...Located in the center of the Mediterranean, a peninsula surrounded by the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas, the region stretches southwards from Basilicata in the direction of Sicily, from which it is divided by the Strait of Messina.
Calabria is a land where the sea and the mountains live side by side. Because of its complex morphological structure and elongated shape communication has always been difficult, consequently increasing its isolation from the rest of Italy. The population of this fairly extensive region is slightly over 2 million. Though this population density is reasonably high, it is lower than the national average. Calabria has enormous tourist potential and its exploitation is expected to boost genuine improvement of the regional economy. The region’s strong points are its splendid scenery, wild nature, pristine beaches fringing a clear sparkling sea, and its unspoiled tiny picturesque villages hugging the hills that slope down to the water. Each has its own draw-card, but you need to cruise from one to another to appreciate the richness of the region.
Elderhostel tours are designed to allow guests to intimately explore and experience many of the wonderful cities, small towns, villages and sites of Italy. While your motor coach is at your disposal for travel between destinations, it is usually not available in the cities or towns where there is traffic access and parking restrictions, enforced because of limited space and narrow streets. Most Italian streets, especially in the South, are cobblestone, uneven, and generally hilly. In these ancient towns there are steps, steep streets and slopes (uphill walking). Therefore, please come prepared with a good pair of comfortable walking shoes, since there will be some walking involved during the trip.
In comparison to affluent northern Italy and other more popular tourist destinations, Calabria is less developed, especially the interior and in some areas the communications network isn’t always efficient. Unemployment is high, but the region seems ready for an economic takeoff. It is our policy to provide hotels and rooms with all amenities as stated in our brochure. Ideally all members of a group are given identical accommodations. However the guestrooms within a hotel can vary in terms of style, size, view and location. Room assignment is at the discretion of the hotel, and is not within our control. Please be aware that not all hotels and stores will have English-speaking staff, and not all hotels offer English-speaking TV channels and high-speed internet access. Today, as in the past, the rest of Europe moves to a different (and faster) drumbeat, while Calabria holds fast to the serene life, close to the land, the sea, and its culinary arts and warm hospitality. At a crossroads of greatly diverse cultures and civilizations, Calabria welcomes lovers of history and archaeology to its Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Norman heritage, in outdoor and indoor museum settings, as well as living history villages. You will have the opportunity to savour the real Italy, or even more so, “the other Italy!”: Enjoy your travel experience to unique Calabria!!
