Fly and Drive in Calabria: through History, Sea and Flavors

From the slopes of Vesuvius to the heart of Calabria
Departure is an exciting time for many travellers. It marks the beginning of an adventure. Today you will start to be part of a community, which will give you a rewarding travel experience. You will have the opportunity to turn a simple trip into an opportunity for personal growth, cultural enrichment, Globest welcomes you to Naples. After collecting your rental car, you will drive to your hotel in the Cosenza region for the night.

Among sanctuaries and breathtaking views
After breakfast, you can dedicate this day to the discovery of the Tyrrhenian coast leaving for Paola, a town overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and surrounded by wonderful mountainous landscapes, where you will visit the birthplace of San Francesco di Paola, the patron saint of Calabria, converted into chapel and sanctuary (free admission). After free lunch continuing south, you will reach Tropea, the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Counted among the most beautiful villages in Italy is a charming seaside resort able to surprise and enchant built on the edge of a promontory that is reflected in the crystal clear sea of the Costa degli Dei. Splendid the old town. Do not forget to taste the famous red onion of Tropea, essential ingredient of many local specialties. In the evening, hotel accommodation in the region of Vibo Valentia and overnight stay.

Magna Graecia and the Byzantine splendour
Breakfast at the hotel. The third day is dedicated to the discovery of the most extreme point of Calabria and its hinterland. You will leave for Reggio Calabria, one of the most beautiful cities in Calabria, lying on the strait of Messina and tip of the boot of Italy. Visit the seafront Falcomatà, one of the most beautiful walks on the sea in Italy, the Aragonese Castle and the National Archaeological Museum that houses the Bronzes, found in the seabed of Riace (from which the Bronzes of Riace). Free lunch. In the afternoon, you will go inland to reach Gerace, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, perched on a cliff with an incredible view of the Ionian Sea and the territory of Locride, where you can breathe a medieval air. Return to hotel for overnight.

Hermits and seafaring charm
Breakfast at the hotel. The fourth day will take you to a territory with special charm. You will start with Serra San Bruno, a small mountain village in the heart of the Parco delle Serre, surrounded by dense beech, fir and oak forests famous for the Certosa, the first monastery of the order of the Carthusians. La Certosa is a place of silence and prayer, where the monks live in seclusion and follow an austere and rigorous rule. It is not possible to visit the interior of the monastery, but you can access the museum of the monastery (entrance not included), which tells the history and life of the monks through photos and objects. Free lunch in a farmhouse. In the afternoon you will descend towards the coast to reach Pizzo Calabro, an ancient seaside village perched on a tuff promontory along the Costa degli Dei.
Famous for its Murat Castle, where Gioacchino Murat was imprisoned and shot, and especially for the delicious «Tartufo» of Pizzo, a homemade hazelnut ice cream with a heart of bitter melted chocolate, all covered in chocolate powder, not to be missed! Return to hotel and overnight.

Between ancient history and modern visions
Breakfast at the hotel. The fifth day will take you to the Ionian coast. The first stop is Squillace, a medieval village rich in history and art overlooking the homonymous gulf of the Ionian coast. Visit the historic center with the Norman Castle of the Borgia (outside), the Norman Cathedral and the workshops of local potters where you can see the rare masters of clay at work in their workshops. You will then continue to Roccelletta di Borgia, a small village suspended in time, nestled among enchanted olive groves and green hills that stretch out towards the clear waters of the Ionian Sea, to discover the Archaeological Park of the Roman colony of Scolacium with the remains of the imposing Basilica della Roccelletta, the theater and the amphitheatre (entrance not included). Free lunch. The day will end in Catanzaro, the capital of Calabria, located between two seas. Here you can visit the historic center, walk on the Bisantis Bridge, symbol of the city, and enjoy the lively atmosphere or visit the Mediterranean Biodiversity Park and the MUSMI (entrance not included), Military Historical Museum dedicated to the «Catanzaro Brigade», weapons and uniforms relating to a period from the nineteenth century to World War II. Hotel accommodation in the Catanzaro region.

Between castles and medieval villages
Breakfast at the hotel. The sixth day is a dive into history and natural beauty. You will start with Le Castella, a small tourist resort near Isola di Capo Rizzuto in the heart of the Saracen Coast and visit the Aragonese Castle (entrance not included) that stands majestically on an island connected to the mainland by a thin strip of sand. You will continue to Crotone, ancient city that was for a long time the most important center of Magna Grecia. Visit of the old town, the archaeological museum (entrance not included) and the promontory of Capo Colonna. Free lunch along the way. In the afternoon you will continue inland to visit the small town of Santa Severina, on a spur of tuff. The old town is very small but rich and you visit really in a short time. The day will end in the Region of Cosenza, an area rich in natural parks and historic villages, where you can immerse yourself in unspoiled nature and enjoy the cuisine. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay.

In the mountains between history and traditions
Breakfast at the hotel. The last day of this trip in Calabria will take you north, but not before a last Calabrian pearl. You will visit Altomonte, a medieval village with a splendid view of the mountains of Pollino, Sila, the plain of Sibari and the Ionian Sea, famous for its gothic architecture and its artisan shops. In its old town, which resembles that of an Arab city, with narrow alleys and steep stairs (expect 15 minutes walk to reach the center) you can buy the latest souvenirs and enjoy a last time the unique atmosphere of Calabria. Optional visit of a liquor factory and tasting. Free lunch. From Altomonte, you will start your journey back to the Region of Naples, bringing with you the memories of an unforgettable adventure through one of the most authentic and surprising regions of Italy. Accommodation in a 3-star hotel and overnight stay.

See you Calabria!
After breakfast, drive to the airport for car delivery and boarding formalities. On this day of return, nostalgia for the places visited and enthusiasm for returning home mix. Today we close a chapter and open a new one, you are part of our Community, you will carry with you the promise of new future adventures even more extraordinary. Have a good trip home.