If you enjoy tailoring your travel experiences to suit your interests, consider My Bella Vita Travel, which offers personalized small-group and private excursions to Italy’s Calabria region. Situated on the southwestern “toe” of the Italian boot, Calabria is less visited by North Americans than many other areas of the country. Its varied landscape features the Apennine Mountains and more than 500 miles of coastline along the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas.
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“We are excited to introduce Americans to our insider itineraries that showcase the region’s captivating beaches, hiking trails, ancient villages and distinctive culture,” said Cherrye Moore, founder of My Bella Vita Travel. Her company focuses on authentic, small-scale experiences that reveal Calabria’s lesser-known charms.
Whether your interests lean toward nature hikes, relaxing on pristine beaches, sampling regional cuisine and wines, or exploring art, history and medieval hill towns, Moore and her team design options informed by local knowledge. Moore’s family ties to Calabria add depth to the company’s recommendations and on-the-ground connections.
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My Bella Vita Travel also specializes in luxury heritage and cultural tours, helping travelers trace their family roots in Calabria. For the eight-day Small Group Heritage Tour (Oct. 9–16), the company assigns a Calabrian Heritage Specialist to conduct pre-trip research and accompany guests during a personalized visit to their ancestral town. That day typically includes guided visits to neighborhoods, churches and municipal archives to review records, alongside time to meet locals and explore the community.
Heritage itineraries blend genealogy with regional discovery: excursions to Sila Piccola mountain, visits to ancient villages, tastings at selected vineyards and cantinas, authentic Calabrian meals, and demonstrations of traditional crafts such as ceramics and gelato-making. These elements provide cultural context and memorable, hands-on experiences.
Planned departures for 2023 include The Best of Calabria & Malta (June 2–11), Calabria Food & Wine Tour (June 16–27) and Small Luxury Heritage Tour (Sept. 29–Oct. 8). Tours are customizable for individuals, couples, families or small private groups. An hour-long consultation is available to discuss trip planning; the consultation fee is credited toward the cost of a confirmed booking.