This itinerary is designed for those seeking to immerse themselves in the most authentic side of Calabria, where beauty isn’t measured in kilometers but in emotions. Starting from the Torano railway station, this cycling adventure winds through the fertile Crati Valley, across rolling hills, historic villages, and centuries-old traditions, before entering the majestic setting of the Pollino National Park.
It’s a rich and emotional experience that blends physical activity with local encounters, natural beauty, and culinary traditions. From ancient olive groves to pristine waterfalls, from family-run mountain inns to Arbëreshë hospitality, every leg of the journey reveals a deeper, wilder Calabria—untouched, welcoming, and unforgettable.
Torano Train Station (Cs)
09:30 am
Available year-round, depending on weather conditions.
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 Confirmation: A 30% deposit is required to confirm the tour. The remaining balance is due 50 days before departure.
❌ Cancellation Policy:
💳 Payment Methods: Bank transfer or credit card.
After arriving at Torano railway station, the tour begins with a relaxed ride north through the Crati Valley, one of the most fertile and scenic areas of Calabria. The first stretch flows through vineyards, wheat fields, and historic farms around San Marco Argentano and Roggiano Gravina, towns that showcase Calabria’s rural heritage, where life follows the rhythms of the land and hospitality is a way of being.
As the road gently climbs toward San Sosti, the group stops for a special moment at the Fra Giovanni Waterfall, a magical place hidden among rocks and forest. Clear mountain water cascades over mossy stones, offering the perfect chance to refresh and reconnect with nature.
The ascent becomes more demanding, but the reward is great: arriving in San Donato di Ninea, a hilltop village over 900 meters above sea level, perched in the heart of the Pollino. Here, we are warmly welcomed by the Malieni family, proud custodians of local tradition and owners of the “La Baita” restaurant and B&B. Dinner at La Baita is a true mountain feast: rustic pizzas, local mushrooms, aged cheeses, and homemade cold cuts—all served in an atmosphere of warmth and genuine connection.
The day begins with the scent of fresh bread and a homemade breakfast with mountain views before setting off eastward. This part of the tour is perhaps the most visually striking, with scenic roads winding through the highlands of the Pollino, linking villages steeped in silence and time. The ride offers a blend of forests, ancient trails, and views that shift with every curve.
One key stop is Lungro, considered the religious capital of the Italo-Albanian (Arbëreshë) Byzantine Rite in Calabria. The village, with its richly decorated churches and spiritual depth, preserves a strong Eastern Christian heritage—still alive in language, liturgy, and art.
We then descend toward Saracena, a town famed for its sweet Moscato wine, but also for its new generation of craft brewers. Here, we pause for a beer tasting organized by a local brewery, a refreshing break with bold flavors drawn from local honey, mountain water, and carefully selected hops.
The road continues to Castrovillari, where the silhouette of the Pollino massif dominates the skyline. Finally, we reach Civita, one of Italy’s most iconic Arbëreshë villages, dramatically perched above the Raganello Gorges. A place where Albanian language and culture thrive, Civita is both a cultural and visual treasure.
We’ll stay at B&B La Magara, a charming guesthouse in the heart of the village. Dinner is served at La Kamastra, a refined restaurant that celebrates Arbëreshë gastronomy through seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and imaginative preparation—an unforgettable culinary experience.
After a generous breakfast, we leave Civita heading northeast toward Cerchiara di Calabria, a town famous for its wood-fired bread baked using centuries-old methods. We’ll stop at a traditional bakery for a rustic snack, enjoying warm bread with olive oil, cheese, and local preserves—a simple and deeply satisfying moment.
The route climbs gently through the hills of the Alto Ionio, with sweeping views of the coastline shimmering in the distance. Olive groves, fields, and oak forests shape the landscape as we approach Plataci, a serene Arbëreshë village set among greenery and silence.
Accommodation is at Rifugio Radura del Grano, a lodge immersed in nature, perfect for relaxing after three days of discovery. Dinner will be hosted by La Piccola Bottega del Gusto, a family-run spot where zero-kilometre ingredients and age-old traditions come together in dishes inspired by local pastoral culture. Expect authenticity, warmth, and flavors that speak of home.
After breakfast, our shuttle service will take participants from the peaceful heights of Plataci back to the Torano railway station, where the tour began just days earlier. With luggage full of local treats and hearts full of memories, laughter, and powerful landscapes, it’s time to say goodbye—for now.
