Join us on an amazing adventure through the traditions of Italy that most tourists never get to see. Flying in and out of Naples, we will be spending 8 nights (6 of which will be in our own castle with a sea view!) and 9 days adventuring through beautiful scenery and with beautiful souls. As we journey off of the beaten path, we will meet plenty of locals who pour their heart and soul into keeping Italian culture vibrant and alive. This trip is truly designed to connect you to the land and the people who make Italy what it is.
About Vera Italia:
Vera Italia was born from an idea of connecting Italians with travelers and from the passion to create a future for traditions.
We believe that traditions are the beating heart of a place's culture, and that is why they must be preserved, celebrated and handed down.
The Mission of Vera Italia:
Our mission is to explore every corner, alley and street to discover the treasures hidden in the locals who, with humility, carry on the customs that represent the true and simple beauty of Italian culture. We call these people the 'Culture Creators', because they are the ones who give color to our country, keeping alive the traditions that make up our culture.
Without them, Italian culture would not be what is so loved and adored all over the world. Vera Italia is a project that aims to celebrate the local people and offer travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of real Italy.
Lodging
2 nights in 4 star accommodations in the city of Pompeii, 6 nights accommodations in our private castle, Castello Fiuzzi
18 Meals
Breakfast is included on days 2, 3, & 9. A light "help yourself" breakfast is included on days 4 - 8 at the castle.
Lunch is included on days 2, 3, 4, 7 & 8.
Dinner is included on days 2 & 5 - 8.
Local Bilingual Accompaniment
Vera Italia representative and translator will be escorting us on all activities
Tour Director
A Cultured Travel tour director will be with you on site
Private Coach Transportation
From Pompeii, throughout the tour for all experiences, and back to Pompeii
Airport/Hotel Transportation
Roundtrip airport and hotel transport in Naples on arrival and departure days
Some Gratuities
Gratuities for all group events and group tours
Airfare
Airfare to and from Naples, Italy is not included. Any transportation or lodging costs associated with air transportation to Italy (or return from) or any associated parking fees are not included.
Passport or Visa Fees
No visa is currently required for US citizens, but this could be subject to change. A current passport with an expiration date of at least 3 months beyond the length of stay is required.
Food and Beverage
All food and drink which are not part of the hotel breakfasts or specifically included in the program itinerary
Ground Transport
Optional, individual, ground transport (taxis, Ubers, trains etc) you may choose to utilize on your own "free time"
Gratuities Not Specified
Included but not limited to castle staff and tips for meals on your own
Travel Insurance
Highly recommended for all participants
Be greeted at the airport and transported to your hotel right in the heart of the city of Pompeii.
Today will be a free day to explore on your own and acclimate yourself to the time change. Gear up, because tomorrow, the structured fun begins!
Breakfast will be included at the hotel
We will kick off our morning with a guided tour of the town of Pompeii, buried in 79AD when Mt. Vesuvius erupted. Visiting this unique site with many fine details still visible, you will be astounded to find out how advanced life was so long ago.
We will have lunch a local restaurant to have as a group before heading out of Pompeii.
We will travel on to our home away from home for the next 6 nights - Castello Fiuzzi in the village of Praia a Mare.
Meet Olga, the owner of Castello Fiuzzi (constructed in 1100) and get an inside glimpse of where we will be staying! Click HERE to watch the video.
We will head down to the historical center of Scalea where we will enjoy our welcome dinner at A'Taverna. Meet Anna, ceramics artist and owner of A'Taverna. Click HERE to watch her video.
We will have a full menu of homestyle Calabrian dishes, so come hungry!
Calabrian appetizers
Choice of homemade pastas: fusilli with goat meat sauce, gnocchi, lagane and beans
Second course of your choice: Calabrian sausage or stuffed aubergines
Side dish of your choice: farmer's salad or peppers and potatoes
House dessert
Glass of wine
Water
Digestive or coffee
We'll begin the day with a farmer's breakfast followed by a tour of the agricultural enterprise "KALAB". After that, we will harvest the produce used to prepare our next meal, LUNCH!
Lunch will be at the at KALAB Home Restaurant with the fresh produced cultivated.
Meet Luciano - the man that makes it all happen. Click HERE to watch the video.
On the way back to Praia a Mare, we will stop at Il Melograno and enjoy a tasting of products made with the "Cedro" Fruit typical to the region. This will include five "cedro" products (sweet) including the famous CedrOr cake invented by Franco (Meet him HERE) or as he is affectionately known, "Willy Wonka of Cedro", and a range of gelato and sorbet products.
Enjoy the evening on your own strolling through Praia a Mare. We will head back to our castle on the hill after dinner on your own (if you are still hungry after a day of eating).
Enjoy a fabulous cooking class in the countryside of Santa Domenica Talao with Chef Vincenzo from Vigreen. The cooking class includes preparation of a dessert using typical flavors local to the region, fresh pasta with a typical sauce including ragù or with seasonable produce/vegetables, and fresh bread.
At the conclusion of the course, we'll enjoy the lunch we've prepared together from antipasto to dessert!
To find out more and to meet Chef Vincenzo, click HERE.
Here, we will sample three drinks based on Spirto Alchemico sea water liqueurs. These will be paired with sweet and savory samples of botanical roots and citrus fruits from the Riviera dei Cedri region.
Meet Antonio and Sandra, the couple who makes this magic happen. Click HERE.
Spend the evening exploring San Nicola Arcella before we head back to the castle. It is very unlikely you will be hungry as we will have snacks with our liqueurs, but if you are, dinner will be on your own.
Discover the beauty of the coast and the Gulf of Policastro. During the boat trip, we will explore two iconic places: Dino Island and Arcomagno, where the crystal clear waters and blue caves await you for a refreshing dip. But it is not only the sea that will fascinate you: immerse yourself in the ancient stories and mythologies that surround this land. To meet brothers Daniele and Pierluigi who will be our guides through fishing tourism today and find out more about this experience, click HERE.
After this, enjoy a free day at the beach! You may consider renting an umbrella and lounge chair to relax. Lunch will be on your own. Before dinner, we will go back to the castle to freshen up.
This evening's dinner will be an experience where the sea meets tradition and wine tells stories of passion. Enjoy a journey through authentic flavors, where food expresses a deep bond with the sea. The menu celebrates the philosophy of owners Noemi & Veronica (to meet them, click HERE): circular economy, local products at Km zero, catch of the day, and carefully selected wines from small cellars of great value, custodians of the territory's soul with authenticity and character.
Experience an immersive guided tour of the cheese workshop, where you'll delve into the delightful world of cheese-making. Enjoy an engaging explanation of the intricate production processes of ricotta, pecorino, and goat cheese, as well as the fascinating art of crafting stuffed cheeses. Following this, embark on a captivating tour of the stable, where you'll meet the adorable animals that contribute to this delicious experience. To conclude your adventure, indulge in a final tasting of the cheeses, savoring the rich flavors and textures that make each variety unique and memorable.
To meet Simone of the Fattoria Biologica del Pollino, click HERE.
Explore the unique town of Agromonte, the Town of Riddles and enjoy lunch on your own there.
Next up, we will be heading to Opificio Calabria where we will meet Marco and Francesca (click HERE) where we will have a lovely tasting experience in a picturesque setting.
This morning, we will have a guided tour of the Arti Gusto Buonvicino Museum with the fabulous Santo (click HERE to meet him). He will show us the beauty of peasant art and local traditions. We will conclude with a delightful tasting of typical products at Paradiso dei Golosi.
To end our time in this beautiful region, we will be relaxing in our castle for one more night and having dinner made in front of us (or BY US). We will enjoy your time together and also enjoy the presence of the amazing Gianluca (meet him HERE) who makes it all happen. This will be an experience you will not forget!
We will depart Castello Fiuzzi and return to the city center of Pompei where it all began. You will have remainder of the day here to explore and prepare for your flight home tomorrow.
We will enjoy our last dinner together before we depart for home.
With your hearts full, your soul feeling connected, and your cameras and phones full of what are now some of your best memories, you will depart for home or on to your next adventure.
