When I visited Calabria, I had no idea it would be a transformative journey to an Italian land that few Americans ever see. Alessia planned every detail of the trip and not only knew the area inside and out but knew all the people along the way.

It’s as if I was seeing Italy twenty years ago, before the flood of tourists and the highly commercial areas we may know well- Rome, Venice, and Florence Calabria is completely different. Calabria is a gem for its natural beauty an for it’s people, the kindest people on earth.

Alessia made so many memories on her carefully planned tour. I will describe just a few:

• We went to a local festival at Rocca Imperiale and our tour was honored at the hotel with an outdoor festa.
• We met designers and artisans at this festival. I bought a dress right off the designer’s rack. Her name was Mira. Her clothing is beautiful.
• We learned to make fried zucchini blossoms, homemade pasta and Tropea onions in Calabrian agriturismo and vineyard.
• We were captivated by the blue waters of Tropea and the beautiful beaches.
• We ate the most sumptuous meals that were customized to our palettes.
• We were serenaded in Reggio Calabria as we accidentally crashed a wedding party at a local nightspot- they didn’t mind and welcomed us to join them. That’s so…Calabria!

My advice to those considering such an adventure: go now, before it changes. Bring your appetite and your sense of adventure. Showcase your trip with photos. Your friends are never going to believe this!