Italy: Highlights of Calabria
Experience Overview
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. With plenty of opportunities to relax and soak up the Mediterranean sun by the seaside, you’ll also take a boat ride to the coves of Toarmina, indulge in local granita and maybe even take a dip in Sulphur springs. This trip promises a blend of culture, nature, history and cuisine – truly embodying the essence of Italy!
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.
- Take a half daytrip to Taormina – a charming hilltop Sicilian town – and head out on a boat trip to explore the bays and coves, learn about the town and enjoy an aperitif in the sunshine.
- 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.
- Take an orientation walk in Catania with your handy local leader and enjoy a granita tasting – there's nothing like a semi-frozen dessert to cool you down!
Trip Details
Product Code: 3247
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Public bus,Private vehicle,Ferry
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMSK
Starts: Naples, Italy
Finishes: Catania, Italy
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8),Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights),Guesthouse (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,970 ($441 /day)
Itinerary
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’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your trip 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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
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. On the way to the mountain, stop by Cerchiara di Calabria – a little town in the National Park best known for its bread. Maybe stock up on some of the tasty local produce, then continue to a remote sanctuary built by Byzantine monks, on the rocky hillside. The hike path begins just beyond the sanctuary – although it's a reasonably long trek, it’s well worth 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.
Included Activities:
- Civita - Nature based hike
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, 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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
If the weather permits, you’ll set out on a boat trip to the island of Stromboli this morning. When you arrive, visit San Vincenzo, where you can swim in the 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 see the path of lava that flows during Stromboli's eruptions.
Included Activities:
- Tropea - Stromboli by Night
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a train to Reggio Calabria – the gateway to Sicily. The city is in a major earthquake zone and has experienced much destruction over the years, leaving fewer historical sites compared to the rest of Italy. However, this has resulted in a unique mix of old buildings and modern structures, which you’ll see on an orientation walk. Visit the renowned National Archaeological Museum of Reggio – this museum is home to a collection of exhibits from Greek-influenced sites across Calabria, including the Bronzi di Riace (two giant bronze statues found on the seafloor in the 1970s). Tonight, maybe hunt down one of the city's best restaurants for local dishes like grilled swordfish or pasta with cauliflower and broccoli.
Included Activities:
- Reggio Calabria - Archaeological Museum
Optional Activities:
- Reggio Calabria - Aragonese Castle (5 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, drive to Taormina on the east coast for a private boat excursion. Sailing along the Sicilian coast, you’ll check out the bays and caves of Taormina, characterised by the imposing rocks that surround them. Soak up the sunshine, enjoy an aperitif with snacks and learn about the village from your skipper. Maybe even stop for a swim to cool off before continuing on to Catania. When you arrive, you have a free night to explore the city’s bar culture and find a good spot for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Taormina - private boat excursion
- Taormina - leader led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up in Catania this morning and head out for an orientation walk with your leader to see the city. Wander through the grand piazzas and wide streets, then be treated to a granita tasting (a semi-frozen dessert made with sugar, water and various flavours). Then, maybe see the UNESCO World Heritage site of Val di Noto, famed for its Late Baroque architecture or head out with your group for a farewell dinner. Wherever you end up tonight, make sure to toast to a trip well travelled.
Included Activities:
- Catania - leader led orientation walk
- Catania - local granita tasting
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip will come to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay in Sicily, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Megan - Traveled, October 2023
This trip gives diverse insight into southern parts of Italy. Civita and Tropea are beautiful locations included on this itinerary that I would not have otherwise visited. I’m also glad this gave a taste of Sicily, as Taormina and Catania were very different and worthwhile.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Tracey - Traveled, October 2023
Tiziana Romano was our tour leader and she was amazing. We had fun, laughed, made good friendships with our group, enjoyed the spectacular beauty and history of Amalfi, Calabria, and Sicily, and we ate delicious food and drank wonderful wine and spritz. Some of the hotels selected by Intrepid are a little tired and in need of updating but overall the trip was excellent, and in large part due to Tiziana. She is a gem - knowledgeable, energetic, kind, approachable, funny, and has the patience of a saint!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Amanda - Traveled, June 2023
Profit over people! Disappointing trip curation and coordination from Intrepid and extremely poor genuine customer care and case management for issues raised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/04/2023
Alice - Traveled, June 2023
A great trip to escape the more popular, touristy parts of Italy and slow down for a bit. Such a brilliant tour guide, excellent food and some amazing beaches!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Duane - Traveled, June 2023
Wow...went from rome to sicily 24 days went sooo quick.Both guides excellent..Alice and Vincenzo and both foodies. Took us to amazing restaurants..fair price..absolutely deliciouso. Informative...great people and new friends. Thankyou intrepid again X
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2023
jacinta - Traveled, June 2023
Have the trip of a lifetime through jewels of Italy Amalfi Calabria and Sicily with the most amazing guide !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/28/2023
Georgia - Traveled, May 2023
This trip was amazing! Loved that it mainly explored the coastal beach areas but also included Civita in the mountains which exceeded everyone’s expectations and was a crowd favourite for the hospitality and generosity of the locals, the gorgeous views and the fun activities. All travel was well organised which made for easy travel days between destinations. Our leader Jacopo was incredible in giving us all the local knowledge and guided us with positivity throughout the tour. Would recommend this tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2023
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