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Calabria coastline at golden hour
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May 30 – June 7, 2027 · Calabria, Italy

The Soul of the South

Hosted by Anna & Michael Olson

The Concept

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Welcome to Calabria - Italy's most authentic, least-explored culinary frontier. This eight-day journey immerses you in the food, wine, and traditions of the deep south, guided by the expertise and warmth of celebrated chefs Anna & Michael Olson.

You'll taste bergamot from the trees where it grows, learn bread-making from women who've perfected it over generations, and dine in settings that range from clifftop resorts to family-run trattorias.

This is not a tour. It's an invitation into a world few outsiders ever access.

Anna & Michael Olson
“Calabria is the Italy that most people have never seen - raw, generous, and utterly unforgettable. We can't wait to share it with you.”— Anna & Michael Olson

Why This Journey

1

Hosted Throughout by Anna & Michael Olson

Anna & Michael are with you for the full eight days - at tastings, in kitchens, at meals, and during every curated experience.

2

5-Star Comfort, Authentic Experiences

Luxury properties with infinity pools overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, world-class spas, and Michelin-standard dining.

3

Exclusive Access

Private cooking classes with family artisans, tastings with producers who rarely welcome visitors, and dinners in settings that feel like secrets.

4

Small Group, Intimate Pace

With just 14-18 guests, you'll move through Calabria as a close-knit group, never rushed, never overwhelmed.

5

Seamless Logistics

Private coach throughout. White-glove transfers. Hotels that anticipate your every need. Your only job is to experience.

What You'll Experience

Calabria, Curated

Coast of the Gods – Tropea, Pizzo, and the Tyrrhenian Sea
Hands-on culinary moments (gelato, local specialties, and cooking workshops)
Producers: cheese, 'nduja, olive oil, and regional tastings
Museum and cultural visits paired with beautiful coastal time
A true 5-star Calabrian rhythm – curated, but never rushed

Day by Day

Tour Itinerary

1

Day 1

Arrival and Welcome Dinner with a View

Arrive in Reggio Calabria. Private transfer to your 5-star resort overlooking the Strait of Messina. Welcome dinner with a breathtaking view of the sea and Calabrian specialties.

🏨 Altafiumara Resort & Spa

Elegant welcome dinner on a terrace overlooking the Strait of Messina at sunset
2

Day 2

Reggio, Gelato & Winery Tour

Morning visit to the National Museum of Magna Graecia — home to the famous Bronzi di Riace. Guided walk through Reggio's waterfront promenade. Afternoon gelato workshop with a local master gelatiere, followed by a winery visit and tasting.

🏨 Altafiumara Resort & Spa

Master gelatiere crafting artisan gelato in Reggio Calabria
3

Day 3

Bergamot, Roman Villas & Countryside Dinner

Discover the world-famous Calabrian bergamot — visit a producer and learn about this extraordinary citrus. Explore ancient Roman villas along the Ionian coast. Evening countryside dinner with local flavours and warm Calabrian hospitality.

🏨 Parco dei Principi

Lush bergamot citrus orchard with Ionian Sea in the background
4

Day 4

Agriturismo, Cooking Classes and Gerace

A hands-on morning at a working agriturismo — cooking classes with local experts using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Afternoon visit to the medieval hilltop village of Gerace, one of Calabria's most beautiful borghi.

🏨 Parco dei Principi

Hands-on cooking class at a rustic Calabrian agriturismo
5

Day 5

Artisan Producers & Pizzo Tartufo Gelato

Morning visits to local artisan producers — taste 'nduja, cheeses, olive oil, and other Calabrian specialties made by hand. Afternoon in the charming town of Pizzo, birthplace of the legendary tartufo gelato.

🏨 Capovaticano Resort

Calabrian artisan food spread with nduja, pecorino and Pizzo tartufo gelato
6

Day 6

R&R, Cheese & Wine

A leisurely day to rest and recharge. Visit a local cheese producer — pecorino, caciocavallo, and ricotta made by hand. Afternoon wine tasting at a hillside winery with stunning coastal views.

🏨 Capovaticano Resort

Wine and cheese tasting at a hillside Calabrian winery with Tyrrhenian Sea views
7

Day 7

Bread Festival, Tropea and Farewell Dinner

Participate in the Giornata del Pane — a celebration of Calabrian bread-making traditions. Explore the clifftop town of Tropea, known for its red onions and dramatic sea views. Farewell dinner celebrating the journey.

🏨 Capovaticano Resort

Clifftop town of Tropea with traditional Calabrian bread and red onions at the bread festival
8

Day 8

Morning Checkout & Airport Transfer

Enjoy a final breakfast at the resort. Morning checkout and private transfer to Lamezia Terme airport. Arrivederci, Calabria.

Final morning breakfast on a Calabrian resort terrace overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea

This tour is sold out

Join the waiting list and we'll reach out if a spot opens up for this extraordinary journey.

Note: This page is an early preview while the program is being finalized.

A Taste of What Awaits

Calabria & the South

Calabria coastline at golden hour
Aeolian sea
Chianalea fishing village
Aeolian Islands wine and sea
Anna & Michael Olson
Southern Italian coastline

Photos from previous FTD journeys through Southern Italy.

The Soul of the South Awaits

This tour is sold out, but spots occasionally open up. Join the waiting list to be the first to know.