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Calabria for Connoisseurs
The tip of the Italian boot is an area with a striking identity: great forests, inaccessible mountains, long beaches, rocky promontories, and small villages built on high areas. This is the landscape that characterizes Calabria, a region surrounded by the sea. From Morano Calabro to Santa Severina, from Scilla to Gerace, there are small pearls that glisten in a complex territory at times difficult to comprehend. Myth and mysteries weave their lines in a past that has seen the Greek culture as its undisputed dominator.
Even today, in the archaeological sites and museums, in the monuments and in the character of the people, we meet traces of a past inheritance that has endured despite centuries of domination and the influences of various cultures. Calabria also expresses its strength in the area of gastronomy and in its agricultural products: the red Cirò of the Crotonese, the valued olive oil from the plains of Lamezia Terme, the fragrant citrus fruits from the plains of Sibari or the province of Reggio Calabria. These products compose an interesting mosaic of sensations. In the grand tour of Calabria there is the constant presence of the peperoncino – the chilli pepper with a very hot, spicy taste - unavoidable in the rich sauces and regional specialties that challenge the palate of the bravest.
Highlights
- Cirò is the name of an area next to Crotone, as well as the name of the best DOC wine from Calabria. Cirò is pale yellow and dry if white, and possesses a delicate and fresh taste if rosé. However, it reaches its apex when it’s red. This ruby red wine pairs harmoniously with seasoned cheeses and local sausages.
- ‘Nduja is a fresh salami spread seasoned with chilli peppers and salt. It is well known to those who have an affectionate relationship with Calabria. It is produced with the fatty parts of the pig in the province of Vibo Valentia, and is served on a slice of bread or with a dish of very warm pasta.
- The bronzes of Riace are famous throughout the world due to their sculptured beauty. The two statues, recovered from the bottom of the sea surrounding the town of Riace, are protected in the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio of Calabria.
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Suggested Regional Programs
Our suggested regional programs include the traditional, cultural and artistic sites but also much more as, we think, it is important to emphasize one of the distinguishing characteristics that makes Italy well-known through out the world: its food and wine. In every region we have carefully selected local companies and producers where the most distinguished Italian specialties are made, as well as restaurants where our guests will have the opportunity to experience and taste the very best of Italian cuisine specific to each region. These regional discoveries are presented mostly as customized individual discoveries available in a variety of service levels, from self drive itineraries to chauffer driven tours, but we have also prepared some escorted programs in selected areas. The following is only a short list of suggested programs. A lot more is possible, just ask us to prepare the program of your choice with the locations you desire.
Independent Programs
Grand Tour of Calabria (8 days)
Starting from Morano Calabro, at the foot of the pristine Pollino group, we continue to the archaeological excavations of Sibari, an important center of Magna Graecia and Rossano Calabro, the location of one of the best brands of licorice produced in Italy. Then an imerrsion in Byzantine culture with a visit to the Baroque cathedral and church of St. Mark Evangelista, one of the most important testimonies of the diffusion of the Byzantine culture in Calabria. Cpntinue to the area of Crotone and Cirò with its renowned cellars. Then along the Ionian coast via Capo Colonna and Capo Rizzuto to Stilo, the first town on the so-called “tip of Italy’s boot”. Next is the area of the Aspromonte, Locri and Gerace, a landscape dominated by the fiumare flowing down from the peaks of Aspromonte to the sea, citrus fruit trees, vineyards,olive, fig, and almond trees typical of the macchia Mediterranea. Along the road to Cosenza, the plain of Lamezia attracts the traveller’s attention with its vineyards, olive trees and orchards. Then to Reggio Calabria to enjoy the beautiful waterfront and National Archaeological Museum housing the famous Bronzes of Riace. Finally to Vibo Valentia, Monte Poro with the splendid scenery of Capo Vaticano and Tropea where the numerous small shops offer colors, odors and shapes which make you appreciate the local onions, peperoncini, chilli pepper, cheeses, sausages and fish. The itinerary is highly customizable and expandable both as a self-drive or chauffeur-driven program!
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