Calabria 2013

Day 1: UK/Naples
Depart on your scheduled flight to Naples today. On arrival you’ll journey through the rugged landscape of Campania and Basilicata and in to Calabria where you will find your hotel, the 4-star Grand Hotel San Michele in Cetraro. This is your home for the next seven nights.

Day 2: Calabria
Your hotel is set in magnificent grounds so today we include a guided walk through its gardens and woodlands. Take in the views out to sea before visiting the organic farm which produces much of the delicious food you will dine on during your stay here, which includes pasta dishes containing aubergine, tomato and sausage. You’ll have the opportunity to sample some of these local delicacies before moving on to the hotel’s crowning glory – its vineyards. Enjoy a tasting of the fruity wines produced here before joining your host and your Tour Manager on a stroll. This is a wonderful opportunity to find out more about the region and the Calabrian way of life in the deep south.

Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at leisure – the hotel’s private beach is the perfect place to relax. If you found a favourite wine today why not sip a glass at sunset on the hotel’s pretty terrace.

Day 3: Belvedere and Diamante
After breakfast join us on today’s included half-day excursion to the delightful towns of Belvedere and Diamante. Explore Belvedere’s ancient streets and pass by ornate Baroque balconies and archways as you walk up to Belvedere Castle from where you’ll discover magnificent mountain views. You’ll then continue on to Diamante, where you’ll experience colourful streets decorated with murals created by local artists. As you stroll along the promenade look out to Cirella Island, once the haunt of pirates, then browse the bustling market. Make sure you buy some peperoncino (chilli pepper), Diamante’s speciality, and maybe take a seat at a pavement café and enjoy an icy granita as you watch the world go by.

Day 4: Altomonte
Enjoy the rest of your holiday doing just as you wish. Take advantage of your hotel’s excellent facilities such as its swimming pool and 9-hole golf course or simply unwind on its lovely private beach.

Today you may choose to join our optional three-quarter-day excursion to the town of Altomonte. Here you can admire centuries of glorious architecture, step into the cool interiors of ancient churches or take shade under the cloisters of Dominican monasteries. If you’re feeling energetic, clamber up to the turrets of the Norman castle – you’ll be rewarded with delightful views.

Day 5: Calabria
Spend today at leisure exploring at your own pace or relaxing at your hotel.

Day 6: The Sila Mountains
Today’s optional excursion will take you on a full-day’s exploration of the Sila Mountains, where you will encounter snow-capped peaks, pine forests, crystal-clear streams and cascading waterfalls alongside charming villages where time has seemingly stood still.

Day 7: Cosenza
We offer a three-quarter-day excursion to Cosenza today – the region’s main town. Admire the Romanesque architecture of the cathedral and the Baroque exterior of the exquisite Teatro Rondono while you are here. You’ll also find excellent shopping opportunities if you’d like to pick up some souvenirs to take back home.

Day 8: Naples/UK
It’s time to leave Calabria today and head to the airport in Naples for your return flight to the UK.

Please note
To maximise your enjoyment of this holiday a certain amount of walking is essential.

Accommodation is of a comfortable standard, typical of the hotel you will stay in is:

4-star Grand Hotel San Michele
Enjoy the magnificent surroundings of this charming family-run hotel which enjoys stunning views over the Mediterranean. Take a dip in the freshwater pool or play a round of golf on the 9-hole course. Relax on the hotel’s private beach, stroll through acres of beautiful gardens and enjoy a glass of local wine on the terrace at sunset. Breakfast and dinner are served in either of the two restaurants. Comfortable guest rooms all have en suite facilities with TV and telephone.

Hotels will be confirmed in your final documentation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Grand Hotel San Michele walk including tastings of local produce
Belvedere and Diamante (half day)

Optional excursions

Cosenza (three-quarter day)
Cosenza (three-quarter day, moderate walking) £38
For full details of this excursion please see page 9 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Altomonte (three-quarter day, moderate walking) £36
For full details of this excursion please see page 8 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Sila Mountains (full day, moderate walking) £38
For full details of this excursion please see page 9 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Your holiday includes

Scheduled flights
Overseas transfers and other transportation
7 nights’ accommodation
Half-board basis
The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)
All airport taxes and security charges
UK Airline Passenger Duty
All state and local taxes

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

Our Opinion
“Travelsphere are one of the biggest names in the Escorted Tour market. Finely tuned over the last 50 years their tours have been tried, tested and refined by thousands of customers.”