CALABRIA
September 1 - 8, 2022
September 1 - 8, 2022
Highlights
- Full guided tour with Francesca Montillo, cookbook author, culinary instructor and native Calabrese.
- Full immersion of Calabrian lifestyle with time spent with local artisans and producers.
- Authentic dinners in restaurants favored by the locals.
- Visits to Aspromonte, Pizzo, Tropea, Scilla, Chianalea, Reggio Calabria and other unique locations.
- Two Hands-On Cooking Classes
- Tastings of local products such as ricotta, bergamots, 'Nduja, tartufo and local wine.
- Visit to olive oil mill with lunch on location.
- Boat ride along the Coast of the Gods with opportunity for swimming and snorkeling.
- Vineyard visit at sunset for wine tasting and samplings.
- Many more surprises along the way!
Overview
So, you're ready to head to one of Italy's best-kept secret, Calabria? Than let this native Calabrese take you there! Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures is really excited to announce the 2022 adventure to this beautiful, and little explored region! Undiscovered and undisturbed by massive tourism, the week promises organized activities, cooking classes, delicious foods & wine lunches, day trips to private vineyards, farm visits, an excursion at sea and some afternoon time to hit the beach! Enjoy time with welcoming locals, authentic foods, beautiful scenery and remarkable experiences. A week not to be missed if you're craving to see a different Italy.
So, you're ready to head to one of Italy's best-kept secret, Calabria? Than let this native Calabrese take you there! Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures is really excited to announce the 2022 adventure to this beautiful, and little explored region! Undiscovered and undisturbed by massive tourism, the week promises organized activities, cooking classes, delicious foods & wine lunches, day trips to private vineyards, farm visits, an excursion at sea and some afternoon time to hit the beach! Enjoy time with welcoming locals, authentic foods, beautiful scenery and remarkable experiences. A week not to be missed if you're craving to see a different Italy.
Lunch with a view!
Yes, this will be your home for part of the week!
Day 1 - Arrival and Welcome Dinner
Group pick up at Lamezia Terme International Airport in the afternoon. Arrive and enjoy welcome drink and refreshments. After that, spend time to check in and unpack. Enjoy a quick walk in Pizzo on your own before meeting for our welcome dinner in Pizzo’s town center.
Our home for the week will be the beautiful 4 star Piccolo Grand Hotel, located in the historic center of Pizzo.
Group pick up at Lamezia Terme International Airport in the afternoon. Arrive and enjoy welcome drink and refreshments. After that, spend time to check in and unpack. Enjoy a quick walk in Pizzo on your own before meeting for our welcome dinner in Pizzo’s town center.
Our home for the week will be the beautiful 4 star Piccolo Grand Hotel, located in the historic center of Pizzo.
Frontaio Mafrica - one of Calabria's beloved olive oil mills.
Day 2 - Cooking Class and Visit to Olive Oil Mill
After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, we will transfer to a nearby farmhouse for a cooking lesson. During the class, we will prepare local Calabrian dishes utilizing only local and seasonal ingredients. With a KM Zero philosophy of only using products that are grown and produced nearby, the time spent together will be far more than a simple cooking class, but a memory and an experience to pack and take with us when we return home. Lunch served will be the dishes prepared during the class. After a lengthy and leisurely lunch, we will enjoy some free time on the property. A tour of the oil mill also awaits us, as we get to know how extra virgin olive oil is produced. An expert taster will show us exactly how to properly taste olive oil. Upon returning to Pizzo, you’ll be able to spend some time on your own exploring this ancient city, or to hit the beach for a swim in the impeccable water.
After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, we will transfer to a nearby farmhouse for a cooking lesson. During the class, we will prepare local Calabrian dishes utilizing only local and seasonal ingredients. With a KM Zero philosophy of only using products that are grown and produced nearby, the time spent together will be far more than a simple cooking class, but a memory and an experience to pack and take with us when we return home. Lunch served will be the dishes prepared during the class. After a lengthy and leisurely lunch, we will enjoy some free time on the property. A tour of the oil mill also awaits us, as we get to know how extra virgin olive oil is produced. An expert taster will show us exactly how to properly taste olive oil. Upon returning to Pizzo, you’ll be able to spend some time on your own exploring this ancient city, or to hit the beach for a swim in the impeccable water.
The stunning Coast of the Gods
Day 3 - Boat Ride on the Coast of the Gods
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for a most memorable visit to the Coast of the Gods for a unique itinerary showcasing the area’s most scenic views. Grab your swimsuit and sunblock, and make sure your camera is charged for this one! Spend the morning viewing a succession of inlets, sometimes rocky and sometimes sandy, bays and coves, caves and cliffs, and waterfalls that will have you wondering if you’re in Calabria or the Caribbean. Dive and swim among the fish in the crystalline Calabrian waters, or simply enjoy the sun on comfortable lounge chairs. During the excursion, an aperitif consisting of bruschetta and local tastings accompanied by an excellent Calabrian wine will be enjoyed. Upon returning to Tropea, a delicious lunch will be waiting for us at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to enjoy and get to know Tropea independently. A fascinating village, resting on a scenic sandstone cliff from which it dominates a stretch of Tyrrhenian coast famous for its beauty, Tropea is sure to leave you breathless. We will also enjoy a tasting of local products before returning to our hotel for the early evening.
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for a most memorable visit to the Coast of the Gods for a unique itinerary showcasing the area’s most scenic views. Grab your swimsuit and sunblock, and make sure your camera is charged for this one! Spend the morning viewing a succession of inlets, sometimes rocky and sometimes sandy, bays and coves, caves and cliffs, and waterfalls that will have you wondering if you’re in Calabria or the Caribbean. Dive and swim among the fish in the crystalline Calabrian waters, or simply enjoy the sun on comfortable lounge chairs. During the excursion, an aperitif consisting of bruschetta and local tastings accompanied by an excellent Calabrian wine will be enjoyed. Upon returning to Tropea, a delicious lunch will be waiting for us at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to enjoy and get to know Tropea independently. A fascinating village, resting on a scenic sandstone cliff from which it dominates a stretch of Tyrrhenian coast famous for its beauty, Tropea is sure to leave you breathless. We will also enjoy a tasting of local products before returning to our hotel for the early evening.
Piazza della Repubblica, Pizzo's main square.
Day 4 - ‘Nduja, Spilinga and Pizzo Calabro
Today is a day dedicated all to culinary discovery. To start, we’ll discover 'nduja, an all-Calabrian specialty that looks like a salami with a soft consistency and an intense and spicy flavor. It was born as a poor product, made with the fatty parts of the pig, but today it has become a real delicacy, loved by everyone and also used by great chefs throughout Italy. Despite the now national fame, production in the Spilinga area retains its artisanal and genuine preparation. After a local lunch where the 'nduja will be the protagonist, we return to Pizzo Calabro where we will enjoy a guided tour of the city, perched on a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Imposing cliffs create an idyllic setting, while the Aragonese castle and medieval churches tell of the local culture and history. We will enjoy a visit to its historic center, the Murat Castle and the suggestive Piedigrotta Church, dug into a cave by the sea. During our guided walk, we cannot miss the tasting of the famous Tartufo di Pizzo ice cream. In the late afternoon, we return to the hotel to enjoy some beach time, or perhaps just time to relax in your room. A group dinner in a local restaurant will be enjoyed.
Today is a day dedicated all to culinary discovery. To start, we’ll discover 'nduja, an all-Calabrian specialty that looks like a salami with a soft consistency and an intense and spicy flavor. It was born as a poor product, made with the fatty parts of the pig, but today it has become a real delicacy, loved by everyone and also used by great chefs throughout Italy. Despite the now national fame, production in the Spilinga area retains its artisanal and genuine preparation. After a local lunch where the 'nduja will be the protagonist, we return to Pizzo Calabro where we will enjoy a guided tour of the city, perched on a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Imposing cliffs create an idyllic setting, while the Aragonese castle and medieval churches tell of the local culture and history. We will enjoy a visit to its historic center, the Murat Castle and the suggestive Piedigrotta Church, dug into a cave by the sea. During our guided walk, we cannot miss the tasting of the famous Tartufo di Pizzo ice cream. In the late afternoon, we return to the hotel to enjoy some beach time, or perhaps just time to relax in your room. A group dinner in a local restaurant will be enjoyed.
Bergamot, Calabria's famed citrus fruis.
Day 5 - Scilla, Reggio Calabria and Bergamot Tasting
A beautiful fishing village made famous by mythology as being the home of the monster Scylla, Scilla is a picturesque small town that boasts a lovely stretch of coastline, making it the ideal backdrop for Instagram-worthy pictures. And today is a day dedicated to the discovery of Scilla, a town with scenic streets, enchanting views and the curve of the Aspromonte that sweeps gently down to the sea. This is an area rich in history, fascinating, unique and full of legends that guard Reggio Calabro. During the tour, we will get to know the famous Castello Ruffo, a fortification with mysterious origins that dominate the small town, and guarantees a breathtaking view of the churches and the many valuable works that characterize the historic center of Chianalea, the oldest and most evocative part of Scilla.
A magical place made up of restaurants on stilts and boats viewed from every alley, all can viewed with reflection from crystal clear water. After our walk, we will enjoy a lunch break based on seafood in the historical center. In the afternoon, we continue to the nearby farm specializing in the cultivation and production of bergamot. After learning about this local product cultivated only in Calabria, we finally enjoy a tasting of bergamot-based products. In the afternoon we return to the hotel to enjoy some free time, or time at the beach.
A beautiful fishing village made famous by mythology as being the home of the monster Scylla, Scilla is a picturesque small town that boasts a lovely stretch of coastline, making it the ideal backdrop for Instagram-worthy pictures. And today is a day dedicated to the discovery of Scilla, a town with scenic streets, enchanting views and the curve of the Aspromonte that sweeps gently down to the sea. This is an area rich in history, fascinating, unique and full of legends that guard Reggio Calabro. During the tour, we will get to know the famous Castello Ruffo, a fortification with mysterious origins that dominate the small town, and guarantees a breathtaking view of the churches and the many valuable works that characterize the historic center of Chianalea, the oldest and most evocative part of Scilla.
A magical place made up of restaurants on stilts and boats viewed from every alley, all can viewed with reflection from crystal clear water. After our walk, we will enjoy a lunch break based on seafood in the historical center. In the afternoon, we continue to the nearby farm specializing in the cultivation and production of bergamot. After learning about this local product cultivated only in Calabria, we finally enjoy a tasting of bergamot-based products. In the afternoon we return to the hotel to enjoy some free time, or time at the beach.
The beautiful caseficio where we will be learning all about pecorino and ricotta.
Day 6 - Cheesemaking Demonstration &Visit to Vineyard
In the late morning, after breakfast at our hotel, we will transfer to a nearby farmhouse to visit a dairy farm. While here, we will take part in a demonstration on ricotta and cheesemaking. One of my most preferred local products, at its best, ricotta is smooth, warm and creamy. While here, we will learn the process whole milk needs for its preparation into cheese and ricotta. Ample samples will be provided, of course. After our visit to the farmhouse, we return to the hotel for some free or beach time. In the late afternoon, we will transfer to a nearby winery. Here we will have a unique opportunity to taste the wines and visit the cellars, with the sun setting in the background. The wines here are produced with organic techniques, and with manual harvesting, according to the philosophy that is based on great respect for the territory and the natural cycles of life. It will be an authentic experience to find ourselves in the middle of a vineyard, enjoying with the wines of the cellar, a rich buffet of typical local products, completely homemade, in a family atmosphere with breathtaking view of the sea at dusk.
In the late morning, after breakfast at our hotel, we will transfer to a nearby farmhouse to visit a dairy farm. While here, we will take part in a demonstration on ricotta and cheesemaking. One of my most preferred local products, at its best, ricotta is smooth, warm and creamy. While here, we will learn the process whole milk needs for its preparation into cheese and ricotta. Ample samples will be provided, of course. After our visit to the farmhouse, we return to the hotel for some free or beach time. In the late afternoon, we will transfer to a nearby winery. Here we will have a unique opportunity to taste the wines and visit the cellars, with the sun setting in the background. The wines here are produced with organic techniques, and with manual harvesting, according to the philosophy that is based on great respect for the territory and the natural cycles of life. It will be an authentic experience to find ourselves in the middle of a vineyard, enjoying with the wines of the cellar, a rich buffet of typical local products, completely homemade, in a family atmosphere with breathtaking view of the sea at dusk.
The location of our charming cooking lesson.
Day 7 - Cooking Class
Our week is Calabria is winding down, but we have one more wonderful experience in the works for our last full day. In the morning, we will transfer to a nearby farmhouse for a cooking lesson on one of Calabria’s local products. Will we be preparing jams, pizza Calabrese, liquorish liquor? It all depends on what the earth gives us that day, and what the local nonna feels like teaching us! After our lesson, we return to our hotel for some down time and time to pack, or perhaps take in one last swim. In the evening, we transfer to a nearby restaurant, an elegant 17th century farmhouse with stone walls, brick vaults and terrace overlooking the sea, for our final dinner prepared all with local products, and with wines to match.
Our week is Calabria is winding down, but we have one more wonderful experience in the works for our last full day. In the morning, we will transfer to a nearby farmhouse for a cooking lesson on one of Calabria’s local products. Will we be preparing jams, pizza Calabrese, liquorish liquor? It all depends on what the earth gives us that day, and what the local nonna feels like teaching us! After our lesson, we return to our hotel for some down time and time to pack, or perhaps take in one last swim. In the evening, we transfer to a nearby restaurant, an elegant 17th century farmhouse with stone walls, brick vaults and terrace overlooking the sea, for our final dinner prepared all with local products, and with wines to match.
A swim in the cobalt blue beaches of Tropea is a must.
Day 8 - Check-Out
Our time in Calabria has come to an end. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before group transfer to Lamezia Terme Airport.
*Day to day specifics subject to change*
Our time in Calabria has come to an end. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before group transfer to Lamezia Terme Airport.
*Day to day specifics subject to change*
PRICE, INCLUSIONS, EXCLUSIONS
NOT INCLUDED:
- English speaking native guides throughout your stay
- Accommodations for 7 nights in 4 star hotel: Piccolo Grand Hotel
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- Daily lunch and 3 full dinners with wine
- Group transfers to and from Lamezia Terme Airport
- Private ground transportation throughout the week
- 2 Hands-On cooking classes with meals following
- Visit to olive oil mill with lunch on location
- Cheese tasting session
- Boat ride on the Coast of the Gods with opportunity for swimming and snorkeling
- Visit to winery with tasting
- Guided tour of Pizzo with tasting of Tartufo di Pizzo
NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare / Flights
- Tips / gratuities for guides & waitstaff
- Hotel incidentals such as phone calls, mini bars and other amenities
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is HIGHLY recommended in order to protect your investment. Click here for info.
- Anything not listed in the inclusions above
Price & Details
8 Days / 7 Nights
$4400 USD Per Person for Double Occupancy / Single Supplement is $500 USD.
$1,000 USD Non-Refundable Deposit is required to secure your spot.
Francesca Montillo, Native Italian, Owner and Tour Leader Accompanies all Activities
Contact Francesca at francesca@thelazyitalian.com for booking/reservation and further details.
If you would like to reserve a spot for this tour, or have any questions, please use the contact form below and we will send you the necessary booking instructions or additional information.
8 Days / 7 Nights
$4400 USD Per Person for Double Occupancy / Single Supplement is $500 USD.
$1,000 USD Non-Refundable Deposit is required to secure your spot.
Francesca Montillo, Native Italian, Owner and Tour Leader Accompanies all Activities
Contact Francesca at francesca@thelazyitalian.com for booking/reservation and further details.
If you would like to reserve a spot for this tour, or have any questions, please use the contact form below and we will send you the necessary booking instructions or additional information.
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