This is a great option we have put together for travelers to Italy looking to experience true southern-Italian hospitality with the Calabrese family who will introduce you to this remarkable area of Italy as only a local can.  Over the five days we visit untouched mountain villages, coastal regions and dive into the the magnificent cave grottoes Dino Island and Arcomagno are known for.

We recommend this experience and offer this experience anytime in May, June and mid-July, as well as September, October and even November when the waters are still warm and you are able to swim.  We do not offer this experience in August when it is far too hot here for most people, however almost any other time of year other than August is a great time to partake in this unique and totally personalized experience. 

We recommend you click on the locations we visit that are linked in here  so you can read more fully about where we take you in the area, that you really do want a guide for, however one of the most appealing things about this option is that you are staying in a private family villa located in the center of town in Praia a Mare and not a hotel, though you will have totally prive accommodations with your own bathroom, it's a nice and more personal experience where we stay in the family home,


in Praia a Mare, Calabria a beautiful sea-side resort town famous for Dino Island and the Arcomagno caves.  During your stay you will have a beautiful room and your own en-suite bathroom and full air conditioning at the Villa Vecchia in the town center where you will have access to cafes that dot the promenade known as the 'Viale', as well as fantastic shopping at stores like Salmena a famous Calabrese jewelery designer and wonderful stores of all variety.  Here, you wiil be right by everything so no need to drive or walk anywhere!  It's all right at your finger tips and you will love Praia a Mare!  I know, becuase I am the owner of Italy Vacation Specialists and I have been living here for 16 years!  You can read about Our Story, on our website.  

This is a unique holiday experience put together by Italy Vacation Specialist that brings you to some of the most beautiful, though often by-passed places in Italy like the coast of Maratea, Diamante the city of murals, Maiera famous for the Pepperoncino museum and the magnificent mountain villages of Tortora and Aieta with your local hosts.  Cooking course and most meals are included with the wonderful Calabrese family hosts.  You will not leave Calabria hungry that's for sure!  

As per the itinerary below, you will enjoy a number of private tours to places like the coast of Maratea and around Dino Island as well as the Madonna Della Grotta church which is inside one of the largest caves in Italy!   We can't stress enough how totally amazing it is!  

Most meals are included in this program and we include a full hands on cooking experience with Antonella, who is a fantastic cook and will introduce you to the secrets of southern Italian cooking using ingredients fresh from the garden!   Meals served outside on the beautiful sea-view terrace with fine wine from the area as you dine with the hosts in this magnificent location on the sea, our aim is to make you feel like one of the family.  

We have prepared this program to make experiencing this area of southern Italy more accessible and with local guides you can really experience the unique history of this beautiful territory and culture that makes the region of Calabria such a beautiful region!

Our cultural immersion programs allow you to experience daily interaction with the family and the local community, family meals and make new friends in a town where English is never heard or spoken - so it forces you and the locals to learn which we feel is a win win for everyone wanting a true Italian experience in an area totally untouched by international tourism.  

We can arrange private transportation from Naples or Lamezia airports and various pre and post tour options all over southern Italy to areas like Matera, Sicily, Tropea, Puglia or even the Amalfi Coast, but this is an experience particularly for foodies and those wanting a true family experience you will not want to miss! 

For more information about staying with real families in Italy get in touch with the experts: team@italyvacationspecialists.com or call us today at (39) 338 351 6912 to learn more!