The Wonders of Southern Italy

Aeolian Islands, Sicily and Calabria – June 2nd, 2025 – June 11th, 2025

Max 16 participants!

Sold Out – Waiting list available

Hosted By Celebrity Chefs

ANNA & MICHAEL OLSON

Join us on an incredible culinary adventure off the beaten path in the South of Italy.

See and taste the Aeolian Islands along with stops in Sicily and Calabria with Chefs Anna & Michael Olson. This delicious adventure allows you to explore the cuisine and culture of southern Italy alongside Anna and Michael, with host Giovanni facilitating every delicious stop. This fully bespoke trip is packed with unique excursions, food explorations, cooking experiences and fantastic meals. 

When we travel, we love to get off the “main road” and see the real side of a country, and visiting this southern area of Italy is no exception.  

In addition to seeing new places that not everyone visits, we love meeting the people beyond this welcoming and warm region.  

From food producers and chefs to winemakers and growers, meeting the people when you travel makes for unique memories.  

When it comes to Calabria and the islands, get ready for a generous spirit (and generous portions)! We look forward to travelling with you.

 

~ Anna & Michael Olson

Tour Highlights

Day 1 – Welcome to Calabria

Arrival at Reggio Calabria airport, meeting with the driver and transfer to the hotel. Meet and greet with your hosts and the rest of the group at hotel lobby in Reggio Calabria. Welcome dinner at seaside restaurant

Day 2 – Calabrian Coast of Gods

Breakfast at the hotel.Meeting with the driver and transfer towards the town of Spilinga. We will visit a company that excels in the production of ‘Nduja, one of Calabria’s most representative products. 

Lunch will feature this delicious charcuterie product.

In the afternoon, you will have a chance to stroll the streets of Tropea before heading to Pizzo for a guided tasting of Tartufo, a unique gelato preparation typical of this area.

Return to Reggio and dinner.

Day 3 – The Aeolian Islands

Breakfast at the hotel and checkout. Transfer to the port of Reggio and hydrofoil transfer to the island of Lipari.

Check in at hotel and guided walk in Lipari town centre.

A multicourse dinner will complete our official welcome to these magical islands.

Day 4 – Vulcano and cheeses

After breakfast, a short hydrofoil ride will take us to the island of Vulcano where we will visit a local cheese producer. After learning about their processes and techniques, we will have a cheese based light lunch featuring local products.

In the afternoon, we will head back towards Lipari to create our own meal under the expert guidance of Anna & Michael. This hands on cooking experience is your chance to connect with the land and its products (or maybe just sit back with a glass of wine and take pictures while dinner is made before your eyes)

Day 5 – Private boat day

Today we will go on a journey across the islands. Pack your bathing suit and get ready to enjoy a private boat ride that will take us to unimaginable places. From underwater craters to pictoresque islands, this will be a journey you’ll never forget.

We will also stop in Panarea and Stromboli island where you can explore the towns or relax while sipping on an Aperol Spritz or enjoying one of the refreshing granitas.

In the evening, we will let nature entertain us while assisting at Stromboli’s eruption from the sea before returning to our hotel.

Day 6 – R&R & wine tasting

After a long day at see, it’s time for some R&R by the hotel pool or doing some shopping in the local town. 

Lunch with the group.

In the early evening, transfer to local winery on the hillside of Lipari for a spectacular wine tasting.

Day 7 – Ancient grains & cooking

After breakfast, a short transfer will take us to Le Macine, a pasta producer that decided to rediscover ancient grains. We will learn about the different type of wheats and have a chance to taste this super high quality products during our lunch.

In the afternoon, after a little break at the hotel, we will head towards our second cooking experience with Anna & Michael. Dinner will follow.

Day 8 – Departure to Sicily

Check out after breakfast and transfer to the port where we will catch the hydrofoil to Sicily.

Upon arrival, our private driver will take us along the northen coast of Sicily towards Palermo.

For lunch, we will stop along the way at Santo Stefano, a small village famous for its artistic ceramic production.

In the evening, check in at Palermo hotel and dinner at local restaurant.

Day 9 – Palermo

It’s time to discover this buzzing city, full of colors and culture. After breakfast we will go on a walk passing by some of the most important landmarks of the city.

We will sample different iconic food from the local market along the way and stop for a refreshing drink or light lunch in the early afternoon.

The rest of the day will be yours to enjoy before meeting all together again for our farewell dinner.

Day 10 – Arrivederci

Unfortunately, even the greatest things will come to an end. One last breakfast at the hotel and then it’s time to check out head towards the airport. We can assist by providing private transfer to Palermo airport during the day (priced separately). If you require a transfer at different time, we will do our best to facilitate it. Until next time…


Arrivederci!

Sweet and sour tunafish
Pistachio with leaf

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WHAT’S INCLUDED: 

·       10 days / 9 nights accommodation (2 nights in Calabria + 5 nights on the Aeolian Islands + 2 in Sicily)

·       Breakfast every morning

·       All meals mentioned in the program

·       2 full immersion cooking experiences with Anna & Michael Olson

·       2 wine tasting at some of the best wineries in the area

·       All excursions and visits mentioned in the program

·       All private transportation mentioned in the program (including private boat)

·       All guides during activities

·       24/7 on site FTD Agency assistance

NOT INCLUDED:

·       Travel, medical, cancellation or any other insurance

·       International airfare

·       Airport transfers from airport to hotel in Reggio Calabria

·       Tips/gratuities (excluding restaurants)

·       Tourist City tax (usually 3/5 euros per person per night when required by municipality)

·       Anything not mentioned in the section “what’s included”

“To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything.”

Goethe

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