MORNING
Our journey begins with a short two-hour flight from Rome to Lamezia Terme, the charming capital of Calabria. Upon arrival, we’ll be greeted by our private, air-conditioned minibus, ensuring a comfortable ride throughout the day.

AFTERNOON
We’ll start with a warm welcome and a traditional Calabrian lunch in a picturesque countryside setting. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce ourselves, connect with fellow travelers, and set the tone for an unforgettable experience.
Next, we’ll explore two exceptional fabric manufacturers that seamlessly blend the rich heritage of Italian craftsmanship with modern design and creativity. Witness firsthand how tradition and innovation come together in these unique workshops.

EVENING
Around 6:30 PM, we’ll check in at our charming four-star agriturismo in Maida, conveniently located near our main destinations and which will be our home for the first half of this journey. This award-winning olive farm, renowned for its dedication to sustainable practices and community support, offers a serene and authentic Calabrian experience.
Surrounded by 10,000 ancient olive trees, you’ll enjoy a peaceful atmosphere complemented by hearty, locally sourced meals that celebrate the region’s culinary traditions. Spend the night immersed in nature, enjoying the perfect balance of comfort and simplicity.

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INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:

• Flight from Rome to Lamezia Terme

• Private local transportation

• Welcome lunch in the countryside

• Guided visits to fabric manufacturers

• Dinner featuring local specialties

• Overnight stay at a four-star agriturismo

MORNING
Start your day with a classic Italian breakfast featuring freshly brewed coffee and delightful pastries. By 10:00 AM, our private driver will whisk us away to a hidden gem: Calabria’s last working silkworm farm Nido di Set. Run by a passionate team of young agrientrepreneurs, this farm is a testament to tradition and innovation.
During our visit, we’ll explore their enchanting orchard, home to 300 mulberry trees, and dive into the fascinating process of silk thread production. With expert guidance, you’ll witness each step of this centuries-old craft, from the delicate care of silkworms to the creation of luxurious silk threads.

AFTERNOON
The silkworm farm doubles as an agriturismo, renowned for its farm-to-table cuisine. We’ll enjoy a hearty lunch made from fresh, locally grown ingredients, shared with the inspiring team behind this initiative.
After lunch, we’ll head to the nearby village of Cortale, a picturesque haven celebrated for its thriving community of artisans. Stroll through its charming streets, visit workshops, and experience the timeless artistry of local craftspeople.

EVENING
We’ll return to our agriturismo in the early evening, giving you time to unwind and soak in the serene atmosphere of its lush gardens. At 8:00 PM, join the group for a delightful dinner featuring authentic Italian dishes lovingly prepared by our hosts. It’s the perfect way to end a fulfilling day of discovery and connection.

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INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:

• Buffet breakfast

• Farm-to-table lunch at the silk farm

• Authentic Italian dinner at the agriturismo

• Private transportation throughout the day

• Guided silk farm tour and hands-on silk activities

• Exploration of Cortale and its artisan workshops

• Overnight stay at a four-star agriturismo

MORNING
After a rejuvenating night and a hearty breakfast, prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of natural dyes. Today, you’ll work alongside Nadia and the talented Verónica Santamaría Querubín, a rising star in the textile world.
Born in Colombia, Verónica graduated Magna Cum Laude in design from Los Andes University in Bogotá. She was a finalist for the prestigious Dorothy Waxman International Textile Prize in 2021 and she is currently pursuing her MA in Textiles at Polimoda in Florence, Italy.
With a deep connection to her Colombian and Latin American roots, Verónica regularly collaborates with artisan communities to promote slow, meaningful, and locally inspired textile production. Her workshop begins with an engaging introduction to natural dyes, including materials, techniques, and the initial steps of this fascinating process.

AFTERNOON
Enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the serene gardens of the agriturismo. Refreshed, we’ll return to the workshop, delving deeper into hands-on natural dyeing techniques. You’ll experiment with locally sourced silk yarns and other exquisite fibers, including cotton, silk blends, and linens, all thoughtfully curated by Verónica.

EVENING
Take the early evening to unwind at your leisure. Reflect on the skills you’ve learned, relax in the peaceful gardens, or curl up with a good book. At 8:00 PM, we’ll gather for our final dinner at the agriturismo, sharing stories and savoring the flavors of Calabria.

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INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:

• Buffet breakfast

• Lunch featuring local and seasonal ingredients

• Dinner featuring local and seasonal ingredients

• Full-day natural dyes workshop with Verónica Santamaría Querubín

• Materials for dyeing, including locally sourced fibers

• Overnight stay at a four-star agriturismo Costantino

MORNING
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we’ll check out of our rooms and dive into the final session of Verónica’s inspiring natural dyes workshop. Today, she’ll guide us through her favorite techniques, known for producing some of the most vibrant and colorful results. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have crafted at least three stunning silk yarns in different shades and four beautifully dyed fabric pieces, featuring both even hues and striking patterns.

AFTERNOON
Following a memorable lunch, we’ll bid farewell to Verónica and the wonderful agriturismo team who have made our stay so special. At 3:00 PM, our driver will take us on a scenic journey to the charming village of Longobucco. There, we will visit a fabulous weaving workshop, nestled in the heart of Calabria’s mountains.
Longobucco is steeped in textile history, celebrated by poets like Padula, De Giacomo, and Corso for its distinctive weaving traditions. These unique designs and colors have earned global recognition, including their feature on Fendi’s iconic Baguette bag in a special artisanal edition released in 2024.

EVENING
After our visit, we’ll arrive at our stunning home for the remainder of the trip: an elegant 18th-century historic residence surrounded by untouched natural beauty and fragrant citrus groves. This lovingly restored estate boasts spacious rooms that preserve the charm of the original farmhouse, complete with stone arches, the historic olive oil mill’s millstone, a private chapel, and a library housing over 5,000 rare books and manuscripts.
Settle in, explore the residence’s many treasures, and soak in the serene atmosphere. We will share our first dinner in this magical place, as we prepare for the next chapter of our stitching adventure.

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INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:

• Buffet breakfast

• Lunch featuring local delicacies

• Dinner featuring local delicacies

• Final natural dyes workshop with Verónica

• Scenic transportation to Longobucco

• Visits to explore the rich textile heritage of Longobucco

• Lodging at a historic 18th-century residence