51 years ago in 1972, on August 16th, one of Italy’s most significant archeological finds would occur in the Ionian Sea in Calabria. After an episode that’s had implications that have not yet been completely clarified, two bronze Greek statues dating as far back as the 5th century B.C.E. were found on the seabed at the site of the Porto Forticchio of Riace Marina.

The 15th of August is when Italy truly unites as one country by coming to a complete halt insieme (together) with regards to work, studies or any routine that does not involve rest. Cities may even feel at a standstill this time of year because that’s how serious Italians take Ferragosto. Families (like my own) would reunite during August, annually.

Despite the state of world travel for the last three years, we are still pushing forward and prepping future tours in one of Italy’s oldest region’s rich in history and agriculture. Our last trip in 2019 was an unforgettable one and we plan on returning.

Where does the word 'nduja actually come from? Is it African? Indian? Albanian? It's definitely not Italian but it is 100% Calabrian.

Scilla is flooded with ancient history from Tyrrhenian pirates, Trojan wars, Greek legends and swordfish. Lots and lots of swordfish!

Fileja pasta is shaped like a smoothe screw which has been elongated. Some Italians refer to them as fusilli as well, but they are actually not at all the same as the Fusilli we know and enjoy here in the United States.

Bread is sacred in Calabria and it was always homemade. Most families baked their own bread at home in wood-burning ovens.

Calabria is Italy’s second largest grower of olives and producer of olive oil. It’s neighboring region of Puglia (“the heel”) is the first.