Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know About Touring Calabria, Sicily & Southern Italy
Planning an unforgettable holiday to Southern Italy?
Below you'll find answers to the most common questions about our small-group Italy tours, Calabria holidays, Sicily itineraries and authentic local experiences.
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Our Italy tours are designed for travellers looking for an authentic Italian experience rather than a traditional sightseeing holiday. Instead of rushing through major tourist attractions, we focus on Calabria, Sicily and Southern Italy, regions where local traditions, family hospitality and incredible food remain at the heart of everyday life.
Every itinerary is personally curated to include hidden villages, coastal towns, family-run restaurants, cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes that many visitors never discover on their own.
We believe the best tours of Italy are the ones that leave you feeling like a local, not a tourist. -
Our small-group tours have limited availability and often sell out well in advance.
We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for departures between May and September when demand for Italy tours is highest.
Our spaces fill quickly for My Calabria Tours as we travel during peak Summer seasons. -
We specialise in small-group Italy tours with a limit of 16 people.
Smaller groups allow us to visit family businesses, boutique wineries, local restaurants and hidden destinations that larger coaches simply can't access.
It also creates a more relaxed atmosphere where everyone gets to know each other throughout the journey.
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Yes.
Whether it's your first trip to Italy or your tenth, our tours are designed to remove the stress of planning while giving you a genuine local experience.
You'll enjoy carefully planned itineraries, comfortable accommodation, local insights, authentic food experiences and enough free time to explore independently.
Many guests choose our tours because they want to experience Italy beyond Rome, Venice and Florence.
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Absolutely.
Many of our guests travel solo and quickly become part of the group.
Small-group travel offers a safe, social and welcoming environment where you can enjoy Italy without worrying about navigating unfamiliar destinations alone.
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Calabria is one of Italy's best-kept secrets. Located at the southern tip of mainland Italy, the region offers crystal-clear beaches, dramatic mountains, traditional villages, incredible seafood and some of the warmest hospitality in the country.
Unlike more crowded destinations such as Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, Calabria offers a slower pace of travel and a genuinely authentic Italian lifestyle. It's the perfect destination for travellers who want to experience the Italy locals know and love.
Travel publications increasingly describe Calabria as one of Italy's most underrated destinations thanks to its unspoiled coastline, rich food culture and relaxed atmosphere.
From where you’d rather be
If you have a question that’s not answered here, just contact us!
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No, a visa is not required for Australian residents travelling to Italy for a stay of up to 90 days. A passport needs to be valid for at least six months from your return date.
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Yes.
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all international travel.
Travel insurance provides protection for unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage and travel disruptions, giving you peace of mind throughout your holiday.
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Airlines generally release fares 10-12 months out. The closer you get to departure can result in higher fares as less seats become available.
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We choose locally owned boutique hotels, charming guesthouses and carefully selected accommodation that reflects the character of each destination.
Rather than large international hotel chains, we prioritise places that offer genuine Italian hospitality and memorable local experiences.
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Food is one of the highlights of every journey.
Depending on your itinerary, you'll experience regional specialties, long family lunches, fresh seafood, handmade pasta, traditional desserts, local wines and produce unique to Calabria and Sicily.
Many meals are shared with local families and producers, giving you an authentic taste of Southern Italy.
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Yes.
We can accommodate most dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and food allergies when advised prior to departure.
Italy has a wonderful food culture, and we work closely with our local partners to ensure everyone enjoys the experience.
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Yes.
Calabria is considered a safe destination for visitors and is well known for its welcoming communities and strong family culture.
Like anywhere in the world, sensible travel precautions should be taken, but most visitors describe Calabria as one of the friendliest and most authentic regions in Italy.
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Whilst speaking Italian is not required, Simona has been an Italian language teacher for the last 15 years, so if you’re actively learning or curious, you’ll get the perfect opportunity to practise and learn with an experienced tutor.
Your tour is fully guided, and we'll help bridge any language barriers throughout the journey.
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Our tours include a comfortable amount of walking through historic villages, coastal towns and cultural sites.
A reasonable level of mobility is recommended, as many authentic Italian towns feature cobblestone streets, stairs and uneven pathways.
We always build in time to relax, enjoy long lunches and experience Italy at its natural pace.
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Definitely.
Many guests choose to spend additional time exploring Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast or other parts of Italy before or after joining our Southern Italy tour.
We're happy to provide recommendations to help you make the most of your Italian holiday.
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There are numerous newsletters that are easily accessible covering tips on intelligent packing; how to pack; what to pack; average temperatures and recommendations for luggage best suited for traversing cobblestones.