Welcome to A Taste of Calabria! Come experience some of the amazing sights and food that this Italian region has to offer on a five-day excursion with a small group of fellow Pasta Grammar fans.

Over the course of the trip, you’ll explore the stunning Coast of the Gods, taste some of the best wine and food in Italy, learn ancient pasta-making techniques in the mountainous north, meet Eva and Harper (and Mamma Rosa) in their hometown of Dasà, and more! If you’re looking to see a side of Italy off the beaten path, then come along for the ride. Andiamo!

Who is this tour for?

This tour is for adventurous travelers who want to try new food and see a side of southern Italy off the beaten path! We created this trip to share our favorite Calabrian experiences that most tourists will never have the opportunity to find on their own. It’s also great for those who want a taste of the Pasta Grammar Tour experience, but who maybe don’t have time for the full deal or want to use some of their precious vacation time to explore other regions as well.

Who is this tour NOT for?

This tour is not for someone who is looking for a postcard experience. Southern Italy isn’t a resort in Venice! There is nothing wrong with wanting the latter, but this tour is more like a safari for adventurers who wish to see (and taste!) Italy through the eyes of locals.

I have an allergy or dietary restriction, can I still join?

Let us know what your needs are and we will be happy to do everything we can to accommodate you! We have hosted guests with a wide range of dietary requirements without any trouble.

How much walking will there be?

Italy, like so many European countries, is very walking-focused. Many of the streets in the cities and villages we will visit are inaccessible to buses and we will often need to walk a few blocks to reach our ultimate destinations. Don’t expect hiking, but do expect to traverse cobblestone streets.

Will my cell phone work in Italy?

Most of our guests choose to use international roaming plans provided by their domestic carriers, but it’s also very easy to acquire a temporary, local SIM card for your trip. They are widely available for purchase upon arrival in Italy.

I would like to stay in Italy longer! Can you help?

Yes! Our partner, Angela Donato, is the best travel agent this side of the Alps and can help you to extend your trip in Italy. Let us know what kind of plans you would like to make and she can advise further.

Can you help me book my transportation?

Yes again! See the above question; Angela the Travel Angel is here to help!

Will I be able to do laundry during the trip?

In Tropea, the hotel is located just steps away from an excellent and affordable laundromat. You can drop off your clothes and they will usually be ready for pick-up within a day.

Can I bring food home from Italy?

We rarely encounter a guest who doesn’t bring a treasure trove of Italian goodies home! In fact, many purchase extra suitcases during the trip for this purpose. Check the specific laws regarding transporting food. The general guidelines for the United States of America prohibits transporting meat or fresh produce. Cheese, pasta, olive oil and wine are fine!

Benvenuti a Tropea!

After arriving in Tropea via private transfer from Lamezia Terme and checking into your accommodations in Tropea, a brief travel briefing and aperitivo will be held so that you can meet your fellow travelers and Angela & Catia, your expert guides.

Tropea is a true Calabrian gem, with white sandy beaches, towering cliffs, crystal blue waters and unique food. Last year it was named the most beautiful village in Italy by the Borghi Più Belli d’Italia association, and for good reason.

Dinner at one of our favorite, local seafood restaurants. It’s just a short walk from the hotel, and perched right on top of the stunning cliffs overlooking the sea. Try to catch the sunset there!

Return to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

By private transfer, the group will travel to a local Monte Poro winery: Casa Comerci. Here you will, of course, taste the delicious local wine while learning about its cultivation and production.

The secret behind Casa Comerci is that, not only do they make some of our favorite Calabrian wine, they also cook some of the best food we’ve ever eaten! You’ll have a chance to try it for yourself with a big lunch together.

Return to Tropea, with some free time to digest. Don’t wander too far, though! In the evening, you’ll be taken on a sunset boat tour (and aperitivo!) to see the stunning Costa Degli Dei: The Coast of the Gods from the sea.

Return to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

This is personally our favorite day, because we get to meet you in person! You’ll travel by private transfer to Eva’s hometown of Dasà where she will teach you how to make fresh homemade pasta.

After a brief walking tour of the village, we’ll reconvene for lunch so that we can eat the delicious pasta we made together! Eva’s family and friends will cook and prepare a host of southern specialties they’re eager to share, such as fried zucchini flowers, ‘nduja, ragù, Mamma Rosa’s meatballs and eggplants, local cheeses and salami, “nacatole,” almond cookies, and more!

Return to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

After checking out of the hotel, the group will be taken to the National Pollino Mountain Park, where you will enjoy a wine tasting and light lunch at the Magna Graecia Vini Vineyard to sample the viticulture of mountainous northern Calabria.

In nearby Morano Calabro, you will check into la locanda del parco,a charming residence in the mountains of northern Calabria! After getting settled in, the group will spend the afternoon exploring the village.

Return to the hotel for a dinner made from the incredible, fresh on-site produce.

Breakfast at the hotel.

You will spend the day visiting Civita, one of the unique Albanian communities in Italy. For over 600 years, the Arbresche people who inhabit this stunningly beautiful land have been perfecting their unique cuisine.

At Ristorante Kamastra you will learn how to make Dromsa, one of the most unusual and magical types of pasta in Italy, before enjoying a lunch together.

Return to the hotel for dinner.

Breakfast in the hotel, and departure by private transfer for Lamezia Terme airport & train station. A presto!