Calabria Chef Bike Tour - Gastronomic cycling trip to a new destination

Calabrian cuisine, a vibrant reflection of its rugged landscape and rich history, is a celebration of bold flavors and rustic traditions.

Nestled in the toe of Italy’s boot, Calabria is a land of bold flavors, rugged landscapes, and deep-rooted traditions. Known for its fiery chili peppers, robust olive oil, and handmade pasta, Calabrian cuisine is a reflection of its sun-drenched terrain and resilient people. From wild herbs and sun-dried tomatoes to the famous ’Nduja—a spicy, spreadable pork sausage—every dish tells a story of heritage and passion.

Our Chef Bike Tour of Calabria is our most ambitious yet. Unlike the well-trodden paths of Tuscany or Sicily, Calabria remains an untamed and underexplored gem. Crafting this itinerary required extra effort, as the region’s tourism infrastructure is still developing, but we knew the reward would be worth it. With its breathtaking coastlines, rich history, and culinary excellence, Calabria offers an experience unlike any other.

A Journey of Flavor, History, and Discovery

This tour is not just about incredible food—it’s a ride through history, culture, and stunning scenery. Many Italian-Americans trace their roots to Calabria, and their ancestors carried Calabrian culinary traditions to the U.S., shaping what we know today as Italian cuisine. Now, we’re inviting you to rediscover Calabria at its source, where authenticity thrives.

Our carefully curated route takes you coast to coast, from the famous Costa degli Dei (Tropea and Capo Vaticano) to the serene Ionian shores, crossing the Aspromonte Mountains via Serra San Bruno. You’ll cycle through quiet villages, past olive groves and hazelnut orchards, and along roads that reveal Calabria’s unspoiled beauty. This diverse topography makes for a rewarding ride, perfectly suited for the adventurous yet casual cyclist.

Why Join This Tour?

Stunning Coastlines – Ride along both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, soaking in views of pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters.
Rich History & Culture – Explore ancient Greek and Roman ruins, medieval villages, and vibrant local traditions that have stood the test of time.
Scenic Outdoor Adventure – From mountain crossings to tranquil countryside roads, Calabria’s diverse landscapes make for an unforgettable cycling experience.
Authentic Culinary Delights – Savor traditional Calabrian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, with hands-on cooking experiences led by renowned Chef Mary Sue Milliken.
Genuine Hospitality – Calabria remains one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, where warm welcomes and a slower pace of life create a truly immersive experience.

Our guest chef will play an important role in understanding the local productions and the preparations that better tell the story of the territory.

Mary Sue Milliken is a trailblazing chef, cookbook author, activist, and media personality best known for her modern Mexican concept, Border Grill, which she co-founded with longtime business partner Susan Feniger. A James Beard and Julia Child Award winner, she has spent decades championing sustainable, flavorful cuisine through her acclaimed restaurants, including Socalo, BBQ Mexicana, Pacha Mamas, and Alice B. From the bustling streets of Los Angeles to Las Vegas’s Mandalay Bay, Mary Sue’s commitment to ethically sourced ingredients and bold, globally inspired flavors has left an indelible mark on the culinary world. A pioneer for women in the industry, she was the first female chef at Chicago’s Le Perroquet before cooking at the Michelin-starred Restaurant D’Olympe in Paris. Her career skyrocketed with the success of CITY Café in 1981, CITY Restaurant in 1985, and the launch of Border Grill—now an institution in regional Mexican cuisine.

Beyond the kitchen, Mary Sue has dedicated her career to food advocacy and mentorship. A passionate champion for ending childhood hunger, she has been an integral board member of No Kid Hungry for over three decades, raising funds and awareness to ensure every child in America has access to nutritious meals. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for the James Beard Foundation and has co-founded influential organizations such as Women Chefs & Restaurateurs, Chefs Collaborative, and Regarding Her, which supports women-owned restaurants. As a member of the U.S. State Department’s American Chef Corps, she has traveled globally to foster diplomacy through food. Whether competing on Top Chef Masters, co-starring in Too Hot Tamales, or leading sustainable food policy initiatives, Mary Sue Milliken is a force for change—both in and out of the kitchen. Full bio.

She looks forward to discovering the unique Calabrian cuisine with you! This is her eighth Tourissimo Chef Bike Tour.

Companions that are non-riders are also welcome. E-bikes (pedal-assisted system) available.

Highlights

Regional food that includes dishes not found elsewhere in Italy
Lunch with local farmers in a unique setting
Village of Pizzo and its legendary gelato
Private event and cooking class in a noble palace
Stunning Tropea and Capo Vaticano
Serra San Bruno, the village famous for its Carthusian monastery and rustic cuisine
Grand Final in Gasperina and Soverato where Heather - Tourissimo's founder - has her Italian roots
Fantastic ride on the Calabrian Parks bikeway
Day cruise along the "Costa degli Dei"
Stunning cycling in the rural inner Calabria and along the Mediterranean coast

Relevant blog: Traveling to Find My Roots in Southern Italy

Dates:

Prices:

2025

USD 5,400

Private room (single supplement) USD 695

Duration:

7 days (6 nights)

Level:

Active

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We loved it all! Guides were helpful & fun & supportive. The chefs were great, loved cooking & shopping with them. Food was fantastic!We loved it all! Guides were helpful & fun & supportive. The chefs were great, loved cooking & shopping with them. Food was fantastic!

Dana P. Sicily Chef Bike Tour, May 2024

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[fa icon="plus"] Day 1

Pizzo Calabro - Arrival - 15 miles

Our Calabrian Chef Bike Tour begins in Pizzo Calabro, a charming seaside town known for its stunning coastal views, historic landmarks, and tartufo di Pizzo—a decadent chocolate and hazelnut gelato dessert. Notably, it was the first ice cream in Europe to receive IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) certification in 2007.

Today, Piazza della Repubblica in Pizzo is always bustling with people, especially on hot summer days. This isn’t just due to the town’s coastal charm but, above all, to the fame of the tartufo, now a local specialty that draws visitors from near and far. Recognized as a must-visit destination for food lovers, Pizzo has made its mark as a symbol of Calabrian culinary tradition. In fact, many tourist guides even refer to it as the “City of Gelato.”

We’ll start by testing our bikes along the Pizzo coastline, with free time to explore the beach or wander through the picturesque old town. Later, we’ll regroup for a tour overview before coming together for our first group dinner.

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Pizzo - Tropea - 28 miles - Hilly

We consider Pizzo Calabro a hidden gem, perfect for travelers seeking an authentic Southern Italian experience. However, today, we set off toward the main highlight of our itinerary: Tropea, the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian.” Tropea is Calabria’s most historic and beloved seaside town.

Our ride begins with a rolling start along the coast, heading south, followed by a steady climb—8.6 miles with 1,700 feet of elevation gain—to the unassuming yet fascinating town of Zungri. (For those who prefer, the climb can be skipped by riding in the support van.)

As you pedal through the countryside, you’ll pass through pristine landscapes dotted with abandoned buildings and crumbling houses. What’s behind this haunting contrast? A history of devastating earthquakes, economic hardship, and depopulation has shaped the region, creating an ever-changing and strikingly unique scenery. Yet, Zungri stands as a symbol of resilience. Once on the brink of abandonment, it has reinvented itself as a cultural hub, preserving its traditions and landmarks. You’ll experience this firsthand as we gather for lunch at the Asfalantea Association, led by the dynamic and passionate Carla. Here, you’ll take part in your very own private Calabrian peasant festival, featuring cooking, storytelling, and much more.

The rest of the ride is gentler, with a gradual descent toward the coastline. As you approach Tropea, its most famous landmark comes into view: the island of Tropea, crowned by the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola. Our hotel, a former convent, offers the perfect setting to take in breathtaking sunsets. Dinner tonight will be a special experience, prepared by Chef Mary Sue Milliken, who will craft a menu using fresh ingredients from the convent’s garden.

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Tropea - Spilinga - 27 miles - Rolling

From Tropea, we’ll explore winding cliffside routes overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and venture inland through rolling hills and charming villages. After about 7 miles, we’ll regroup at the iconic Capo Vaticano—a perfect spot for a group photo!

A steady, gradual climb (about 5 miles) will lead us to Spilinga, a village renowned for its ’nduja. Calabrian cuisine is famous for its bold, spicy flavors, and ’nduja is often served over bread or as a pasta sauce. To learn more about this local delicacy, we’ll visit a producer and enjoy lunch in the garden of their production facility, surrounded by olive trees. Our hosts, Giuseppe and Antonio, will guide us through the experience.

In the afternoon, we’ll ascend further toward the western slopes of Monte Poro, which forms a plateau offering sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian coast. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Tropea or relax on its beautiful golden-sand beach.

For dinner, we’ll head to our favorite pizzeria, where you’ll enjoy gourmet pizzas crafted with unique local ingredients.

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Tropea boat ride

This morning, we embark on a private boat ride along the Costa degli Dei, heading toward Capo Vaticano. The tour includes three stops for swimming and snorkeling at the stunning beaches of Riaci, Grotticelle, and Tropea. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a Calabrian aperitivo, featuring local wine, cured meats, and cheeses.

Our boats will pause in front of Capo Vaticano, offering the perfect opportunity to take in the scenic beauty of the coastline. This unforgettable boat ride is the ideal way to say farewell to the Tyrrhenian coast as we prepare for our crossing over to the Ionian Sea.

This afternoon, we have a special event lined up. The star of the show is Fileja, the traditional Calabrian pasta shape, and the venue is a private noble palace, just a few steps from our convent-hotel. A hands-on cooking class will guide us in making this delicious dish (and much more), leading to a festive dinner to follow. Mary Sue will be our very own special ingredient for the evening, and we can’t wait to cook and dine with her here in beautiful Calabria!

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Tropea - Serra San Bruno - 20 miles - Rolling (or hike)

To truly understand Calabria, one must embrace its two souls: the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains with their dense forests.

The Calabrian peninsula is a narrow strip of land, traversed lengthwise by the Apennine mountain chain, creating a diverse landscape that yields an abundance of local products. Its rich folklore is deeply tied to agriculture, the rhythms of nature, and the seasonal ingredients that define its micro-regional cuisine.

The dense forests of Serra San Bruno (2,560 ft above sea level) feel like a world away from the beaches of Tropea. Here, mushrooms, sheep’s cheese, cold cuts, and hearty bread are staple foods, while piscistoccu (stockfish) appears frequently on menus, alongside legumes and seasonal vegetables.

With regional and national parks covering much of central Calabria, this area is one of the greenest and least polluted in Europe. Serra San Bruno itself owes its existence to the monastery founded by Saint Bruno, a landmark that continues to shape the region’s cultural and spiritual identity.

Rather than tackling the long climb up to Serra San Bruno, we’ll take a morning shuttle and start our ride from elevation. Cycle tourism is growing in inland Calabria, thanks to Ciclovia dei Parchi, a well-planned bike route that winds through the Aspromonte, Sila, Pollino, and Serre mountain parks, offering cyclists 300 miles of authentic discovery. Our ride will provide a taste of Ciclovia dei Parchi, with free time to visit the Certosa or enjoy a hike through the surrounding woods.

Tonight, we’ll dine at a rustic restaurant, savoring the most traditional dishes of Serra San Bruno.

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Serra San Bruno - Soverato - 35 miles - Rolling

Our final ride descends toward the Ionian Sea, taking us through Gasperina and Soverato. While not particularly difficult, the route is long, so pacing yourself is key—don’t assume it will be all downhill.

It’s an incredible ride along quiet roads, tranquil villages, and landscapes dotted with olive groves, hazelnut, and almond trees. Our first regroup is in Cardinale, Calabria’s hazelnut capital, where we recommend following the guides for a taste of the local hazelnut gelato. After refueling, we continue along scenic secondary roads, crossing into the province of Catanzaro—a milestone that marks our journey across Calabria as we descend toward the gentler eastern slopes. Around mile 25, just past Chiaravalle, we’ll stop for a quick lunch at a traditional cheese and gastronomy shop.

On a personal note, this is a special day. We stop in Gasperina, the birthplace of Heather’s (Tourissimo’s co-founder) grandmother, who emigrated to the USA in 1934 as a teenager, seeking to escape poverty and the restrictions of Fascist-era Italy. Many families from Gasperina settled in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, fully embracing their new home while staying deeply connected to their traditions. Perched on a hilltop surrounded by olive groves and overlooking the sea, Gasperina holds a special place in this journey.

From here, we descend to Soverato, where we’ll celebrate the end of our bike tour on the sandy shores of the Ionian Sea.

Our farewell seafood dinner will be held at Heather and Beppe’s favorite spot in the area, the perfect way to toast to an unforgettable adventure.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 7

Departure

This morning after breakfast there will be a group private transfer to the La Mezia Terme airport.

Bikes
What's Included
What's Not Included

Bikes (choice road carbon or hybrid; pedal-assisted at additional cost)
Two or more professional tour guides throughout the program
All accommodations in 4-star and 3-star hotels
All breakfasts, all lunches, and all dinners
Wine with meals, coffee, cappuccino, and gelato stops
Lunch at a nduja producer
Hands-on cooking class
Support vehicle during the tour and luggage transfer
Shuttle at the beginning and at the end of the tour
All activities mentioned in the day-by-day description

Airfare
Pre-tour hotel stays and post-tour hotel stays
Personal expenses such as laundry and cell phone
Guide gratuity
Optional tour extension

More Info

Food and Wine

Calabria is renowned for its rich culinary heritage that reflects its diverse geography and historical influences. The cuisine is characterized by robust flavors, featuring ingredients such as olives, tomatoes, and chili peppers, particularly the famous 'nduja, a spicy spreadable salami made with pork and seasoned with Calabrian peppers. Fresh seafood from the Tyrrhenian Sea complements traditional dishes like "swordfish involtini," while hearty pasta varieties, often served with rich sauces, showcase the region's agricultural bounty. Calabria is also known for its cheeses, with Pecorino and Caciocavallo being local favorites. Festivals celebrating local foods, such as the Peperoncino Festival in Diamante, highlight the pride Calabrians take in their culinary traditions, making it a true gastronomic delight for visitors.

The Certosa di Serra San Bruno

The Certosa di Serra San Bruno is a well-known tourist destination in Calabria. Founded by Saint Bruno (c. 1030 – 1101) of Cologne, Germany, it is the second community of his Carthusian Order. The first abbey was established in 1084 in the Chartreuse Mountains near Grenoble, France. It was called the Grande Chartreuse, and the English term “Charterhouse” stems from this French word. Interestingly, the color chartreuse also owes its designation to these monks and their greenish liqueur. They’ve been making their Chartreuse, a sweet herb liqueur, since 1737.

The Certosa or Charterhouse in Calabria was founded in 1091. The monastery is located in a particularly rainy zone of the Serre Mountains. The misty atmosphere added a mystique to the solid stone walls that surround the interior quadrilateral structures.

From time to time, the monastery in Serra San Bruno has hosted noteworthy guests. However, the rumor that one of the pilots who dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima sought spiritual refuge within its walls is just that. As to be expected, the most famous guests have been religious figures – various popes and saints. More recently these notables have included Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. The monastery welcomes visitors to its museum on the grounds designed to educate about this spiritual place without interfering with the strict rules of the order – silence, prayer, meditation, and penitence.