Timed to coincide with Sanza’s historic Madonna della Neve festival, this tour offers a rare chance to witness an ancient tradition that predates Christianity. Experience the awe-inspiring early morning ascent of the Madonna to her sanctuary atop Mt. Cervati, arriving at sunrise—a centuries-old event that brings together locals and visitors alike.

In addition to the festival, you’ll visit the stunning coastal resort of Tropea and the charming town of Rovito in Calabria. The tour includes plenty of opportunities to enjoy Southern Italy’s natural beauty and local culture, with optional activities such as cooking demonstrations, local music performances, and outdoor adventures like hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing in beautiful surroundings.

Whether you’re interested in genealogy, have Southern Italian heritage, or simply want to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and scenic landscapes of the region, this tour offers a unique and meaningful way to experience the best of Southern Italy. Plus, if you’d like to extend your stay to visit Naples, Rome, the Amalfi Coast, or Pompeii, we’re happy to provide recommendations!

DRAFT ITINERARY

We will also be delighted to advise you regarding a pre- or post-tour add ons

21 July 2025 (Monday): Day #1

• Welcome to the Italian region of Calabria! Benvenuti in Calabria!

• Arrive in Tropea’s Airport: Lamezia Terme (SUF) - NOTE: there are many daily inexpensive domestic flights from Rome, Milan, Bologna, Venice, etc. Please inquire if you need any advice or assistance.

• Airport transfer (included) to check in at spectacular Hotel Villa Paola, a luxurious boutique hotel, set in a beautifully restored 16th-century convent, offering breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, lush gardens, and an intimate ambiance perfect for relaxation. Enjoy casual dinner outside in the Hotel’s informal bistro restaurant with spectacular sunset view.

• (Day #1 Included meals: D)

22 July 2025 (Tuesday): Day #2

• Enjoy hotel breakfast

• Relax at Villa Paola’s poolside, nearby beach (a ~15 minute walk through the Villa Paola’s convent orchard), or private boat ride (at additional cost, please inquire)

• Explore Tropea’s nearby old town (about a 20-30 minute walk, or 5-10 ride, from Villa Paola)

• View the Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola di Tropea, a historic Benedictine sanctuary dating back to the 4th century, perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea,  a symbol of the town’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage.

• Dinner at hotel or in Tropea’s old town (on your own)

• (Day #2 Included meals: B)

23 July 2025 (Wednesday): Day #3

• After enjoying hotel breakfast, check-out and board charter bus

• Private bus to the city of Cosenza in Calabria, a historic town known for its medieval architecture, cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene. It features landmarks like Castello Svevo and a charming old town with narrow streets and picturesque squares.

• Hotel check-in

• Cosenza sightseeing and dinner

• (Day #3 Included meals: B, L, D)

24 July 2025 (Thursday): Day #4

• After enjoying breakfast, Charter bus to nearby town of Rovito

• Tour of the town and visits with Rovito residents. Rovito holds a symbolic role in Italy’s history and struggle for independence and unity, especially due to its connections to the Fratelli Bandiera’s execution and Joachim Murat’s capture—both pivotal in shaping the political landscape during Italian unification.

• Catered dinner on the terrace of a beautiful home overlooking the town, with local musicians

• (Day #4 Included meals: B, L, D)

25 July 2025 (Friday): Day #5

• After enjoying breakfast, Charter bus to the town of Padula and check in at the Hotel Villa Cosilinum, Padula

• Tour of the town and visits with Padula residents. Padula is best known for its Charterhouse or Certosa (di San Lorenzo), one of the largest Carthusian monasteries in Europe, the largest in Italy, and its rich cultural heritage, with medieval streets and architectural landmarks nestled in the scenic Vallo di Diano.

• Early informal dinner at the hotel (in order to rest up for a very early morning ascent up Monte Cervati with the Madonna)

• (Day #5 Included meals: B, L, D)

26 July 2025 (Saturday): Day #6

27 July 2025 (Sunday): Day #7

• Enjoy hotel breakfast

• Optional early morning excursion: e.g. walk in the woods or visit to a nearby historic town such as Sala Consilina or Teggiano.

• Afternoon walking tour of Sanza and visit with residents. Sanza is known for its scenic location at the foot of the Cilento mountains, its proximity to the stunning Vallo di Diano National Park, and its rich history, including ancient traditions including the Madonna della Neve celebration.

• Early dinner at Bella 'Mbriana  Restaurant (Sanza)

• Possible afternoon visit to a local farm, and learn how the hilltop towns and farms below were historically connected.

• (Day #7 Included meals: B, D)

28 July 2025 (Monday): Day #8

• Enjoy hotel breakfast

• Take charter bus to Salerno for Amalfi coast boat excursion (including lunch)

• Check in at the Grand Hotel Santa Lucia (Naples) & dinner nearby

• (Day #8 Included meals: B, L, D)

29 July 2025 (Tuesday): Day #9

• Enjoy hotel breakfast

• Naples sightseeing (e.g. possibilities include Castel dell’Ovo, Piazza del Plebiscito, Royal Palace, Naples National Archaeological Museum, ancient underground catacombs, and vibrant Spaccanapoli street, Mount Vesuvius, the island of Capri and Blue Grotto, the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, etc)

• Farewell dinner at a charming restaurant within walking distance of our hotel.

• (Day #9 Included meals: B, D)

30 July 2025 (Wednesday): Final Day #10

• Enjoy hotel breakfast

• Check out of the hotel (or inquire if you’d like any help from us in extending your stay in Italy). The hotel can arrange your airport transfer according to your flight schedule.

• End of Tour

Tour Highlights

This tour will especially be for you if you enjoy the following:

• Exploring your cultural or family connections in or around Naples, Sanza, or other areas in Campania and Calabria

• Experiencing authentic Southern Italian culture and traditions on a small-group tour with the support of an experienced guide and translator

• Participating in local festivals, such as the vibrant Madonna della Neve festival in Sanza, alongside local communities

• Spending active time in beautiful natural areas, including options for walking, swimming, and bicycling through stunning landscapes

• Enjoying a flexible itinerary with optional activities, allowing room for spontaneity and personal exploration

• Savoring Southern Italy’s rich culinary heritage with farm-to-table meals featuring regional specialties

• Connecting with local residents and immersing yourself in the warmth of traditional Italian hospitality

• Discovering charming towns, villages, and historical sites at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for personal reflection

• Traveling with a small group (limited to 16 participants) for an intimate and engaging cultural experience

What’s Included

• Expert-guided 9 day/8-night tour through Southern Italy, including Sanza, Tropea, and Rovito

• Accommodations in carefully selected charming lodgings and hotels

• Daily breakfast, plus additional meals as specified in the itinerary

• Private transportation throughout the tour, including transfers between destinations

• Entrance fees to all included cultural and historical sites

• Participating in the Madonna della Neve festival in Sanza

• Tours of Tropea, Rovito, and other key Southern Italian towns

• Optional cultural activities, including cooking demonstrations and local music performances

• Personalized service from knowledgeable local guides and your tour leader

• Assistance with checking international flight options

• Advice on optional travel insurance, including CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) policies

• Guidance on extending your stay with additional hotel nights or further travel within Italy before or after the tour

• All taxes, service charges, and tips for included services

What’s Not Included

• International airfare to and from Italy

• Travel insurance (especially recommended for anyone with specific concerns…please inquire for advice)

• Meals not specified in the itinerary

• Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, snacks, etc.)

• Optional activities or excursions not listed in the itinerary

• Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) outside of included meals

• Costs for additional hotel nights or extended stays before or after the tour

Salient Tour Details:

• Tour Cost: $4,000 per person, double occupancy

• Estimated Single occupancy charge: TBD (only for single travelers requiring their own private room if available…please inquire if you are a single traveler seeking a roommate to avoid this charge)

• Minimum Participants: 6

• Maximum Participants: 14 (This ensures an intimate experience for all travelers)

• Tour Go/No-Go Decision Date (when it is determined if there are enough refundable deposit-paying registrants to meet the minimum): 10 April 2025

• If our minimum number is not met by our tour go/no go decision date, the tour will be cancelled and full refunds issued, or those still wishing to proceed may have the option for a modified itinerary with increased costs possible.

• Payment in full due date: 10 April 2025

• This trip begins in Tropea and ends in Naples

• Tour Design: Tiny World Tours (Mark & Dana) and Astrid Meijer (Cervati Tours)

• Tour Leaders: Astrid Meijer (Cervati Tours) with help from Tiny World Tours (Mark & Dana)

Physical Activity and Expectations:

• This is a moderately active tour with average walking 2-4 miles per day in both urban and rural settings (and possibly even more if you enjoy walking).

• You’ll need to be able to climb up and down multiple flights of stairs (indoors and out)

• You’ll encounter uneven cobblestone streets, sidewalks, and trails.

Please Note:

• This itinerary is a sample and is subject to change. The final schedule will be determined approximately 30 days prior to departure to allow for the inclusion of special opportunities which may arise.  In the event that a requested visit is not available, a similar visit will be substituted.  A finalized itinerary and Travelers’ Notes document will be sent to all participants about two weeks prior to tour departure.

• An optional trip insurance policy such as a “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) policy may reimburse you for unforeseen cancellations or itinerary changes.

• We do our best to accommodate allergies and food preferences. Please inform us of any dietary needs at the time of booking.

• We also offer bespoke custom tours for groups. Contact us for more information.

• We strongly recommend coming at least one day early to recover from the long flight and adjust to time zone and have a little extra time to explore, or stay longer at the end to deepen the experience. Tiny World Tours can arrange pre-trip and post-trip accommodations and local experiences based on your interests.

Points of Interest on Our Tour

SANZA PHOTO GALLERY

Reserve Your Space Now!

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(this page was last modified 2024_10_17)