Between Reggio Calabria, Archeoderi, the Roman Villa of Casignana and the Sentiero del Tracciolino, a journey to discover Calabria’s ancient and modern art, colours and flavours.
Day 1 – Arrival in Reggio Calabria, the Journey Begins
The journey begins on arrival in Reggio Calabria, the ancient Greek colony of Rhegion, at the tip of Italy, with its seafront promenade and splendid view of the Strait of Messina. Here you will enjoy a full immersion into amazing ancient archaeology with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, home to the Riace Bronzes, and some of the most significant testimonies of classical Greek art. The day will end with hotel accommodation in Reggio Calabria.
Day 2 – Archeoderi in Bova Marina and the Bergamot
The discovery of archaeological heritage rooted in prehistory goes on by visiting Archeoderi Park, in Bova Marina, in the heart of the Hellenistic area of Reggio Calabria. The site includes a 4th century A.D. synagogue with its polychrome mosaic depicting the most important Jewish symbols. In the same area, we will also visit the Chiesetta della Panaghia and the Byzantine Church of San Niceto – something of a unicum in Calabria with its two-storey architecture. You will have the opportunity to meet Greek speaking people here. They are the living descendants of the first settlers who colonized this area 2800 years ago. The tour continues in pursuit of local scents and fragrances with a visit to a well-known company processing Bergamot, Calabria’s ‘green gold’. Here you will learn about the many ways in which this prized citrus fruit is processed as well as get to taste it.
Day 3 – The Murals of Sant’Agata del Bianco and the Roman Villa in Casignana
Visit to Sant’Agata del Bianco, a small village in the province of Reggio Calabria. Here you can enjoy splendid views that tell wonderful stories through the bright colours and evocative images of Murals and Porte Pinte (painted doors). These murals were created not only as a decoration but also to tell the history of this village and rediscover its identity for future generations.
The day tour will end with a visit to the Villa Romana di Casignana, a large rural villa brought to light in 1963, with thermal baths and residential buildings. It is one of the most important compounds from the Roman era in southern Italy, with the largest group of mosaics known to date in Calabria. The villa, which had its glory days in the 4th century A.D, was built during the first century A.D. in an area with traces of previous Greek settlements. Among the wonderful mosaic floors, you will admire a tondo depicting the Indian Triumph of Dionysus. Return to the hotel.
Day 4 and 5 – Tracciolino Trail and Last Part of the Tour
During our last two days, we will dive into a naturalistic scenario of immense beauty, the Tracciolino Trail. It is one of the most picturesque panoramic routes in Calabria, overlooking the Costa Viola. The Trail, running between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Aspromonte National Park, winds among the vibrant colours and scents of the Mediterranean maquis, offering a spectacular view of romantic coves and small beaches set among the rocks. Back to the hotel just after lunch.
The € 180 fee includes:
- Hotel accommodation (including breakfast) in Reggio Calabria,
- Bergamot tasting
The fee does not include:
- Transfers included in the programme
- Meals
- Guided tours
- Admission tickets where applicable
- Tourist taxes
- Whatever is not specified under ‘The fee includes’.
For more information: www.ladianoviaggi.it – [email protected]
