Splendours of Calabria

Splendours of Calabria

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Splendours of Calabria

14 Days

Visiting: Sorrento, Cosenza with Guided Tour, Pizzo & Tropea, Calabrian Countryside, Reggio Calabria & Scilla, Serra San Bruno, Local Lunch & Stilo, Lake Garda

Tour operator:

Leger Holidays

Tour code:

calab

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Activities:

Sightseeing

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through Italy with the "Splendours of Calabria" tour, a cultural exploration that promises to enchant history and art enthusiasts alike. Begin your adventure with a scenic coach ride from the UK, stopping overnight in northern France and Belgium before reaching the picturesque Neapolitan Riviera. Delight in the charm of Sorrento, explore the medieval allure of Cosenza, and discover the coastal gems of Pizzo and Tropea. Immerse yourself in the Calabrian countryside, savoring local delicacies at a family farm, and wander through the elegant streets of Reggio Calabria. Conclude your Italian sojourn with a serene stay by Lake Garda, where optional excursions offer a chance to explore its idyllic villages. With comfortable accommodations and a blend of guided tours and leisure time, this tour is a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural discovery.

Highlights

  • Sorrento, a beautiful resort with stunning architecture and famous for its Limoncello.

  • Explore the historical medieval quarter of Cosenza with a guided tour.

  • Visit Pizzo and Tropea, jewels of the Tyrrhenian coast, known for their historical centers and stunning views.

  • Experience the Calabrian countryside and visit a family farm producing local delicacies.

  • Discover Reggio Calabria, an elegant city with a famous seafront promenade and the National Archeological Museum.

  • Explore Scilla, a picturesque town on the Costa Viola with the enchanting Ruffo Castle.

  • Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Garda, taking in the picturesque views and charming villages.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to northern France for an overnight stay.

Day 2

We depart our overnight hotel early this morning. We begin our journey towards Italy before arriving at our hotel in the Parma area for an overnight stay.

Day 3

We continue our journey south skirting Bologna, the Tuscan capital of Florence. We continue past the ‘eternal city’ of Rome and later Naples, Italy’s third largest city, before arriving at our hotel on the Neapolitan Riviera for a two-night stay.

Day 4 Sorrento

Location: Sorrento

Join our included excursion to the beautiful resort of Sorrento. The town and area has been a popular holiday resort for over 2000 years with all nationalities and is the perfect place to watch the world go by. The town features beautiful architecture, many cafés, restaurants and lots of shops for you to explore. A popular souvenir from the area is Limoncello, the signature lemon liqueur. Browse the shops for souvenirs or sit back and relax with a traditional Italian pastry and a cappuccino – the choice is yours.

Day 5 Cosenza With Guided Tour

Location: Cosenza with Guided Tour

We travel south into Calabria to Cosenza, where we make a short stop in the historical medieval quarter and include a guided tour. See the Byzantine cathedral, or enjoy a typical Italian coffee in the historical literary café Renzelli. We continue to our hotel in Calabria for a five-night stay.

Day 6 Pizzo & Tropea

Location: Pizzo & Tropea

Join our included excursion to Pizzo and Tropea, the two most precious jewels of the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria. Our first stop is Pizzo Calabro, one of the most beautiful and most famous fishing villages with a historical centre characterised by narrow streets and small squares. You can visit the small church of Piedigrotta, which is excavated in limestone cliffs right above the sea. There are around 140 steps down and the same back up, so sensible footwear is a must.



We continue to Pizzo itself, which is situated on a steep cliff overlooking the Gulf of Santa Eufemia. High above the sea is the Aragonese Castle, which was built by Ferdinand I of Aragon in the 15th century. The historical centre is characterised by narrow lanes and streets with many interconnecting stairways and some squares with fountains. Before leaving Pizzo, you should try the famous Tartufo (truffle ice cream), highly recommended!



We continue to Tropea, where you will have the opportunity to explore the historical centre rich in ancient palaces and the Norman cathedral. You will also see the Church of St. Mary of the Isle which is surrounded by the beautiful white sandy beaches with a view above the Aeolian Islands. Admire the incredible views from the various vantage points in the town.

Day 7 Calabrian Countryside

Location: Calabrian Countryside

We explore a little more of the Calabrian countryside on our included excursion today. During the day we visit a small family farm near Ricardi, which produces local food such as onion, olive paste, nduja (typical salami from Calabria and often created into a paste or sauce), wine, cheese and vegetables. You will have the opportunity to taste some of the produce and also to make a purchase or two!



En-route back to our hotel, we make a short stop in the promontory of Capo Vaticano, which is made of white granite, dominates the coast and beautiful sandy beaches. It offers many views over the Aeolian Islands and the Straits of Messina. Capo Vaticano separates the Gulf of Gioia Tauro from the Gulf of Sant’Eufemia. It lies about 284 metres above sea level at its highest point and it is distinguished by the crystal-clear sea, beautiful white sandy beaches, and rocky coast and romantic landscapes.

Day 8 Reggio Calabria & Scilla

Location: Reggio Calabria & Scilla

Today, our included excursion is to Reggio Calabria, an elegant city in Liberty style, which belongs to the Italian Art Nouveau period. Reggio Calabria is the most densely populated city in Calabria and lies on the southern tip of the Italian peninsula, between the slopes of the Aspromonte range and the eastern shore of the Straits of Messina. Take a walk on the Lungomare (seafront promenade) which was described by Gabriele D’Annunzio, the famous Italian writer and poet, as ‘the most beautiful kilometre in Italy’. Running parallel to the Lungomare is the main shopping street, the Corso Vittorio Emanuale III, where you will find excellent boutiques and shops. Whilst in Reggio Calabria, see the cathedral and you may wish to also visit the National Archeological Museum (at additional cost) which holds the richest collection of Magna Grecia finds and the famous Bronzes of Riace.



Later we head to Scilla, a pretty little town set in the enchanting scenery of the Costa Viola. The promontory of Scilla lies in a strategic position above the Tyrrheanian Sea. It is dominated by Ruffo Castle (a small charge is payable locally to enter the castle) which connects the fortress with the village of San Giorgio, Marina Grande and Chianalea. Scilla is the most famous town on the Costa Viola. The coast of Scilla is divided into two parts: Marina Grande and Chianalea. Here you will visit the old fishing village which is known as Chianalea, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and also one of the most evocative fishing quarters.

Day 9 Serra San Bruno, Local Lunch & Stilo

Location: Serra San Bruno, Local Lunch & Stilo

A day at leisure or why not join our full-day optional excursion to Serra San Bruno, pausing en-route to admire the Angitola Lake. Serra San Bruno is a charming town which is situated among woodland and boasts fine examples of Byzantine architecture and beautiful churches in its historical centre. We will visit the museum of the Charterhouse of St. Bruno and the church. The museum creates a fascinating impression of the life of San Bruno and the incredible history of this Carthusian monastery. During the day we include lunch at a nearby restaurant, enjoying wonderful antipasti and pasta.

Day 10

We leave Calabria and head north to our hotel in the Abruzzo area for an overnight stay.

Day 11

We drive north to the Lake Garda area for a two-night stay.

Day 12 Lake Garda

Location: Lake Garda

Enjoy a relaxing day in resort or join our full-day optional excursion along the shores of Lake Garda visiting some of the picturesque villages on its shoreline. Spend time exploring the narrow streets or relax in one of the many cafés. During the day, our excursion allows us to take to the water on a boat cruise where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding area from the lake.

Day 13

Travel north to Belgium for an overnight stay.

Day 14

Return home.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    You will stay for two nights at a minimum 3-star hotel on the Neapolitan Riviera, five nights in Calabria at a 4-star hotel, one night at a 3-star hotel in the Abruzzo area, and two nights at a minimum 3-star hotel in the Lake Garda area. Overnight stays in northern France, Belgium, and northern Italy will be in city-style hotels.

  • Excursions

    Included excursions to Sorrento, Cosenza with a guided tour, Pizzo & Tropea, Calabrian Countryside, and Reggio Calabria & Scilla.

  • Meals

    Breakfast and dinner are included on most days of the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as the full-day trip to Serra San Bruno and the boat cruise on Lake Garda are not included in the base price.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to certain attractions, such as the National Archeological Museum in Reggio Calabria and Ruffo Castle in Scilla, are not included and are payable locally.

Accommodation

You will stay for two nights at a minimum 3-star hotel on the Neapolitan Riviera before arriving for a five night stay in Calabria at a 4-star Hotel the area of Parghelia, Capo Vaticano or Tropea such as Villaggio Costa degli Dei in Capo Vaticano, or similar.

You will also stay one night at a 3-star hotel in the Abruzzo area and then for two nights at a minimum 3-star hotel in the Lake Garda area. 

Overnight stays in northern France, Belgium and northern Italy will be in city-style hotels.

Mode of Transport

The tour begins with a local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, traveling through northern France, Belgium, and Italy. The journey includes stops in Parma, the Neapolitan Riviera, Calabria, Abruzzo, and Lake Garda, with overnight stays in various locations. The return journey is also by coach.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay for two nights at a minimum 3-star hotel on the Neapolitan Riviera, followed by a five-night stay in Calabria at a 4-star hotel in areas such as Parghelia, Capo Vaticano, or Tropea. Additionally, there will be one night at a 3-star hotel in the Abruzzo area and two nights at a minimum 3-star hotel in the Lake Garda area. Overnight stays in northern France, Belgium, and northern Italy will be in city-style hotels.

  • What activities are included in the excursion to Sorrento?

    The excursion to Sorrento includes exploring the town's beautiful architecture, cafes, restaurants, and shops. You can also enjoy the local signature lemon liqueur, Limoncello, and relax with a traditional Italian pastry and cappuccino.

  • What can I expect to see during the guided tour in Cosenza?

    During the guided tour in Cosenza, you will visit the historical medieval quarter, see the Byzantine cathedral, and have the opportunity to enjoy a typical Italian coffee in the historical literary café Renzelli.

  • What are the highlights of the excursion to Pizzo and Tropea?

    In Pizzo, you can visit the small church of Piedigrotta, explore the historical centre with its narrow streets and squares, and try the famous Tartufo ice cream. In Tropea, you will explore the historical centre with ancient palaces and the Norman cathedral, and see the Church of St. Mary of the Isle surrounded by beautiful beaches.

  • What can I experience during the visit to the Calabrian countryside?

    During the visit to the Calabrian countryside, you will explore a small family farm near Ricardi, taste local produce such as onion, olive paste, nduja, wine, cheese, and vegetables, and have the opportunity to purchase some of these products. You will also stop at Capo Vaticano to enjoy views over the Aeolian Islands and the Straits of Messina.

  • What is special about the excursion to Reggio Calabria and Scilla?

    In Reggio Calabria, you can walk along the Lungomare, visit the cathedral, and explore the main shopping street. You may also visit the National Archeological Museum. In Scilla, you will see the Ruffo Castle and visit the old fishing village of Chianalea, known for its beautiful scenery and historical charm.

  • What optional activities are available during the tour?

    An optional full-day excursion to Serra San Bruno is available, where you can visit the museum of the Charterhouse of St. Bruno, enjoy a local lunch with antipasti and pasta, and explore the town's Byzantine architecture and churches.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?

    Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Gary White (Google Reviewer)  

Just got back from a...

27-May-2024

Just got back from a holiday with leger holidays to callea spain which my wife done as a surprise for my 60th and wedding anniversary together my wife and i had a great time the coach journey there was excellent regular stops for toilet breaks and a stretch. Our two drivers Geoff and katrina were brilliant serving regular drinks and making the trip pleasant all the people on the coach were pleasant the hotel in spain was so nice the best we've stayed in lovely staff lovely bar the guy at the bar was great really friendly nice room. Overall our journey there and our return journey was brill the only thing that was not good at all was the ibis hotel on the return journey the room was horrible not a nice breakfast not polite French staff. Not really interested in trying to speak some english if i was leger should try and use a different hotel. Once again a big thank you to Geoff and katrina well done guys for making our holiday lovely. Hope to see you on another holiday soon

Will (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the 4...

05-Jan-2024

I went on the 4 countries trip and swiss glacier express and overall it was a great trip. The coach I was on was silver service, it was tidy had nice seats and other accessories such as charging points and headsets which was very handy. The drivers Alex and Dave were fantastic, very kind, funny and respectful throughout the whole trip and a pleasure to talk to. The excursions were very pleasant and all ran very smoothly. The hotels were decent and offered a good service. I overall very much recommend leger holidays.

Sally Matson  

Excellent customer service

10-Jan-2023

Booked our ‘Christmas in Austria & Scenic Trains of the Tyrol’ through George on the customer Helpline. Nothing was too much trouble, everything clearly & patiently explained. He even had permission to log in on his day off to finalise the sale! A charming and helpful young person and a credit to the company.

Euan Donald (Google Reviewer)  

Been on two tours now...

10-Oct-2023

Been on two tours now the “D Day beaches” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” tour of the Somme and Ypres. Both four days in total, two travelling and two on the site of the various battles. This is outstanding value for money, picked up from Carlisle , Cumbria and literally looked after all the way through the tours. The coaches are great and the accommodation spot on . The guides are very knowledgeable ( Mark Hope brilliant guy)and the bus drivers professional . Absolutely fantastic .

Remon Wanis (Google Reviewer)  

We have been working with...

05-Aug-2024

We have been working with them for nearly a year now as Sussex Airports Taxis, and they offer the best customer service ever. All their customers are always happy when they return from their holidays. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.

William Olley (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

21-Aug-2024

I recently went on a coach holiday with this company. Everything was on time but there can be traffic hold ups with jams and roadworks! The coach was comfortable and the driver stopped for rest periods. The hotel was a 3 star close to a spectacular beach and was adequate. The catering was excellent! I went on the excursions included in the package and visited some lovely places.

Gordon Price (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from Italian holiday....

21-Jul-2024

just returned from Italian holiday. It was great spoilt a little by the high temperature even Ledger can't control that. The only real thing to spoil the trip was one of the hotels. The Krystall hotel in Diano Marina was terrible the room was dire with cracks in shower bogged up shower fittings noe control for AC end so on. The food was very poor, limited choice luke warm food on cold plates. After 4 evening meals (3 or four courses) we were only able to remember 2 we enjoyed. Breakfast was poor no bread except for hard rolls. No fresh fruit if you liked cake for breakfast you were good. If this is a 3 star hotel Italian standards have fallen which I don't think they have. Ledger brochure states "some of Europes most fascinating unique hotels" for Luxuria trips. This hotel should be removed from your list at once. The holiday was other wise good I cannot praise your coach crew too to much they were excellent. A highlight of the trip was the return trip through the swiss alps. It was superb and deserves mention in your holiday iteniary description.

Hilary Jackson (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

12-Jun-2024

I recently went on a 4 night tour to Scarborough. Driver was great hotel superb. My criticism is too many destinations crammed into day excursion. Example visit to Flamborough head stop for 1 hour it was teeming nobody got off coach but even if fine pointless. Then on to Bridlington coach Park 1.5 ml from centre. Most people are hard pressed to get to center & back in 1.5 hours pointless. Incidentally if Leger paid a permit they could alight us in the resort. Very bad logistics. On to Whitby with a decent stop should have taken us there & bypassed the other stops. I will not go with them again. I will source a better holiday with excursions to one place only.

Suzanne Maylin (Google Reviewer)  

Having returned from a fabulous...

24-Sep-2024

Having returned from a fabulous tour of Austria with excellent tour guides/ drivers, it's disappointing to say the least that I'm left chasing a return for an excursion that was cancelled. I called Leger 5 days ago and am still waiting in a call back. Leger if you want to retain customers you need step up on service. Good training , good service costs very little, and once embedded in a company produces more income. I don't suppose anyone from Leger will respond to this, but who knows

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from a solos...

25-Mar-2024

just returned from a solos break to valkenburg and rhine valley i enjoyed the break overall although both journeys were considerably longer than expected due to several picks ups. I could have done without the 3 countries meeting point excursion to be honest and the lunch on rhine cruise was very basic. The drivers/couriers were efficient and good humoured and provided free lunch vouchers on the ferry which were much appreciated. I probably would book another break with leger but to somewhere a lot closer to home.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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