Embark on a captivating 10-day cultural and coastal exploration of Italy's stunning Calabria and Puglia regions. This moderate-budget journey combines breathtaking coastal beauty, ancient cultural sites, and nature walks with the charm of local markets, photography, relaxing cafes, and a visit to Reggio Calabria.
Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome.
Proceed through customs and collect any checked luggage.
Allow sufficient time for airport procedures. Consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival for easier navigation.
Take a train from Rome Termini station to Reggio Calabria Centrale (approx.
5-6 hours), then a short local train to Scilla. Enjoy the scenic journey down the Italian boot.
Book train tickets in advance, especially for high-speed routes, to secure better prices. The journey offers beautiful views of the Italian countryside and coastline.
From FCO, take the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini. From Termini, take a high-speed Frecciarossa or Intercity train south. Change at Reggio Calabria Centrale for a regional train to Scilla.
Settle into your accommodation, B&B La Veduta, known for its family-friendly environment and views.
The B&B is located in the charming town of Scilla, offering easy access to local attractions.
Stroll through the picturesque fishing village of Chianalea, often called 'the Venice of the South,' with houses built directly on the water. Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Many restaurants in Chianalea offer stunning sea views and fresh catch of the day.
Take a short regional train ride from Scilla to Reggio Calabria Centrale for a day of exploration.
Trains run frequently between Scilla and Reggio Calabria. Tickets can be purchased at the station.
Explore the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria, home to the magnificent Bronzes of Riace, two full-size Greek bronze statues.
The Bronzes of Riace are a must-see. Check opening hours in advance, especially for a Thursday.
Enjoy lunch in Reggio Calabria, then take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Lungomare Falcomatà, known as 'the most beautiful kilometer in Italy'.
The Lungomare offers stunning views of Sicily and Mount Etna. There are numerous cafes and gelaterias along the promenade.
Take the regional train back to Scilla.
Enjoy some relaxation or explore more of Scilla's local shops.
Savor another delightful Calabrian dinner in Scilla, perhaps trying a different local specialty.
Visit Ruffo Castle, perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Strait of Messina.
Enjoy panoramic views of Scilla, Chianalea, and the sea.
The castle is a historic landmark and offers incredible photo opportunities.
Spend some relaxing time at Marina Grande beach, soaking up the Calabrian sun and enjoying the clear waters.
You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, or simply find a spot on the public beach. Great for a refreshing dip.
Enjoy a casual lunch at a local trattoria in Scilla, perhaps trying some fresh local pasta.
Take a short scenic drive or train ride to Pizzo, famous for its Murat Castle and the delicious Tartufo di Pizzo ice cream.
Explore the charming piazza.
Don't leave Pizzo without trying the original Tartufo, a chocolate-covered hazelnut ice cream bomb.
Approximately a 40-minute drive or train ride from Scilla.
Enjoy a final dinner in Scilla, savoring the ambiance of this beautiful coastal town.
Take a scenic train ride north along the coast from Scilla to Tropea, one of Calabria's most iconic cliffside towns.
The train journey offers stunning coastal views. Tropea train station is a short walk from the town center.
Check into your hotel or B&B in Tropea, ideally with views of the sea or the old town.
Wander through the charming narrow streets of Tropea's historic center, discover hidden piazzas, and browse local artisan shops.
Tropea is famous for its red onions. Look for local products and souvenirs.
Visit the iconic Santa Maria dell'Isola, a medieval monastery perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea.
Enjoy breathtaking views and photographic opportunities.
The walk up to the sanctuary can be steep but is well worth it for the views, especially at sunset. An entrance fee applies.
Find a scenic spot for sunset views over the Tyrrhenian Sea, then enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Tropea's excellent restaurants.
Enjoy a final refreshing morning dip or a walk along one of Tropea's stunning white-sand beaches, such as Spiaggia della Rotonda or Michelino.
The water is typically crystal clear and warm in June. Perfect for some last-minute relaxation.
Grab a quick and light lunch in Tropea before beginning your journey east.
Embark on a significant travel day from Tropea, Calabria, to Alberobello, Puglia.
This journey will likely involve multiple train changes (e.g., Tropea to Lamezia Terme, then high-speed train towards Bari, then local train/bus to Alberobello).
This is a long journey. Pack snacks and be prepared for transfers. Consider pre-booking the longer train legs. The last leg to Alberobello might involve a local bus or taxi.
Typically, you'd take a regional train from Tropea to Lamezia Terme Centrale, then an Intercity or Frecciargento train to a major hub like Bari Centrale, then a regional train (Ferrovie del Sud Est) or bus to Alberobello. A rental car might be an alternative for this leg.
Arrive in Alberobello and check into your unique 'trullo' accommodation at Trulli e Puglia B&B, right in the heart of the historic center.
Staying in a trullo is a quintessential Puglia experience! Enjoy the unique architecture.
Enjoy your first Puglian dinner in Alberobello, perhaps trying some local orecchiette pasta.
After a scenic journey from Calabria, arrive in the unique town of Alberobello, famous for its trulli houses.
Check into your trullo accommodation and settle in.
Assuming travel from Calabria via rental car or train/bus connection. Once in Alberobello, parking is available at the edge of the historic center.
Embark on a walking tour of Alberobello's Rione Monti, the heart of the historic center, to learn about the unique trullo architecture and its history.
This gentle stroll is led by a local official guide, native of Alberobello, offering an historical introduction to the conical limestone shelters.
Enjoy a traditional Puglian lunch at a charming restaurant within a trullo, sampling local specialties like orecchiette pasta.
Wander through the quieter Rione Aia Piccola, which remains largely residential, offering a more authentic glimpse into local life away from the main tourist crowds. Perfect for photography.
Enjoy a coffee or aperitivo at one of Alberobello's unique cafes, many of which are housed in trulli, offering a cozy and picturesque setting.
Savor a delicious dinner featuring regional dishes, perhaps with a view of the illuminated trulli.
Take a morning stroll through the beautiful Baroque town of Martina Franca, admiring its elegant architecture and charming alleyways.
Visit L'Acropoli di Puglia, a historic company producing extra virgin olive oil using traditional methods.
Enjoy a tour and tasting.
Savor regional cuisine in Martina Franca before heading to the coast.
Discover the charming coastal town of Monopoli, known for its whitewashed old town, fishing port, and beautiful cathedral.
Enjoy a relaxed walk along the seafront.
Experience the stunning cliffside town of Polignano a Mare.
Enjoy a picturesque aperitivo overlooking the Adriatic Sea and its famous coves.
Dine in Polignano a Mare, famous for its restaurants carved into cliffs or offering panoramic sea views.
Check out from your Alberobello accommodation and drive south to the Salento peninsula.
Your base will be near Lecce or a coastal town.
Rental car is recommended for flexibility in Puglia. The drive is scenic, passing through vast olive groves.
Arrive and check into your accommodation in the Salento region, perhaps near Lecce or a coastal town like Otranto.
Enjoy fresh seafood for lunch in the charming port town of Otranto, situated on Italy's easternmost point.
Explore Otranto's historic center, including its impressive Cathedral with its mosaic floor and the Aragonese Castle.
Unwind at one of Otranto's town beaches, enjoying the clear waters and the scenic views of the historic center.
Enjoy a delightful dinner in Otranto, perhaps at a restaurant overlooking the harbor.
Explore the 'Florence of the South,' Lecce, famous for its exquisite Baroque architecture.
Visit Piazza Duomo, Basilica di Santa Croce, and wander through its intricate streets.
Enjoy a traditional lunch in Lecce, perhaps trying some 'pasticciotto' for dessert.
Drive to Gallipoli on the Ionian coast.
Explore its charming old town, perched on an island connected by a bridge, and discover its fishing traditions.
Relax on one of Gallipoli's beautiful city beaches, such as Spiaggia della Purità, or visit nearby stunning beaches like Baia Verde.
Indulge in a fresh seafood dinner in Gallipoli, known for its excellent fish restaurants.
Enjoy a final Puglian breakfast, perhaps a last walk by the sea, or some last-minute souvenir shopping before heading towards the train station.
Travel from Lecce or Bari via high-speed train to Rome Termini.
Enjoy the scenic Italian countryside during your journey.
Driving to Lecce or Bari train station if your accommodation is outside the city. Trains from Lecce to Rome take approximately 5-6 hours. Book tickets in advance for best prices.
Arrive at Rome Termini, transfer to your pre-booked hotel near the airport or in the city for your departure.
Consider a hotel near Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) for convenience for your next-day departure, or a city center hotel if your flight is later.
Enjoy a final Italian dinner in Rome, celebrating the end of your wonderful trip.
Choose a trattoria near your hotel.
Organize your luggage and prepare for your flight tomorrow.
This 10-day itinerary for Calabria, Italy can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.