The long history of Calabria tells the tale of many civilizations that settled on its territory over millennia, leaving behind traces in the remnants of ancient cities or in the languages spoken by groups of the present-day population.
Calabria, a land of many peoples
$4,980.00
Click on the city name to see the description
YOUR TRIP
Days 11
Nights 9
Price (from) $4,980.00 (min 25/30 pax)
The trip starts with a min. of 21/24 participants (plus +100 $)
Group Code CLB24
Overnights TROPEA (3), REGGIO CALABRIA (2), CROTONE (2), COSENZA (2)
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DAY 1
Departure from NY (or from another airport upon request with cost adjustment), airline and schedule to be determined.
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DAY 2 (Aperitif, D)
MORNING
Arrival at Lamezia Terme with a layover in Roma.
Transfer by private bus (available throughout the tour) to TROPEA (see photo) (57 km – approximately 1 hour) to the hotel.
Welcome aperitif offered by Superciao Tour at the hotel, including tastings of local products:
Tropea red onion, Monteporo DOP pecorino cheese, and Amaro del Capo liqueur.AFTERNOON
Guided walk with the Tour Leader in the historic center among the Palaces: Giffone, Mottola, Granelli, Braghò, Cesareo (approximately 1.5 km).
Along the way, you will also encounter the Cathedral of Maria Santissima di Romania and reach Piazza Ercole and the Belvedere, from which you can admire one of the most breathtaking sunset views.EVENING
Welcome dinner with a Calabrian menu.
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DAY 3 (B, L, Cooking workshop/D)
MORNING
Excursion to Zungri (see photo) and walking city tour with English local guide. Zungri is situated on the plateau of Mount Poro, a cliffside village in the valley of the Malòpera river, at an altitude of about 490 meters. It is home to around a hundred caves of various sizes and shapes, dating back to the Middle Ages.
You can see the ROCK MUSEUM AND AGRARIAN CIVILIZATION, the gateway to the cave settlement that provides a comprehensive view of life in these rock dwellings.
Lunch or light snack in Zungri and return to Tropea.AFTERNOON
Visit to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola.
Narration and reading of the legend associated with the church.
Free time near the beaches for a walk or, in the summer months, a swim.EVENING
Cooking workshop and dinner in Tropea.
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DAY 4 (B, D)
FULL-DAY TRIP
From Tropea to Vibo Valentia – Pizzo by train along the Coast of the Gods: 22 km in 58 minutes, with various schedule options and speeds, direct route without changes. Arrival in Vibo Valentia by organized taxi.
Walking city tour with English local guide.
Medieval Quarter: Palazzo Romei, Porta, and Torre del Conte d’Apice, Porta della Piazza, Church of San Michele.
If anyone wishes, they can also independently visit the Vito Capialbi Archaeological Museum: A rich collection of Greek coins, fragments of a Greek temple, numerous ceramic finds, bowls, rings, fibulae, etc.
Norman-Swabian Castle:- Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Return to Tropea by bus with a brief stop at the Church of Santa Ruba.
Stop in Spilinga, the home of ‘nduja salame, with dinner and
tasting at the Monteporo Latteria and Salumeria(see photo).
Tastings of their products: Provola – Smoked Monteporo Scamorza – Monteporo Pecorino Cheese Loose ‘Nduja – Sweet Sausage – Spicy Sausage – Sweet Soppressata – Capocollo. -
DAY 5 (B)
MORNING
Transfer to REGGIO CALABRIA with stops in Seminara (see photo), the town of ceramics, and in Scilla on the Costa Viola during sunset.
Visit to the CERAMIC MUSEUM, inaugurated in 2019, and a
ceramics workshop with a hands-on session.AFTERNOON
Stop in Scilla.
Scilla (Costa Viola) Mythological tale (description by Homer, Virgil, and Ovid). Stroll through the historic center around the Church of San Rocco in the upper part of the village. Visit the Sirens’ Beach and the picturesque fishing village of Chianalea.
Ruffo Castle: breathtaking view of the castle built by the Ruffo family on an ancient defense complex dating back to Magna Graecia, restored by the Byzantines and subsequently by the Normans and Angevins.
From April to August, you can see the walkways at the port used for swordfish hunting.EVENING
Continue the itinerary to Reggio Calabria and overnight stay.
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DAY 6 (B, D)
MORNING
Walking city tour with English local guide.
NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, a source of pride for Calabria, renowned worldwide for its rich collection dedicated to Magna Graecia, where you can admire the Riace Bronzes(see photo).
Lungomare Falcomatà, described by D’Annunzio, an Italian poet of the 20th century, as “Italy’s most beautiful kilometer,” where you will encounter the Roman Baths, Greek Walls, and the Arena dello Stretto, all while overlooking the coast of Sicily. In the evening, you can see the lights of Messina, and if you are lucky, you may witness the Fata Morgana phenomenon in the early morning.BERGAMOT NATIONAL MUSEUM: This typical citrus fruit is a symbol of Calabria and is essential for Earl Grey tea and cologne.
Aragonese Castle – Church of the Ottimati – Palazzo della Cultura: richly adorned rooms with works by artists such as Ligabue, Fontana, Sironi, Dalì, De Chirico.AFTERNOON
Free time for shopping at the Porto Bolaro Shopping Center.
EVENING
Dinner with tastings of typical cuisine.
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DAY 7 (B)
MORNING
Transfer to CROTONE (320 km on the state road).
Stop for photographs at Pentidattilo (its name of Greek origin means “five fingers” due to its five sandstone pinnacles).
Stop in Bova(see photo), which, along with BovaMarina, Gallicianò, and other towns in the Aspromonte region, preserves a Hellenic dialect that dates back to the colonization of Magna Graecia 2,500 years ago. It can be considered the oldest dialect in Italy.
Meeting with the Association for the Preservation of the Dialect.
Stop in Gerace, one of the most beautiful villages in Calabria, known as the “city of 100 churches.” The Cathedral is a synthesis of Paleochristian, Byzantine, and Norman elements.
Satisfy your palate in Gerace, where sweets take the spotlight: sammartine, pignolata, and cicerata are must-tries.AFTERNOON
Continue the journey to Catanzaro, where you stop to visit the MEDITERRANEAN BIODIVERSITY PARK, which also includes the International Sculpture Park.
EVENING
Continue to Crotone and accommodation in a hotel.
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DAY 8 (B, D)
MORNING
Take a stroll through the historic center of Crotone, where you can see the Castle of Charles V (see photo), the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Church of Santa Chiara.
Along the way, you will encounter the square dedicated to Rino Gaetano, a singer originally from Crotone who emigrated with his family at the age of ten. He became famous for his songs that celebrated the 1970s with themes of emigration, marginalization, corruption, and the Southern Question.
Continue on foot towards the Crotone waterfront.
The tour proceeds with a bus transfer to the archaeological site of Capo Colonna.
Excursion to Cirò Marina with a stop in Strongoli (of Greek origin, Strongylos = round, due to the round shape of the plateau) for lunch. There is an optional meal at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Dattilo di Caterina Caeraudo.There is also an optional proposal for a high-level cooking lesson (optional).
AFTERNOON/EVENING
After lunch in the afternoon, we will head to Cirò Marina for dinner and a tasting of local wine at the wineries.
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DAY 9 (B, D)
MORNING
Transfer to COSENZA with a stop in Camigliatello and a tour of the Sila on the local train.InCamigliatello Silano, visit the market (if possible, depending on the day).Enjoy various tastings and shopping opportunities.FromCamigliatello Silano, embark on a tourist journey into the heart of the Sila National Park. Discover the narrow-gauge (950 mm) railway station, the highest in Europe at over 1400 meters above sea level, on a locomotive dating back to the early 1900s.
Lunch in the carriage at Agriturismo Silvana-Mansio.AFTERNOON
Transfer to Cosenza.
EVENING
Check in at the hotel, and dinner.
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DAY 10 (B, D)
MORNING
Walking city tour with English local guide of Cosenza (see photo). In the late 19th century, George Gissing, an English writer in love with Calabria, wrote about Cosenza: “…It has interests and wonders that tempt one to wander around it all day. It is inadequate to call it picturesque; at every step, from the beginning of the main road at the foot of the hill to the severe medieval castle that crowns its summit, there is something to marvel at and admire.”
Highlights included: Palazzo di Galeazzo di Tarsia – Piazza Piccola – Cosenza Cathedral –
Via Archi di San Biase – Via Archi di San Francesco – Via Giostra Vecchia – Palazzo Caselli – Palazzo Bombini Vaccaro –Palazzo di Gaspare Sersale – Via Archi di Ciaccio.
AFTERNOON
Free time with the option for shopping or a Tarantella/Pizzica dance lesson (optional).
EVENING
Farewell dinner.
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DAY 11 (B)
Transfer to the airport, via private motor coach, for the return flight.
Lunch and snack served on board. Same day arrival.
PROCEDURES AND INSURANCE
PROCEDURES TO ACTIVATE THE TRIP
1. The Group Coordinator requests a quote via email (or by using the form on the website) for the group they intend to organize, specifying: chosen trip, dates, number of participants, and any specific requests regarding the itinerary and group composition.
ATTENTION: The travel period cannot be chosen in the months of August and December.
2. Superciao Tour sends the Coordinator:
- the requested quote
- the flyer for presenting the trip to participants
- instructions for registration on the website.
SUPERCIAO TOUR WEBSITE
The website (www.superciaotour.com) provides the option for:
- individual or family registration
- payment of fees.
On the website, you can view:
- Terms and conditions of the contract
- Day-by-day updates on the trip organization.
TRAVEL PREPARATION OFFERED BY SUPERCIAO TOUR
- Pre-trip preparation meeting via Zoom with logistical information for participants.
- Detailed Tour presentation booklet with cultural and tourist information useful for the group.
- Online course PASSAPORTO PER L’ITALIA Level 1-2-3-4, based on your communication skills.
- All the information about the Region and the main cities is included on the website, in order to provide not only a Language and Communication Course, but also landscape and cultural data.
TRAVEL GUIDELINES
- When an optional choice between two destinations is planned, and the bus is used for the transfer, the destination is decided based on the majority of preferences. The option to stay at the location remains freely available.
- If not everyone wishes to participate in one or more excursions, they must indicate this during registration.
- During the trip, each day the Tour Leader will provide the schedule for various activities, and these times must be followed to ensure smooth coordination and success of the planned events. Should anyone decide not to participate in an activity, they must inform the Tour Leader to avoid unnecessary delays for the group.
PLEASE NOTE! The schedule for the day may vary depending on weather conditions, traffic, and other logistical needs.
Tipping for various service staff is not mandatory and is therefore at the discretion of each participant or the group. However, for specific requests such as luggage handling, tips should be handled either individually or as a group.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Civil Liability Insurance – Nobis 203118346
(2.100.000 € casualty – 2.100.000 € person – 2.100.000 € damages of personal belongings/animals).
Accident and Personal Injury Policy – Zurich 653A3115
(50.000 € death – 50.000 € permanent disability – 1000€ medical expenses – 50€ daily hospital allowance).
Guarantee Fund, Multi-risk Travel Policy, Cancellations and Bankruptcies – Nobis 203111335
Legal protection – Arag – Policy n.31867871
American insurance for the cancellation of the trip is optional at additional cost.
PACKAGE PRICE INCLUSION
A. TRANSPORTATION: Flights – Private bus
- Round-trip flight from NY (or from another airport with cost assessment).
PLEASE NOTE! If you do not wish to return with the group, you have the following options:
1. Return on a different date, based on your needs – upon request (visiting relatives or places of personal significance).
2. Extend the trip to Rome, only available upon request and at an additional cost.
During the registration phase, it is necessary to formally express either option 1 or 2 for the conclusion of the trip in order to organize the return flight. - Private and exclusive bus available for the group throughout the entire Tour.
B. FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION: Hotel – Restaurant – Allergy
4-star hotels based on availability and time of year, in double rooms or single rooms with a supplement.
Breakfast and 8 dinner or lunch if necessary for the itinerary(specified by the program) (including water and excluding beverages, which are the responsibility of the participants) every day, and in addition, these tastings or aperitifs, where indicated by the program:
Welcome aperitif and Tasting
NB. The menus include a selection of typical regional dishes.
Each participant must report any allergy or food intolerance issues in advance.
C. SUPPORT STAFF: Tour Leader (24/7) – English local guide – Baby sitter
- A Tour Leader who accompanies the group on various excursions, coordinates them throughout the period, and provides all necessary information and advice: shopping, currency usage, withdrawals, phone usage, public transportation, restaurant choices, and more.
- Regularly accredited specialized guides* for the city tours, where indicated by the program. The use of English or Italian will be at the group’s discretion.
PLEASE NOTE!
- If you would like a second Tour Leader for the entire trip or for specific days, you must make an explicit request through your group coordinator. The price will be determined accordingly.
- Families traveling with children and who wish to have a babysitter for a few hours on certain days must request this service in advance, with pricing to be determined.
- Anyone needing a wheelchair must notify us in advance so that arrangements can be made.
| ENGLISH LOCAL GUIDES* Planned for each Trip | ||||||
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| ABRUZZO E MOLISE L’Aquila Campobasso Pescara |
BASILICATA Matera Potenza |
CALABRIA Zungri Vibo Valentia Reggio C. Cosenza |
CAMPANIA Benevento Caserta Napoli Pompei |
PUGLIA Bari Lecce Area greca Isole Tremiti |
SICILIA Taormina Monte Etna Catania Ragusa Siracusa Agrigento Palermo/Monreale |
VENETO Verona Venezia Vicenza Padova< |
D. ACTIVITIES AND WORKSHOPS**
The group will be able to participate in festivals or popular and traditional events that will be selected (as much as possible) based on the dates of the trip.
The travel program includes activities and various workshops, marked with the following symbols:
- Visit to a winery / Tasting local product
- Craft Workshop
- Meeting with the Autority
ATTENTION: A meeting with an expert for an interview on specific regional issues is scheduled, to be confirmed at a later date. It may indeed undergo changes based on the availability of authorities or experts. - Cooking workshop
- Dance lesson (optional)
OPTIONAL: Reservation on request with price to be determined based on the number of participants.
| ACTIVITIES AND WORKSHOPS** Planned for each Trip | |
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| ABRUZZO E MOLISE – Visit to a winery in Ofena – Meeting with the Museum director of the National Paleolithic Museum at Isernia – Painting Atelier visit – Cooking workshop in Campobasso |
BASILICATA – Meeting with a local authority who retraces the history of the city and its inhabitants – Multi-sensory experience in Pisticci during the visit to the Amaro Lucano Museum – Ceramic workshop in Calvello – Winery visit and tasting in Rionero in Vulture – Cooking workshop in Maratea |
| CALABRIA – Tasting at Monteporo Latteria and Salumeria – Ceramic workshop in Seminara – Meeting with the Association for the Preservation of the Dialect in Bova – Cooking workshop in Tropea – Tarantella/Pizzica dance lesson in Cosenza (optional) |
CAMPANIA – Excursion to Capri by boat – Pizza making cooking workshop in Sorrento – Ceramic workshop in Vietri – Meeting with local authorities in Castellabate – Tarantella dance in Benevento (optional) – Falanghina wine tasting |
| PUGLIA – Social dance of the Pizzica in Bari (optional) – Meeting with the museum director to discuss the artisanal vocation of the region in Grottaglie – Ceramics workshop in Grottaglie – Cooking workhop in Grottaglie – Visit to a winemaking production with tastings in Manduria |
SICILIA – Social dance of the Sicilian Tarantella in Taormina (optional) – Visit to an ice cream parlor in Bronte – Sweet tastings where you purchase the famous chocolate bars – Ceramic workshop in Caltagirone – Cooking workshop in Enna – Meeting with an authority in Agrigento – Wine and local product tasting with a picnic at a farm near Agrigento. |
| VENETO – Tasting of local typical products in Verona – Meeting with Verona Professor of University – Tasting of Soave wine in Soave – Tasting of Grappa in Bassano del Grappa – Ceramic workshop in Bassano del Grappa – Exibition of Alpin songs – Cooking workshop in Agriturismo Padova – Gondola ride (optional) |
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E. MUSEUM ADMISSIONS***
The trip includes visits to the museums listed in the table, but the detailed program also indicates other museums that each participant may choose to visit on a personal level.
| MUSEUMS*** Planned for each Trip | |
|---|---|
| ABRUZZO E MOLISE – Saffron Museum in Navelli- Confetti Museum in Pelino- National Paleolithic Museum in Isernia- Mysteries Museum in Campobasso |
BASILICATA – Immersive Museum of Peasant Culture in Matera – Multisensory Amaro Lucano Museum in Pisticci – Museum of Tree Rituals in Accettura – National Archaeological Museum in Potenza – Ceramic Museum in Calvello |
| CALABRIA – Rock Museum and Agrarian Civilization in Zungri- Ceramic Museum in Seminara- National Archaeological Museum in Reggio Calabria- National Bergamot Museum in Reggio Calabria – Mediterranean Biodiversity Park in Catanzaro |
CAMPANIA – Wood Inlay Museum in Sorrento – Ceramic Museum in Vietri – Padula Charterhouse – Royal Palace of Caserta – Pompeii Excavations Site |
| PUGLIA – Archaeological Museum of Bari – Grottaglie Ceramic Museum – Multimedia Museum in Corigliano d’Otranto Castle – Historical Firefighters Museum in Manfredonia |
SICILIA – Greek Theater of Taormina – Chocolate Museum in Modica – Municipal Puppets Museum in Syracuse – Ceramic Museum in Caltagirone |
| VENETO – Verona Arena – Peasant Civilization Museum in Grancona – Alpine Museum in Bassano del Grappa – Ceramic Museum of Bassano del Grappa – Whistles Museum in Marostica – Scrovegni Chapel in Padova |
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