventoforte in the mountain town of Civita

 

SAT MAY 8 – DAY 7: EVOO AND ALBANIAN FOOTPRINTS

After a leisurely breakfast (all locally sourced of course!), take a short, scenic drive to Altomonte, one of the most charming villages in Calabria. Stroll through its picturesque alleys, immersed in the authentic atmosphere of this medieval gem. Continue to a local agriturismo for an experience dedicated to extra virgin olive oil: visit the traditional mill, walk among the olive trees, and enjoy a taste of olive oil and local specialties.

Take some relax time after lunch, before moving to a nearby agriturismo that seems frozen in time. Their tag line is “the heart of tradition” and you’ll see why. Our new skill: delicious Albanian-style pizza using many products made right on the farm. The cooking experience will be followed by a fun dinner here featuring traditional dishes prepared with local ingredients. B, light L, D

 

SUN MAY 9 – DAY 8: CILENTO (DRIVE THROUGH A NATIONAL PARK; BUFFALO MOZZARELLA) AND MICHELIN FLAVORS

After breakfast and check-out, drive north (just over 2 hours) through the dramatic Pollino National Park (Italy’s largest) into the Campania region. Cilento’s beautiful coastline is known as “the best-kept secret south of Naples”. Our stop: an organic farm renowned for its production of buffalo mozzarella. Savor the freshly made product and learn the secrets behind the creation of this darling of today’s chefs. A light lunch will feature tastings of local dairy and other products.

After a short drive, arrive and check-in at Borgo La Pietraia Country House. A family-owned and run “home on the stones”, La Pietraia’s generously sized rooms all boast a terrace from which to take in the extraordinary beauty of Cilento. The use of local sandstone highlighted with brightly painted iron and wood is both stunning and restful. Breathe it in!

This evening, enjoy an elegant dinner at the restaurant “Le Trabe”, where Chef Marco Rispo will delight guests with refined creations in an exclusive setting nestled in the heart of Cilento. The restaurant, awarded a Michelin Star in 2013 and a Michelin Green Star in 2021, stands among the most virtuous and sustainable culinary excellences in Italy.

Sleep well as tomorrow you’ll want fresh minds to encounter the Temple of Athena! B, light L, Michelin-starred D

Lodging for the next 2 nights: Borgo La Pietraia 3*

 

MON MAY 10 – DAY 9: PAESTUM – MAGNA GRAECIA (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE)

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Paestum. Today will be a journey back in time to explore the archaeological remains of the magnificent temples of Magna Graecia, accompanied by an expert guide. These 6^th and 5^th century BCE temples represent the best-preserved Greek ruins on Italy’s mainland. Our animated local guide will bring to life the stones, together with the excellent and newly-renovated museum.

After the visit and lunch on your own in the ancient city, return to the hotel and enjoy some free time to relax, pack and make use of the hotel’s facilities. Dinner at the excellent in-house restaurant for our final evening. B, D

 

TUES MAY 11 – DAY 10: DEPARTURE: TO NAPLES OR ONWARD TRAVELS

Check-out after breakfast and transfer to Naples Airport (about 90 minutes) for onward travels, bidding farewell after this wonderful travel experience and filled with emotions, flavors, and unforgettable memories. Please ask us about post-tour planning (including the Amalfi Coast) if interested. B