Explore the authentic soul of Calabria: a timeless journey through history, culture and nature

Reggio Calabria

The visit to Reggio Calabria will start from the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, which houses together with the Riace Bronzes, magnificent and ancient memories of the Prehistoric, Greek and Roman ages. From the museum we will then continue to the State Archives of Reggio Calabria, where the state acts of all the municipalities of the Province from 1809 to 1865 are currently preserved. Afterwards, we’ll immerse ourselves in walking through the unique biodiversity ecosystem: the most beautiful km in Italy. An immersive urban trek, which turns its gaze to the Strait of Messina on one side, and to the centuries-old trees on the other, crossing different forms of modern art. From the work of Tresoldi to those of Rabarama, symbols of modern art that aims to create constant contact with man, and then stop to admire Villa Zerbi, a symbol of rebirth and a unique example of Art Nouveau architecture after the 1908 earthquake of the city. We will then proceed to Piazza Italia where we will go underground to visit the remains of the Greek and Roman civilizations, with their clearly visible stratifications. Subsequently, walking along Corso Garibaldi, the main shopping street of the city, we will reach Piazza Duomo to visit the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Reggio Calabria, which houses treasures of great historical, cultural and spiritual value.

Scilla

The village of Scilla stands on a promontory overlooking the sea, facing Sicily, a few steps from the Aspromonte National Park; It represents, today, one of the most evocative stretches of the Costa Viola. Its origins are very ancient, and are confused between history and legend, above all for the myth of Scilla and Cariddi.  The name, in fact, is linked to the mythological figure of the young nymph Scilla, transformed by the sorceress Circe into a monster with six heads of dogs that destroyed all ships passing through the Stretto di Messina.

Gerace

The village of Gerace stands on a hill nestled between the Aspromonte National Park and the Piana della Locride, a vast area rich in history and culture, overlooking the pristine beaches of the Jasmine Coast on the Ionian Sea. Its Greek origins blend perfectly with the rich Byzantine and Norman history, which make Gerace a historical-architectural jewel absolutely worth visiting. The visit of the village starts from the lower part through the Varvara Gate. Walking through the many alleys of Gerace will allow you to travel through different historical eras, finally arriving at the Cathedral of Gerace. The visit continues in a ceramic workshop, ending with a tasting of typical local products.

Stilo

Stilo was founded by the Greeks in the tenth century, the subsequent rule of the Byzantines made it the most important Byzantine center in southern Calabria. The main testimony of this period is the Cattolica, since 2016 included in the list of candidate places to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Stilo is also known for being the birthplace of the philosopher Tommaso Campanella.  The historic center and the nearby village are home to streets, houses attached to each other, courtyards and gardens, from where it is possible to admire wonderful views. The noble palaces, the churches and above all the surrounding walls with towers and city gates, give Stilo the appearance of a typical medieval town and make it one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The visit will end with the rediscovery of ancient traditions, such as the processing of broom.

Mongiana

The recently established village of Mongiana is located within the Serre Calabresi Regional Park. Its history is a particular one, because it was born as a residence for workers, artisans and in general all those workers involved in the Royal Ironworks and Arms Factory created at the time of the Bourbons. Mongiana, during the eighteenth century, was one of the most advanced steel poles, for this reason visiting this small town in the Vibo area means taking a real leap back to a time when Calabria was a rich and economically developed region. The visit starts from the Museum of the Royal Bourbon Ironworks, and then continues towards the Foundry where it is still possible to enter the three blast furnaces. From history to nature, we head towards the Villa Vittoria Park, a fantastic biogenetic reserve where you can immerse yourself in the biodiversity of the area. The visit ends with lunch in a typical tavern.

Serra San Bruno

Our journey with the study of itinerant Italian continues in the afternoon in the spiritual and artisan center of Serra San Bruno. Nestled in the Calabrian Serre, Serra San Bruno is a town known for its Certosa, built at the behest of San Bruno. The village of Serra San Bruno is dotted with churches, monasteries and charterhouses, which enrich and characterize your visit with a deep spirituality and mysticism. The visit ends with dinner in a trattoria with tasting of typical mushrooms of the area and typical products.

Tropea

The walking tour with urban trekking and itinerant Italian lessons in the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea”; An iconic place on the Coast of the Gods, Tropea owes its uniqueness to being built on a real terrace overlooking the crystal clear sea, in front of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola di Tropea.

The historic center of Tropea dates back to the Angevin-Aragonese era and is full of churches and noble palaces inside which there are treasures and precious street furniture still excellently preserved; its maze of winding alleys follow one another until we reach the view from which we can admire the characteristic white beach, a true jewel of the Coast of the Gods, and the Sanctuary located on a promontory that was once a real island. The visit continues with an experiential cooking class and lunch in a restaurant where we will be able to taste the Red Onion of Tropea and other typical products.

Pizzo

Located in the northern part of the Costa degli Dei, Pizzo is the town known for the artisanal production of the Pizzo Truffle and for the historic ice cream tradition. The visit begins by immersing ourselves in the narrow streets of the village and then proceeds to the Aragonese Castle where we can experience an immersive visit to the history of Joachim Murat. Afterwards, we will continue to the Church of Piedigrotta, a place that is at the same time mystical, spiritual, but also cultural capable of enchanting the traveler.

The visit ends with a dinner of typical local products.