Italy: Highlights of Calabria

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in the quaint small town of Minor, on the UNESO World Heritage listed Amalfi Coast. This peninsula's rocky coasts, azure seas and whitewashed villages are quintessential Italy and this small town accommodation provides all the iconic views of Amalfi Town without the tourist crowds. You'll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps stroll along the coast or find a gorgeous little restaurant for pizza and wine with a view.

This morning you'll travel to Civita by boat, train and private vehicle. Civita was founded by Albanian refugees in the Middle Ages and the Civitesi are recognised as an ethnic minority by the Italian Government. Their language, arberesh, is a mixture of Italian and Albanian and is only spoken here and in some parts of Sicily. Take a walk around this fascinating village, then perhaps choose to visit a local winery and cheese producer, or just walk in the scenic hills instead. (B)

After breakfast today, you’ll hike into the beautiful Pollino National Park that surrounds Civita. With sheer cliffs, narrow canyons and a diverse range of wildlife including the peregrine falcon, eagle owl and the recently reintroduced Egyptian vulture, this area is a wildlife lover's paradise. If you'd like to opt out of the hike, you can kick back on the terrace of your guesthouse and enjoy the scenery and hospitality of the locals. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. (B)

After breakfast this morning, you’ll transfer from Civita to Paola, before taking the train on to Tropea. Tropea has a striking sense of timelessness, created by the streets full of faded buildings and the iconic fortifications that line the city’s cliffs. Explore the town as you head out on an orientation walk. You may want to visit the local Norman cathedral, the Duomo, which holds an icon of the town’s celebrated protectress, the Madonna of Romania. There’s also the Museo Diocesano, a tiny museum hiding in the Palazzo Vescovile next to the Duomo, which is full of religious art and wooden statues. If you’d prefer some time by the water, feel free to head to the beach and marvel at the looming structures on the cliffs nearby. (B)

If the weather is fine, you'll head out on a boat trip to the island of Stromboli. You will stop here to visit the island of San Vincenzo where you will have time to swim in the deep blue sea of the Aeolian Islands, shop along the main street or stop in a local restaurant for dinner. Depending on the time of year, you will depart Stromboli again in the evening and cruise to the Sciara del Fuoco (Stream of Fire) which marks the path of the lava flows that occur during Stromboli’s eruptions. (B)

Depart from Tropea by train as you travel on to Reggio Calabria, the gateway to Sicily. The city’s placement in a major earthquake zone has caused much destruction over the years, meaning only a few historical sites remain in comparison to the rest of Italy. However, this has resulted in a charming mix of architecture, balanced between the surviving old buildings and the modern structures. Embark on an orientation walk, before visiting the widely renowned National Archaeological Museum of Reggio. This building is arguably the most important tourism destination that the region has to offer, featuring an excellent collection of exhibits from Greek-influenced sites across Calabria, including the Bronzi di Riace, two giant bronze statues found on the sea floor in the 70s. Later in the evening, perhaps hunt down some of the city's spectacular restaurants for grilled swordfish or pasta with cauliflower and broccoli (both are dishes typical to the area) and a glass of local wine, or wander past the city’s panoramic waterfront. (B)

Bid farewell to Reggio Calabria and travel by ferry to Messina in Sicily, where you’ll enjoy a Messina (a traditional boat ride). You'll experience the thrill of a fishing trip with the locals and learn about the traditions and natural wonders of the Strait of Messina. After, board a private minibus to the atmospheric city of Catania. The city has a unique energy and an interesting blend of young and old. On one hand, there’s a gritty, attractive bar culture that fuels an exuberant nightlife full of flavour and laughter. On the other hand, the city's very core boasts one of the fabled Late Baroque towns – the UNESCO World Heritage site, Val di Noto. You’ll get the opportunity to explore both sides of this curious city by walking through its grand piazzas and wide roads. The evening is yours to enjoy, so perhaps get a gelato or a granita to cool off at the end of a busy day of exploration. (B)

Take a day trip to the charming city of Taormina. Start things off with an orientation walk, where you’ll notice the Greek influence in the architecture. Walk through the back streets and gardens, and perhaps visit the world-famous Greek theatre and the cathedral. The whole afternoon will be at your leisure, so there's plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Have a drink in the Mediterranean sun or dig into some traditional Sicilian pasta before heading back to Catania for your final evening. Perhaps, head out with your newfound travel companions for one final pasta dinner together and toast to the Calabrian adventures you shared. (B)

Your journey come to an end after breakfast today. If you’d like to stay on in Catania, just speak to your booking agent to organise any additional accommodation. (B)