Day by day ( 5 nights - 6 days)
Day 1
Welcome
Arrival in the early afternoon in Locri and check-in at eco-Ostello Locride that is an eco-friendly residence, example of social and environmental sustainability. It is housed in a confiscated property that GOEL – Cooperative Group runs. Presentation of the tour and of GOEL – Gruppo Cooperativo and its mission of change and redemption of Calabria thought legal economy and effective ethics. Dinner with the traditional dishes of Calabrian cuisine and overnight.
Day 2
Locri and Gerace
Breakfast. Transfer to Gerace and guided tour through the medieval town, one of the ten most beautiful towns in Italy, episcopal seat since ancient times, visit of the Basilica Minore, impressive Byzantine-Norman building and to the Diocesan Museum, which houses the famous Flemish tapestry by Jan Leyniers. At the end of the tour, visit of the Norman Castle and the pottery workshops. Lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon, transfer to Locri Epizephiri Archeological Park, the best known among the cities of Magna Greece, where Zaleuco, the first Western legislator, and Nosside, a famous poetess, were born. Guided tour of the archaeological site: Centocamere (the artisans’ neighbourhood), the Temple of Marasà and the sanctuary dedicated to Demetra. Return, dinner and overnight at the eco-Ostello.
Day 3
Pentedattilo and Reggio Calabria
Breakfast. Transfer to the Grecanic Area, where the influence of Greek culture and language is still strong. Guided visit to Pentedattilo, small “ghost village” on the Calvario Mount, which shape reminds that of the five fingers of a hand. The small village is one of the “borghi solidali”. Transfer to Reggio Calabria , the "toe" of the Italian peninsula. Free time for lunch and for a walk on the famous promenade dotted with rare magnolias and exotic palms, from where admiring the amazing Straits of Messina. In the afternoon, guided visit of the prestigious National Archaeological Museum of Magna Græcia that houses the famous Bronzes of Riace, the symbols of the city. Return, dinner and overnight at the eco-Ostello.
Day 4
Stilo and Monasterace
Breakfast. Transfer to Pazzano, from which you can reach Monte Stella, with its charming hermitage carved into the rock. Descent to Stilo, the philosopher Tommaso Campanella's hometown. With its many hermitages and monasteries, such as the Cattolica, a Byzantine-style church from the 9th century, Stilo is an example of he meeting between East and West. Packed Lunch provided by the eco-Hostel. In the afternoon, transfer to Monasterace at 'A Lanterna, organic farm and farmhouse inside Ancient Kaulon Archeological Park. The farmhouse is a GOEL Bio partner, the brand that gathers Calabrian farms opposing to ‘ndrangheta and working for the sustainable development of the territory. It grows vegetables, citrus fruits (including bergamot), wine and oil. Victim of many attacks, “A Lanterna” was the first to house the Restart Party. Meeting with the owners and guided tour in the Ancient Kaulon Archeological Park, to visit the mosaics of the Roman villas, such as “Casa del Drago” and the polychrome one with dragons and dolphins of the thermal complex dating back to the IV century BC. Dinner at “ AMAL” (“hope” in Arabic language), cultural and organic restaurant managed by the social cooperative SUN, GOEL Bio partner, symbol of meeting and warm reception, typical of Calabria tradition. Return and overnight at the eco-Hostel.
Day 5
Caulonia, Gioiosa Jonica and Martone
Breakfast. Transfer to Caulonia at Feudo Gagliardi, organic farm and GOEL Bio partner, producing wine, oil and citrus fruit. With the agronomist, visit to the wine yards, the wine cellar and tasting of the wines produced by the farm. Lunch at the farmhouse restaurant with the local products. Early afternoon, transfer to Gioiosa Jonica and urban trekking in the old town (Roman Villa of Naniglio, Pellicanò Castle and Amaduri Palace). During the visit, tasting of the famous “paste Gioiosane” (pastries) and of the “Pezzo Duro” (ice-cream). At the end of the tour, stop at the municipal theatre to admire the famous mural "Un popolo in cammino" realized in 1978 to remember the murder of the miller Rocco Gatto, victim of mafia. Dinner at “La Collinetta”, organic restaurant awarded with the 2020 and 2021 “Slow Food snail” where tradition and innovation are mixed into a gastronomic journey illustrated directly by the chef Pino Trimboli. The restaurant is GOEL bio partner. The chef/owner was victim of many ‘ndrangheta intimidations: he denounced them and received the support of the whole community. Return and overnight at the eco-Ostello.
Day 6
Goodbye!
Breakfast. Final meeting with GOEL - Cooperative Group. Check-out and transfer to the airport.
