SCENIC BEAUTY OF CALABRIA & THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS TRAVEL ITINERARY
PRIVATE TOUR AVAILABLE FROM LAMEZIA TERME TO CATANIA
Day 1: WELCOME TO CALABRIA
Arrive at Lamezia Terme Airport or train station where you’ll be met by your driver and travel to the splendid town of TROPEA which boasts centuries of glorious architecture and art treasure, for your first three nights in a beautiful hotel located near the village center. After an opportunity to rest and freshen up,you’ll be treated to a welcome aperitif at the hotel bar followed by dinner in a local restaurant.Overnight in TROPEA
Day 2: TIMELESS TROPEA & SUNSET WINE TASTING
One of the most picturesque towns on Calabria’s largely built up Tyrrhenian coast, TROPEA’s town architecture reveals medieval Norman and Arab touches as well as a more austere baroque style than that of Rome or Naples. It also offers superb views of the sea and beaches. The old town hangs on to a cliff-side facing a large rock, formerly an island.The rock is topped by a former medieval Benedictine sanctuary. The cathedral is of Norman origin, although it has been rebuilt several times.A walking tour of the town center will let you appreciate not just the charm of the brick and stone houses hugging the steep lanes, but greeting the local people you meet and witnessing their daily routines.In the evening enjoy a sunset visit to a local winery for a wine tasting accompanied by local appetizers.Overnight in TROPEA
Day 3: CHARMING PIZZO CALABRO & THE RIACE BRONZES IN REGGIO CALABRIA
Today’s visit takes you to discover the charming town of PIZZO CALABRO,stacked high on a sea cliff with sweeping views down to the Tropean peninsula, Pizzo has a distinct ramshackle charm. On its main squares, cafes compete to offer the town’s best tartufo, a death-by-chocolate ice-cream ball.Another highlight of Pizzo Calabro is the intriguing CHIESETTA DI PIEDIGROTTA, an underground cave full of carved stone statues.Continue to REGGIO CALABRIA to visit the National Museum which houses a fine collection of artifacts from ancient Rhegion- a Greek city on the site of the present town-and from other Greek sites.Chief among its treasures are the GREEK BRONZES, larger-than life statues of warriors dredged from the sea off Riace Marina in 1972.Overnight in TROPEA
Day 4: WELCOME TO THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS
This morning you’ll take a ferry to the island of Lipari, the largest and most developed of the Aeolians, a little piece of paradise. Along the way, we stop at VOLCANO ISLAND, with its yellow sulphurous baths and volcanic craters.You will have here free time with options that include hiking to the Gran Crater, a therapeutic mud bath fuelled by the Islands famous hot springs, or simply relax at the beach.Continue to the LIPARI ISLAND,the largest and most developed of the Aeolians,staying at a charming hotel located a short walk from the town center. Dinner is included this evening in a local restaurant.Overnight in LIPARI
Day 5: ENCHANTING LIPARI & THE EOLIAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Lipari town is spread out under the imposing castle rock, the ancient Greek acropolis, and along the bay of Marina Corta and Marina Lunga, to the north and south. Its volcanic origin is evident in the Muria Valley, with its red rocks, and on the north-east coast, covered by a vast flow of pumice, which hides Roman ruins of the 4th century AD. This morning a local expert will shed light on the main archaeological site of an island inhabited for some 6000 years and settled in the 4th millennium BC by Sicily’s first known inhabitants, the Stentillenians who developed a flourishing economy, based on obsidian, a glassy volcanic rock.We have included today a visit to the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM which displays finds from the islands’ long history, including tools and pottery left behind by Neolithic inhabitants. The museum is also famous for its terracotta Greek theater masks and figurines of dancers and actors, the world’s largest such collection.The rest of the day on your own for more discoveries.Enjoy La Dolce Vita!!!Overnight in LIPARI
Day 6: BOAT TRIP TO LAID-BACK SALINA ISLAND
Visit SALINA with its luscious vegetation, hosting 400 different types of plants and where grapes, olives and capers are cultivated. The island is the filming location for Italy’s popular film ‘Il Postino’ or The Postman, but what sets the island apart is the wonderful clear water, beautiful beaches and quaint town skirted with palm trees and wide promenades.On arrival, you will be touring the island by Aeolian APE CALESSINO (approx. 2hrs) and visiting a local farm to taste local products including capers, cheese and bruschetta paired with their excellent wines.The remainder of the day is at leisure.Overnight in LIPARI
Day 7:PANAREA ISLAND & STROMBOLI
After breakfast, we board our private boat to PANAREA,renowned for its stylish lifestyle.We visit the small town and take a walk in the narrow streets of the island.We then continue to STROMBOLI, the black island and one of the most active volcanoes in the world that usually erupts every 20 minutes.Enjoy free time to visit the town with its little streets, traditional shops and scenery of the 1940’s Roberto Rossellini film before our journey back to Lipari for your evening at leisure.Tonight we’ll celebrate you with a farewell dinner at one of the typical regional restaurants.Overnight in LIPARI
Day 8: ARRIVEDERCI!!!
Morning transfers to Catania airport and train station