Calabria: Naples to Catania

Intrepid Travel · 9 days

3.9

7 Reviews

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Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Embark on a journey through southern Italy, from Naples (the birthplace of pizza) to Sicily’s Catania, exploring the best spots along the way.

Highlights

Get up close and personal with the active volcanoes scattered across the Aeolian Islands and maybe take a dip in one of the Sulphur springs.
Take a half daytrip to Taormina – a charming hilltop Sicilian town – and head out on a boat trip to explore the bays and coves, learn about the town and enjoy an aperitif in the sunshine.
Explore the cliffside fortifications of Tropea and unwind at the beach under the Aeolian sun. Then, hop on a boat for a tour of the Aeolian Islands and cool off with a swim in the sea.
Taste a Neapolitan pizza in Naples – where it allegedly all began – then indulge your senses with local favourites from Civita, Tropea and Stromboli.
Take an orientation walk in Catania with your handy local leader and enjoy a granita tasting – there's nothing like a semi-frozen dessert to cool you down!

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Train,Public bus,Private vehicle,Ferry

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Naples, Italy

Finishes

Catania, Italy

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Naples

Ciao! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Naples – the vibrant city celebrated as the birthplace of pizza. Naples is also known for its rich history and is home to many narrow, winding streets and ancient churches. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps stroll along the coast and find a little eatery for a pizza dinner, a glass of local wine and a view of the Gulf of Naples.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Civita

This morning, you’ll travel to Civita by boat, train and private vehicle. Founded by Albanian refugees in the Middle Ages, Civita is recognised by the Italian government as home to an ethnic minority. The Civitesi speak Arberesh, a unique blend of Italian and Albanian, found only here and in parts of Sicily. Explore this fascinating village on foot, visit a local shop to sample regional delights or take a scenic walk in the hills.

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Civita

Make sure you get a good breakfast this morning as you have the option to hike up Mount Sellaro – one of the peaks of Pollino National Park. On the way to the mountain, stop by Cerchiara di Calabria – a little town in the National Park best known for its bread. Maybe stock up on some of the tasty local produce, then continue to a remote sanctuary built by Byzantine monks, on the rocky hillside. The hike path begins just beyond the sanctuary – although it's a reasonably long trek, it’s well worth the summit views of the Achaean coast. If you decide the hike isn’t for you, you can still enjoy the National Park. With sheer cliffs, narrow canyons and a diverse range of wildlife – including the peregrine falcon, eagle owl and the recently reintroduced Egyptian vulture – this area is a wildlife lover’s paradise.

Included Activities:

Civita - Nature based hike

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Tropea

After breakfast this morning, transfer from Civita to Paola, then take the train to Tropea. Known for the faded buildings and iconic fortifications that line the city’s cliffs, Tropea feels timeless. Explore the town on an orientation walk with your leader, then maybe visit the local Norman cathedral, the Duomo, which houses an icon of Madonna of Romania – the town’s revered protectress. Next to the Duomo, there’s the Museo Diocesano – a small museum in the Palazzo Vescovile full of religious art and wooden statues. If you’d prefer some time by the water, head to the beach and see the impressive structures on the nearby cliffs.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Tropea / Stromboli

If the weather permits, you’ll set out on a boat trip to the island of Stromboli this morning. When you arrive, visit San Vincenzo, where you can swim in the blue sea of the Aeolian Islands, shop along the main street or dine at a local restaurant. Depending on the season, you’ll depart Stromboli in the evening and cruise to the Sciara del Fuoco (Steam of Fire) to see the path of lava that flows during Stromboli's eruptions.

Included Activities:

Tropea - Stromboli by Night

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Reggio Calabria

Take a train to Reggio Calabria – the gateway to Sicily. The city is in a major earthquake zone and has experienced much destruction over the years, leaving fewer historical sites compared to the rest of Italy. However, this has resulted in a unique mix of old buildings and modern structures, which you’ll see on an orientation walk. Visit the renowned National Archaeological Museum of Reggio – this museum is home to a collection of exhibits from Greek-influenced sites across Calabria, including the Bronzi di Riace (two giant bronze statues found on the seafloor in the 1970s). Tonight, maybe hunt down one of the city's best restaurants for local dishes like grilled swordfish or pasta with cauliflower and broccoli.

Included Activities:

Reggio Calabria - Archaeological Museum

Optional Activities:

Reggio Calabria - Aragonese Castle (5 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Taormina/Catania

This morning, drive to Taormina on the east coast for a private boat excursion. Sailing along the Sicilian coast, you’ll check out the bays and caves of Taormina, characterised by the imposing rocks that surround them. Soak up the sunshine, enjoy an aperitif with snacks and learn about the village from your skipper. Maybe even stop for a swim to cool off before continuing on to Catania. When you arrive, you have a free night to explore the city’s bar culture and find a good spot for dinner.

Included Activities:

Taormina - private boat excursion
Taormina - leader led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Catania

Wake up in Catania this morning and head out for an orientation walk with your leader to see the city. Wander through the grand piazzas and wide streets, then be treated to a granita tasting (a semi-frozen dessert made with sugar, water and various flavours). Then, maybe see the UNESCO World Heritage site of Val di Noto, famed for its Late Baroque architecture or head out with your group for a farewell dinner. Wherever you end up tonight, make sure to toast to a trip well travelled.

Included Activities:

Catania - leader led orientation walk
Catania - local granita tasting

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Catania

Your trip will come to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay in Sicily, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $3,620

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Embark on a journey through southern Italy, from Naples (the birthplace of pizza) to Sicily’s Catania, exploring the best spots along the way.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 14 Jun 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Megan

Traveled, October 2023

10/18/2023

This trip gives diverse insight into southern parts of Italy. Civita and Tropea are beautiful locations included on this itinerary that I would not have otherwise visited. I’m also glad this gave a taste of Sicily, as Taormina and Catania were very different and worthwhile.

4.0

Tracey

Traveled, October 2023

10/11/2023

Tiziana Romano was our tour leader and she was amazing. We had fun, laughed, made good friendships with our group, enjoyed the spectacular beauty and history of Amalfi, Calabria, and Sicily, and we ate delicious food and drank wonderful wine and spritz. Some of the hotels selected by Intrepid are a little tired and in need of updating but overall the trip was excellent, and in large part due to Tiziana. She is a gem - knowledgeable, energetic, kind, approachable, funny, and has the patience of a saint!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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