CALABRIA: Ride the Wild Frontier
Oct 2-12th, 2026

DAY 1: October 2nd, 2026 - Naples to Scalea by Train

Meet at The Napoli Centrali train station where we’ll take the high speed ‘Direct Trenitalia’ to Scalea-Santa Domenica Talao. At the station you’ll be shuttled to our initial hotel in Scalea. Here, we’ll fit and test our bikes and present a welcome briefing. Walk the Centro Storico, the atmospheric medieval heart of Scalea with winding alleys, quaint piazzas, and historic churches. Visit the Norman Castle perched above Scalea’s old town with panoramic views of the coast. (optional pre-ride Napoli half day guided tour on Oct 1) Grand Hotel de Rose (D)

DAY 2: Scalea – Roggiano Gravina, cycling 43mi/4100'+

After breakfast we cross the coastal plains through olive groves and vineyards along the “Riviera dei Cedri” (Citron Riviera), passing by Diamante,a charming coastal town known for its murals, beach atmosphere, relaxed vibe and spicy peppers. At the picturesque marina of Belvedere Marittima, we start climbing up to Passo dello Scalone summiting at 2500’ a.s.l. With gradients averaging 5%, the route is a challenging but rewarding ascent through dramatic landscapes. We continue downhill on switchbacks surrounded by trees and valleys to Grotta della Monaca, an archeological wonder considered one of Europe’s most important prehistoric mining and burial sites. As you get closer to Roggiano Gravina, the route skirts the edge of Pollino National Park, Italy’s largest, with dramatic mountains and diverse flora and fauna. In Roggiano Gravina, visit its historic Old Town with its medieval walls. (B,D)

DAY 3: Roggiano Gravina – Acri, cycling 32mi/3100’+

You’ll cycle gently rolling hills through a typical Calabrian agriculture area with grain fields, olive groves, and stunning views of the valley. The route passes by Italy’s largest WW2 concentration camp, Ferrramonti di Tarisa where you’ll visit the “International Museum of Memory”. We continue to ancient Bisignano, the “Village of Lute-Makers,” Bisignano boasts a centuries-old tradition of handcrafted string instruments including the De Bonis family’s luthier workshop. You can visit this living museum of Calabrian folk music or Santuario e Grotta di Sant'Umile. Departing town, we enter the “Greek Sila” offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills and terraced vineyards. From here we climb on windy roads with panoramic vistas through the Timpone della Morte before reaching our agriturismo (farmhotel). In Acri, visit the Museo di Arte Contemporanea and the Basilica di Sant’Angelo. (B,D)

DAY 4: Acri – Lorica, cycling 44mi/4500’+

Today we cycle deep into the Calabria highlands, crossing through the heart of the stunning Sila National Park. You’ll pass though Campo San Lorenzo, a picturesque village on the edge of Lake Cecita, known for its charming wooden church reflected in the lake. Afterwards, we’ll visit Silvana Mansio, an authentic alpine hamlet with historic wooden chalet’s surrounded by a dense pine fairytale forest. From here we climb through Europe’s highest vineyard to Cava di Melis, gateway to the giant summits of Sila Mountains Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve housing the Museum of Biodiversity. Enjoy an exciting  descent, with sweeping panoramic views of alpine lakes and pine forests, into Lorica on the edge of Lake Avro, a major hub for watersports. Hotel Park 108 (2 nights). (B,L,D)

DAY 5: Rest Day in Lorica

Hotel Park 108 in Lorica is a family run, 4-star hotel on Lake Arvo offering numerous optional activities including: hiking and mountain biking trails, canoeing/kayaking, zipline, yoga, reiki, turkish baths and spa services. Relax, revive and breathe in the fresh lakeside surrounded by lush gardens and the majestic Sila Mountains. (B,D)

DAY 6: Lorica – Villaggio Mancuso, cycling 37mi/2850’+

You’ll ride along Lake Arvo to its northern end at Rovale, then climb uphill through pine and beech forests. At Palumbo, admire the “fiord-like” views amid Sila’s dense woods. Follow the renowned Ciclovia dei Parchi (Cycle Route of the Parks), climbing towards Borgo di Torre Spineto and Manco Spineto Migliari. A fast descent and rolling hills through verdant forest takes us to Villaggio Mancuso, renowned for its historic wooden mountain huts. (B,D)

DAY 7: Villaggio Mancuso – Catanzaro Lido, cycling 50mi/3400'+
Our route traverses Calabria’s lush Sila forests, ancient towns, and panoramic ridges, descending to the Ionian coast. On the way we’ll tour the medieval village of Taverna where we may tour the Museo Civico to view the works of great Baroque painter Mattia Preti. At Tirolo, the famed “town of two seas”, you’ll have panoramic views of both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts, and often the Aeolian Islands. From there, the route drops on switchbacks to Calabria’s eastern coast whose unspoiled beaches we’ll follow to Catanzaro Lido. (B)

DAY 8: Catanzaro Lido - Serra San Bruno, cycling 37mi/3600’+ 

We cycle from the Ionian coast ascending through olive groves and forested slopes.

into the heart of Calabria’s “Serre” mountains. The ride culminates in atmospheric Serra San Bruno, whose Baroque churches, lively squares, and the renowned Carthusian Monastery are nestled amid pinewoods and rolling meadows. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: Serra San Bruno – Tropea, cycling 44mi/2230’+ 

Our final cycling day winds downhill through beech and chestnut trees, passing sleepy villages and rural farmland with panoramic viewpoints. Cycle through Vibo Valentia, once the ancient Greek colony Hipponion, where fragments of the original city walls still stand as reminders of its storied past. Then ascend to Zungri to explore the captivating “City of Stone,” an extraordinary collection of rock dwellings with mysterious origins from the 12th to 14th centuries. Our final descent, on undulating roads through vineyards and olive groves, offers one of the most stunning views in southern Italy, with Tropea’s golden sand beaches and turquoise waters visible from afar. Historic Tropea, with its medieval centro storico, was voted the most beautiful village and iconic beach in Italy. Sentido Michelizia Resort (2 nights) (B)

DAY 10: Tropea,  Aeolian Islands Cruise
A stunning day-cruise whisks us across the sea to the enchanting Aeolian Islands, a paradise that can only be reached by boat. Our first stop is Stromboli, the legendary "fire-breathing" island. Rising dramatically from the sea, this 900-metre volcano is one of Italy’s four active giants. Its dark silhouette hides two villages: bustling San Vincenzo and tiny Ginostra, a traditional fishing haven. Stromboli’s black-sand beaches invite you for a refreshing swim beneath the smoking crater. Next, we sail to Lipari, the lively heart of the archipelago. Here, you’ll find a vibrant mix of inviting cafés and fashion boutiques set among narrow winding streets and colorful old houses. Perched high on a natural rock, the imposing castle and cathedral offer sweeping views of the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. Our final destination is the wild and untamed Vulcano, an island shaped by fire and sulfur. Towering cliffs and rugged landscapes surround you, while the island’s famous fumaroles fill the air with a strong volcanic scent. Here you can soak in steaming mud baths, long praised for their healing—and some say even rejuvenating—powers, before gazing out at the dramatic scenery that makes Vulcano truly otherworldly. Farewell Dinner Feast.  (B,D)

DAY 11: October 12, 2026 Departure by bus to Lamezia Terme airport (SUF) (B)

Joining the ride
“Request to participate" at the bottom of the ride description page or make further inquiries by contacting the ride leader, Bruce Rayvid. Upon acceptance you will be asked to sign a waiver and pay the People Cycling registration fee, The deposit will be paid directly to Maremonti Tours (MT) after ride confirmation. Note that this tour is rated “difficult”. Review the mileage and elevations in the ride description to insure you are confident of being able to complete the daily routes

Payments and Cancellations 

The total tour cost per person is $3585 USD based on two persons sharing a room, calculated at a current currency exchange rate of $1.15 USD equals 1 Euro (€3100 actual cost). As exchange rates fluctuate, there may be an adjustment in the amount of the final payment. Singles are welcome at a surcharge of approximately $950 per room. If you do not have a riding partner, we will do our best to connect participants as roommates. A deposit of $900 is required on booking with the balance due 90 days prior to the tour.  MT requires a minimum of twelve participants for the ride. Refunds of deposits and payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recovered.  If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made when the replacement has paid their fees. If the canceling participant can't be replaced there will be no refund.  Refund calculations are based on the principle that a canceling participant will not increase the cost for others. All cancellations are subject to an administrative fee of $175, which MT will deduct from the deposit. If a participant that is sharing a room cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the canceling roommate may also be liable for the supplement for a private room of the roommate remaining on the tour. The People Cycling ride registration and membership fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled. You are highly encouraged to purchase trip cancellation and medical travel insurance. The itinerary, cruise/excursions, destinations and menus are subject to change depending on weather, availability and size of group.  

Tour includes:

• 11 days. 10 nights in double rooms with breakfast in indicated hotels

• 8 dinners with water (other drinks excluded)

• 2 picnic lunches 

• luggage transfer from hotel to hotel

• support vehicle for emergency pickup and technical assistance during rides

• Water, snacks and electrolyte drinks for the rides

• Boat trip to Aeolian islands

• Group transfer from Scalea train station to hotel

• Group transfer from last hotel in Tropea to Lamezia Terme Airport

• English speaking cycling guide

• TCX or GPX files for each day’s route 

• water and snacks during the rides

• Not included: flights, bike hire, travel, cancellation, medical and accident insurances, drinks at lunch/dinner, pre-tour hotel and optional pre-ride guided half day tour or Napoli on Oct 1st (highly recommended), post-tour hotel, tips/gratuities, anything not mentioned above

Rental bikes available:

• hybrid/sport bike with 24 gears on triple cassette  3 x 8  --  € 180

• E-touring bikes with Bosch Motor and 500Wh battery (limited)  --  € 360

• Gravel bikes. Aluminum (Shimano GRX 600 components)  --  € 230

• Gravel bikes. Carbon  (Shimano GRX 600 or Campagnolo Ekar 1x13)  --  € 360

Weather
With an average range from 66-74°, Calabria weather in early to mid October is mild and sunny with breezes and moderate chances for precipitation; perfect for cycling. Occasional rain in the mountains is always a possibility; participants should be prepared to ride regardless of weather 

Home  Wild Chile   Mythical Greece Peloponnese  Crete  Epic Sicily   Tasmania