Another fascinating experience to propose, involving the entire Amendolea area including Roghudi Vecchio, could be a “Food & Culture Tour of the Amendolea”, combining the discovery of the region’s natural and cultural heritage with its local culinary excellence.
THIS TOUR IS NOT YET ACTIVE. WE ARE WORKING TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
1. Excursion in the Amendolea Riverbed and Visit to Historic Villages
Trekking in the Amendolea riverbed: The tour could begin with an excursion along the Amendolea riverbed, exploring the beautiful landscapes between the Aspromonte mountains and the waters of the stream. The walk may include stops to discover geological formations like the “Rocca del Drago”, perfect for photography and nature observation.
Visit to Grecanic villages: Continuing on, tourists could visit historic villages in the area, such as Gallicianò and Bova, symbols of Greek-Calabrian culture. These villages preserve traces of Hellenic heritage and offer immersion in local traditions, with guided tours of historic monuments and the Orthodox Church of Gallicianò.
Roghudi Vecchio: The tour could include a stop at Roghudi Vecchio for a brief guided visit of the ghost town, enriched by local legends and stories.
2. Food Workshops and Tasting of Local Products
Visit to a local farm: After the walk, tourists could visit a local farm to discover the production of olive oil, cheese, and wine. Here, they could participate in a traditional cooking workshop, learning how to prepare Calabrian dishes such as "frittata di ginestra" or "homemade pasta with 'nduja".
Food & wine tasting: At the end of the workshop, a tasting session could be arranged with local products: goat cheeses, extra virgin olive oil, homemade bread, olives, cured meats (including the famous 'nduja), and local wines. The tasting could take place outdoors overlooking the Amendolea Valley, creating a multisensory experience.
3. Cultural Experience: Music and the Greek-Calabrian Language
Traditional music workshop: To enrich the experience, a local music workshop could be organized where tourists learn to play traditional instruments like the Calabrian lyre and the zampogna, with live demonstrations by local musicians.
Introduction to Greco-Calabrian (Grecanic): Part of the experience may include an introduction to the Greco-Calabrian language, with the chance to learn some useful words and expressions, preserving a connection with the area's ancient cultural roots.
4. Relaxation and Wellbeing in Nature
Picnic on the riverbed: After the more active parts of the day, a relaxing moment could be offered with a picnic along the Amendolea riverbed, with baskets prepared using local products.
Swimming in the stream: In summer, tourists could enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the Amendolea stream, surrounded by natural beauty.
5. Ending the Day with Sunset Stories
Storytelling at sunset: To conclude the experience, an open-air evening could be organized, with a local storyteller sharing ancient legends of the area, such as those about the Rocca del Drago or Grecanic folk traditions. This could take place around a campfire, creating a magical atmosphere at dusk.
This experience would combine the best the Amendolea area has to offer: natural beauty, culture, gastronomy, history, and local traditions.