Day 1 – Arrival at the Riviera dei Gelsomini
Arrival on Riviera dei Gelsomini. Accommodation in Hotel/B&B. Welcome Cocktail. Handing out of information material. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2 – Snorkelling on the wrecks of the Ionian Sea
Breakfast in Hotel/B&B. Diving excursion in the Ionian Sea. The Calabrian seabed is full of wrecks of all kinds: Kingstown and Capitan Antonio ships are located at shallow depths, so they can also be admired while snorkelling. The former lies on a sandy seabed between 2 and 9 metres deep, off the coast of Guardavalle; the latter is the wreck of an Italian merchant ship, sunk in the waters off Santa Caterina dello Jonio, between 4 and 12 metres deep. After the excursion, lunch in a local restaurant. Free afternoon. Dinner in Hotel/B&B and overnight stay.
Day 3 – On the Route of Riace bronzes
Breakfast in Hotel/B&B. Departure for the Port of Roccella Jonica. Excursion with underwater archaeologist to Riace, where the Bronzes were discovered, getting to know the story of that extraordinary event. Then sail to Monasterace, site of the ancient Greek city of Kaulon, where there is a vast underwater archaeological area with over 200 columns and architectural elements at a depth of 4/6 metres. With mask, tube and fins, you will discover the wonders of the Ionian Sea. Back to the hotel/B&B. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 – Snorkelling amidst the colours of Scilla
Breakfast in Hotel/B&B. Departure for Scylla, meet with the diving guide specialised in marine biology, briefing on the activity and equipment handover. Snorkelling along the landslide of Ruffo castle to observe the rich biodiversity in crystal-clear waters: Posidonia prairie, sponges, starfish, sea urchins, sea tomatoes, madrepores, molluscs and shells, as well as numerous species of colourful fish. Lunch in a restaurant. Back to the hotel/B&B. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5 – The seahorse pit
Breakfast in Hotel/B&B. Departure for Marina di Gioiosa Jonica, where the sandy seabed hosts incredible marine fauna such as as seahorses (both species present in Italy, Hyppocampus hyppocampus and Hyppocampus guttulatus). There are also common octopuses in their burrows, fascinating owl fish, large tracine, numerous mullets, camouflaging turbot and comb fish. Depending on the time of year, you may also encounter sea hares and small barracudas. Then back to the hotel/B&B. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6 – Departure
Breakfast in Hotel/B&B. Return to headquarters.