At Home in Tropea – 8 Days of Local Life
Spend eight days living the rhythm of Tropea and its beautiful surrounds.
This food and wine journey stays close to the heart of the coast, giving you time to enjoy the beaches, wander the old town, linger over seafood by the sea, and connect with the traditions that make this part of Calabria so special.
Each day is planned with care, with visits to nearby hilltop villages, family run wineries, local markets, and kitchens where recipes are passed down and shared with warmth. We keep travel times easy so you can relax, swim, taste, and breathe in southern Italy at a gentle pace.
This is a slower, deeper way to experience Calabria, rooted in Tropea and the nearby countryside. It’s designed for travellers who want to feel part of daily life here, not just pass through. Sun, sea, local flavours, and time to truly savour it all.
Day One
Arrival in Tropea
Your private driver will meet you at Lamezia Terme Airport and bring you to your accommodation in Tropea. Take some time to settle in and get comfortable. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at one of my favourite local spots, a relaxed start to experiencing Tropea’s food, company, and coastal atmosphere.
Day Two
Tropea walk and evening cooking experience
After breakfast, we take a relaxed walk through Tropea’s historic centre. I’ll show you some of my favourite food shops, cafes, and gelaterias, and help you get to know the little streets and corners that make this town special. The rest of the late morning and afternoon are free to enjoy the sea, wander, or simply settle into the rhythm of Tropea.
In the late afternoon, we head into the hills for a hands-on cooking experience. We cook together in an outdoor kitchen, preparing a mix of traditional dishes ranging from seafood and meat to seasonal vegetables and handmade pasta. Afterwards, we sit down for a long meal outdoors beneath the vines, enjoying what we’ve prepared along with homemade desserts and liqueurs.
Day Three
Ceramics and countryside
This morning we visit a favourite local artisan who works with terracotta using traditional methods passed down through generations. You’ll have a hands-on introduction to working with clay and learn about the techniques behind this craft. It’s a relaxed and personal experience with time to create, ask questions, and take in the atmosphere of a small Calabrian workshop.
Afterwards, we enjoy lunch nearby before returning to Tropea for a free afternoon to unwind, stroll through town, or enjoy the sea.
Day Four
Coastal boat day with our skipper
This morning we head out on a private boat with our skipper to explore the coastline and the waters around Capo Vaticano. We stop along the way to swim and snorkel, take in the views of Tropea from the sea, and enjoy the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves that make this coastline so special. On board, we enjoy an aperitivo with bruschette, cheeses, salumi, and local wine.
The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax, enjoy the beach, wander Tropea, or simply take in the coast at your own pace.
Day Five
Olive oil, salumi, and a picnic in the pines
This morning begins with a visit to a local olive grove, where we learn about the production of Calabrian olive oil and enjoy a light tasting on the estate. We then continue to a small salumi producer to see how traditional cured meats are made, including the famous ’nduja along with other regional varieties. A guided visit through the production area is followed by a tasting.
From there, we head toward Monte Poro, where we settle under the pines for a picturesque picnic prepared from scratch by my local friend Rosanna. It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot, perfect for enjoying Calabrian flavours in nature.
Day Six
Vineyard lunch and wine tasting
Today we take a short drive north of Tropea to a family run vineyard known for reviving ancient Calabrian grape varieties such as zibibbo, malvasia, and other native grapes with Greek origins. We tour the vines, learn about the history and cultivation of these varietals, and enjoy a guided tasting.
Lunch follows at the estate, prepared at home by the owner’s mother. We sit under a canopy among the vines and enjoy a generous meal paired with the estate’s wines, a true taste of family traditions and Calabrian hospitality. Afterwards we return to Tropea for a relaxed afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Day Seven
Pizzo, seafood, and farewell dinner
Spend the morning enjoying Tropea at your own pace. It’s a good time for a last wander through town, a swim, or a bit of shopping.
Mid-afternoon we head to Pizzo Calabro. We begin with a visit to the Piedigrotta cave church, known for its life-size hand-carved figures and striking atmosphere by the sea. From there, we stroll through Pizzo’s historic piazza, taste its famous tartufo gelato, and take in the coastal views and lively square.
We then continue to Vibo Marina as the fishing boats arrive with the day’s catch. Here we meet chef Enzo, who prepares everything from scratch, including seafood bites for our aperitivo right by the water. We watch the energy of the fish market, then walk to his elegant waterfront restaurant for our farewell dinner. We take a look inside the kitchen and meet his team before sitting down to a multi-course seafood dinner featuring the freshest catch of the day paired with excellent Calabrian wines.
Day Eight
Departure
Private transfer to Lamezia Terme Airport or train station for your onward travel. Enjoy a final look at the coast before saying arrivederci to Tropea.
What’s Included
- Seven nights’ accommodation in or near Tropea
- Daily breakfast
- All listed experiences, excursions, and tastings
- Hands-on outdoor cooking experience with long table dinner
- Hands-on ceramics workshop with local artisan
- Winery tour and tasting; olive oil tasting; salumi producer visit
- Private coastal boat excursion with aperitivo
- Picnic lunch under the pines; vineyard lunch among the vines
- Welcome dinner and farewell seafood dinner
- Private local transport for all scheduled activities
- Arrival and departure transfers from Lamezia Terme Airport or station
- English-speaking local host throughout
Accommodations note:
We work with a selection of luxury bed and breakfasts in and around Tropea and can customize accommodations to suit your preferences. Contact us for details and pricing.
