GRJ All Inclusive Calabria: Italy’s Hidden Gem

Your all-inclusive holiday starts when we meet the Tour Manager at London Stansted this evening, ready for our flight to Lamezia Terme in Calabria.

On arrival in the unspoilt toe of Italy tonight, we transfer by coach to our hotel in Tropea. This attractive resort has views across Tropea and the blue sea from its hillside location. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace where you will be able to relax during our stay.

*Please note: on certain departures, the itinerary may run in a different order.

• Drinks package 10am-10pm

Today we 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 and, with white beaches, dramatic rock formations and a history bathed in myth and legend, it is a perfect introduction to the undiscovered delights of the region.

From the centre, there are great views of the monastery Santa Maria dell'Isola, which sits in gardens on top of a steep, rocky outcrop. Formerly an island, the rock now juts out to sea between the town's sandy beaches.

This afternoon is free to explore independently. You could return to wander the characterful Old Town or unwind by the pool at the hotel. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening, with drinks included, as they are between 10am and 10pm each day.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Drinks package 10am-10pm

With a free morning in Tropea, you could make use of the free shuttle service to the hotel's private beach.

This afternoon, we transfer to the port for a cruise* across the Tyrrhenian Sea to Stromboli. Rising to a conical summit, this captivating Aeolian Island is exactly what you might expect from a volcano island. With free time to explore Stromboli village, nestled beside black-sand beaches, you could stop at a trattoria to try the local seafood pasta for dinner. The Church of San Vincenzo Ferreri - with its white marble interior - stands on the Piazza San Vincenzo, with panoramic views of the sea and the island.

At sunset, we return to the sea as the boat sails round to the 'Sciara del Fuoco' (Stream of Fire) to view the volcano's epic natural light show, as fountains of glowing lava burst against the night sky, demonstrating why the island is nicknamed 'the lighthouse of the Mediterranean'. We anchor nearby to watch the eruptions before returning to the hotel.

Please note: dinner is not included today as we cruise to Stromboli. However, it is available in the hotel as usual if you choose to opt out of this excursion.

*Please note: in certain circumstances, the cruise to Stromboli is unable to run. If this is the case, we take a day trip around the Aeolian Islands. On a tour of these beautiful volcanic islands, we view Stromboli, Lipari and Vulcano - each with its own charm and attractions.

• Breakfast, Lunch
• Drinks package 10am-10pm

Today is at leisure to relax or explore Tropea at your own pace. There is a lot to uncover in the historic centre. Among the winding lanes of historic, pastel-coloured houses are small piazzas where you can enjoy a coffee or gelato at an outdoor café. Or maybe discover one of Tropea's white-sand beaches that lie on the 'Costa degli Dei' or Coast of the Gods.

Tropea and Calabria's laid-back charm is captured in the village's narrow lanes and the faded glamour of its once-grand palazzos that overlook tranquil piazzas. Several lanes open out onto spectacular views of the coastline. On one of the finest squares, you will find the impressive Norman cathedral with arched cloisters. Inside the church is a Byzantine icon of the Madonna of Romania, who is said to have protected the town from earthquakes. If you prefer a day of relaxing, you could spend time at the hotel with a refreshing drink from the included selection.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Drinks package 10am-10pm

This morning, we transfer to Rosarno station to catch the train to Reggio Calabria, the region's main city. Despite its size and importance, Reggio has a rural atmosphere and is known as 'Bergamot City' because the aromatic citrus fruit flourishes in this area. The fruit's fragrance is added to products ranging from perfumes to Earl Grey tea.

The city's other claim to fame is that the 'most beautiful kilometre in Italy' is here. Lined by Art Nouveau buildings and adorned with palm trees, the leafy esplanade offers views across the Strait of Messina to Sicily - an ideal spot to enjoy your picnic lunch. There is time to look around before we travel by train to Scilla. Named after the Greek mythological sea monster Scylla, the town cascades down a headland to a picturesque bay backdropped by rugged mountains. This fishing village is packed with history. On a promontory above the bay is Castello Ruffo, with a heritage stretching back to the pre-Roman Etruscans.

In the early evening, we return by rail and coach to the hotel for dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Drinks package 10am-10pm

Today, we step back in time on a visit to the historic towns and villages of the Calabrian hills. Travelling by coach, Serra San Bruno is our first destination. This enchanting village is nestled in the mountains, surrounded by woodland and crowned by a serene monastery whose hermitage and grounds provide insights into the spiritual lives of monks. Serra San Bruno was originally inhabited by the builders and artisans involved in the construction of the monastery. Today, its quaint town centre seems untouched by time.

We continue to Soriano, in the Serre Vibonesi, 980 feet above sea level. The village is believed to have ancient origins (as early as 700 years before Christ) and is thought to have been founded by Syrians, hence its name. Here we visit the Sanctuary of San Domenico, once one of the most important convents in Europe, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1783. There is also time to visit the small shops of Soriano where skilled craftsmen work.

We return to the hotel by coach, travelling across the hills in time for dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Drinks package 10am-10pm

After breakfast this morning, we take the train to Pizzo, a coastal town where pastel-coloured houses cling to the cliffside, leading to a sandy beach with crystalline waters. On arrival, we transfer into the town centre by land train.

There's time to explore this attractive town at your own pace. Perhaps enjoy your picnic lunch on the promenade overlooking the marina or savour views of the coast from the 15th-century Castello Murat. With narrow alleys exuding the traditional charm of southern Italy, Pizzo's old town is a great place to wander, snatching glimpses of picturesque views of the sapphire Tyrrhenian Sea as you walk.

Later, we head to a local café to sample the town's speciality - Tartufo di Pizzo, a chocolate and hazelnut gelato dessert. This is accompanied by an amaro, a herbal digestif popular in Calabria. Arriving back in Tropea in the early evening, we gather for our final dinner with drinks in Calabria.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Drinks package 10am-10pm

There's chance for one final excursion today as we enjoy a relaxed morning before visiting Vibo Valentia after lunch.

Founded as a Greek colony around the 7th century BC, we explore this storied town's maze of historic alleys. From the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore and San Leoluca, we'll wander past noble palazzos, finishing at the Norman-Swabian castle.

Returning to Tropea for dinner and check-out, we transfer to the airport at Lamezia Terme for an evening flight home. With its idyllic coastal towns and sleepy mountain villages, spectacular volcanic islands, and the scents and flavours of its trattorias and gelaterias - the unspoilt toe of Italy bursts with Italian beauty, but without the crowds of other regions. As we land back in London, you can make your way home with these cherished memories.

Please note: due to the flight schedules on the October departures, we will have a relaxed breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport in the afternoon.

• Breakfast, Lunch