Very popular with Italian vacationers, the delights of Italy's sun-bathed deep south, are only now being discovered by the rest of us. Calabria is the heart of the Mezzogiorno region and you'll know it as the toe of Italy. This is the region that 'kicks' Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. With coastline on three sides, curving round to meet the Ionian Sea on the south-eastern coast of Italy, Calabria has mile upon mile of sandy beaches, rocky coves, spectacular headlands. Come discover this region of remarkable beauty, and you’ll discover a culture untouched by recent centuries.

Next travel to Sicily, where the climate is a dream with perfect panoramas, monuments and luxurious flora and fauna render Taormina a location admired by all who visit it. The city lies on a terrace, with a view of the ancient Amphitheater against a backdrop of citrus groves with Mount Etna engulfed in the glory of the Ionian Sea beyond.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Depart USA: Depart from Newark Airport for Italy. Meals and refreshments served on board.

Day 2 – Siderno: Upon arrival at Lamezia Terme Airport you will be greeted by your Tour Director who will escort you to your hotel in the seaside town of Siderno, your home for the next 5 nights. “Welcome to the Jasmine Riviera!” The rest of the day will be at your own leisure. Prior to dinner there will be a welcome drink & short orientation. Overnight at your hotel. (D)

Day 3 – Gerace: This morning depart for a guided tour of the medieval hill town of Gerace, which is known as one of the most picturesque & historical centers in the region. Here you will visit a famous Norman Cathedral considered to be the largest in Southern Italy, dated 11th Century A.D. Today enjoy an exclusive home hosted lunch with a Calabrese family. This afternoon time at leisure to relax. Dinner & overnight at your hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 4 – Tropea/Pizzo: Today there will be an excursion to the charming little seaside town of Tropea. A geographical region of incomparable beauty because of the indented coast, authentic medieval village & magnificent panorama of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here you may visit the fine Norman cathedral, or admire the views of the church of “Santa Maria dell’Isola”, standing proud on a small island. The town is also a delight to explore with its local markets, pottery shops & cafes. En-route to your hotel, stop in Pizzo Calabro famous for possibly Italy’s best “Tartufo” (unique local gelato). (B,D)

Day 5 – Jasmine Riviera: Today enjoy a relaxing morning. Our day starts with a visit to an olive oil mill to learn about the process and to taste the local olive oil. We then stop at the local market so you can purchase fresh products directly from local organic farmers for your afternoon Calabrese cooking class session. Experience a 3-hour cooking class and home made pasta making session with a professional Calabrese chef. Prepare a typical Calabrese dinner followed by traditional folklore entertainment including the colorful costumes and Southern Italian icon, the dance of the ‘Tarantella’ (B/D)

Day 6 –Jasmine Riviera: This morning depart for the hilltop town of Stillo. Here, visit The Cattolica, a small temple which was first built in the 9th century. It is made in a true Byzantine styled church with a square design in the form of a Greek cross. There are three apses and five small domes. The natural light that floods in inside the building is quite fascinating. Inside the church are several beautiful frescoes which were only discovered in 1927. Lunch will be included before returning to the hotel. Tonight enjoy a special included farewell dinner with your travel companions! (B/L/D)

Day 7 – Reggio Calabria & Scilla: After breakfast depart for the Straits of Messina, with a guided tour of Reggio Calabria that lies in
a splendid position on the Strait of Messina with a magnificent coastline praised by poets and writers – Gabriele d’Annunzio called
it “the loveliest kilometer in Italy”. Here you will visit the National Museum of Greater Greece & see the famous “Bronzes of Riace”, two Greek bronze statues dating back to the 5th century B.C.
Before boarding the ferry to Sicily explore the mythological village of Scilla. Cross by Ferry the straits of Messina to Sicily. Your first stop is in Messina, here visit Piazza Duomo and Cathedral famous for the mechanical clock tower. Late afternoon check in at your hotel in Taormina. Enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 8 – Taormina: This morning a guided tour of Taormina, overlooking the beautiful Ionian Sea. While there you will marvel at the majesty of the Greco-Roman Amphitheater. Balance of the day
is at leisure to enjoy this lovely seaside town. Dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 9 – Taormina – Siracusa: After breakfast, depart for a full day excursion to the city of Siracusa where you will visit the vast archeological area. Enjoy some time at leisure before returning to your hotel in Taormina. Dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Day 10 – Taormina: This morning travel to the slopes of Mt. Etna, Europe’s highest volcano. During this excursion, stop at a local honey producer and sample the delectable nectar, Followed by a typical lunch based on delicious Sicilian specialties. In the afternoon return to your hotel in Taormina. Evening at leisure (B,L)

Day 11 – Taormina: Today enjoy a full day at leisure to relax or explore Taormina and surroundings on your own. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel (B,D).

Day 12 – Taormina/USA: Transfer to Catania airport for the return flight to the USA filled with memories of this wonderful region of Italy.
Please note that an early morning departure may be necessary due to flight schedules.