If you love having your experiences abroad customized to your needs and desires, consider My Bella Vita Travel, which offers personalized, small group and individual excursions to Italy’s Calabria region. Located in the southwestern toe of the Italian “boot,” and less traveled by North Americans than many other areas of the country, Calabria’s gorgeous landscape includes the Apennine Mountains and more than 500 miles of coastline edging the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas.

© Franco Mura

“We are excited to build awareness among Americans of our insider itineraries that highlight the captivating beaches, hiking trails, ancient villages, and unique culture of a region that is relatively undiscovered but full of surprises and discoveries,” said Cherrye Moore, founder, My Bella Vita Travel.

Whether your preferences lean toward nature treks, sunbathing on gorgeous beaches, sampling regional cuisine and wines, or exploring art, culture, history and medieval villages, Moore (whose husband is Calabrian) and her team can accommodate with suggestions based on insider knowledge.

© Franco Mura

My Bella Vita Travel also specializes in luxury heritage and cultural tours, helping travelers discover their own family roots in this part of the world. To prepare guests for the upcoming eight-day Small Group Heritage Tour (Oct. 9–16), a Calabrian Heritage Specialist is delegated to carry out family research. During the tour, the specialist escorts guests on an individualized excursion to their ancestral town. The day includes visits to the town’s neighborhoods, churches and city hall to peruse records. This trip also incorporates forays to Sila Piccola mountain, ancient villages, a selection of vineyards and cantinas, meals of authentic Calabrian cuisine and demonstrations of ceramics and gelato-making.

Also on the upcoming schedule of expeditions in 2023: 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 can be customized for individuals, couples, families or other small groups. An hour-long trip consultation can be arranged; the fee for the consultation will be applied against the cost of a booked trip.