Brought to you by Sognare Insieme Viaggi
Okay, listen… if Southern Italy has been calling your name, this is your sign. Come with me, Bilena Settepani, New York pastry chef, princess of panettone, and lifelong lover of all things Italian, on a trip that’s all about real flavor, real stories, and the wild, breathtaking soul of the South.
We’re talking Campania to Calabria, the land of sunshine, nonna hospitality, and food so honest and deeply rooted you can feel the history in every bite.
This isn’t a typical tour. This is for the adventurous eater, the one who wants the dishes nonna makes when no one’s watching, the ones you can’t Google, the ones you only get by being invited in. Handcrafted, soulful, a little rustic, always unforgettable.,, and most importantly lots of fun.
We’re keeping the group small because the best memories happen around a table when everyone feels like old friends (even if you might be traveling solo) , the kind of trip where you leave already planning your reunion dinner.
And you're getting exclusive access to the Calabria Food Fest inside the magical Squillace Castle, an invitation-only celebration of top chefs, local producers, and flavors you’ll dream about forever.. trust me i went last year and can't wait to come back!
Pack your appetite, bring your curiosity, and get ready!!! This is Southern Italy the way it’s meant to be experienced.
Get in touch with Sognare Insieme Viaggi
Transfer - Private transportation to/from all activities and destinations as noted in the itinerary
Hotel - Hotel accommodations
Meals - Treatment as per the itinerary, with meals where indicated
Visits - Excursions and attractions as per the itinerary
Workshops - Workshops, cooking classes and tastings as per the itinerary
Airfare
Personal Extras
Tax - Local tourist tax
Extra - Anything not expressly listed in the inclusions
Benvenuti a Napoli, BELLISSIMI
You’ll arrive in the heart of the city and we’ll all meet at the iconic Hotel Decumani, tucked right into the energy and history of Naples. Settle into your room, take a breath, maybe open the balcony doors and let that chaotic, beautiful Napoli air hit your face.
Then we’ll gather for a little welcome briefing so you know exactly what deliciousness is ahead of us.
And after that… our first meal together. Time to meet, connect, and start the trip the way Italians do — around a table, with good food, good wine, and new friends who already feel like old ones.
We’re starting the day the right way… a quiet, delicious breakfast at the hotel before diving into one of the most special experiences of the entire trip.
Then it’s time for the Neapolitan Sfogliatellier: Before the Bite — and trust me, this is not just a pastry class. This is a full multisensory deep dive into Naples’ most iconic dessert, the sfogliatella. It’s cultural, it’s emotional, it’s artistic… it’s everything.
The experience unfolds in four captivating phases. First, an immersive storytelling ritual that brings the pastry’s origins to life through scent, legend, and the ancient gestures that shaped it. It feels like stepping straight into a Neapolitan fairytale.
Then, with the Maître Sfogliatellier and their assistant guiding you, you’ll get hands-on and learn how to create the delicate layers and Renaissance-inspired filling yourself. And yes… there’s a professional photographer capturing all the magic while you work.
While your sfogliatelle bake, we pause for a lovely break, followed by a guided tasting with Neapolitan coffee, local liqueurs, and all the variations — riccia, frolla, and Santa Patrizia. If you’ve never tasted them side by side, get ready.
We end with a celebratory moment, a final photoshoot, your official diploma, and a Neapolitan Sfogliatellier Kit to bring home so you can recreate the magic in your own kitchen.
After a relaxed afternoon to explore and shop, we’ll wrap up the day with a pizza masterclass led by a true Neapolitan maestro who will walk you through every secret of crafting the perfect pizza. And of course… dinner is your masterpiece.
Back to the hotel, full, happy, and completely in love with Naples.
We kick off this leg of the journey with the most gorgeous coastal departure from Naples, gliding down into Salerno, the kind of ride where you just lean back, breathe, and think, wait… I’m actually here.
Then it’s straight into an exclusive private boat tour along the Sorrentine Peninsula. And of course we’re stopping in Minori, this tiny jewel box of a town where the pastries taste like literal sunshine. You have to go to Pasticceria Sal De Riso. It’s one of those “I will remember this bite for the rest of my life” moments. Full-body happiness.
After that little dreamscape, we head to Battipaglia for a pilgrimage to one of Italy’s purest pleasures: Buffalo Mozzarella. If you’re a cheese person… prepare your soul. This is the kind of mozzarella that rewires your brain chemistry.
From there, we roll into Calabria and land in the charming village of Pizzo for a traditional dinner that feels like being wrapped in nonna hospitality. Real warmth, real food, real everything. And dessert? The iconic Tartufo di Pizzo, cold, rich, chocolatey heaven.
We end the night in Tropea, one of Calabria’s crown jewels. Waking up here… it’s magic
After a delicious breakfast, spend a leisurely morning soaking up the sun and relaxing on the beach — crystal-clear waters, breathtaking views, total paradise.
Then, in the afternoon, join me, Bilena, in Spilinga for a hands-on cooking class where we’ll create a full Calabrian meal from antipasto to dessert, featuring fresh pasta with ’nduja and other local specialties. You’ll cook, taste, and enjoy every course of this incredible meal — it’s part magic, part culinary adventure, and 100% unforgettable.
After our feast, we’ll return to the hotel for your overnight stay, full, happy, and completely in love with Calabria.
After breakfast, get ready for a truly authentic slice of Calabria. We’ll visit a local farm where you’ll join a hands-on cooking class with a real nonna, who will share her stories, her wisdom, and the secrets behind traditional Calabrian desserts. This is the kind of experience that sticks with you — heartfelt, delicious, and completely unforgettable.
After soaking in the farm’s charm and flavors, we’ll head to the beautiful seaside town of Soverato. Check in to the hotel, unwind, and enjoy your overnight stay with the calming sounds and views of the coast.
Start your morning with an optional stroll through Soverato’s traditional open-air market, a colorful, lively experience where the sights, scents, and sounds of Calabria come alive. Wander among the stalls, discover local treasures, and maybe pick up a few delicious souvenirs to take a piece of Calabria home with you. It’s authentic, vibrant, and a true taste of daily life here.
The rest of the day is all about relaxing by the sea. Soverato’s coastline is pure magic, with crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and a peaceful rhythm that invites you to swim, sunbathe, or simply let yourself drift into the moment.
Lunch is at your leisure, and I can promise you it will be the most magical ocean side lunch, the kind of meal I am still dreaming about. Think fresh seafood, the waves lapping nearby, the sun warming your face, unforgettable.
In the afternoon, enjoy more beach time or retreat to the hotel for a little rest before the evening’s special event.
As the sun sets, we’ll gather for an elegant dinner at the magical cliff side Blu70, a stunning venue tucked among the rocks with breathtaking views over the Gulf of Squillace! This was one of my favorite parts of my whole trip - the venue is magical, and the menu is so carefully curated that you might be dreaming. Expect exquisite cuisine, a magical atmosphere, and a moment that will stay with you long after the night ends!
After dinner, return to the hotel or for those who want to keep the night alive, Soverato’s vibrant nightlife is just beginning.
Spend the morning at your leisure in Soverato. Enjoy a swim, a quiet moment on the beach, or a gentle stroll through town. Let the rhythm of the Ionian coast set the tone for a slow, restorative day.
At lunchtime, you are free to choose where and what to eat based on your mood. Whether you are craving fresh seafood, a traditional Calabrian dish, or something quick and simple, we will happily recommend restaurants that suit your taste.
The afternoon is yours to relax, explore local shops, or enjoy a final dip in the sea.
At seven in the evening, we gather for our special event at Squillace Castle, the Calabria Food Fest. This exclusive evening features live show cooking, regional tastings, local music, and a festive atmosphere. It is a unique celebration of Calabrian culture set in one of the most evocative historic locations in the region.
The morning is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Lounge on the beach, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear Ionian Sea, or simply soak up the Mediterranean sun. It is the perfect moment to recharge and reflect on the journey so far.
Lunch is at your leisure, giving you the freedom to explore local flavors on your own or enjoy something light and casual by the sea.
In the late afternoon, we returned to the hotel to prepare for the grand finale of our journey, the Gala Dinner at the magnificent Castello di Squillace. This unforgettable evening marks the culmination of the Calabria Food Fest, bringing everyone together to celebrate with exceptional food, fine wines, and an elegant, festive atmosphere.
Surrounded by history and overlooking the Ionian coast, we will toast to the memories made and the extraordinary flavors of Calabria, closing our adventure in absolute style.
After a week filled with flavors, friendships, and unforgettable moments, it is time to say farewell, but not goodbye.
With hearts full and suitcases overflowing with stories, guests leave Calabria carrying the promise to return. Here, every goodbye is simply the start of a new adventure.
Who is this tour for?
For the bold taste-seekers, the curious wanderers, the travelers who would rather follow the scent of fresh bread down a hidden alley than queue for the same postcard snapshot as everyone else. This journey is for those who want to savor Calabria as it really is—raw, rich, and full of flavors and stories you’d never stumble upon alone.
Who is this tour not for?
If your dream of Italy is gondolas and glossy resorts, this may not be your perfect fit. Calabria isn’t Venice—it’s wilder, earthier, and far less polished. Think of it less as a curated postcard, more as a safari of the senses: a feast for those hungry to taste and see Italy through the eyes (and kitchens!) of its locals.
I have an allergy or dietary restriction—can I still join?
Of course! Tell us what you need and we’ll do everything in our power to keep your plate full of joy (and safe for you).
How much walking will there be?
Expect to stroll, not to trek. Italy’s towns and villages were made for wandering—cobblestones, narrow lanes, piazzas where cars dare not go. You won’t be scaling mountains, but you’ll earn your gelato with a few leisurely blocks here and there.
Will my cell phone work in Italy?
Yes! Most travelers simply use an international plan from their carrier, but if you’d like to live like a local, Italian SIM cards are easy to grab once you arrive.
I’d like to stay longer in Italy—can you help?
Absolutely! Our partner, Sognare Insieme Viaggi (which means “Dream Together Travel”), is a wizard at extending adventures. Whether you want a Tuscan villa escape, a few days in Rome, or something entirely your own, she’ll weave it into your journey.
Can you help me book transportation?
Yes again! From flights to trains to ferries, our travel partner can make it seamless. You just tell us where you want to go—we’ll help you get there.
Will the itinerary ever change?
We aim to keep things as planned, but Italy loves a little spontaneity. A vineyard lunch may become a vineyard dinner, or a tasting may be swapped with a seaside stroll. These small shifts are always in service of making your experience even better. The heart of the journey remains unchanged.
Can I do laundry during the trip?
Yes—clean clothes, no problem! In Rome, Tropea, and Soverato you’ll have access to laundry services or laundromats nearby. So feel free to pack light—you’ll have plenty of chances to freshen up.
Can I bring food home from Italy?
You’ll want to! Most travelers end up stuffing an extra suitcase with olive oil, cheese, wine, or biscotti. Just be sure to check your country’s import rules before boarding your flight—Italy will tempt you with treasures you’ll ache to carry home.