Small group tour of Calabria

We meet in Reggio Calabria.

Evening meal and overnight in Reggio Calabria.

In the morning, we visit the stupendous Riace Bronzes on display in the museum in Reggio Calabria. These are two full-size Greek bronzes of naked bearded warriors found in the sea near Riace in 1972 and dated to around 450-460BC. They are arguably some of the finest Greek statues ever to have been discovered.

After lunch we begin our journey round the Ionian coast towards Gerace. There is time to visit the abandoned village of Pentedatillo on the way.

Evening meal and overnight in Gerace.

The town square in Gerace

The cathedral at Gerace

The Cattolica church in Stilo

We have a full morning exploring the wonderful town of Gerace with its noteworthy remains of a Norman castle and fine churches. It was visited by Edward Lear in the nineteenth century and in the town museum we can see reproductions of some of his prints. There is also a chance to learn about the production of Bergamot and to taste some typical local products.

We spend the afternoon exploring Locri – the ancient Epizephyrian Locris (Ἐπιζεφύριοι Λοκροί or The Locrians upon the West Wind) – another of the great cities of the Magna Graecia and which Plato called “The flower of Italy” due to the characteristics of the local peoples.

Evening meal and overnight in Gerace.

We drive down along the Ionian coast and the town of Stilo – home of one of the most iconic “Greek” churches in the whole of southern Italy. The church is only tiny, but has perfect proportions and a stunning aspect that make it a favourite for photographers.

In the late morning we head across the Serra to Serra San Bruno where we visit the Carthusian abbey, still home to a community of Carthusian monks.

Evening meal and overnight in Tropea.

The Monastery of San Giovanni Theristis

An olive tree in Calabria

One of the Pinakes found at Ancient Lokri – now in the museum at Reggio Calabria

Full day in the beautiful seaside town of Tropea – famous in Italy for its sweet, pink onions — where there will be free time to explore or just enjoy the beach.

Evening meal and overnight in Tropea.

On our journey back to the Ionian coast we visit Scylletium (Scolacium), one of the colonies of Roman farmers who were settled in the south of the peninsula by Gaius Gracchus in 123-121 BC. It was given the title of Colonia Minervia after Minerva, goddess of wisdom.  There has been considerable excavation in the area over the last few decades, and was a substantial place throughout the Roman period. It’s most famous son was particular importance was as the home of Cassiodorus, one of the most important scholars and writers of Late Antiquity.

After visiting Scolacium we drive on to Le Castella where there is an opportunity to visit a fine Aragonese castle.

Evening meal and overnight in Capo Rizzuto.

We depart Capo Rizzuto in the morning and drive east through the towns of Santa Severina, San Giovanni in Fiore and across the wild and dramatic Sila mountains.In the afternoon we drop down from the Sila to visit the riverside town of Cosenza before heading north to the picturesque and charming town of Morano Calabro.

Evening meal and overnight in Morano Calabro.

Paestum

Today we depart Morano Calabro in the morning and spend the morning driving through the Pollino National Park to Paestum.

After lunch we visit the classical site of Paestum which exhibits three of the world’s best-preserved ancient Greek temples — utterly unmissable for anyone with even a passing interest in Ancient Greek history or architecture. Originally known to the Greeks as Poseidonia (Ποσειδωνία in Ancient Greek) in honour of the Greek god of the sea, Paestum was founded in the late seventh century BC. We spend the afternoon exploring the archaeological site: the three temples – two dedicated to Hera one to Athena — as well as the Roman Forum, the Bouleuterion (Senate house) and small residential quarter.

Evening meal and overnight in Paestum.

Drive to Naples for onward journeys.