Italy, The Less Visited Calabria

DAY 1 - MARCH 26, TUESDAY.- BARI, MATERA

We arrive at Bari Airport and are picked up by a private van for transfer to Matera. We engage in street photography, capturing the essence of the famous "Sassi," the historical center of Matera, where time seems to have stood still.

This area has served as the backdrop for famous international movies such as "007: No Time to Die" and Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," offering us rich cultural and people-centric photography opportunities.

We will immerse ourselves in the streets, capturing the vibrant scenes of daily life and the unique architectural details that define this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overnight in one of the charming accommodations in Sassi, surrounded by the fascinating subjects of our photography.

DAY 2 - MARCH 27, WEDNESDAY.- COSENZA, MENDICINO

After breakfast, we depart for Calabria.

In Cosenza, we will visit  the vibrant Mercato di San Domenico, one of the region's most popular and traditional markets. Armed with our cameras, we dive into the bustling atmosphere, capturing the vivid colors of fresh produce, the textures of local delicacies, and the intricate craftsmanship of handmade goods.

The market is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities, allowing us to document the vibrant cultural exchange between buyers and sellers, the lively interactions, and the rich diversity of products.

In the afternoon, we journey to Mendicino, near Cosenza, and ascend Cocuzzo Mount to capture breathtaking views of the North Tyrrhenian Coastline. As we hike, we keep our cameras ready to seize the picturesque landscapes, the ever-changing play of light and shadow, and the candid moments of fellow travelers enjoying the natural beauty.

The panoramic vistas from the mountaintop offer us a tapestry of photographic possibilities, from expansive seascapes to rugged cliffs and the distant silhouettes of islands and mountains.

Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Cosenza, where we can review and share our photographic exploits from the day.

DAY 3 - MARCH 28, THURSDAY.- REGGIO CALABRIA, SCILLA, BADOLATO

Depart  for Reggio Calabria to enjoy  the famous and beautiful Riace Bronzes, two statues housed in the Archaeological Museum of Magna Grecia.  With our cameras in hand, we  will explore the museum, capturing the intricate details of these ancient masterpieces.

The play of light and shadows on the statues creates a captivating atmosphere, allowing us to compose artistic photographs that highlight their timeless beauty. Afterward, we take a stroll along the seafront promenade, lined with century-old Magnolia trees.

This picturesque setting offers us countless opportunities to capture the fusion of nature, culture, and people. The vibrant colors of the promenade, the shimmering reflections on the sea, and the lively interactions of locals and tourists provide us with a rich tapestry of photographic moments.

In the afternoon, we explore Scilla, known for its charming fisherman district called Chianalea.

Here, we unleash our creativity, photographing the charming buildings that seem to emerge directly from the sea. The narrow alleys adorned with parked boats, the vibrant colors of the facades, and the serene backdrop of the sea create a visual feast for our lenses.

We conclude the day with a transfer to the Ionian Sea, where we overnight in one of the B&Bs in Badolato, a small village renowned for its warm hospitality. In the evening, we enjoy a light dinner featuring local products within a typical wine bar “Catojo”  in the historic center. As we savor the flavors of the region, we seize the opportunity to capture candid shots of locals gathering and indulging in conversation.

DAY 4 - MARCH 29, FRIDAY.- DAVOLI, BADOLATO

Depart  for Davoli to participate in the "Naca" event.

This captivating religious parade features the procession of beautifully adorned fir trees, crafted with colored luminaries by local youth over several weeks leading up to the event.

As photographers, we immerse ourselves in the preparations, documenting the intricate process of creating the luminaries and the decoration of the trees. The vibrant colors, the dedication of the participants, and the anticipation in the air create an atmosphere ripe with photographic opportunities.

As the parade commences, we capture the blend of tradition, culture, and people's faith. The illuminated fir trees create a message of hope, lighting up the path and providing a unique visual spectacle that we can't resist capturing through our lenses.

We also seize the chance to photograph the participants, their expressions of joy and devotion, and the interactions among the crowd. We overnight in Badolato, reflecting on the images we have captured and sharing our stories with fellow photography enthusiasts.

Another important photographic opportunity in Badolato is the ritual of the "Vattienti." This ancient practice involves penitents known as "flagellants" who voluntarily whip themselves as a demonstration of repentance and sacrifice.

The Vattienti wear traditional white robes and hoods, with their faces concealed and their bodies adorned with crosses and chains. This unique and somewhat controversial tradition has been passed down through generations and is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural fabric of Badolato.

As photographers, we respect the significance of this ritual and approach it with sensitivity, capturing the intensity and devotion of the participants in a way that honors their beliefs and preserves the cultural heritage through our images.

DAY 5.- MARCH 30, SATURDAY.- NOCERA TERINESE

Departure to Nocera Terinese where the day before Easter a group of faithful take part in the ritual called “Vattienti” (flagellants): they flog themselves the front of the thighs until they draw blood as a sign of devotion, leaving the blood traces on the doors and the walls of the village. In the early afternoon, we return to Badolato. Overnight in Badolato.

DAY 6 - MARCH 31, SUNDAY.- STILO, VIBO VALENTIA

We enjoy breakfast and transfer to Stilo to witness the "Cunfrunta" rite.

As we arrive at the location, we prepare our cameras to document the moment when the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, dressed in mourning attire, meets the risen Christ. The two statues, carried on the shoulders of devotees, approach each other in a symbolic embrace, and the Madonna sheds her black veil.

With our lenses, we capture the profound emotions and the unique cultural significance of this event. The visual contrast of the statues, the expressions on the faces of the participants, and the atmosphere of reverence provide us with a rich tapestry of images to preserve the essence of the "Cunfrunta" rite.

 In the afternoon, we visit the Cattolica, a small 9th-century temple that emulates the classic Byzantine church design. As photographers, we appreciate the architectural details and the symbolic elements within the church. The square Greek cross layout, the apses facing east, and the five small domes create a visually captivating scene that we skillfully capture through our lenses.

We also take the opportunity to photograph the interactions between visitors and the cultural heritage that surrounds them, preserving the interplay between people and the rich historical significance of the Cattolica.

We conclude the day with a transfer to Vibo Valentia for an overnight stay in a 3-star superior hotel, where we have the chance to review and share the photographs we have taken so far.

DAY 7 - APRIL 1, MONDAY.- TROPEA, PIZZO CALABRO

We start the day with breakfast and depart for Tropea, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea." We explore the charming medieval historical center situated on a terrace approximately 70 meters above sea level. We capture the unique blend of history, architecture, and people against the backdrop of Tropea's walls, towers, gates, and the sandy white beach.

 In the afternoon, we visit Pizzo Calabro, perched on a magnificent promontory overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. We explore the 15th-century Aragon Castle, where Joachim Murat, Napoleon's brother-in-law and King of Naples, was imprisoned and sentenced to death.

Pizzo is also famous for its "tartufo" ice cream, a delicious treat resembling a black truffle in shape and color. This delightful combination of hazelnut and chocolate ice cream, coated with cocoa powder, was originally created by Pizzo's ice cream makers and has since gained popularity throughout Calabria and beyond.

Additionally, the Church of Madonna di Piedigrotta, situated inside a cave on the beach, presents a unique photographic opportunity to capture intricately carved rock sculptures.

We overnight in Vibo Valentia.

DAY 8 - APRIL 2, TUESDAY.- CIVITA, NAPLES

Enjoy breakfast and depart for Civita, a small village founded by a group of Albanians who escaped from the Ottoman invasion in the 1500s. Explore this amazing village located in Pollino National Park, overlooking the Raganello Gorges.

As we stroll around the hamlet, admire the "Kodra houses," small houses with windows and chimneys whose front sides resemble human faces, paying homage to the Albanian painter Ibrahim Kodra. At 1:00 pm, you'll have the opportunity to capture the preparation of local people wearing the typical Arbëreshë costume.

The "vallje" event then commences, featuring several groups of people in traditional costumes singing and dancing through the village's alleys, involving the audience in the celebration. This event commemorates the victory of Skanderberg, a national hero, against the Turks.

Depart for Naples.

 Overnight in Napoles (SA).

Day 9 & 10.- APRIL 3 & 4, WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY.- NAPLES

As we meander along Piazza del Plebiscito and  Spaccanapoli, the enchanting street that slices through the city's heart, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of local life. Every frame captures the soulful expressions of Neapolitans and the captivating vitality of the bustling markets that line our path.

The Sansevero Chapel beckons us with its ethereal beauty, housing artistic marvels like the Veiled Christ. We meticulously photograph the delicate details and aim to encapsulate the emotions evoked by these masterpieces.

Venturing into the Quartieri Spagnoli, we are enveloped in a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Our cameras freeze moments of the spirited lives of locals, amidst the vibrant street scenes, exuberant facades, and animated marketplaces.

Then  the Naples Underground, we are transported to an enigmatic world of hidden tunnels, ancient catacombs, and hauntingly beautiful cisterns. Each photograph captures the mystery and architectural wonders that lie beneath the city's surface.

Via dei Tribunali, with its tantalizing aroma of Neapolitan pizza, beckons us to capture the essence of this culinary capital. Our lenses focus on the bustling pizzerias, the joyous diners savoring their meals, and the timeless allure of this enchanting neighborhood.

Our lenses eagerly explore the bustling Mercato di Porta Nolana, where a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors and flavors unfolds before us. Each snapshot captures the vivid array of fresh produce, the animated interactions between vendors and customers, and the palpable energy of the market.

Along the picturesque Lungomare, we aim to encapsulate the breathtaking vistas of the Bay of Naples, the majestic silhouette of Mount Vesuvius, and the timeless allure of Castel dell'Ovo. Our photographs become windows to the captivating beauty of this coastal city.

In the elegant neighborhood of Chiaia, we stroll along its refined streets, capturing the timeless elegance of its architecture, the fashion boutiques that line its avenues, and the idyllic squares where locals gather. Each frame portrays the leisurely pace of life and the effortless charm of this chic district.

Day 11.- APRIL 5.- DEPARTURES