Italy: Highlights of Calabria

9 Days | Discover the secrets of Italy’s vibrant south on a journey through Calabria

4.4 out of 5 based on 11 reviews submitted.
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Embark on a journey south in Calabria, from the striking Amalfi coastline to Sicily’s Catania, visiting the best spots along the way. From the pristine waters and the stalwart fortifications of Tropea, all the way to the smoke gently floating from the volcanoes of the Aeolian Islands – Calabria is a hidden gem for those who stray off Italy’s beaten path. With plenty of opportunity to relax and soak up the Mediterranean sun seaside, you’ll also get to raise your heart rate with a hike through Pollino National Park and a fishing experience with the locals on a traditional boat. Explore the active volcanoes scattered across the Aeolian Islands and wander the historic and charming streets of Taormina, Catania and Tropea. A mixture of culture, nature, history and cuisine (this is Italy, after all), this trip has everything and more!

Trip overview

Map of Italy: Highlights Of Calabria including Italy
Start
Minori, Italy
Finish
Catania, Italy
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Italy
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
ZMSK
This trip generates 23 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Get up close and personal with the active volcanoes scattered across the Aeolian Islands and perhaps take a dip in one of the sulphur springs.
  • Wander the back streets and search crumbling Greek and Roman ruins in the charming seaside town of Taormina.
  • Explore the clifftop fortification of Tropea, then kick back and soak up the Aeolian sun by the beach.
  • From the mountains to the seaside, get active and hike through, Italy’s hidden gem, the strikingly beautiful Pollino National Park then enjoy a local fishing experience aboard a traditional boat.
  • See the best of Calabria in just ten days, from seaside villages to soaring mountains, energetic cities to active volcanoes and everything in between.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Due to the terrain the means of transportation on this trip is a mix of local trains, private vehicles and public buses. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Trains are comfortable and all have toilets, however can often be quite busy, especially in peak summer season. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.
  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Many hotel rooms in Europe are not equipped with air-conditioning, and the cooling system on local trains can be broken on a regular basis. Note also that during peak holiday season beaches can be quite busy. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
  • Hotel rooms in Europe can seem rather small by American or Australian standards and often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
  • If you have more time to explore the region you can extend your trip and see more of Italy by starting your travels in Rome. Check out our trip 'Rome to Sicily' (trip code ZMSFC). Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Map of Italy: Highlights Of Calabria including Italy

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights)

Activities
  • Civita - Nature based hike
  • Tropea - Stromboli by Night
  • Reggio Calabria - Archaeological Museum
  • Messina - traditional boat sailing
  • Taormina - Day Trip
Add on activities
  • Reggio Calabria - Aragonese Castle - EUR5
  • Taormina - Greek Theatre - EUR10

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding Days 2&3. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 based on 11 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Melinda · Traveled September 2024
Perfect for the solo traveller. And for people who like to have all aspects organised for them
Review submitted 08 Sep 2024

Alan · Traveled May 2024
Disappointing trip due to extreme cost cutting and changes by Intrepid. One day was cut from our original itinerary without compensation and when asked, Intrepid said we can either go along or get a total trip refund. Original hotel was moved from Amalfi to a smaller town. First day was in this small Amalfi town then travel next day so we did not get time to explore the Amalfi coast. Lots of free days. Many days are traveling to the next destination, 1 short activity, tour around town and that's it. A cancelled whole boat day was replaced with wine and dinner. This was a regular intrepid trip with premium pricing with basic accomodations, itinerary and activities. Do not feel over $5,000 worth vacation when we have half baked activities and at most 100 euro hotels. Sadly cannot recommend this itinerary
Review submitted 14 May 2024

William · Traveled May 2024
Both our trip to Calabria and Laura our trip leader far exceeded our expectations. Our 8 day journey from the Amalfi Coast to Sicily was rich in scenery, culture and educational opportunity. We look forward to our next Intrepid exploration. Bill
Review submitted 12 May 2024

Megan · Traveled October 2023
This trip gives diverse insight into southern parts of Italy. Civita and Tropea are beautiful locations included on this itinerary that I would not have otherwise visited. I’m also glad this gave a taste of Sicily, as Taormina and Catania were very different and worthwhile.
Review submitted 18 Oct 2023

Tracey · Traveled October 2023
Tiziana Romano was our tour leader and she was amazing. We had fun, laughed, made good friendships with our group, enjoyed the spectacular beauty and history of Amalfi, Calabria, and Sicily, and we ate delicious food and drank wonderful wine and spritz. Some of the hotels selected by Intrepid are a little tired and in need of updating but overall the trip was excellent, and in large part due to Tiziana. She is a gem - knowledgeable, energetic, kind, approachable, funny, and has the patience of a saint!
Review submitted 11 Oct 2023
Italy: Highlights of Calabria
From
CHF  2,690