Day 1 – Arrival
Here you are on Riviera dei Gelsomini, in the core of Magna Graecia. In the afternoon, you will visit the village of Gioiosa Jonica, rich in art, history and culture, such as the thermal complex of Villa del Naniglio and ancient palaces (including Palazzo Amaduri). Before arriving at the hotel, you will end the tour ” on a sweet note ” by tasting, in a renowned and historic bar in the town centre, the famous typical Gioiosian pastries, typical sweets of the area.
Day 2 – Scilla & Reggio Calabria
After breakfast you will leave for Scilla, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy (I Borghi più belli d’Italia) which includes Ruffo Castle, the ancient palaces and the charming alleys of Chianalea’s fishermen neighbourhood. The trip will continue towards Reggio Calabria with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, where the Bronze Statues of Riace and many other finds of immense historical, artistic and archaeological value are kept. A walk along Lungomare Falcomatà with a breathtaking view of the Strait of Messina where, especially at sunset, the sky and sea burst into wonderful colours.
Day 3 – Snorkelling in Fossa dei Cavallucci (Seahorse Pit)
Today you are in front of the splendid waters of the Ionian Sea, at Marina di Gioiosa Jonica, whose sandy seabed offers interesting encounters such as seahorses, with specimens of both species present in Italy (Hyppocampus hyppocampus and Hyppocampus guttulatus). You can also see common octopuses in their burrows, fascinating owl fish, large tracine, numerous mullet, camouflaging turbot and comb fish. Depending on the time of year you may also encounter sea hares and small barracudas.
Day 4 – Locri Epizephiri and MuSaBa (Mammola)
This morning you will immerse yourself in the archaeology of Locri Epizephiri, founded in the 8th century BC by settlers from the Greek regions of Locride. You will visit the Ionic Temple of Marasà, Thesmoforion, a sanctuary dedicated to Demeter, the ruins of Marafioti temple, the Theatre and the Sanctuary of Zeus. Many of the finds are kept in the National Museum at the entrance to the archaeological area. Also of great importance is so-called Casino Macrì, a 19th century building constructed on the basis of a thermal construction from the Roman era. You will spend the afternoon visiting MuSaba in Mammola, a contemporary art park with numerous monumental and architectural works created by artists Nik Spatari and Hiske Maas. Among the many creations, inside the former church is “Jacob’s Dream”, better known as the “Sistine Chapel of Calabria”, a truly monumental work that attracts many tourists every year.
Day 5 – Return
To end the trip on a sweet note, before returning home, we will take you to taste one of the area’s excellences, bergamot.