Day 6 – The delightful towns of Serra San Bruno and Stilo
On a full-day excursion, you step back in time on a visit to the
historic towns and villages of the Calabrian hills. Your route
winds up towards the highlands of the Calabrian Serre to your first
destination, Serra San Bruno. This enchanting village is nestled in
the mountains, surrounded by woodland and crowned by a serene
monastery.
The Certosa, or Charterhouse, is a Carthusian monastery
connected with Grande Chartreuse abbey near Grenoble in France.
Founded by St Bruno around 1100 AD, the hermitage and grounds
provide insights into the spiritual lives of monks. The town of
Serra San Bruno itself was originally where builders and artisans
involved in the construction of the monastery lived. Today, its
quaint town centre is seemingly untouched by time, filled with
age-old stone buildings and a warren of quiet, winding lanes.
After a picnic lunch, your next destination is one of Italy's
most beautiful villages. Set on the mountain slopes, the utterly
gorgeous village of Stilo overlooks an endless green sea of olive
groves and shrub-dotted countryside down to the brilliant blue
Ionian Sea. This unspoilt delight has many attractive sights, and
you have entry to the Cattolica di Stilo, a charming 9th-century
Byzantine church containing ancient frescoes. With a jumble of
narrow lanes, staircases and archways leading on to small piazzas,
peaceful Stilo enchants, and you are never far from fantastic
views.
You return to your hotel by coach across the hills in time for
dinner and drinks this evening.
Includes