Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Undiscovered Calabria

Eight-day escorted Calabria tour based in Tropea with rail day trips

Undiscovered Calabria, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Great Rail Journeys operates this eight-day escorted tour of Calabria, the region at the toe of Italy, flying from London Stansted to Lamezia Terme with a UK Tour Manager throughout. The trip is based at a single 4-star hotel, the Michelizia Resort in Tropea, for all seven nights, with day trips out to the surrounding region rather than a series of hotel changes. Short train rides connect Rosarno to Reggio Calabria and on to the fishing village of Scilla on day 3, and Tropea to the cliffside town of Pizzo on day 7. Other days include a guided tour of Tropea itself, a night cruise to see Stromboli's volcano light up the Sciara del Fuoco, and a trip into the mountain villages of Serra San Bruno and Soriano. Wine, beer, two local liqueurs and soft drinks are included daily between 10am and 10pm. It suits travelers who want one settled base in an under-visited part of Italy rather than frequent hotel changes.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists no current departure dates for this tour.
  • Rail travel is limited to three short regional legs, Rosarno to Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria to Scilla, and Tropea to Pizzo; most of the trip is by flight, coach or cruise, based from a single hotel in Tropea.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Tropea

    Flying to Calabria

    Your Calabrian holiday starts at London Stansted this evening, where you meet the Tour Manager before boarding the flight to Lamezia Terme. On arrival in the unspoilt toe of Italy, transfer by coach to the hotel in Tropea, where a light dinner will be waiting. This attractive resort has views across the beautiful village of Tropea and the sparkling sea from its hillside location. The hotel also boasts an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Tropea

    Getting to know Tropea

    Discover the local area on a guided tour of Tropea. Named 'Italy's most beautiful village' in 2021, the town's historic centre is perched on a rugged cliffside overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Tropea epitomises Calabrian beauty with white beaches, dramatic rock formations and a history bathed in myth and legend. From the centre, there are great views of the Santa Maria dell'Isola monastery. This afternoon is free to explore independently.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Tropea

    Uncovering Reggio Calabria and Scilla

    Transfer to Rosarno station to catch the train to Reggio Calabria, the region's largest city, known as 'Bergamot City'. The city's esplanade is named the 'most beautiful kilometre in Italy', lined by Art Nouveau buildings and adorned with palm trees, offering views across the Strait of Messina to Sicily. Then travel by train to Scilla, a fishing village named after the Greek mythological sea monster, with Castello Ruffo on a promontory above the bay. Return by rail and coach to the hotel for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Tropea

    The volcanic island of Stromboli by night

    Free morning in Tropea with optional use of the free shuttle service to the hotel's private beach, followed by lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, transfer to the port for a cruise across the Tyrrhenian Sea to Stromboli. Free time to explore Stromboli village beside black-sand beaches. At sunset, the boat sails to the Sciara del Fuoco (Stream of Fire) to view the volcano's epic natural light show. Note: dinner is not included today as the group cruises to Stromboli. If the cruise cannot run, a day trip around the Aeolian Islands (viewing Stromboli, Lipari and Vulcano) is substituted.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  5. Day 5overnight: Tropea

    A free day to unwind in beautiful Tropea

    Today is at leisure to relax or explore Tropea at your own pace. Wander the winding lanes of historic, pastel-coloured houses, visit small piazzas, discover white-sand beaches on the 'Costa degli Dei', or visit the impressive Norman cathedral with its Byzantine icon of the Madonna of Romania. Alternatively, relax at the hotel with drinks from the included selection.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Tropea

    Highland towns of Serra San Bruno and Soriano

    Travel by coach to Serra San Bruno, an enchanting village nestled in the mountains, surrounded by woodland and crowned by a serene monastery. Continue to Soriano in the Serre Vibonesi, 980 feet above sea level, believed to have ancient origins as early as 700 BC. Visit the Sanctuary of San Domenico, once one of the most important convents in Europe, destroyed by an earthquake in 1783. Time to visit small shops where skilled craftsmen work. Return to the hotel by coach for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Tropea

    Exploring picturesque Pizzo

    Take the train to Pizzo, a coastal town where pastel-coloured houses cling to the cliffside. Transfer into the town centre on a nostalgic land train. Explore the town, stroll along the promenade overlooking the marina, or admire views from the 15th-century Castello Murat. Later, head to a local café to sample Tartufo di Pizzo (chocolate and hazelnut gelato) accompanied by an amaro herbal digestif. Return to Tropea in the early evening for the final dinner with drinks at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8

    Homeward bound

    Say goodbye to Tropea after lunch at the hotel. A coach transfers the group to the airport at Lamezia Terme for the return flight to London Stansted. On landing, guests are free to make their own way home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided tour of Tropea, named Italy's most beautiful village in 2021, takes in the cliffside historic centre with views of the Santa Maria dell'Isola monastery.
  • Day 3The tour takes the train from Rosarno to Reggio Calabria, then on to Scilla, a fishing village named after the sea monster of Greek mythology.
  • Day 4A boat cruise crosses the Tyrrhenian Sea to the volcanic island of Stromboli, sailing at sunset to the Sciara del Fuoco to view the volcano's natural light show.
  • Day 6The tour visits Serra San Bruno, a village in the mountains crowned by a monastery, and Soriano, believed to have origins as early as 700 BC, including the Sanctuary of San Domenico.
  • Day 7The train reaches Pizzo, where a nostalgic land train carries travelers into the cliffside town center to sample Tartufo di Pizzo, a chocolate and hazelnut gelato, with an amaro herbal digestif.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 7 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Standard class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Return flights from London Stansted to Lamezia Terme
  • Breakfast each day
  • 2 lunches
  • 5 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Wine, beer, two local liqueurs and soft drinks included each day between 10am–10pm

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, standard class rail is included for three short legs: Rosarno to Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria to Scilla, and Tropea to Pizzo. Most of the trip uses flights, coach and a cruise instead.
Is it escorted or independent?
Escorted. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from start to finish.
What hotel is used?
A single base for all 7 nights, the 4-star Michelizia Resort in Tropea.
What is included in the price?
Return flights from London Stansted, 7 nights at the resort, breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 5 dinners, all guided tours and excursions, and wine, beer, two local liqueurs and soft drinks each day between 10am and 10pm.
When does it run?
The evidence does not list current departure dates for this tour.

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