itinerary

Day 1

• Transportation from the airport or train station to the resort is provided.
• Arrive at your new home for the next 8 days – the Di Marco’s comfortable resort in Capo Vaticano. Take a moment to savor your lovely suite and serene, private terrace.
• Enjoy a welcome dinner at Le Macine, the resort’s restaurant. Unwind from your journey as you are introduced to the unique flavors of Calabrian cuisine.

Day 2

• Start your day with a complimentary buffet-style breakfast at the resort.
• Rosanna will accompany you to Nona Nora’s farm near the Di Marco’s resort. Nora is Roberto Di Marco’s mother, and she cultivates her land with ancient farming techniques. She raises animals naturally and grows organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Depending on the season, you may see the production of foods like fresh ricotta cheese, various cured meats, or olive oil.
• While exploring the farm with Rosanna, you will select ingredients for your first cooking lesson.
• Return to Le Macine where you will use your selected ingredients in your cooking lesson which will focus on creating a traditional homemade pasta dish using fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients.
• After the lesson, you will enjoy the savory three-course lunch you helped prepare.
• Your personal guide will take you on a beautiful drive through the virtually undiscovered and scenic coastal town of Capo Vaticano where you can find some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in all of Italy. Nestled between the Gulf of Lamenzia and the Gulf of Gioia, this pictorial coast boasts white granite cliffs that plunge dramatically into the turquoise waters below.
• From there, you will continue to the stunning medieval town of Tropea. One of the most famous tourist stops in all of Calabria, Tropea features one of the best beaches in Italy and breathtaking views of houses built right into stone cliffs. Along your drive, we’ll take you to spectacular vantage points of the sea and landscape that can only be reached by car.
• Once in Tropea, you can tour the museum and historic churches. From the town, you can view the magnificent Benedictine Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Isola – dedicated to all seafarers – which sits on a promontory facing Tropea. At your leisure, you may amble through the town stopping along the way to sample the best local fare from our favorite gourmet shops. Since this medieval town sits high on a sandstone bluff, you can also admire breathtaking views of the sandy beach and crystal clear Tyrrhenian Sea.
• Enjoy free time in the evening.

Day 3

• Start your day with a complimentary buffet-style breakfast at the resort.
• Rosanna’s husband, Roberto Di Marco, will personally transport you in his private 12-passenger luxury yacht to the mythical fishing village of Scilla where fishermen still catch swordfish with ancient fishing techniques and centuries-old architecture gazes over the sea toward Sicily. On your excursion, he’ll bring you to the village’s magnificent private beaches and charming little grottos that can only be reached by boat.
• Indulge in a buffet-style lunch and wine as you take in the spectacular views from the upper deck.
• As you arrive in Scilla, you will notice the ancient Ruffo Castle that has towered above its landscape for centuries. Your guide will escort you through the charming village so you can see the old-fashioned pastel huts built along the water’s edge, the inspiring 17^th-century church Dello Spirito Santo, and the fountains and shops scattered through the downtown area.
• The yacht will leisurely cruise you back to the relaxing resort in Capo Vaticano.
• Have dinner on your own at the resort or one of the nearby authentic restaurants in Capo Vaticano.
• Enjoy free time in the evening.

Day 4

• Start your day with a complimentary buffet-style breakfast at the resort.
• Spend your morning visiting the private beach, or relax by the sparkling, outdoor pool. Take some time to play tennis or go horseback riding. If you’d like, hiking, bike rentals, and water activities can be arranged. Transportation will also be available to take you to Tropea if you would prefer to spend some time shopping or dining in the unique restaurants.
• Late in the afternoon, you will begin your next cooking lessonwith Rosanna. In this lesson, she will teach you to prepare a homemade Calabrian main dish.
• Following your class, you will relax as you feast on the flavorful three course dinner you helped create.

Day 5

• Start your day with a complimentary buffet-style breakfast at the resort.
• Board Di Marco’s yacht for another spectacular marine adventure around Capo Vaticano’s Costa Degli Dei – Coast of the Gods. As you drift along the coast, you will enjoy beautiful cliffs and amazing rock formations. Dive right off of the boat, and take a refreshing swim or snorkel in the crystal blue water as you take in the dramatic beauty of the coast.
• Enjoy a decadent buffet lunch on board. The food and wine will match the exquisite island views.
• Relax as the yacht sails back to the Di Marco’s relaxing resort.
• Have dinner on your own at the resort or one of the nearby restaurants in Capo Vaticano.
• Enjoy free time in the evening.

Day 6

• Start your day with a complimentary buffet-style breakfast at the resort.
• Spend the day as you like enjoying the resort’s amenities. Lounge by the pool, or dig your toes into the sandy beach as you soak up the sun. Take a day trip to Tropea for some last-minute shopping, or hike through the lush, green hills on the Southern Italian coast.
• Have lunch on your own at the resort or one of the nearby tour destinations.
• Late in the afternoon, you will begin your final cooking lesson. Using a variety of fresh fish and seasonal organic vegetables, Rosanna will teach you to make your last Calabrian dish using the day’s fresh catch.
• Enjoy your farewell dinner on the resort’s private beach.

Day 7

• Enjoy a complimentary buffet-style breakfast at the resort.
• Check out.
• Relax while we transport you to the airport or train station.

2008 Price:

1820 Euros(Based on double occupancy; for single supplement contact us)

Minimum: 2 people
Maximum: 8 people

The price includes:

• Transfer to and from airport or train station
• 6 nights and 7 days at a superior suite at your resort in Capo Vaticano
• Buffet-style breakfast every morning
• 3 cooking classes with meals following. These meals include a first course, main dish, dessert, wine, and coffee.
• 2 private excursions on a luxury yacht
• Transportation by car to Tropea and surrounding areas
• Local, English-speaking guides throughout tours
• Access to all guest services including: private beach, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and more. Horseback riding and scuba diving available for an additional charge

7 Days in Calabria Tour Details

The 7 Days in Calabria tour runs Saturday through Sunday. If you need to book a day early, please feel free to contact us.

Cooking classes are approximately 3 hours long. All recipes and meals are based on local ingredients and change with the seasons.

Your Weather Forecast:

The weather in Calabria consists of hot summers, mild springs and autumns and dry, warm winters - except in the mountains where temperatures are colder. This mellow weather allows calm and pleasant boating excursions well into the fall months. However, we have plenty of substitute excursions during temperamental weather.

How To Get There

Take a connecting flight from any major Italian city to Lamezia Terme. We will arrange transportation from the airport to the resort. Or, you can take a train to the Ricadi station and we will arrange for you to be picked up there.

Book the 7 Days in Calabria Tour.