Culinary Tour of Calabria (2026)

You will arrive at Lamezia Terme Airport in time for the group transfer at 10:00 AM and will be met by your bilingual travel host for the week, as well as your private driver.

Your first stop is a multi-generational family business dating back to 1910 which is praised for its high-quality signature sweets made with figs. We will learn how figs are used to create some of Calabria’s most treasured sweets including the much-loved Crocette, named for its cross shape. After sampling some of these delicious treats, we will make our way north.

You’ll stop in Fiumefreddo Bruzio, named one of Italy’s “Most Beautiful Hamlets.” We will explore this enchanting borgo with its ancient castle, impressive noble residences, and charming piazzas that overlook the Tyrrhenian Sea. We’ll stop at one of our favorite restaurants in Fiumefreddo Bruzio, tucked away in the maze-like streets of the town, and enjoy a delicious meal made with local ingredients from small producers which are guaranteed to be IGP, DOP, and/or Slow Food certified, and environmentally sustainable.

We’ll check into your hotel located on the Riviera dei Cedri, then will meet up for a Welcome to Calabria aperitivo.

Today you’ll discover first-hand why this breathtaking coast of Calabria is known as the Riviera dei Cedri. This citrus has been grown and harvested in this part of Calabria for centuries. Not only is it unique to the region, it is the reason why Rabbis come here every year to handpick cedri to be used in a very important Jewish ceremony.

We will meet up with Chef Vincenzo, who is not only an expert when cooking with cedro, but also a bonafide chef of the Accademia Italiana del Peperoncino. He will show us around his trattoria located on the foothills of the Pollino mountains. Then, he will lead us in a special cooking class and demonstrate how he uses these key local ingredients in various dishes. Then there is nothing left to do but feast on our delicious creations. Buon appetito!

After lunch, we’ll return to our hotel and you’ll have the evening on your own. Overnight Diamante.

Today, you’ll step inside the kitchen of one of Calabria’s most beloved YouTubers, a culinary storyteller who has captured the hearts (and appetites) of millions with his passion for traditional Calabrian cooking.

After a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Calabria, you’ll arrive at his countryside shop, where you’ll be welcomed like an old friend. Expect big smiles, strong wine, and plenty of animated storytelling as you settle in for an unforgettable hands-on experience.

Together, you’ll roll up your sleeves and dive into classic Calabrian dishes—maybe hand-rolled fileja pasta with spicy ‘nduja, sausages sizzling on the grill, or rustic, hand-smashed tomato sauce. Every dish comes with a story, and you’ll hear how these recipes have been passed down through generations while you sip on local wine and snack on homemade antipasti.

After cooking, you’ll gather around the table for a long meal, savoring the fruits of your labor in true Italian fashion—slowly, with plenty of second helpings and toasts to new friendships.

Before you say ciao, you’ll have a chance to snap some photos, ask questions, and maybe even appear in a behind-the-scenes clip for his next viral video. This is more than just a cooking class—it’s a chance to connect with Calabria through its food, its people, and the stories that make this region so special.

After a day of culinary magic and warm hospitality, you’ll return to your hotel full—both in heart and stomach.

You will check out of your hotel and travel south. Along the way, you’ll step into the world of Calabrian olive oil with my dear friend Lucia, whose family has been perfecting the craft for generations. Nestled among rolling hills and ancient olive groves, her family’s farm is more than just a business—it’s a legacy of passion, tradition, and some of the finest extra virgin olive oil you’ll ever taste. (It’s so good, we’ve gotten our Calabrian neighbors hooked on this stuff!)

Lucia will guide you through the art and science of olive oil production, sharing how her family expertly tends to their trees, harvests their prized olives, and produces award-winning oil that has earned a spot on the tables of top chefs. But what makes their operation truly unique is how they integrate their dairy farm into the olive business—a rare and fascinating combination that highlights Calabria’s deeply rooted, sustainable farming traditions.

After touring the groves and mill, you’ll learn how to spot real, high-quality olive oil. Then, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to the test as you learn to taste and identify certain flavors.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll settle in for a picnic-style feast right in the heart of the grove, enjoying local cheeses, cured meats, fresh-baked bread, and seasonal specialties—all drizzled with their extraordinary olive oil. With the warm Mediterranean breeze, the hum of nature, and a glass of local wine in hand, this lunch is a sensory experience you won’t forget.

After soaking in the flavors and the hospitality of Lucia’s family, you’ll continue to your hotel for a well-earned siesta or a leisurely evening to explore on your own.

Today, you’ll meet for an exploration into one of the most interesting and versatile citrus fruits in the world – the Calabrian bergamot.

This unique citrus fruit is native to Calabria and is known for its aromatic, slightly bitter flavor. It is prized for its essential oil, which is a key ingredient in perfumes and Earl Grey tea, and is valued for its health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

You’ll have a mini masterclass, where you learn to make a bergamot pastry, then you’ll have a light lunch and will have the afternoon on your own.

You will regroup in the early evening to head to nearby Scilla – an adorable fishing village, located 20 minutes outside of town. Here, you will try the world-famous pescespada!

Swordfish holds a significant cultural and culinary importance here and the town is renowned for its traditional swordfishing technique. The local fishermen employ ancient methods using tall boats and harpoons, a practice that dates back centuries. In fact, they often use the word “hunting” swordfish, as opposed to “fishing.”

You’ll enjoy dinner, then return to Reggio Calabria. Overnight in Reggio Calabria.

This morning you will visit the hauntingly beautiful village of Pentedattilo, a place frozen in time. Perched high on a rugged mountainside, its name—meaning “Five Fingers”—comes from the jagged rock formations that once cradled the village before a devastating earthquake in 1783 forced its residents to flee. What remains is an abandoned ghost town, its crumbling stone houses, and silent alleys whispering stories of its Greek and Roman past, dating back to 640 B.C.

Wearing sturdy shoes, you’ll follow the winding cobbled path to the top of the town. From there, breathtaking views stretch across the coastline and deep into Calabria’s wild interior. There’s a quiet, almost eerie beauty here, where nature has slowly reclaimed what was once a thriving settlement.

After Pentedattilo, you’ll visit Bova, a charming mountaintop village known for its rich cultural heritage and sweeping views of the Aspromonte mountains. Wander through its historic streets before heading to a traditional agriturismo, where you’ll savor authentic Calabrian cuisine, made with seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding countryside.

You’ll return to Reggio Calabria in the afternoon, with time to relax before gathering for a Farewell to Calabria aperitivo—a perfect way to toast your journey through Calabria’s legends, landscapes, and unforgettable flavors.

Overnight in Reggio Calabria.

As your unforgettable journey through Calabria comes to a close, transfers will depart for both the Reggio Calabria and Lamezia Terme airports.

Until next time —arrivederci e buon viaggio!