The slopes of Aspromonte

Excursion to Pietra Cappa and the valley of the great rocks

Transfer by bus to Natile Vecchio, a mountain village in the Aspromonte National Park where the trail leading to Pietra Cappa begins. The Valley of the Great Rocks is a place rich in history, legends and naturalistic importance. A dense forest of holm oak and Mediterranean Maquis surrounds and protects the geological outcrops that make this a unique place. Pietra Cappa is the symbol of the valley but it is also the symbol the Aspromonte itself. Along the way stop at the Rocche di San Pietro, special rock formations excavated and used as refuge by Basilian monks in medieval times.Duration: 6 hoursDinner and overnight stay at the farmhouse.

Excursion to Gallicianò

Set off on foot from the farm heading towards Gallicianò, an ancient Greek hamlet. After crossing the Amendolea river, go up the mountain to reach the small village inhabited only by about ten people who still speak Calabrian Greek. After lunch experience the rhythm of tambourine and organ by dancing the tarantella, traditional songs and dance played during celebrations which have been handed down from generation to generation.Duration: 5 hoursDinner and overnight stay in the farmhouse.

Gerace and Locri

The day is dedicated to exploring culture and history. Starting with a guided tour of Gerace, which was awarded the “Bandiera Arancione” and is listed in "I borghi più belli d'Italia" National Association. The town, located within the Aspromonte National Park, retains its medieval setting and charm with plenty of churches, old buildings and small houses carved directly into the rock, which are used today by local artisans. Lunch in a restaurant and subsequently transfer to Locri Epizefiri the last of the Greek colonies built in Calabria.  Archaeological remains are visible thanks to excavations carried out since the early 1900s which have almost completely revealed the "dromo" of the ancient city, city walls, temples, the theater and the necropolis. In the evening transfer to Reggio Calabria. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.

Excursion to the Maesano Falls

Transfer by bus to the Menta dam and set off for the excursion to the Maesano waterfalls. Enter the heart of the Aspromonte National Park, go through the beech and pine forests, admire boundless landscapes of narrow valleys and ridges characteristic of the Aspromonte mountains. The path that initially runs along the mountain stream, after a few slopes reaches a rocky ledge, a privileged vantage point on the five-tiered waterfall. Follow the stream to the base of the falls, have a picnic with your packed lunch and if you like, take a swim.

Duration: 5 hours

Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.

Excursion to Pentedattilo

Perched on the cliffs of Monte Calvario between the rivers of Annà and S. Elia, Pentedattilo is one of the most picturesque and characteristic villages of southern Calabria. The unique morphology of the rock which is in the shape of a hand which seems to hold the houses in its palm, is the reason why it was abandoned, however, today it is its greatest strength. Pentedattilo has been brought back to life in the last few years, thanks to the efforts of a group of young people. The excursion that will lead us to discover this little corner of Calabrian history, is a circular trail and it reaches the Rocca di Santa Lena.

Duration: 5 hours

Dinner and overnight stay in the farmhouse.

Excursion Messina

After admiring the strait from the Calabrian coast cross the strait on the Sicilian side, hike up a stunningly scenic trail that leads to the top of Dinnammare 1128 m. Cross the strait of Messina by ferry, the only means of transportation that connects Reggio Calabria and Messina, and enjoy Sicilian street food and breathtaking landscapes which are the protagonists of the day. 

Duration: 3 hours

Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel

Reggio Calabria and departure

Guided tour of the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, world renowned for being the home of the Riace Bronze Warriors, two large statues of Greek warriors which date back to the mid-5^th  century B.C. and are considered to be among the most significant sculptural masterpieces of Greek art. Have a stroll along the most beautiful promenade in Italy. Departure.

• Dress in layers during excursions

Clothing and useful equipment:

• waterproof, breathable and windproof jacket
• a heavy and a medium-weight fleece top
• hiking socks and boots
• sun hat with a visor
• 30 L backpack

• Hiking poles