Calabria and
Sicily Group Tour
Join Holly & Angelo as they personally escort you from their home town in Calabria to Sicily. A 13 day small group tour to experience the ‘real’ Italy.
A tour in Italy that takes you where we go on holidays with our family
That’s right, we personally escort you on this tour. This isn’t an ordinary route, we have crafted the itinerary from our personal experiences.
This is is a group tour that visits Calabria and Sicily in Italy for those who have been before & already seen all the popular spots like Rome, Venice or Amalfi Coast.
Instead, this is a group tour that has a slow pace and explores the far South of Italy where there are no queues, no influencers and you get a real taste of local life which embraces the art of savouring each moment.
Tour details
Only 24 people, fully escorted in a small group. Intimate, fun and at a leisurely pace.
Type
A slow paced tour that is 13 days long including 2 or 3 night stays & plenty of free time to relax.
Duration
Transfers, ground transport, all gratuities, accomodation & many unique experiences.
Inclusions
When
13th to 25th May 2026.
19 meals + cooking class experiences, break bread with friends, not strangers.
Meals
Hand picked boutique 4 to 5 star accomodation with multi night stays at most stops.
Stay
Transport
Luxury air conditioned coach.
$7,999 a saving of $500 for early bird bookings.
Only a $500 deposit required to secure a spot.
Cost
Start / Finish
Calabria airport & finish in Catania airport with transfers included.
Flights
Not included but can be arranged to & from Italy or other destinations.
Tour experiences
This wasn’t Italy as tourists know it, its like travelling with family. This tour includes a wide variety of local experiences that you will enjoy along the way.
Pizza and Cannolo making class with dinner
Sword fishing experience
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Tropea
Walking tour of Tropea with a local
Visit to Santuario di Santa Maria dell'Isola
Boat trip to Capo Vaticano from Tropea
Tour of Bagnara Calabra
Dinner at a local seafood restaurant with traditional entertainment
Cave excursion by boat from Bagnara (with swimming)
Walking tour of Reggio Calabria with a local specialist
Visit to Taormina's Greek theatre with a local expert
Visit to Savoca (the Sicilian setting for The Godfather)
Visit to Vitelli's bar (featured in The Godfather)
Guided tour of Mount Etna with a local expert
Vineyard tour and wine tasting near Mount Etna
Lunch at a local restaurant near Mount Etna
Visit to the fishing town of Cefalu
Wine and Olive oil tasting at Cefalu
Exploration of Palermo with a local expert
Visit to the 12th-century Palatine Chapel in Palermo
Visit to Palermo Cathedral
Guided tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
Sightseeing in Syracuse with a local expert
Visit to Syracuse's Paradise Quarry and the Ear of Dionysius
Exploration of Syracuse's Greek theatre
Farewell dinner in Catania
Watch Holly & Angelo
explain more about this tour
We will help you explore our local community and reveal some of the most authentic locations, traditions, food and history the region has to offer.
See some of our travel agent reviews
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"We had a stress free holiday and we ill definitely use Holly for our text trip" ---- Kate Freebairn
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"Holly is professional, friendly & knowledgeable & I wouldn't hesitate recommending her to family & friends" --- Rebecca morse
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"I will always use Holly for all things travel. She blew us away with what she came up with" ---- Chelsea Pitman
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"Holly and her team were amazing with organising my tour of a lifetime" ---- Belinda Noack
Yes - there are 19 meals included on this tour so you get to taste and experience food from southern Italy that is fresh, packed with flavour and hand crafted daily
The itinerary for a 13 day tour to Calabria and Sicily
Angelo was born and raised in this area and together we have taken our family many times to visit the region. We created the itinerary of this tour to provide you with richer experiences so you can feel what it is like living like a local.
We have carefully curated the boutique accomodation with timing that helps you indulge and explore at your leisure.
Beautifully immersive
Suits seasoned travellers
Small intimate group size
All inclusive experiences
Authentic, hand crafted
Skip the typical tourist traps
Optional pre & post tours
All tipping included
Day 1
Tropea
Breakfast / Dinner
Welcome to Italy - A group transfer is included from Reggio Calabria Airport to your hotel in Tropea. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for drinks and a warm and friendly Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2
Tropea
Breakfast
Tropea Sightseeing - This morning proceed on a walking tour of Tropea with a local specialist. Enjoy the architecture, take in breathtaking seaviews and discover historic monuments in the old town. You will then visit Santuario di Santa Maria dell'Isola. This humble sanctuary, dedicated to Santa Maria dell'Isola, sits on a sandstone rock facing the town of Tropea built on the rocky cliffs
After your tour, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3
Tropea
Breakfast / Dinner
Visit to Cape Vaticano - On board a comfortable and safe boat, you’ll get the chance to snorkel or swim at Capo Vaticano, exploring its pristine, hidden beaches as you pass along the stunning ‘Costa degli Dei’. Capo Vaticano, located near Tropea, is one of Calabria’s most enchanting spots. Its coastline boasts crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and fascinating rock formations. Discover secluded bays like ‘Praia di Fuoco,’ only accessible by boat, and stretch out on long beaches like ‘Grotticelle,’ ‘Tono,’ and ‘Baia di Riaci’ for a truly unforgettable experience.
Day 4
Bagnara
Breakfast
Bagnara Sightseeing - This morning you will drive from Tropea to Bagnara Clabra. With your Tour Director proceed for a tour of Bagnara Calabra. See the Santuario della Madonna del Carmine Church, Bridge of Caravilla, Torre Aragonese, Bagnarota Momument and The Three Crosses of Palmi.
This evening enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant with traditional entertainment
Day 5
Bagnara
Breakfast
Boat trip to the caves from Bagnara - This morning, embark on a cave excursion from Bagnara. Sail along the coast and immerse yourself in nature as you experience the sea's distinctive scent and color. Explore sites such as Grotta del Monaco, Cala Janculla, Grotta delle Rondini, Cala Leone, and Chiesa del Monaco. You will also have some time for a swim.
Post tour, you are free to explore Bagnara Calabra on your own. The evening will be at leisure.
Day 6
Calabria
Breakfast
Bagnara to Reggio Calabria - Meet your local specialist for a walking tour of Reggio Calabria. We will see the Cathedral of Reggio Calabria and the chapel of SS. Sacramento next see the Aragonese castle, this is a strategic point of the city since ancient times. The first evidence of a real castle dates back to 536 B.C. walk along the promenade of “Lungomare" this is a sea-side walk promenade known as the “most beautiful kilometer of Italy” overlooking the sea.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure
Day 7
Giardini Naxos
Breakfast / Dinner + pizza & cannolo making
Onto Sicily - Today we will ferry across the Straight of Messina to beautiful Sicily. Your Sicily adventure begins with two glorious nights on the Taormina Riviera. We will travel to the old town of Taormina, which clings to the side of Mount Tauro, overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.
With your Local Expert, visit the Greek theatre set on a cliff and open to the sky. Take a moment to sit in this ancient theatre and admire the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll through the old town and admire Taormina's grandest building and along the elegant Corso Umberto.
This evening join a Pizza and Cannolo making class with dinner
Day 8
Giardini Naxos
Breakfast / Lunch
Savoca and Mount Etna - Discover rustic village life with your Local Specialist as we visit Savoca, the Sicilian setting for 'The Godfather' . Enjoy the stunning views before a visit to Vitelli's bar, featured in the film and famous for 'granita di limone'
We will then drive-up to Mt. Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. With your local expert, ascend through the fertile foothills, bypassing small villages, lush forests, ancient craters and lava flows to see amazing lunar landscapes and houses surrounded by lava. Admire astonishing panoramic views over the eastern Sicilian coast and Ionian Sea whilst discovering the history of Sicily’s most popular attraction and its eruptions.
After the tour, we’ll visit a vineyard. Enjoy a tour of the estate, see the barrel cellar and enjoy wine tastings followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 9
Palermo
Breakfast
Palermo - Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalu. The town's imposing cathedral was erected to fulfil a vow made by the Norman King Roger II. Stroll down to the medieval stone fountain and seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the little harbour. Enjoy Wine and Olive oil tasting at Cefalu. Continue to your hotel at Palermo and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 10
Palermo
Breakfast / Dinner
Palermo Sightseeing - Explore Palermo with a local expert. See the spectacular 12th century Palatine Chapel followed by a visit to the Palermo Cathedral which has been altered many times over the years and observe its unique blend of architectural styles. Dinner will be at a local restaurant this evening.
Day 11
Catania
Breakfast
Agrigento and Catania - Journey to Agrigento. Explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert and see the massive Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno overlooking the sea. Your travels continue to Catania
Day 12
Catania
Breakfast / Dinner
Ancient Syracuse - Sightseeing with your Local Expert takes you to Syracuse’s Paradise Quarry with its unusual Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with an unusual echo. See the superb Greek theatre, carved out of solid rock, one of the largest of the ancient world. There is time to explore the atmospheric Old City, a maze of narrow streets lined with palaces, sprawling over the island of Ortygia. It was here that the famous geometrician Archimedes ran naked through the streets, crying ‘Eureka!' Return to Catania to celebrate your time in Sicily over Dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 13
Catania
Breakfast
Farewell Sicily. Today our journey draws to an end. We’ll have one group transfer to Catania airport for onward flights.
As a full service travel agency in Adelaide we can help you plan pre or post tour activities such as;
Visit your family or relatives in any of the towns in Calabria
Visit Cefalu Club Med for an all inclusive relaxation post tour and before coming home
Try a Malta extension which is a quick flight from Catania (end point) to Valetta or ferry from Pozzallo to Valetta 1 hour 45 minutes hours (we have a few people already booked to do this)
Extend stay in Sicily in smaller towns like Pizzo, Diamante etc.
Getting to Lamezia airport (tour starting point) is easy by connecting via Rome or Milan (can also connect from other European citites)
The finishing point is Catania which is an international airport and Emirates flys direct from there to Dubai, otherwise you can fly via Rome or Milan to return to Australia or other destinations.
Before & After the tour
Ask us any questions you like
Frequently asked questions
Are flights included in the price of this tour?
Flights are not included in the price of this tour because people will be joining us from all parts of the world therefore it is impossible to budget for every type of airline, location or standard of flight ticket.
We are a full service travel agency so we can help you book flights from anywhere in the world as well as domestic transfers as required.
Can a stay be extended either before or after the tour?
Absolutely this tour can have additional days added before or after it. Our travel agency in Adelaide can help you plan the perfect itinerary to compliment our tour.
What’s the group’s typical age range and pace
Most people are from the age of 35 and older, typically couples and the day to day pace is relaxed and slow paced. It is a tour that suits people who have been to Italy before
What is unique or different about this tour to Calabria & Sicily?
The majority of tours in Italy will focus on the typical tourist attractions located around Rome, Tuscany, Milan or Venice. We have hand crafted this tour to take people to the home town of our family as well as visiting some of the less visited southern areas of Italy in Calabria and Sicily. It is a tour where you get to feel more like a family member experiencing the ‘real’ Italy
Is this a fast paced tour with lots of stops?
No, we have created the itinerary so that it has a slow pace with stops that are 2-3 nights in most locations so we can enjoy each location.
Are there cooking lessons or other immersive experiences?
Yes we will make Pizza and Cannoli one night and also experience dinner in one of Angelo’s cousin’s restaurants, where we will have seafood caught that morning, try traditional salamis and local delicacies.
Which airline is ideal to fly with?
Emirates or Qatar as they offer code share flight with Ita airways to La mezia Airport
Is this tour with Trafalgar coaches and does it have the same cancellation terms?
The tour is in luxury full sized coaches that are not branded as Trafalgar, the same terms and conditions apply as all Trafalgar tours.
If having pre and post nights will the transfers be included?
No these will need to be organised separately at an additional cost.
How can I visit local towns or villages pre or post tour?
HollyDay travel can help you organise and it will be dependent on where you would like to visit.
Will there be back up plans should it be raining or if we encounter rough seas regarding the boat excursions?
We will keep a close eye on weather conditions and our your director will make alternate plans if necessary
What bed configuration do single travellers get?
Double beds
What is the deposit for this tour and when is final payment required?
The deposit is $500 per person and final payment is due in late January
How many meals are included?
19 meals, 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 dinners
What is the single supplement cost and single supplement bedding?
Double bed and $1,711
How physical is the tour?
This tour is a relaxed pace
How much free time is allocated?
Most days will allow you to have some free time(Angelo and I be there to assist you during your free time)
Are gratuities included?
Yes Gratuities to Travel Director, Coach Drivers and Local Specialists. Hotel tips, restaurant tips for included meals, and local taxes.
Are all experiences listed included or are there options expenses?
They are all included
What sort of food will we eat?
Mainly Italian food such as pizza, pasta, seafood, meat, rolls, rice balls and a mix of mediterranean food.
Can dietary requirements be catered for?
Yes
What are the start and finish dates?
13 - 25 May 2026 - 13 days total
What is the total cost?
The current published early bird rate ($7,999) is actually at $500 off and single supplement is $1711.
Are flights included?
No, but we are a full-service travel agency and we can arrange flights for clients too.
Are solo travellers welcome to join?
Yes. The current published early bird rate ($7,999) is actually at $500 off and single supplement is $1711.
Is there an age limit?
Any adult or child over the age of 12 is welcome
I’m interested but not available on those dates, do you have other dates for this tour?
These are the only dates for our personally escorted group tour in Italy for now, but we can arrange personalised itineraries for you in Southern Italy or anywhere else in the world.