Welcome to A Taste of Calabria! Come experience some of the amazing sights and food that this Italian region has to offer on a five-day excursion with a small group of fellow Pasta Grammar fans.

Over the course of the trip, you’ll explore the stunning Coast of the Gods, taste some of the best wine and food in Italy, learn ancient cheese-making techniques in the wild mountains of SIla, meet Eva and Harper (and Mamma Rosa) in their hometown of Dasà, and more! If you’re looking to see a side of Italy off the beaten path, then come along for the ride. Andiamo!

Who is this tour for?

This tour is for adventurous travelers who want to try new food and see a side of southern Italy off the beaten path! We created this trip to share our favorite Calabrian experiences that most tourists will never have the opportunity to find on their own. It’s also great for those who want a taste of the Pasta Grammar Tour experience, but who maybe don’t have time for the full deal or want to use some of their precious vacation time to explore other regions as well.

Who is this tour NOT for?

This tour is not for someone who is looking for a postcard experience. Southern Italy isn’t a resort in Venice! There is nothing wrong with wanting the latter, but this tour is more like a safari for adventurers who wish to see (and taste!) Italy through the eyes of locals.

I have an allergy or dietary restriction, can I still join?

Let us know what your needs are and we will be happy to do everything we can to accommodate you! We have hosted guests with a wide range of dietary requirements without any trouble.

How much walking will there be?

Italy, like so many European countries, is very walking-focused. Many of the streets in the cities and villages we will visit are inaccessible to buses and we will often need to walk a few blocks to reach our ultimate destinations. Don’t expect hiking, but do expect to traverse cobblestone streets.

Will my cell phone work in Italy?

Most of our guests choose to use international roaming plans provided by their domestic carriers, but it’s also very easy to acquire a temporary, local SIM card for your trip. They are widely available for purchase upon arrival in Italy.

I would like to stay in Italy longer! Can you help?

Yes! Our partner, Angela Donato, is the best travel agent this side of the Alps and can help you to extend your trip in Italy. Let us know what kind of plans you would like to make and she can advise further.

Can you help me book my transportation?

Yes again! See the above question; Angela the Travel Angel is here to help!

Will I be able to do laundry during the trip?

In Tropea, the hotel is located just steps away from an excellent and affordable laundromat. You can drop off your clothes and they will usually be ready for pick-up within a day.

Can I bring food home from Italy?

We rarely encounter a guest who doesn’t bring a treasure trove of Italian goodies home! In fact, many purchase extra suitcases during the trip for this purpose. Check the specific laws of your country regarding transporting food. The general guidelines for the United States of America prohibits transporting meat or fresh produce. Cheese, pasta, olive oil and wine are fine!

Benvenuti a Tropea!

After arriving in Tropea via private transfer from Lamezia Terme and checking into your accommodations at the Hotel Ananea Yachting  Resort Tropea , a brief travel briefing and aperitivo will be held so that you can meet your fellow travelers and Angela & Catia, your expert guides.

Tropea is a true Calabrian gem, with white sandy beaches, towering cliffs, crystal blue waters and unique food. Recently it was named the most beautiful village in Italy by the Borghi Più Belli d’Italia association, and for good reason.

Dinner at one of our favorite, local seafood restaurants. It’s just a short walk from the hotel, and perched right on top of the stunning cliffs overlooking the sea. Try to catch the sunset there!

Return to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

By private transfer, the group will travel to a local Monte Poro winery: Casa Comerci. Here you will, of course, taste the delicious local wine while learning about its cultivation and production.

The secret behind Casa Comerci is that, not only do they make some of our favorite Calabrian wine, they also cook some of the best food we’ve ever eaten! You’ll have a chance to try it for yourself with a big lunch together.

Return to Tropea, with some free time to digest. Don’t wander too far, though! In the evening, you’ll be taken on a sunset boat tour to see the stunning Costa Degli Dei: The Coast of the Gods from the sea.

Return to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

This is personally our favorite day, because we get to meet you in person! You’ll travel by private transfer to Eva’s hometown of Dasà where she will teach you how to make fresh homemade pasta.

After a brief walking tour of the village, we’ll reconvene for lunch so that we can eat the delicious pasta we made together! Eva’s family and friends will cook and prepare a host of southern specialties they’re eager to share, such as fried zucchini flowers, ‘nduja, ragù, Mamma Rosa’s meatballs and eggplants, local cheeses and salami, “nacatole,” almond cookies, and more!

Return to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure by private bus to Sila.

Sila is a wild, wooded, and mountainous region in central Calabria. The area is steeped with history and untouched culture, and is home to the great Sila National Park. On the way, you’ll stop at a beautiful mountain winery for lunch (and a wine tasting, of course!)

After settling into the accommodations at the historic Torre Camigliati estate, the group will visit La Nave della Sila, or “The Ship of Sila,” Museum, where visitors can learn about Calabrian emigrants who left for the United States and Canada in search of a better future. A local expert will tell the story of the deep bond between Calabrian and North American communities.

The day ends with dinner in a local restaurant, where you can try dishes based on regional ingredients such as porcini mushrooms, chili peppers and Calabrian cheeses, which reflect the culinary soul of Sila.

After a breakfast of organic and seasonal products, it's time to explore the Giants of Sila, a forest of centuries-old larch pines included in the Great Trees of Italy.

This day of immersion in nature celebrates eco-sustainability, with an expert guide who will explain the importance of protecting the biodiversity of the Sila National Park. Along the way, you will discover the ecological initiatives underway to preserve the local fauna and flora. A lunch will be served with grilled local and organic meat.

In the evening, the group will visit a local taverna to sample traditional Calabrian mountain cuisine.

After breakfast at the hotel, the group will participate in a unique experience at an organic farm, where you will learn the ancient technique of producing ricotta and other local cheeses. This immersive cooking class allows you to experience the culinary traditions of Sila up close and prepare typical dishes with fresh ingredients.

After enjoying a lunch with organic and freshly made products, you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Arvo in Lorica.

For dinner, you will visit a local restaurant and brewery, where you will not only enjoy a delicious meal but also sample some of the local Calabrian beer!

Breakfast at the hotel.

For those who don’t want to leave home empty handed, the local produce markets of Camigliatello Silano are a short walk away! Here you can find eco-friendly souvenirs and local products, such as ‘nduja, caciocavallo cheese, and the famous Calabrian licorice liqueurs.

Private transfer to travel hubs for return journeys. Arrivederci!