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Explore the Hidden Villages of Calabria

Small Group · Naples

Hidden Villages of Calabria & Basilicata with Local Guides

7 Days Calabria · Basilicata · Calabria

The Overview

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. 

Duration

7 days

6 nights

Pricing

On request

Tailored to your dates and group.

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.

Regions
Calabria · Basilicata · Calabria
Tour Style
Small Group
Departs From
Naples
Meeting Point
Hotel Garden Praia a Mare
Included Meals
5 breakfasts · 4 dinners · 3 lunches
Day by day

Itinerary

Follow the route as you read. The map traces each day of the journey, moving with you from place to place.

Calabria

Chapter 1 · Days 1–3

Welcome to Calabria

  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…

Explore Calabria
Day 1

Calabria, Praia a Mare

Arrival in Praia a Mare - Orientation to the Program and Welcome Dinner

  • Dinner
Arrival in Praia a Mare - Orientation to the Program and Welcome Dinner — photo 1 Arrival in Praia a Mare - Orientation to the Program and Welcome Dinner — photo 2 Arrival in Praia a Mare - Orientation to the Program and Welcome Dinner — photo 3 Arrival in Praia a Mare - Orientation to the Program and Welcome Dinner — photo 4 Arrival in Praia a Mare - Orientation to the Program and Welcome Dinner — photo 5

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 meet Hotel Garden Praia a Mare
Day 2

Calabria, Dino Island Calabria, San Nicola Arcella

Dino Island and Arcomagno Caves Morning Tour

  • Breakfast
Dino Island and Arcomagno Caves Morning Tour — photo 1 Dino Island and Arcomagno Caves Morning Tour — photo 2 Dino Island and Arcomagno Caves Morning Tour — photo 3 Dino Island and Arcomagno Caves Morning Tour — photo 4 Dino Island and Arcomagno Caves Morning Tour — photo 5

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. 

Day 3

Calabria, Aieta

The Madonna Della Grotta and Aieta (the Eagle's Historic Centre)

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
The Madonna Della Grotta and Aieta (the Eagle's Historic Centre) — photo 1 The Madonna Della Grotta and Aieta (the Eagle's Historic Centre) — photo 2 The Madonna Della Grotta and Aieta (the Eagle's Historic Centre) — photo 3 The Madonna Della Grotta and Aieta (the Eagle's Historic Centre) — photo 4 The Madonna Della Grotta and Aieta (the Eagle's Historic Centre) — photo 5

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. 

Basilicata

Chapter 2 · Days 4–4

Welcome to Basilicata

Basilicata is a beautiful and diverse region in Southern Italy, known as the 'breadbasket' of the south considering that most of southern Italy's wheat and other grains are produced here. It is home to unique and sprawling landscapes where rolling hills covered with crops give way to some of Italy's most ancient and important cities like Matera, Melfi,…

Explore Basilicata
Day 4

Basilicata, Maratea

The Coast of Maratea - Rendentore Dal Christo - Maratea's Incredible Historic Centre with 42 Churches

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
The Coast of Maratea - Rendentore Dal Christo - Maratea's Incredible Historic Centre with 42 Churches — photo 1 The Coast of Maratea - Rendentore Dal Christo - Maratea's Incredible Historic Centre with 42 Churches — photo 2 The Coast of Maratea - Rendentore Dal Christo - Maratea's Incredible Historic Centre with 42 Churches — photo 3 The Coast of Maratea - Rendentore Dal Christo - Maratea's Incredible Historic Centre with 42 Churches — photo 4 The Coast of Maratea - Rendentore Dal Christo - Maratea's Incredible Historic Centre with 42 Churches — photo 5

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. 

 

Calabria

Chapter 3 · Days 5–7

Welcome to Calabria

  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…

Explore Calabria
Day 5

Calabria, Cedri Riviera Calabria

The Forgotten Villages of Calabria: Papasidero, Santa Maria Del Cedro, Maiera and Diamante

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
The Forgotten Villages of Calabria: Papasidero, Santa Maria Del Cedro, Maiera and Diamante — photo 1 The Forgotten Villages of Calabria: Papasidero, Santa Maria Del Cedro, Maiera and Diamante — photo 2 The Forgotten Villages of Calabria: Papasidero, Santa Maria Del Cedro, Maiera and Diamante — photo 3 The Forgotten Villages of Calabria: Papasidero, Santa Maria Del Cedro, Maiera and Diamante — photo 4 The Forgotten Villages of Calabria: Papasidero, Santa Maria Del Cedro, Maiera and Diamante — photo 5

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. 

Day 7

Calabria, Tropea

Departure for Tropea or Other Destinations in Southern Italy

  • Breakfast
Departure for Tropea or Other Destinations in Southern Italy — photo 1 Departure for Tropea or Other Destinations in Southern Italy — photo 2 Departure for Tropea or Other Destinations in Southern Italy — photo 3 Departure for Tropea or Other Destinations in Southern Italy — photo 4 Departure for Tropea or Other Destinations in Southern Italy — photo 5

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. 

The details

Inclusions & Exclusions

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
In their words

Traveler Reviews

Emily and David Davison Travelled with us

My husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She planned the perfect trip with excellent private guides at all of our sites, professional drivers and lovely hotels. We arrived in Italy with all of our train and ferry reservations made by Ele, with tickets in hand. She was in touch with us daily throughout our trip to make sure that things were going smoothly. She was able to make a few changes to our itinerary as needed. We look forward to working with Ele again on our next trip and have put her in touch with another family member to help plan their trip as well.

Ron and Deb Crosby Travelled with us

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 our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone and would specifically ask for it if we were to make a return visit.

2. Hotel La Baia in Monterosso was nice and it's location was very good especially for us older folks humping luggage from/to the train station.

3. Hotel Lucchesi in Florence- what can I say expect FANTASTIC. The rooftop view at sunset is well worth it. Again very friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend it to everyone.

Wine Tour

Money well spent. We had a great time overall. The driver Mario was OUTSTANDING. He had lots of local knowledge as well as about winemaking. USE HIM AGAIN!!!

The various wineries we visited on tour:

Altesino- fantastic and they were not cheap on their pouring. Great experience.

Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencion Sloaria- Again a great tour by one of the owner's daughters. We felt like we were the only thing on their mind although there were other customers there. A great way to complete the day.

Again we had a fantastic time and are very appreciative of everything you booked for us. We wish you continued success and if our travels should bring us back to Italy, we know who to call.

Leon and Michele Travelled with us

The trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.

Bob & Sandy Travelled with us

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.

Where you are

Location

Italy Naples

Naples and beyond

7 days through Italy, with every stop chosen by the people who live here.

Where we meet

Hotel Garden Praia a Mare

Where it starts

Naples

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Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private tour, or will we join a group?

Private. You travel with your own guide and driver, and the only people on the itinerary are the ones you bring with you. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace of each day is yours to set.

Can the itinerary be changed to suit us?

Yes. What you see here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell us how long you have, what you love and what you would rather skip, and we will reshape it around you. A slower morning, an extra night somewhere you fell for, a different region entirely.

How do we start planning?

Send us a note using the form on this page, or call us on 1-866-779-2565. A travel specialist replies within one business day, usually with a few questions of their own. There is no cost and no obligation in asking.

When should we book?

The earlier the better, particularly for travel between May and September, when the best small hotels and the guides worth having are taken first. That said, we have put together beautiful trips at short notice, so ask and we will tell you honestly what is still possible for your dates.

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