Experience Calabria in the fall, where the sparkling sea meets centuries-old traditions and every glass of wine tells a story of passion. Journey through the heart of southern Italy, savoring authentic flavors that reflect a deep connection to the land and sea. Indulge in menus crafted from local harvests, fresh catches of the day, and carefully chosen wines from small, character-filled cellars, each one a true guardian of Calabria’s soulful heritage. Celebrate the beauty of a region where food, sustainability, and community come together. Adventure and unforgettable memories await in Calabria!

Group Size: 14 - 20 participants

• Lodging

  2 nights in 4 star accommodations in the city of Pompeii, 7 nights accommodations at Hotel Riviera Bleu in the small coastal town of Diamante

• 18 (ish -because there is a lot of grazing going on) Meals

  • Breakfast is included on days 2 - 9

  • Lunch is included on days 2, 3, 5

  • Dinner is included on days 2, 4, 6 - 9

• 15 Cultural Experiences

  Authentic experiences with amazing locals who are keeping the traditions of their crafts alive

• 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

• Audio Whispers as needed

• 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 hotel staff, airport transfer drivers, and tips for meals on your own

• Travel Insurance

  Highly recommended for all participants; if I could truly enforce mandating this, I would

October in Calabria is a beautiful time to visit, with mild, comfortable temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Days are typically warm, averaging in the mid-60s to low 70s °F (18–22°C), while evenings can be cooler and refreshing. You might experience the occasional rain shower, but overall, autumn in Calabria is pleasantly crisp and perfect for exploring charming villages, scenic coastlines, and vibrant harvest festivals.

Be greeted at the Naples-Capodichino Airport (NAP) and transported to your hotel right in the heart of the city of Pompei.

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 at Habita 79 as a group and pick up our luggage before heading off to Calabria.

We will travel on to our home away from home for the next 7 nights - Hotel Riviera Bleu the village of Diamante in the beautiful Calabria region of Italy.

From Mauro, the owner of Hotel Riviera Bleu: "A dream first sketched on a sheet of paper became a reality in 1970. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the hotel created by my father and mother. My name is Mauro, and together with my daughter Gaia and my four brothers, we continue the legacy they began: to bring life to “a grand hotel by the sea.” At the time, it was an ambitious vision. Tourism in the area was almost non-existent, and visitors were rare along this stretch of coast. Yet my parents believed in their dream, creating one of the very first seaside hotels in Diamante. Since then, our family has proudly taken care of it. We grew up in these corridors, learning each day what it truly means to welcome others with heart. For us, this is not just a hotel. It is our home. When you arrive, we hope it will feel like yours too. There is also a small story that speaks of our roots: the great ficus tree standing in front of the hotel. My grandmother planted it, bringing a small cutting from her balcony in Cosenza and wondering, “Will it grow here?” Today it stands tall and majestic — just like the dream it represents. It would bring us immense joy to welcome you for your stay, as you explore the many wonders our Calabria has to offer."

For dinner this evening after our day of travel, we will be relaxing at our hotel and have 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!

Our final activity of the day will be an immersive experience that will make you feel part of folkloristic history! You will be transported through ancient songs, scenes of daily life, local legends, and folk dances, in an exciting and authentic show, with songs also performed in the Verbicaro dialect. At the end, you will be able to join us in the dance and take home a fragment of this tradition that continues to live, step by step, note by note.

After breakfast at our hotel, we will have approximately a 15 minute drive through the countryside to arrive at Belvedere Marittimo.

Immerse yourself in rural life and experience a day steeped in the scents of the land, tradition, and fine olive oil with Frantoio Carrozzino, an olive oil producer since 1960! Start with the olive harvest, just like our grandparents did—among branches, nets, and stories. Mid-morning, we'll stop for a simple and authentic picnic lunch, inspired by the meals his father used to bring to the fields. Then we'll head to the olive oil mill, where you'll follow the olives' transformation into our prized extra virgin olive oil step by step. At the end, you'll take home a small bottle as a delicious memento of your experience.

Mid-morning, we'll have a simple and authentic picnic lunch inspired by the meals Salvatore's father used to bring to the fields.

Evening FREE (Diamante) OR Village FESTIVAL (Date Pending).

The Italian breakfast is a simple ritual, yet deeply rooted in daily culture. A sweet awakening, where the day begins with a frothy cappuccino or a strong espresso, accompanied by a freshly baked artisanal cake. You'll be guided through handmade creations, and you can choose your favorite to enjoy.

After emerging from the hotel, we will make our way to Praia a Mare for this amazing experience!

After concluding our amazing Italian Breakfast, you will have free time to bumble around Praia a Mare and get lunch on your own.

After this, we will be making a brief stop at the hotel to refresh and relax.

Free afternoon to relax at the hotel or explore at your leisure.

Explore the Calabrian coastline in all its splendour with a boat tour that takes you through the most iconic sites from Scalea to San Nicola Arcella. Guided by the father-son duo, you’ll explore the stories, legends, and natural wonders of Scalea, Dino Island, San Nicola Arcella, and Praia a Mare — before enjoying a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters if temperatures permit. An unmissable adventure to experience the beauty of Calabria’s Riviera dei Cedri coastline from start to finish. After the boat tour, we will be welcomed at the family Lido le 7 Perle for a delicious lunch including first course, second course, a glass of wine, water, and coffee! 

Enjoy a free evening exploring the charming towns of San Nicola Arcella or Scalea.

Wine and food are the two great passions that have accompanied Mimmo and Romilda's family for generations. Together with Mimmo, you'll discover the story and philosophy behind Cantina Donadio wines as you pull-up a chair in Romilda's home and enjoy the warmth of being welcomed like one of the family. Romilda's will prepare a meal inspired by traditional Calabrian recipes and the authentic flavors of the past. Accompanied by Cantina Donadio wine and homemade desserts, you'll feel right at home.

The tradition of homemade bread! Join Stefania the "contadina" in the countryside, where we will knead the dough following ancient peasant traditions and prepare the wood-fired oven. As the oven heats up, we'll take a relaxing stroll through the fields, immersed in nature. Finally, you'll savor freshly baked bread. An authentic experience that will let you experience the genuine flavors of the land!

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.

Enjoy a unique experience among the cedro trees, discovering one of Calabria's most distinctive fruits and an authentic symbol, specific to this region and area. You'll take part in harvesting cedro while learning about their fascinating history and deep connection to the local traditions. You will then gather in the fields for a traditional farmer's lunch, sitting together on blankets, sharing food, stories and the simple joy of being together.

An unforgettable evening with a spectacular view of the Calabrian coast illuminated by the twinkling lights that stretch along the gulf. Taste our Pietra D'oro appetizer, followed by a first course of scialatielli with porcini mushrooms and a second course of mixed meat with a side dish of potatoes, all accompanied by a glass of local wine and water.

We will depart the Calabria region and return to the city center of Pompei where it all began.

We will stop about half way through our journey for snack and a restroom break.

You will have remainder of the day free in Pompeii to explore and prepare for your flight home tomorrow.

We will enjoy our last dinner together at Habita 79 (our hotel) before we depart for home.

As your Italian adventure comes to a close, it’s time to say arrivederci to the rolling hills, vibrant markets, and unforgettable flavors that have filled your days. With hearts full of new memories and friendships, you’ll journey home carrying a piece of Italy with you. Its warmth, its stories, and the spirit of discovery that brought us all together.

You will be picked up at Habita 79 Hotel and taken back to the Naples-Capodichino International Airport in preparation for your flight home.