• Direct In Italy: +39 375 823 5314
  • Toll Free: 1-866-779-2565

Hidden Villages of Calabria & Basilicata with Local Guides

  • Calabria Guaranteed Departure Tours

Overview

Calabria is the largest region in Italy and yet it is always the least-frequently visited by visitors to Italy.  For decades it has remained relatively unforgotten by Europe except for Italian travellers who by the thousands if not millions each summer during August make their way here.  Yet, this region is one that has so much to offer and one where the owner of the company has called home for 20 years. Our guaranteed departure tour of this magnificent region will leave you spell-bound and wanting to discover more about Calabria and Italy's deep south. 

Itinerary

Where we Visit : Praia a Mare,  |  Meeting Location : Hotel Garden Praia a Mare

Travelers today will arrive by either train or private transportation in Praia a Mare from a variety of locations in Italy whether Naples, Lamezia Terme Airport or other destinations.  We will be happy to arrange for private transportation services from a number of locations.

Upon arrival at the centrally located and wonderful Hotel Garden in Praia a Mare, right across from the beach and in the centre of town, you will have the chance to settle in, unwind and take a stroll through the town centre, along the town's magnificent promenade or simply enjoy a wonderful cocktail in the lovely garden, lounge area or town itself which is a 3 min walk.  

At 18:00 PM this evening in the hotel we will have a meet and greet of fellow participants and get ready for our welcome dinner this evening which will show-case some wonderful foods particular to the region of Calabria.

Return to the hotel for a relaxing overnight. 


 

Where we Visit : Dino Island, San Nicola Arcella,

This morning after breakfast at the hotel at 10:00 AM in front of the hotels' beach lido our boat will meet us to take us along the bay of Policastro to experience the magnificent and wonderful grottos of Dino Island which some people say are more magnificent than the Blue Grottoes of Capri.

From Dino Island we head further south along the bay to magnificent Arcomagno Cave and the San Nicola beach where we will have prepared a picnic to enjoy sea-side with local products. 

The entire day is dedicated to the epic and beautiful scenery of this area second to none in Italy.

Return to the hotel for free time and relaxation. 

Dinner this evening in town at Taverna Antica where local fish specialties, pasta and a great assortment of foods from the region in addition to Italian foods will be served. 

Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight. 

Where we Visit : Aieta,

After breakfast this morning we venture to the magnificent Madonna della Grotta cave overlooking Praia a Mare which to date very few visitors to Italy have ever experienced.  It is a bit of a climb, but most certainly a worth-while one that you will not want to miss, so bring your walking shoes for sure! 

Here, we will enjoy a guided tour inside this beautiful sanctuary located inside the cave which is an astonishingly beautiful site.

At the end of our visit at the Piedi Grotta restaurant we will enjoy a 'light' Calabrese lunch afterwhich our vehicle will meet us to bring us up to the magnificent town of Aieta, overlooking the Pollino national park in nearly 365 degrees.  This town is home to a unique palace called the Palace of Re-birth and it is a not-to-miss site while visiting the Calabria region.

Here, we will enjoy a guided tour and there will be time to explore the town where there is little shopping, however there will be ample opportunity for great shopping in many locations throughout the majority of our time together. 

Following Aieta, some will have the option to return to the hotel for relaxation and dinner at leisure after what will already be a long day.

For others, we will have an optional tour this evening to experience an agriturismo set behind Praia and then San Nicola Arcella by night. 

Overnight in Praia a Mare. 


 

Where we Visit : Maratea,

This morning after breakfast at the hotel, we will depart by boat from in front of the hotel to head north along the magnificent coast of Maratea where you will experience an extraodrinary coastline filled with grottes, black-sand beaches and magnificent geography everywhere you turn. The journey will take about 1.15 minutes by boat.  

Arriving at the port of Maratea, you will be greeted with a warm welcome and time to enjoy a snack, go to the washroom, take photos and some shopping.

From here, a short walk / drive away, we head to the incredible Santa Venere property home to a gorgeous spa, gardens and wonderful landscape setting where you will have free time for lunch or to enjoy a spa service that should be pre-booked in advance should those wishing to do this want to do it. 

From Santa Venere, we head up to the Redeemer Christ overlooking Maratea which offers spectacular photo opportunities where we will have a brief guided tour.

Following this visit we will head into the historical centre of the town where we will continue our guided tour and have time for shopping, apperativo, and finally an amazing pizza dinner in the centre of town before heading back to the hotel a 20 minute drive away. 
 

Where we Visit : Cedri Riviera Calabria,

This morning after breakfast we depart Praia a Mare for towns which belong to the Parco Pollino national park including Papasidero, Maiera, Santa Maria Del Cedro and Diamante.   This will be a magnificent day and one that very few visitors to Italy have ever experienced. 

 

Where we Visit : Tropea,

After breakfast this morning we will arrange for your transportation to a variety of unique destinations in southern Italy or elsewhere.  Some of us continuing on to Tropea will be escorted further south where as others will head into Puglia, Sicily or to the Amalfi Coast where we can assist you with a variety of services. 

 

Inclusions/Exclusions

Tour Highlights and What's Included
  • Cooking class
  • English speaking professional tour guide
  • Excellent Photo Opportunities
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Our Concierge Service
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Wine and Olive Oil Tastings
What's Not Included
  • International fights
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Personal Expenses or Extras at hotels
  • Travel Insurance

Pricing & Availability

Please contact us today by either phone or email for assistance with this booking.
Email : team@italyvacationspecialists.com
Toll Free : 1-866-779-2565


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  • Direct In Italy: +39 375 823 5314

  • Toll Free: 1-866-779-2565