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 – Cooperative Group 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
Gerace, Locri and Siderno: archaeology of tastes and flavours
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. Return and lunch at the eco-Hostel. 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. For dinner, transfer to Siderno at “U Ricriju” restaurant whose chef is carrying out an ethno-gastronomic search on ancient local cuisine. During the dinner, the chef will tell about his dishes explaining the features, ingredients and ways of cooking. Return at the eco-Hostel and overnight
Day 3
Caulonia and Roccella Jonica: wine ways and organic cuisine
Breakfast. Transfer to Caulonia at Feudo Gagliardi, organic farmhouse, partner of I Viaggi del GOEL. Visit to the farm producing wine, oil and citrus fruit. With the agronomist, visit to the wine yards, the wine cellar and tasting of the wines and oil produced by the farm. Lunch at the farmhouse restaurant with the local products. In the afternoon, “Traditional Calabrian Cuisine” Lab. With one of our chefs, workshop with the preparation of a typical dish as handmade pasta using local products. Dinner at “AMAL” (“hope” in Arabic language), the 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 4
Reggio Calabria and Scilla
Breakfast. Transfer to Reggio Calabria, the "toe" of the Italian peninsula. The city, home to one of the most important archaeological museums, the prestigious National Archaeological Museum of Magna Græcia, houses the famous Bronzes of Riace, the symbols of the city. Guided tour of the museum. 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, visit to the Bergamot Museum, that traces the history, the culture and the traditions of this unique citrus fruit. On the way to Locri, stop at Scilla, touristic town famous for its Marina (the Seafront), for the fishers’ village (la Chianalea) and the Ruffo Castle. Return, dinner and overnight at the eco-Hostel.
Day 5
Mammola, Gioiosa and Martone
Breakfast. Transfer to Mammola. The small town is very famous for its restaurants that serves the “Stocco” (dried stockfish, cooked in a unique way in Italy). Visit to a laboratory where the famous “stocco” is prepared. Tasting of dishes made with stocco. 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 in Martone 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 I Viaggi del GOEL 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-Hostel.
Day 6
Arrivederci!
Breakfast. Final meeting with GOEL - Cooperative Group. Check out and transfer to the airport.