Hosted in the beautiful coastal town of Tropea, this immersive small group Calabria art and craft tour explores the region through its artists, artisans, landscapes and centuries old creative traditions.

Accompanied throughout the journey by renowned Italian watercolour artist Francesco Caracciolo, this carefully curated cultural tour combines painting workshops, artisan experiences and cultural visits with some of Calabria’s most respected local craftsmen and artists. Throughout the tour, guests will paint in remarkable locations across Calabria while exploring the region’s rich artistic heritage through ceramics, mosaic, basket making and traditional craftsmanship.

From the historic ceramic town of Seminara to ancient villages, museums, archaeological sites and artisan workshops, this Calabria cultural tour offers rare access to the people and places preserving the region’s cultural identity today.

Rather than simply observing, guests will actively participate in Calabria’s creative traditions through hands on mosaic workshops, ceramic workshops, basket making workshops and guided painting sessions, all while enjoying authentic Calabrian hospitality and regional cuisine prepared in beautiful local settings throughout the journey.

Painting workshops will take place in beautiful and atmospheric locations including coastal villages, historic towns and rural landscapes that have long inspired local artists and craftsmen.

Designed for travellers seeking a deeper cultural experience in Italy, this small group Calabria tour blends art, craftsmanship, history, food and landscape into a unique and inspiring journey through one of Italy’s most culturally rich and undiscovered regions.

Tour Highlights

• Watercolour painting workshops throughout Calabria with renowned Italian artist Francesco Caracciolo
• Hands on mosaic workshops with Calabrian artisans
• Traditional ceramic workshops and cultural visits in Seminara, Calabria’s historic ceramic town
• Hands on basket making workshops using traditional artisan techniques
• Visits to Calabria’s museums, archaeological sites and historic villages
• Painting workshops in coastal villages, historic towns and rural locations across Calabria
• Authentic Calabrian food experiences in carefully selected local settings throughout the tour
• Small group Calabria cultural tour focused on art, craftsmanship and local traditions

Who This Tour Is For

This tour is designed for anyone with an appreciation for art, creativity, culture and authentic local experiences. Guests are not expected to be experienced artists, and all painting sessions and workshops are intended to be enjoyable, relaxed and inspiring regardless of skill level.

Whether you already paint regularly or simply wish to experience Calabria through its artistic traditions, this tour is about enjoying the creative process, discovering beautiful places and sharing meaningful experiences in a welcoming and culturally rich environment.

Tour Dates

17 October to 26 October 2026

Day 1 – Arrival in Tropea

Private transfer from Lamezia Terme Airport or train station to your accommodations in the beautiful coastal town of Tropea. Settle into your new surroundings and enjoy time to relax before meeting your hosts, Tania and renowned Italian watercolour artist Francesco Caracciolo, for an aperitivo later in the day. This informal gathering offers the opportunity to discuss the journey ahead and become acquainted with the artistic workshops, cultural experiences and beautiful locations awaiting throughout the tour.

Day 2 – Historic Tropea and Painting by the Sea

Today begins with a guided cultural walk through the historic centre of Tropea with Francesco. Perched dramatically above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tropea is one of Calabria’s most iconic medieval towns, known for its noble palazzi, cobblestone streets, hidden piazzas and layered history shaped by centuries of Greek, Roman and Norman influence.

Following time for lunch at your leisure, the afternoon is dedicated to a watercolour painting workshop with Francesco in one of Tropea’s beautiful locations overlooking the sea or historic centre. The day concludes with a local wine tasting in Tropea.

Day 3 – Ceramic Workshop in Gerocarne

Today we journey into the hills of Calabria to the village of Gerocarne for a unique ceramic experience hosted by a local family in a beautiful rural setting approximately 700 metres above sea level, surrounded by sweeping countryside views.

Guests will participate in a hands on ceramic workshop led by a talented young self taught ceramic artist who began working with clay at just five years old and has become known for his remarkable skill and creativity. During the workshop, guests will learn both wheel throwing and traditional coiling techniques while gaining insight into the artistic process in an intimate and inspiring environment.

Following the workshop, we will enjoy a traditional homemade lunch prepared by the family on the premises before returning to Tropea.

Day 4 – Countryside Painting and Traditions of Papaglionti

Today offers a deeper glimpse into Calabria’s rural life and traditions as we travel into the countryside surrounding Papaglionti. Surrounded by olive groves, rolling hills, fruit trees and quiet country landscapes, guests will join Francesco for a watercolour painting workshop in one of the area’s scenic locations.

Lunch will be hosted in the private home of a local family where regional recipes are prepared using ingredients produced on the property, including olive oil, vegetables and garlic grown by the family themselves. Served beneath the veranda overlooking the countryside, this experience offers a rare opportunity to connect with Calabria’s older traditions of hospitality and home cooking.

During our visit, the mother of the family will also demonstrate the traditional process of producing handmade soap using olive oil and essential oils, sharing techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Day 5 – Reggio Calabria, the Bronzi di Riace and Scilla

Today we travel south to Reggio Calabria for a guided visit through the National Archaeological Museum with our guide Francesca. The museum houses some of the most important archaeological collections in southern Italy, including the world renowned Bronzi di Riace, two extraordinary ancient Greek bronze statues discovered off the Calabrian coast and considered masterpieces of classical antiquity.

Following lunch in Reggio Calabria, we continue to the beautiful fishing village of Scilla, one of Calabria’s most picturesque coastal towns. Here we will explore the historic Chianalea district, famous for its narrow laneways, fishermen’s houses built directly above the water and breathtaking sea views that have inspired artists, writers and travellers for generations.

Day 6 – Basket Making in Zungri

Today we travel to the rural village of Zungri, known for its traditional craftsmanship and beautiful countryside views overlooking the surrounding hills of Calabria. Here guests will participate in a basket making workshop led by a local artisan who has dedicated many years to preserving this traditional craft.

Using traditional weaving techniques and natural materials, guests will learn the foundations of basket making while enjoying local wine, bruschetta and regional delicacies served during the workshop itself in a beautiful countryside setting before returning to Tropea.

Day 7 – Mosaic Artistry and the Ceramic Traditions of Seminara

After breakfast, we travel to Cinquefrondi, a small Calabrian town surrounded by olive groves and the landscapes of southern Calabria, where we will be welcomed by local artisan Michela for a hands on mosaic workshop. Guests will learn traditional mosaic techniques while creating their own small works under the guidance of the artist in an intimate and creative setting.

Following lunch, we continue to Seminara, one of Calabria’s most historically important ceramic towns, internationally recognised for preserving centuries old ceramic traditions influenced by Byzantine and southern Italian craftsmanship. Here we will enjoy a guided visit through the Seminara Ceramic Museum, learning about the region’s artistic heritage and the evolution of its distinctive handmade ceramics before returning to Tropea.

Day 8 – The Ceramic Traditions of Squillace

Today we travel to Squillace, one of Calabria’s historic ceramic towns with a longstanding artistic tradition dating back centuries. Known for its handcrafted ceramics and artisan workshops, Squillace remains an important centre for preserving traditional southern Italian pottery techniques.

Guests will visit local ceramic workshops and meet artisans continuing these traditions today, gaining further insight into Calabria’s rich artistic heritage before enjoying lunch and returning to Tropea.

Day 9 – Painting at the Ancient Mulino and Pizzo Calabro

Today we visit a historic mulino nestled within the Calabrian countryside for a watercolour painting workshop with Francesco. Surrounded by nature and the atmosphere of old rural Calabria, guests will spend the morning painting in this peaceful and inspiring setting before enjoying lunch at the mulino.

On our return journey to Tropea, we stop in Pizzo Calabro to visit the remarkable Piedigrotta Church, a unique seaside chapel carved directly into the rock by local fishermen and artisans. After time to visit the site, we return to Tropea.

Day 10 – Departure

Private transfer to Lamezia Terme Airport or train station for your onward journey.

What’s Included

• 9 nights accommodation in Tropea
• Private return transfers from Lamezia Terme Airport or train station
• Guided cultural experiences throughout Calabria hosted by Tania Pascuzzi and renowned Italian watercolour artist Francesco Caracciolo
• Watercolour painting workshops in carefully selected locations throughout Calabria
• Hands on mosaic workshop with local artisan Michela
• Ceramic workshops in Gerocarne and Squillace
• Basket making workshop in Zungri with local artisan
• Guided visit to the Seminara Ceramic Museum
• Guided visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria with local guide Francesca
• Visit to the Bronzi di Riace
• Guided visit through the historic Chianalea district of Scilla
• Cultural visits to villages, artisan workshops and historical sites throughout Calabria
• Traditional homemade lunches and regional food experiences as specified throughout the itinerary
• Wine tasting in Tropea
• All private transportation throughout excursions
• Painting materials and workshop supplies throughout the tour, including portable painting stands, watercolours, brushes, pencils and painting pads
• Where possible, guests will also have the opportunity to take home selected handmade creations produced during workshops throughout the tour

October in Calabria

October is one of the most beautiful times to experience Calabria, with softer light ideal for painting, warm comfortable temperatures and a slower atmosphere after the busy summer season. It is a wonderful time to explore villages, countryside landscapes and coastal towns in a more relaxed and authentic setting.

Price

3,695 euro per person based on shared room.