SCENIC BEAUTY OF CALABRIA & THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS TRAVEL ITINERARY
PRIVATE TOUR AVAILABLE FROM LAMEZIA TERME TO PALERMO
Day 1: WELCOME TO CALABRIA & CHARMING TROPEA
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 two nights in a beautiful hotel located near the village center. After an opportunity to rest and freshen up in your central hotel,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 WITH 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.Stop for lunch in a popular family WINERY near Tropea before enjoying your time at leisure!Overnight in TROPEA
Day 3: WELCOME TO LIPARI & 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 the charming hotel located a short walk from the town center.Dinner is included this evening in a local restaurant.Overnight in LIPARI
Day 4: 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. After a local foodie experience, you’ll enjoy the rest of the day on your own for more discoveries. Dinner is included this evening in a local restaurant. Overnight in LIPARI
Day 5: BOAT TRIP TO SALINA & MALVASIA WINERY
A 25-minute boat hop from Lipari will take to laid-back SALINA, lush and fertile island. The famous Aeolian capers grow plentifully here, as do the grapes used for making malvasia wine. After touring the island by Aeolian Ape Calessino (approx. 2hrs) or minivan and a visit to a local WINERY, you’ll enjoy a typical eolian lunch in one of the best local taverns.The remainder of the day is at leisure.Overnight in LIPARI
Day 6: UNKNOWN MONTALBANO ELICONA & THE DOLMENS
This morning drive takes you to the fairy tale medieval hill town of MONTALBANO ELICONA, located in the middle of the Nebrodi Mountains. Upon arrival at the port of Milazzo, you will ascend the town travelling on a picturesque, winding road overlooking the Aeolian islands and then walking narrow cobblestone streets to reach the historical center, the heart of the town. Here you visit the Aragonese castle, a local museum and the main church, built in the 1300s to admire the work of local sculptures and painters. After an included foodie experience, you’ll visit a magical, mysterious plateau named as the Sicilian Stonehenge, a large area of megaliths whose archaeologists believe to be created by natural forces and maybe in the prehistoric times, the setting for ritual activities.Continue to the fishing town of CEFALU’ for your last three nights in a central hotel.Dinner is included this evening in a local restaurant.Overnight in CEFALU’
Day 7: CAPTIVATING CEFALU’
The day is on your own for further explorations of the beautiful town of CEFALU’. The squares, streets and churches of this medieval town are so postcard-pretty that it’s no wonder director Giuseppe Tornatore chose to set parts of his much-loved film Cinema Paradiso here. Today you’ll have time for swimming, enjoying some fish specialties or even climbing the great crag of La Rocca.Dinner is on your own this evening.Overnight in CEFALU’
Day 8: ARRIVEDERCI BEAUTIFUL SOUTHERN ITALY
Morning transfers to Palermo airport and train station