12 Days Calabria, Aeolian Islands & Cefalu’ small group tour
Experience the Southern Italy lifestyle with a private tour! Distinctive and delightful, with crystalline seas, pretty countryside and endless sunshine, Calabria is a land of natural beauty, warm hospitality and amazing food and wine. A unique, much-loved southern region. Dramatic mountains, Byzantine rock-hewn churches, sunbaked olive groves, stunning Romanesque architecture and some of Italy’s best beaches are tempting more and more visitors to the exciting little-known regions.Calabria has an otherworldly landscape of tremendous mountain ranges, dark forested valleys and villages so melded with the rock face that they seem to have grown there. Its extensive coastline bears the marks of many conquering invaders: the Normans, the Spanish, the Turks, the Swabians and the Greeks. Yet, despite its diverse influences, Basilicata has its own distinct and authentic identity.
The seven Aeolian Islands can be found across the Tyrrhenian Sea, just off the North Eastern coast of Sicily. Island lovers will be drawn to these glittering shores, each with its own unique character and breathtaking beauty.Believed to have been home to the mythological Greek Gods of wind and fire, the untamed forces of nature still abound here whilst other islands have been tempered and tamed by their inhabitants.
Discover vibrant Vulcano with its lively nightlife; the introverted and solitary Salina, whose lush vineyards and fruits create its distinctive sweet dessert wine; the hidden sea caves and remote lunar like landscapes of Filicudi and Alicudi and the fine black sands and bubbling hot springs of Porto Lavante beach.Be humbled by the brooding beauty of Stromboli’s active volcano and admire a fire-strewn sky as molten lava erupts by night.From the largest island of Lipari with its fortified city and Franciscan convent to the smallest jewel of Panarea, with its western flank plunging steeply to the sea; this archipelago is a mixture of sublime mountains, sub-tropical fragrant gardens, sapphire skies, stunning seascapes and crystal clear coastal waters.
We have a real passion for the Aeolian Islands and look forward to sharing it with you! Trust the locals...
Location
Day 1:Welcome to Calabria!
Arrive in Lamezia Terme, where your driver will take you to charming accommodation in the heart of Calabria. In the evening, join your fellow travelers and tour leader for a welcome dinner full of local flavors and friendly conversation.
Meals: Dinner included, breakfast and lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Tropea
Discover the cliffside town of Tropea, on the Tyrrhenian coast, known for jaw-dropping views and sandy white beaches. After breakfast, explore its historic center, visit the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola, and wander the lush gardens here before boarding our private boat that will take you up the Calabrian coast. The afternoon is yours to relax, stroll through the local shops, and check out the town’s diverse architecture before a group apericena.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Tropea
Visit the National Museum in Reggio Calabria, which houses an incredible collection of artefacts from the 6th to 4th centuries BC. Its most famous exhibit is the Greek Bronzes, two life-sized Greek warrior statues recovered from the sea in 1972, now considered masterpieces of classical art. We’ll stop off in the charming fishing village of Scilla, home of the sea monster Scylla of Greek mythology. Known as the Venice of southern Italy, many of Scilla’s homes are built over water with street access from behind. Then, we make our way to the charming town of Tropea.
Meals: Breakfast included, dinner and lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Tropea
Explore the heart of Pizzo Calabro with a local guide, discovering historical places, hidden corners, and panoramic views. Ride through the scenic streets in a Piaggio Ape Calessino and visit the unique Chiesetta di Piedigrotta, a cave chapel carved with intricate stone sculptures, beneath a 15th-century Aragonese Castle. There’s plenty of time to relax, shop, or sightsee on your own before a hands-on group cooking experience with a local family.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Tropea
Ferry to Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. En route, stop at Vulcano Island, once believed to be the chimney of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. An active volcano, its sulfur baths, calderas, and steaming craters are awe-inspiring. Upon arrival in Lipari, check into a charming central hotel for a four-night stay. In the evening, join your tour group and director for an aperitif at a local bar.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Lipari
Start with a guided walking tour of the 6,000 years of history on Lipari. In this place, ancient Greek landmarks and Roman ruins meet striking volcanic landscapes. Visit the renowned archaeological museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Greek theater masks. Then, head to a celebrated local winery to sample Malvasia delle Lipari and Carricante wines alongside a lunch of regional dishes.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Lipari
First, board a boat to Panarea, a small island known for its laid-back style and pretty, whitewashed lanes. You’ll have time to wander the village and take in the peaceful, upscale vibe. From there, sail to Stromboli, a raw, volcanic island that feels worlds apart. Its black sand, smoky craters, and rumbling energy offer a dramatic contrast to Panarea’s calm. Stroll the narrow streets, browse local shops, and take in the beauty of one of the world’s most active volcanoes before returning to Lipari for a relaxed evening.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Lipari
This morning, take a short boat ride to Salina, a quiet island known for its green hills and caper bushes. It’s also famous for the grapes used to produce Malvasia wine. You’ll tour the island by Ape Calessino or minivan, stopping at a local winery for a tasting. Afterward, the afternoon is yours to relax, rejuvenate, and explore. In the evening, we’ll gather at a local restaurant for a taste of regional cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Lipari
Travel to the medieval hill town of Montalbano Elicona in the Nebrodi Mountains. From the port of Milazzo, a scenic drive takes you up winding roads with spectacular views of the Aeolian Islands. Enjoy walking the narrow Cobblestone streets, visiting the Aragonese Castle, a small museum, and a 14th-century church. Indulge in local cuisine before continuing to a nearby plateau scattered with ancient megaliths, nicknamed Sicily’s Stonehenge. The site’s origins are still debated, adding to its mystique. End the day in Cefalù, where you’ll spend the next three nights in a central boutique hotel.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Cefalu’
Head into the scenic Madonie Mountains, stopping in the charming hill town of Castelbuono, built on the ruins of a Byzantine village. It is best known for its castle, which has a mix of Arab-Norman and Swabian features. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and take in the rustic beauty of the village. After a panoramic drive through the breathtaking countryside, return to Cefalù for a leisurely afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Cefalu’
Today is yours to experience Cefalù at your own pace. Stroll through cobbled lanes, relax by the sea, or explore the town’s historic churches and sunny piazzas. Fans of Cinema Paradiso may enjoy spotting familiar scenes filmed here. Whether you’re exploring or unwinding, Cefalù invites you to savor it your own way. For a bit of adventure, consider hiking up La Rocca for sweeping views of the coastline and town below.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Cefalu’
After breakfast, we say farewell to the Sicilian region. From coastal villages and volcanic islands to mountaintop towns and memorable meals, we hope this journey has left you with lasting impressions and a deeper love for Southern Italy. This morning, you’ll be transferred to the Palermo airport or train station for your journey home.
