Italy: Highlights of Calabria
Italy
Great for cultural & historical!
Tour
Ancient Wonders of Egypt by Nile Cruise - 8 Days
8 days
Travel: From 2025-05-03 to 2026-04-25
Deal number: 20030279
Price from$5,275*pp
This deal expires on
5 May 2025
5
Days
11
Hrs
5
Mins
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!
Availability
From 18/05/2025 to 18/10/2027
Departure dates & prices
Dates
Availability
Price
What's included
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!.
Breakfasts Included: 8.
Hotel (6 nights),Guesthouse (2 nights).
Train,Public bus,Private vehicle,Ferry.
Age: min 15.
Group Size: 1 - 12.
Civita - Nature based hike.
Tropea - Stromboli by Night.
Reggio Calabria - Archaeological Museum.
Taormina - private boat excursion.
Taormina - leader led orientation walk.
Catania - leader led orientation walk.
Catania - local granita tasting.
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Itinerary
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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'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.
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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.
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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. 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.
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4 - Tropea 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.
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5 - Tropea 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.
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6 - Reggio Calabria 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.
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7 - Taormina 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.
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8 - Catania 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.
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9 - Catania 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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