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Praia a Mare Vacation Package in Italy Praia a Mare Vacation Package in Italy Praia a Mare, Calabria Beautiful Maratea, Basilicata, Italy

Private · Tortora

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

4 Days Calabria

The Overview

Overview

Northern Calabria is home to one of the most geographically impressive coast lines in Italy.  A region that for years travelers to Italy have bi-passed, for the most part this area has remained a well-kept secret and visted largely by Italian tourists in the summer months.  However this is a region which is well-worth visiting from May until November and even throughout the winter when you can swim in the clear mediterranean sea and enjoy the wonderful cave grottoes of Dino Island and Arcomagno (a large cave , where inside you can enjoy a picturesque beach) and clear waters that offer perfect conditions for diving and swimming. 

Most all of the places in this area are difficult to get to if you don't know where you are going and for this reason we have put together this mini-stay in the area which really has it all including guided tours of Dino Island, Arcomagno and the Coast of Maratea as well as a unique cooking experience inside the Calabrese family's home where you get to enjoy hands on cooking and learn the traditions of Calabria's unique cuisine 

This is an authentic experience in Italy's deep south and is a great way to get to know the incredible culinary traditions of Calabria famous for the 'hot pepper" and fussili dishes while being hosted in an authentic old "palazzo" in the historical center of Praia a Mare, only 200 meters from the beautiful Mediterranean sea.

Our package includes accommodation in a private Villa Vecchia located in the center of town where you can step onto the wonderfully quite tree-lined viale, dotted with cafe's and wonderful shopping.  Cooking in a private Calabrese sea-side villa with Antonella Calabrese and a day tour to the coast of Maratea and a boat tour around Dino Island and Caves of Arcomgano. 

Over three days, you experience numerous wine tastings, wonderful home-made pasta dishes and a variety of local specialties.

Pick up and drop off at the train station or in Lamezia or Naples is also available upon request. 

For more information about the detailed itinerary, read below and get in touch with us to reserve today!  This experience runs continuously from April until December! 

Duration

4 days

3 nights

Starting From

EUR 1,250

Per person, based on a minimum of 2 travelers

Tailored to your departure and group.

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. Cooking in a private Calabrese sea-side villa with Antonella Calabrese and a day tour to the coast of Maratea as well as the wine-region of Verbicaro.

Regions
Calabria
Tour Style
Private
Departs From
Tortora
Meeting Point
hotel
Included Meals
Daily breakfast · 2 dinners · 2 wine tastings · 1 cooking class
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 1–4

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

Independent Arrival in Praia a Mare - Welcome Dinner at Villa with Gaetano & Antonella

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Independent Arrival in Praia a Mare - Welcome Dinner at Villa with Gaetano & Antonella — photo 1 Independent Arrival in Praia a Mare - Welcome Dinner at Villa with Gaetano & Antonella — photo 2 Independent Arrival in Praia a Mare - Welcome Dinner at Villa with Gaetano & Antonella — photo 3 Independent Arrival in Praia a Mare - Welcome Dinner at Villa with Gaetano & Antonella — photo 4 Independent Arrival in Praia a Mare - Welcome Dinner at Villa with Gaetano & Antonella — photo 5

You can arrive to Praia a Mare, Calabria by train or car. If you are coming by train we will pick you up at the rail station.  Alternatively, we can make arrangements to have you picked up in Naples or at the Lamezia Terme airport.

Upon arrival you will have time to settle into the villa located in the historical center of Praia a Mare.  

Dinner this evening with the Calabrese family at the family estate. 

Overnight at the villa. 

Where we meet hotel
Day 2

Calabria, Dino Island

Private Boat Tour around Dino Island and Evening Cooking Experience

  • Breakfast
  • Wine Tasting
  • Cooking Class
Private Boat Tour around Dino Island and Evening Cooking Experience — photo 1 Private Boat Tour around Dino Island and Evening Cooking Experience — photo 2 Private Boat Tour around Dino Island and Evening Cooking Experience — photo 3 Private Boat Tour around Dino Island and Evening Cooking Experience — photo 4 Private Boat Tour around Dino Island and Evening Cooking Experience — photo 5

This morning after breakfast we head to the beach and begin our full day tour of this amazing coastal region which will take you around the cave grottoes of Dino Island and into Arcomagno, where you will have time to enjoy some fantastic swimming and diving.

Return in the afternoon to the beach lido for lunch and free time to explore the town of Praia a Mare

This evening we enjoy a hands on cooking experience in the Calabrese home where you will make fresh pasta and enjoy traditional Calabrese wines and time with the family in their own home.

Overnight at leisure in Praia a Mare. 

Day 3

Basilicata, Maratea Calabria, Tortora

The Coast of Maratea - Rendentore Dal Christo - La Loggia in Tortora for Dinner

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Wine Tasting
The Coast of Maratea - Rendentore Dal Christo - La Loggia in Tortora for Dinner — photo 1 The Coast of Maratea - Rendentore Dal Christo - La Loggia in Tortora for Dinner — photo 2 The Coast of Maratea - Rendentore Dal Christo - La Loggia in Tortora for Dinner — photo 3 The Coast of Maratea - Rendentore Dal Christo - La Loggia in Tortora for Dinner — photo 4 The Coast of Maratea - Rendentore Dal Christo - La Loggia in Tortora for Dinner — photo 5

This morning after buffet breakfast at the villa we head to the magnificent coast of Maratea, where you will have a chance to visit the famous Rendentore "Redeemer" of Christ that sits high above the coast.   Visiting Maratea marina and the town of Maratea itself, you will have a chance to experience southern Italy's most beautiful coast!

In the afternoon, after a light lunch we will return back to Praia a Mare for beach time at leisure.

Before the sunset, we head up to La Loggia which offers spectacular views over the mountain villages of Tortora and Aieta.

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

Day 4

Calabria, Praia a Mare

Transfer to Rail Station and Time To Say Arrivaderci!

  • Breakfast
Transfer to Rail Station and Time To Say Arrivaderci! — photo 1 Transfer to Rail Station and Time To Say Arrivaderci! — photo 2 Transfer to Rail Station and Time To Say Arrivaderci! — photo 3 Transfer to Rail Station and Time To Say Arrivaderci! — photo 4 Transfer to Rail Station and Time To Say Arrivaderci! — photo 5

After breakfast this morning we take you back to the Praia a Mare rail station where it will be time to say goodbye!

Alternatively we can transfer you to other destinations in Calabria or make other arrangements for you to continue your journey~! 

In the press

Where this journey has been featured

Featured in Magic Towns Italy Italy Vacation Specialists, Featured in Magic Towns Italy: The Story Behind Italy Vacation Specialists Magic Towns Italy Featured in Magic Towns Italy: The Story Behind Italy Vacation Specialists December 2025 Magic Towns Italy tells the story of our founder Jesse Andrews, who arrived in Calabria in 2003 with 50 euros and a teaching contract, and stayed to build Italy Vacation Specialists. Read the story Valiantceo Jesse Andrews, Our Founder in ValiantCEO: Why No Algorithm Can Replace Local Knowledge ValiantCEO Our Founder in ValiantCEO: Why No Algorithm Can Replace Local Knowledge August 2025 Our founder Jesse Andrews talks to ValiantCEO about AI in travel: where it helps, where it falls short, and why trips built on local knowledge and real relationships matter more than ever. Read the story Monterosso al Mare in the Cinque Terre at dusk Appetito Our Founder in Appetito: A Culinary Journey Through Calabria and Basilicata May 2025 Our founder Jesse Andrews writes for Appetito on the food and coast of southern Italy, from the sea caves of Praia a Mare in Calabria to Maratea, the town of 44 churches in Basilicata. Read the story The skyline of Florence at dusk, with Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo Italian American Life with Frankie D Our Founder on the Italian American Life Podcast: 20 Years of Living and Breathing Italy March 2025 Our founder Jesse Andrews joins Frankie D on Episode 144 to tell the story behind Italy Vacation Specialists, from a summer job in Calabria to planning custom trips across Italy. Read the story

All press & recognition

The details

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Cooking class
  • Culinary guide
  • Daily Buffet Breakfast
  • Daily Cleaning at Villa
  • Detailed explanation of sites
  • Dinner with Wine
  • English speaking tour escort for the duration of the tour

What's Not Included

  • 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 Tortora

Tortora and beyond

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

Where we meet

hotel

Where it starts

Tortora

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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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4 days from EUR 1,250 per person, min. 2 travelers

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