ITINERARY

Day 1:
Arrival at Lamezia Terme airport and transfer to hotel in S. Domenica di Ricadi. Dinner and overnight accommodation in three star hotel.

Day 2:
In the morning we get started with a trip to the region of Campania, where our first highlight awaits us in Pertosa. In the stalactite cave of Pertosa, which according to the most recent research is over 35 million years old, we lead you into the underwater world of the Ancient Greeks.
At lunchtime you can renew your strength with a lovely picnic. Then it is off to the famous Paestum. This small place in the Gulf of Salerno was founded in 600BC by the Greeks and is famous for its three well-preserved Greek temples. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a nearby hotel.

Day 3:
After Paestum it's on to Velia, the forgotten town, which woke up from a 2000 year 'Sleeping Beauty' style slumber a short while ago. So far more than 90% of the town still lies underground but the remains preserved between the goat pastures have been examined and put under conservation orders in the last few years. In the evening we travel to Sibari where we will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4:
Today a visit to the town of Sibari is planned, where remains of the Roman "copia" have been uncovered in the excavation area of the Parco del Cavallo. A boat trip is an optional activity in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight accommodation in Sibari.

Day 5:
Two further highlights of the Magna Grecia will be discovered today by visiting Crotone and Capo Colonna. Crotone was founded in 710 BC and quickly became the richest and most powerful city state in Magna Grecia. This is followed by an afternoon visit to Le Castella, where the famous Aragonese castle is situated. Dinner and overnight accomodation in Stilo.

Day 6:
In the morning we will travel to Locri, where there are ancient towns with fascinating excavations from the pre Christian Greek era. The afternoon takes us to Gerace. This medieval settlement with wonderful treasures from its long history was founded in the 10th century. Its old town centre is well preserved. In Stilo we will see the famous Byzantine Church Cattolica. Dinner and accommodation in Stilo.

Day 7:
Today you will see Reggio di Calabria and amongst other things we will visit the Bronze Statues of Riace in the Archaeological National Museum. The next stage of the journey takes you to Sicily. Dinner and overnight accommodation in Naxos.

Day 8:
Taormina, located at the foot of Etna, will enchant you with its special Mediterranean flair and provide wonderful insights into Sicilian culture. Afternoon transfer to Syracuse where you will stay overnight.

Day 9:
Tour around the wonderful city of Syracuse - famous for its art and cultural treasures from different eras. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a 3 star hotel.

Day 10:
In the morning we travel to Agrigento which is a melting pot for all the cultures which have influenced Sicily and its proud inhabitants. This destination is a must for all those who wish to know Magna Grecia. From here it is on to Palermo where you will stay in a comfortable 2 star hotel.

Day 11:
The last stop in Sicily is Palermo, synonymous for one of the treasured cities on the Mediterranean and the capital of Sicily; this is a city with a wealth of things to see. Its history dates back to the 8th century BC and one can see the influences of all the different cultures such as the Normans, the Goths, the Arabs and the Byzantines. In the old part of the city you will find the famous Teatro Massimo and the Arabian markets. Dinner and accommodation in Palermo.

Day 12:
Free day in Palermo. Dinner and accommodation as on Days 10 and 11.

Day 13:
Today our tour will go back to Calabria where we will stay at the hotel in S. Domenica di Ricadi on the Tyrrhenian coast.

Day 14:
Free day. You can let your soul roam free and enjoy the beach and sea or you can discover the magical coastal town of Tropea, the 'pearl of the Tyrrhenian coast'. Dinner and accommodation as on day 13.

Day 15:
Transfer to the airport after the last Italian breakfast. For those who do not want to leave "la bella Italia" so quickly we offer a wide variety of holiday extensions from hotel stays to language, cooking or sport courses (diving, sailing and windsurfing).