Calabria

Discover Calabria — Private Tours, Experiences & Custom Travel

Overview

Calabria is the region in Italy where many members of the team at Italy Vacation Specialists, still call home and lead guided tours and experiences for travelers from all over Italy and the world at large. On our siste site, VisitsItaly, which is quite literally an encyclopedia about Italy, we have written about over 50 different towns and cities in the region that you can read about here: http://www.visitsitaly.com/calabria/

Because of advances in technology our old website based on Html code became like a dinosaur and we had to re-build with Italy Vacation Specialists, where we are currently listing many of our new experiences in this area which is an exciting one to discover in terms of geography, food, wine, adventure, culture and history. You can read about many of the towns and cities we have written and photographed on the right hand corner, though for various reasons we really urge you to get in touch with us to see some of these places for without local guides many of these destinations are difficult for English-only speaking clients to access and because of sometimes difficult terrain, locals who still don't speak very much English we really urge you to consider when traveling here to reach out ot us or even another company who can assist you with possible language barriers and truly making the most out of this area of the world which has been slower in some instances to evolve than other areas in Italy, though this is partly the beauty of travel here and something many people who really want to slow down and appreciate authentic Italy, savour and lover during their travels here, for while the rest of the world has seemed to evolve time here for the most part has stood still and traditions, local culture and the way of life has been lovingly preserved and kept in tact. In fact, mostly Italian toursists come to places like Praia a Mare, Scalea, Soverato, San Nicola and many others because it's a truly Italian holiday destination where authenticity and a very relaxed style to the day evolve naturally and entirely authentically, something we ourselves as the ownes of the company love.

It is easy to understand why this land is one of myth and incredible history. Home to 'Magna Grecia' or greater Greece - this is where Homer, the Greek author of The Odyssey and The Illiad, Calabria was a far-off magical and dangerous place, where heroes rose to spectacular challenges and overcame Olympian odds. Ulysses and his crew sailed through the monstrous pass of Scilla and Charybis, which in reality was the narrow, turbulent strait between the Calabrian mainland and the Island of Sicily.

The Greeks were not the first here. When they arrived they encountered settlements of pre-historic tribes such as the Sabines, whom they called the Enotrians, or "lovers of wine". In this word, etymologists find the origin of the country's name, "Italia", as well as the root of the Italian people's love of life.

Praia a Mare, Calabria Italy - Photo by Jesse Andrews

Over the centuries, successive empires invaded Calabria and asserted their domination. The Byzantines, the Romans, and the Normans duing their quests to and from the Crusades in far-off Jerusalem. Even Hannibal and his army came through, on the backs of elephants after sacking Rome. The Nazis hunkered down in Calabria in World War II befor being driven out by the massed forces of the Allies, who pushed them north, and eventually back into Germany itself.

Thousands of years ago, the local people, no fools, removed themselves from the vulnerable coastal areas and onto the mountain tops, where they built improbable towns and villages along canyons and mountain peaks; thus making conquest difficult, and sometimes impossible. There they scratched out a living on small farms, growing figs, olive and lemon trees, while tending to small herds of goat and sheep. They mined the streams and rivers for gold. They carved roads and trails which are still in use even today.

For millenia, the people here have made pottery, spun wool, knitted plain garments. They've milked their goats, made bread, rolled pasta, fermented wine and distilled limoncello, a sweet lemon aperitif. They have gone about their business, shop-keeping, worshipping in their numerous churches and duomos, and observed holy days and feast days around the year with pious gusto.

Diamante, Calabria, Southern Italy - Photo by Jesse Andrews

And they still do all this today; a self-sufficient, self-reliant, practical, stubborn, no-nonsense people whom other Italians say are "testa dura" - hard headed.

In ancient times, there were periods when Calabria could boast wealth and importance, but by the end of the 16th century, Calabria fell into decline, its people are some of the poorest in all Italy. Their poverty propelled the mass immigration of the late 19th and early 20th century, when millions of Calabrese came down from the mountains and clamoured onto ships that took them to "new worlds", particularly to the USA and Canada.

But now...Calabria is reclaiming its past glory and pride, tired of being the forgotten and neglected part of Italy it grew accustomed to being during the last 500 years or so and are ready to transform itself into a premier destination. Why not; it's got everything going for it.

When you come to the "new" Calabria, a place that has been inhabited for over 3,000 years, you will be dumbfounded by its scenery - whether you stay up in the mountains, or find your way along the winding coastal highways to it's seaside towns and beaches. You will find resorts, hotels, inns, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, lidos and tourist parks of every quality catering to people with small, medium or large budgets.

And once you've arrived and settled in you will have the opportunity to savour the hearty, tasty, Calabrese cuisine all made from local produce, meats, fish and fruit.

It's true that the Calabrese are not quite ready for masses of English-speaking tourists. Indeed, you won't find too many people who converse confidently in English. Nor will you find many signs printed in English or be able to buy English books, newspapers or magazines. But, so what?

Visit Calabria now - before the crowds arrive. You will get by with relative ease if you are patient and respectful, and all your needs will be met while you enjoy the vacation of a lifetime!

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Calabria Vacations with Italy Vacation Specialists

Beaches of Praia a Mare, Calabria

STARTING FROM

€1,260 per person

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The Heel and Toe of Italy : Puglia, Calabria and Basilicata

This meticulously crafted 11-day journey through Southern Italy offers an immersive experience into the heart of Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria. Starting with your arrival at Bari airport...

Private

11 Days / 10 Nights

PRICING

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The Coast of Maratea and the Cedri Riviera for Travel Professionals June 8-15, 2022 and September 1-8, 2022

On this educational experience of Italy for travel professionals we explore Italy's secret coast - the Coast of Maratea and the Cedri Riviera where many locations have been used in the hit film James Bond coming out this summer. The area is home to...

Small Group

6 Days / 5 Nights

STARTING FROM

€1,250 per person

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Calabria and the Cedri Riviera Mini-Stay including Cooking Class, Wine Tour and Full Day Tour to the Coast of Maratea

This 4 day, 3 day package is ideal for those wanting to get to know the incredible culinary traditions of Calabria famous for the 'hot pepper" and fussili dishes. Our package includes accommodation in a private villa located in the center of town....

Private

4 Days / 3 Nights

STARTING FROM

€1,250 per person

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Private & Small Group Tours in Calabria

The stretch of coast from San NIcola Arcella to Maratea is dotted with beautiful cave grottoes that allow the light to create a truly spectacular color of blue, you really have to see to believe! On this tour we visit Dino Island home to five spect...

Private

PRICING

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Hotels

Italy,Calabria,Tropea

Hotel

Hotel Colomba D'Oro, Tropea

★ ★ ★ ★

Hotel Colomba D'Oro is a contemporary 4-star hotel located in the heart of Tropea, Calabria, just 50...

24h reception +19 more

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Villas

Italy,Calabria,Vibo Valentia

Villa

Villa Costa Azzurra

4 Beds 3 Baths 8

Family Oriented +9 more

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Italy,Calabria,Praia a Mare

Villa

Villa Vecchia

5 Beds 5 Baths 10

Air Conditioning +14 more

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Apartment

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Calabria Guided Tours and Vacations with Italy Vacation Specialists

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Altamonte Calabria Cooking and Guided Tours

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Calabria Tour Operator Italy Vacation Specialists

Experience Calabria with Italy Vacation Specialists

Our Featured Properties

Italy,Calabria,Praia a Mare

Villa

Villa Vecchia

5 Beds 5 Baths 10

Air Conditioning +14 more

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Italy,Calabria,Vibo Valentia

Villa

Villa Costa Azzurra

4 Beds 3 Baths 8

Family Oriented +9 more

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Private Transfer Routes in Calabria

Seamless connections between key destinations across the region

Lamezia Terme Tropea

Private Transfer

Reggio Calabria Tropea

Private Transfer

Lamezia Terme Cosenza

Private Transfer

Reggio Calabria Catania

Private Transfer

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Stories That Stay With You

Here's what our guests share about their unforgettable journeys

“We're home now from the most amazing trip to Italy! I can't thank you enough for your efforts and coordination of what was without question the finest vacations I've been on to date.”

[Read More] Carol Carson

“I traveled with JoAnn West through your services, guided by Giuseppe, in July of this year. What a wonderful experience; your service is really top notch! If I return to Italy for a tour, I will absolutely use your services again and recommend you to my friends!”

[Read More] Lucretia Brower

“I am a travel agent from Lebanon and have organized several group tours as well as individual tours of Italy with Italy Vacation Specialists. I highly recommend them as one of the very best tour operators in Italy to work with, given their professionalism and work ethic which I feel is second-to-none in the travel industry. All of the sta”

[Read More] Nicole Haddad, Lebanese Travel Agent

“I have traveled to Italy 2x with the IVS for my own pleasure trips and 2x for business with IVS. These guys really pay attention and make your trip go like clockwork. Italy is nuts, just saying! There are so many rules and restrictions now, so we did not want to drive ourselves. Having traveled with them many times and done business on se”

[Read More] JoAnne Beaudoin, Retired Nurse

“As a travel agent, but also a traveler to Italy, thee is no other company I would recommend than the Italy Vacation Specialists. Not only do they really care about what they are doing, they also really know Italy and try to educate many people about ways they can best see the country and not fall into tourist traps. I have been on 4 trips”

[Read More] Laura Chomiak, Travel Agent

“Jesse & Giuseppe, Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.”

[Read More] Bob & Sandy

“This company really knows their stuff and recommended our family to stay longer in each location. We didn't listen to them, but wished we had in every single place we went. They recommended Sestri Levante over the Cinque Terre which was our favourite destination on our entire trip. We visited Rome where we stayed in the outstanding Hotel ”

[Read More] Sean & Veet Chapman, CGA

“Jesse, There are no words to describe the fabulous time we had in Italy. Everything went as you promised. Absolutely no problems! The venues were fabulous. The guides were punctual and helpful. It couldn't have worked out better. You and your staff deserve high praise for the quality and efficiency of your work. BTW, Guiseppe was an absol”

[Read More] Jo Ann West

“I am a travel agent with All About Honeymoons and I would highly recommend Italy Vacation Specialists. Jessica was wonderful in helping us plan in a last minute anniversary vacation during high season without any issues. She even checked on our clients while on vacation to make sure things were going well. I plan on using them again soon ”

[Read More] Tammy Joyce, All About Honeymoons

“Dear Guiseppe and Jesse, We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future. Hotels 1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of ou”

[Read More] Ron and Deb Crosby