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Sila Park Loop: A Bike Tour through Villages, Mountains, and the Hidden Beauties

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Phone: +1 (212) 203-0485

Tour Details

Welcome to this thrilling cycling adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Calabria, where history, culture, and nature come together for an unforgettable experience. This itinerary takes you from Laino Borgo to the magnificent Castello di Serragiumenta in Altomonte, passing through charming villages such as Laino Castello, Mormanno, Morano Calabro, Castrovillari, and Civita. Along the way, you will immerse yourself in Calabria’s beauty, savor its traditional cuisine, and discover its rich history.

Departure & Return Location

Torano Train Station (Cs)

Departure Time

09:30 am

Price Includes

  • Luggage transport & cycling assistance shuttle
  • Dinner at Bottega Campanaro in Camigliatello Silano

  • 1-night stay at Hotel Tasso in Camigliatello Silano (double room with breakfast)

  • Dinner at Osteria Cosentina in Cosenza

  • 1-night stay at Hotel Royal Cosenza (double room with breakfast)

  • Guided tour of Cosenza’s historic center

Price Excludes

  • Cycling guide (available upon request)

  • Travel insurance
  • Extra personal expenses not listed above
  • Bike rental (available upon request)

Complementaries

  • Umbrella
  • Sunscreen
  • T-Shirt
  • Entrance Fees
Availability:

Available year-round, depending on weather conditions.

Starting Point: Torano Train Station

Our tour begins in Torano Train Station.

If the group requires a pick-up and transfer service, we will be happy to arrange it upon request for an additional cost, ensuring maximum convenience for all participants.

Booking & Cancellation Policies:

Booking Confirmation:
A 30% deposit is required to confirm the tour. The remaining balance is due 50 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy:

  • 30% deposit: Non-refundable.
  • 50-46 days before departure: 50% penalty.
  • 45-31 days before departure: 75% penalty.
  • 30 days or less before departure: 100% penalty.
  • 💳 Payment Methods:
Bank transfer or credit card.

    Itinerary

    Day 1From Torano Castello to the Sila – From the Hills of Acri to the Forests of Lake Cecita

    iFrom Bisignano, the route follows a more rugged path through the contrade—scattered rural hamlets and farmlands—until it reaches the town of Acri, perched between the Mucone Valley and the first rises of the Sila mountains. Here, the group pauses for a light lunch, taking in the atmosphere of this lively town, where stone buildings and winding alleys whisper stories of faith, resilience, and southern identity.
    After the break, the road begins its gradual ascent into the Sila Grande, through increasingly wooded terrain. As the altitude rises, the air grows crisp, and after about 30 km, the group reaches one of the tour’s most spectacular highlights: Lake Cecita. This vast, glacial lake surrounded by pine forests marks the official entrance to the Sila, one of the most unspoiled natural reserves in Europe.

    The day ends in the charming mountain village of Camigliatello Silano, a beloved destination for nature lovers. Accommodation is at Hotel Tasso, a historic and comfortable stay in the heart of the village. The evening concludes with a typical dinner at Bottega Campanaro, where local specialties—like Sila potatoes, wild mushrooms, cured meats, and alpine cheeses—are served in dishes full of bold flavors and tradition.
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    Back on our bikes, we head towards Morano Calabro, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. This spectacular town, with its houses stacked on a hillside, creates a postcard-perfect view. From here, we continue on the cycling path that connects Morano to Castrovillari, a scenic route surrounded by nature and stunning panoramas.

    Next, we reach Civita, a fascinating Arbëreshë (Albanian-heritage) village known for its unique traditions and culture. Here, we will enjoy lunch at a traditional tavern, where we can savor dishes inspired by Arbëreshë cuisine—flavors that have been passed down for generations.

    Our journey for the day concludes with our arrival at Castello di Serragiumenta, a majestic 18th-century manor in Altomonte. Here, we will check in for the night and indulge in a delicious dinner, featuring fresh, locally sourced products from the castle’s farm—an immersive culinary experience that highlights the richness of Calabrian gastronomy.

    Day 2From Camigliatello to Cosenza – Downhill through Villages and Culture

    After a hearty breakfast, the group bids farewell to the mountains and begins a long, satisfying descent through the villages of the Presila region. The route meanders through sunny clearings, gentle switchbacks, and panoramic overlooks. The first town is Spezzano della Sila, known for its rural charm and peaceful rhythm, followed by Spezzano Piccolo and Casole Bruzio—small towns where life moves slowly and authentically, shaped by the land and its rhythms.

    Each village tells a different story of traditional Calabria—a place of rustic kitchens, ancestral recipes, and timeless views. With the descent in full flow, the ride becomes a true pleasure, giving cyclists time to relax and take in the evolving scenery as the mountains melt into hills and valleys.

    The day’s destination is Cosenza, also known as the “Athens of the South”, a city of scholars, poets, and kings, nestled between two rivers and crowned by a Norman castle. Upon arrival, the group enjoys a lunch at a traditional inn in the old town, savoring dishes that blend noble heritage with rustic southern roots. The afternoon is free for exploration—through the medieval historic center with its churches and palazzi, or along the modern Corso Mazzini, home to the MAB – Bilotti Open-Air Museum, where contemporary sculptures line the elegant shopping promenade.

    Overnight stay is at Hotel Royal, centrally located and welcoming. Dinner is served at Osteria Cosentina, a beloved local institution that serves traditional Calabrian dishes with pride: hand-rolled pasta, stuffed eggplant, Cosenza-style codfish, and desserts made with honey and local walnuts.

    Day 3Return to Torano – A Cultural Farewell

    The final day begins slowly, with breakfast at the hotel and a guided visit to the historic center of Cosenza. Wandering its cobblestone streets is like stepping into a storybook—where noble palaces, arched stone windows, artisan workshops, and hidden corners speak of centuries past.

    After the tour, the group rides the last few kilometers back to the Torano Castello railway station, coasting through green hills and gentle terrain—a fitting close to a tour that balances physical challenge with cultural depth.

    At the station, the train awaits to take you home, your heart full of emotions, your legs tired in the best way, and your memory brimming with images that will last long after the final ride

    Map
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    Duration – Distance – Ascent – Descent
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    Road Types – Surfaces
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    Elevation Gain
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    Photos