Discover the Secrets of Calabria
Calabria Small Group Tour – Calabria is the Italy many travelers never reach, a sunlit region shaped by farming traditions, deep cultural roots, and some of the most striking landscapes in the country. Mountain ranges rise above quiet villages where daily life follows rhythms that have lasted for generations, and the coastline opens into clear water, fishing harbors, and towns painted in soft terracotta tones. The region’s character reflects the many cultures that have lived here, from Greek settlers to Albanian communities, creating a blend of language, food, and customs that feels both familiar and completely its own.
This small group journey gives you the chance to experience Calabria in a way that stays with you long after you return home. Days are filled with moments that bring the region into focus, whether it is tasting local dishes made with Calabrian olive oil and pepperoncini, meeting families who continue centuries-old traditions, or seeing works of ancient Greek art that stand among Italy’s greatest treasures. Time in the mountains balances time by the sea, and each stop reveals another part of Calabria’s personality, from Altomonte’s quiet charm to the coastal beauty of Pizzo and Tropea. Traveling here offers something rare in modern Italy: a sense of authenticity and welcome that feels truly special.
Upcoming Tour Dates 8 days/ 7 nights
Pricing: € 3,100
Price is per person based on double room occupancy
Single supplement available at the cost of € 800,00
Experience the beauty
Tour Highlights
- Discover the extensive green forests of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Pollino National Park
- Admire some of the most splendid bronze sculptures of ancient Greece in Reggio Calabria
- View well-preserved 17th-century icons from across Eastern Europe and Russia
- Swim in crystal clear waters that sparkle along the coasts
- Taste Calabria’s authentic spicy pepperoncini peppers, locally produced olive oil, and other Cambrian delicacies
- Sip wine in a family-run winery near Cosenza
- Feel the sea breeze on a private boat ride on the Coast of the Gods
- Guided tour of Pizzo with tastings of Tartufo
- Discover beautifully preserved Albanian villages
- Uncover the romantic town of Tropea
- Ride in a traditional Piaggio Ape Calessino
Tour Itinerary
Arrive in the stunning fishing town of Tropea, one of Southern Italy’s most captivating seaside destinations. Your driver will escort you to your centrally located hotel, where you will spend the first three nights with breakfast included each morning. After checking in, enjoy time to relax before gathering with your fellow travelers for a welcome drink and dinner, where you’ll be introduced to the flavors and warm hospitality of Calabria.
Meals: Dinner included, breakfast and lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Tropea
Start the day with a guided walking tour through the charming streets of Tropea. Explore its historic center filled with elegant piazzas, hidden alleyways, and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Along the way, discover the rich history and local character that make Tropea one of Calabria’s most beloved coastal towns. For a different view, enjoy a private boat tour along the spectacular coastline, where dramatic cliffs, crystal clear waters, and secluded coves create an unforgettable Mediterranean backdrop. Lunch is included today, allowing you to savor regional flavors while taking in the relaxed pace of southern Italy. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy leisure, whether that means relaxing by the sea, wandering through town, or just enjoying the sunset.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Tropea
Travel to Reggio Calabria, a beautiful seaside city overlooking the Strait of Messina. During your visit, discover the renowned National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, home to two extraordinary ancient Greek bronze statues considered among the finest archaeological treasures in Italy. Continue to a traditional Calabrian fishing village, where colorful boats, coastal scenery, and authentic local life offer a glimpse into the region’s maritime heritage. Later, join your tour manager for an included apericena featuring a refreshing Calabrian bergamot spritz, a signature flavor of the region, and the perfect way to toast another unforgettable day in Southern Italy. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Tropea
This morning drive takes you to Zungri, a hilltop village known for the hundreds of caves and grottoes dotting its sandstone cliffs. Explore the caves and learn about the Basilian monks who established this ancient settlement between the 12th and 14th centuries. Drive north to the province of Cosenza for a visit to a local farmhouse. Enjoy a wine tasting with appetizers following a visit to the picturesque historic center of Altomonte, where you will discover medieval alleys and the traditional life of Calabrians. The historical center is characterized by cobbled streets, stone houses, beautiful buildings, and superb views of the valley and mountain ranges. Altomonte has several attractive Gothic-style churches with a Civic Museum housed in the old convent adjacent to the Duomo. It has a beautiful portal, bell tower with mullioned windows, and Baroque interior modifications. You will also explore the museum that has, among other works, the famous San Ladislao of the school of Giotto. Spend the next two nights at a family hotel with breakfast included. Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Altomonte
We depart this morning to discover the enchanting UNESCO Pollino National Park and its intriguing villages and towns that still preserve traces of Albanian culture more than five centuries after their ancestors fled to Calabria as Turks invaded Albania. Today, they form the largest ethnic minority in the region. They have their own language, literature, dress, and their own Greek Orthodox bishop. We first visit the small Albanian-speaking village of Frascineto and the Museum of Icons and Byzantine traditions, a true reserve of artistic treasures. Coming from Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece, the icons date back up to the 17th century. Then, we drive to the Albanian mountain village of Civita on the southwestern side of the Pollino mountain chain, already in existence during the Middle Ages. It is known for the Devil Bridge, a panoramic bridge built over one of Italy’s deep gorges, the so-called Raganello Gorge. After time on your own for lunch, return to your hotel for the rest of the day at leisure. An entertaining cooking class is included this evening, followed by dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Altomonte
Today’s journey highlights the rich history and distinctive flavors of Calabria. Visit a historic castle where centuries of southern Italian heritage come to life through impressive architecture and sweeping coastal views. Continue to a local liquorice museum to discover one of Calabria’s most famous culinary traditions. Learn about the region’s long connection to liquorice production and the craftsmanship behind this uniquely Calabrian specialty. Later, arrive in the charming seaside town of Pizzo Calabro, known for its picturesque streets, lively piazzas, and beautiful waterfront setting along the Tyrrhenian coast.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Pizzo Calabro
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Pizzo Calabro, exploring its charming historic center, lively piazzas, and scenic coastal viewpoints. Discover the town’s rich history and relaxed southern Italian atmosphere as you wander through its picturesque streets. Continuing with a memorable Ape Calessino ride to the remarkable Church of Piedigrotta, a unique seaside chapel carved directly into the rock and filled with fascinating hand-sculpted figures and artistic details. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether relaxing by the sea, shopping for souvenirs, or soaking in the atmosphere of this beautiful coastal town. This evening, gather once more for a farewell dinner as you toast an unforgettable journey through Calabria.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Pizzo Calabro
After breakfast, say arrivederci to Calabria and the places and people that made this week so meaningful. Your driver will accompany you to Lamezia Terme airport or the railway station for your onward journey, carrying with you the flavors, landscapes, and traditions that define Italy at its best. You might considering extending your tour in Sicily or Puglia
Additional Information
- Small group tour of 12-15 participants
- Knowledgeable English-speaking tour director
- Entrance fees for all sites.
- Tour transportation in a private air-conditioned motor coach.
- Local guides in the outlined cities and towns
- Hotel city and service taxes at all accommodations and restaurants are included
- Transfers to Lamezia at scheduled times
- Baggage transfers and porters are included
- All breakfasts, four dinners and two lunches are covered. Main meals include wine, mineral water, espresso coffee with a set amount included
- Activity level: Light/Moderate
- Terms & Conditions/single supplement and FAQ
- Travel insurance and visa fees/Trip Interruption & Cancellation Insurance
- Any charges for extras not listed in the itinerary
- Room services, telephone charges, laundry fees
- Gratuities for the tour director and local driver
- Single room supplement
- Airfares
- Extend your stay in Tropea or Pizzo Calabro
Tour Reviews
Breathtaking Calabria
Just wanted to say a big thank you for one of the best tours we have ever been on. We saw a side of Calabria we could never have imagined and Luca our guide was fantastic and so knowledgeable. We meet lovely sisters Mary and Christina and we could not have asked for a better couple of people to see this truely hidden gem. Being children of Calabrian parents I wish they could have seen Calabria like this as well. Aldo & Katrin thank you again, will definitely book again with you!!
Backroad Calabria
It has been a month since our Calabria tour and I am still reliving the memories in my mind! Once again Secret Italia made sure the hotels and activities were top notch! We love the fact that the hotels on your tour are not big hotels and they have the unique qualities of the surrounding area! They were charming and the service was wonderful. The hospitality was exceptional at the Barbieri Hotel! The daily itinerary had some amazing sites, especially the Devil Bridge! What an experience riding off-road to get there. We had so much fun that day. Your tours always include interesting places. They are not just the typical tourist places. And the food! The sweet peppers and onions of Calabria were my favorite. Each meal we had was better than the last. All of the restaurants were high quality. We were so very lucky to have our favorite tour guide Luca to show us the wonders of Calabria! He is so knowledgeable and gives such insight into the culture! Luca is the best!
Secret Italia does not disappoint! You continue to offer varied and interesting small group travel tours and I hope to travel with Secret Italia in the future!
Experience the Best
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