The Best of Calabria: A Journey Through Italy’s Hidden Gem
Group photos taken during our tours are property of Raphael Tours and Events. Unauthorized usage outside of this website is strictly prohibited.
The Best of Calabria: A Journey Through Italy’s Hidden Gem
Tour Description
Discover Calabria with expert guides and driver: Tropea, Scilla, Capo Vaticano, Gerace and more. A journey through history, nature, traditions and flavors in Italy’s most authentic southern region.
Key Information
- Experience Private, Walking, By Car, By Minivan, By Bus
- Guided by Licensed national tour guide
- Days 7 to 15 days, customizable
- Languages English, Italian, Spanish, French, German
- Pickup included Upon request
Highlights
- Tropea & Capo Vaticano – Lose yourself in Tropea’s maze of cobbled streets, perched high above shimmering turquoise seas, before unwinding on the white-sand beaches of Capo Vaticano.
- Scilla & Reggio Calabria – Step into legend in Scilla, the fishing village tied to Homer’s Odyssey, then stand in awe before the ancient Riace Bronzes in Reggio’s world-class museum.
- Gerace & Locri – Wander through Gerace’s medieval alleys crowned by its grand Norman cathedral, then journey further back in time among the evocative ruins of ancient Locri.
- Stilo & Serra San Bruno – Admire the delicate beauty of the Cattolica in Stilo, a Byzantine jewel, and embrace the silence of Serra San Bruno’s monastery hidden in the forests.
- Le Castella & Sila Mountains – Imagine knights and sailors at the fortress of Le Castella, rising from the sea, before escaping to the untamed landscapes of Sila National Park.
Itinerary
- 1 1
Day 1 – Arrival in Calabria
Pick-up at airport/train station. Welcome by driver and guide. Transfer to hotel in Tropea. Evening orientation walk and welcome dinner.
- 2 2
Day 2 – Tropea & Capo Vaticano
Explore Tropea’s historic center, Santa Maria dell’Isola, and enjoy panoramic views. Afternoon visit to Capo Vaticano’s stunning beaches.
- 3 3
Day 3 – Pizzo & Vibo Valentia
Visit Pizzo’s Aragonese Castle and sample the famous tartufo gelato. Continue to Vibo Valentia for ancient sites and local culture.
- 4 4
Day 4 – Scilla & Reggio Calabria
Discover Scilla, the fishing village linked to Homer’s Odyssey. Afternoon in Reggio Calabria with the Riace Bronzes and seaside promenade.
- 5 5
Day 5 – Gerace & Locri
Step back in time in Gerace, with its Norman cathedral and medieval streets. Visit Locri’s Greek archaeological park.
- 6 6
Day 6 – Stilo & Serra San Bruno
See Stilo’s famous Cattolica Byzantine church. Continue to Serra San Bruno, home of the Carthusian Monastery.
- 7 7
Day 7 – Departure or Optional Extension
Morning free for shopping or relaxing. Transfer to airport/train station or begin extended tour.
- 8 8
Extended Itinerary (Days 8–15)
Discover More Hidden Gems of Calabria with Extra Days
- 9 9
Day 8 – Cosenza
Stroll the old town, cathedral, and Norman castle. Evening in lively Piazza XV Marzo.
- 10 10
Day 9 – Sila National Park
Enjoy nature walks, lakes, and traditional mountain cuisine in Calabria’s “green heart.”
- 11 11
Day 10 – Paola
Visit the Sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola, an important pilgrimage site.
- 12 12
Day 11 – Rossano
Explore the Diocesan Museum with the UNESCO-listed Codex Purpureus, plus local liquorice tradition.
- 13 13
Day 12 – Sibari
Discover the great archaeological park of ancient Sybaris, once a wealthy Greek colony.
- 14 14
Day 13 – Catanzaro & Ionian Coast
See Catanzaro’s historic center, then relax along the Ionian seaside.
- 15 15
Day 14 – Le Castella & Capo Colonna
Marvel at the fortress of Le Castella rising from the sea, then explore Capo Colonna’s archaeological site with its ancient Greek temple remains.
- 16 16
Day 15 – Optional Sicily Extension or Departure
Cross to Sicily (Messina/Taormina) or transfer to airport for departure.
Full Description
Discover the colors, flavors, and timeless charm of Calabria with our Best of Calabria Multiday Tour, led by top-rated local guides and a professional driver. Nestled at the southern tip of Italy, Calabria is one of the Mediterranean’s hidden gems, offering breathtaking coastlines, unspoiled landscapes, ancient ruins, and a rich culinary tradition that reflects its vibrant history.
Your journey begins with convenient pick-up from any airport or meeting point in the region. From there, we’ll craft a tailor-made itinerary designed around your interests, needs, and schedule—though we recommend at least seven days to truly embrace the spirit of Calabria. Travel in comfort with your own bus or let us provide a modern, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver.
Highlights of the tour include charming Tropea, famous for its cliffside views and turquoise waters; Capo Vaticano, with some of Italy’s most stunning beaches; and Scilla, a picturesque fishing village steeped in myth. Along the way, discover hidden towns, archaeological treasures, and authentic local traditions.
Whether you’re drawn to history, nature, or gastronomy, this immersive tour captures the essence of Calabria—a region where every view is unforgettable and every flavor tells a story.
Tour Gallery
A collection of photos showcasing the tour experience and destinations
Group photos taken during our tours are property of Raphael Tours and Events. Unauthorized usage outside of this website is strictly prohibited.
What is included
Included
- Accommodation in carefully selected hotels with Half Board (daily breakfast and dinner).
- Private transportation with a modern, air-conditioned vehicle and professional English-speaking driver (or option to use your own bus).
- Services of top-rated local guides at key sites and throughout the journey.
- Airport or station pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Calabria.
- Tailor-made itinerary customized to your interests, needs, and time availability.
- Visits to historic towns, archaeological sites, coastal villages, and natural parks as per program.
- All parking fees, fuel, and tolls during the tour.
Not included
- Lunches and drinks not included in the Half Board arrangement
- Tips for guides and driver (at your discretion)
Recommendations
Tips and Tricks
- Best Duration – We recommend at least 7 days to enjoy Calabria’s main highlights, with 10–15 days for a deeper, more relaxed journey.
- Best Season to Travel – Spring (April–June) and early Autumn (September–October) offer perfect weather, fewer crowds, and the most vibrant landscapes.
- What to Pack – Comfortable walking shoes for historic towns, light clothes for the warm coast, and a jacket for the cooler mountain areas. Don’t forget swimwear for Tropea and Capo Vaticano!
- Customization – This tour is flexible! Whether you prefer archaeological wonders, mountain escapes, or seaside relaxation, we tailor the program to your wishes.
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