Lamezia Terme is more than just a gateway to Calabria — it offers a surprising variety of tours that let you experience the region’s natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious food firsthand. Whether you’re craving an adrenaline rush, a culinary lesson, or a walk through historic streets, this city has a lot to offer. We’re particularly fond of the Quad Buggy Excursion, which combines fun with stunning landscapes, and the Ice Cream Laboratory, a sweet way to learn about Italian Dolcevita. These experiences showcase Calabria’s unspoiled wilderness and its warm, flavorful hospitality. If you’re into art and history, the Private Walking Tour in Cosenza offers a deeper look at Calabria’s cultural heart. For a truly local touch, the Home Cooking Experience in Catanzaro stands out as a heartfelt way to connect with Calabria’s culinary roots.
Below, you’ll find a quick overview of these top tours, with details on what makes each one unique and worth booking.
1. Quad Buggy Excursion Tour
At number one on our list is the Quad Buggy Excursion, a lively outdoor adventure that covers unexplored forests and hidden paths at the point where Calabria divides between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. For around $119, you’ll enjoy about 2.5 hours of riding through rugged terrain, led by friendly guides who are as enthusiastic as the scenery is stunning. The quad bikes are easy to ride and gear-free, making this fun accessible even if you’re a beginner.
What sets this tour apart is its combination of adventure and authenticity. You get to see centuries-old woods, panoramic vistas, and remote trails that few visitors encounter. Reviewers often mention how friendly and attentive the guides are, with one saying, “The experience was fun and the guide was very attentive.” The tour is suitable for nearly everyone, thanks to the simple controls, though allergy-sensitive travelers should bring antihistamines if pollen is an issue.
Bottom Line: For an active day that promises both adrenaline and scenic beauty, this quad tour offers great value with a five-star rating. It’s perfect for families, groups, or anyone seeking a thrill in nature.
2. Lamezia Terme: Ice Cream Laboratory
Next on our list is a sweet treat — the Ice Cream Laboratory in Calabria. For just over $62, you’ll spend about 2 hours learning how to craft artisanal gelato and organic cones in a vintage, nostalgic setting. This tour isn’t just about tasting — you get to make your own ice cream, experiment with flavors, and taste what you create at the end.
What makes this experience special is Valentino, the knowledgeable host who guides you through the process with enthusiasm. Reviewers highlight how much fun they had “making cones and flavors,” and many mention the nostalgic 1960s atmosphere that adds charm. Plus, everyone leaves with their own cones and a better appreciation for Italy’s famous dolce life.
This tour is great for families, foodies, or anyone interested in learning a traditional craft while enjoying a relaxed, fun environment. It’s also a perfect activity for those rainy or hot days when you want a break and a sweet reward.
Bottom Line: If you love sweets and hands-on experiences, this gelato-making class delivers a memorable taste of Calabria’s culinary heritage at a friendly price.
3. Private Walking Tour on the Art and Flavors of Cosenza
For those interested in culture and history, the Private Walking Tour of Cosenza is an excellent choice. Priced at about $145, this 6-hour tour explores Calabria’s “little Athens,” revealing the city’s artistic treasures, historic landmarks, and local legends. You’ll wander the streets that have been inhabited since ancient times, passing palaces, churches, and the Duomo that reflect Cosenza’s storied past.
The tour includes visits to key sites like the Alfonso Rendano Municipal Theater, a venue with a prestigious history, and the Bilotti Open-Air Art Gallery, a unique collection of sculptures along the bustling streets. Visitors often remark how Ernestina’s storytelling makes the history come alive, making the city’s past accessible and engaging.
This experience is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy local culture in a relaxed, personalized way. Because it’s private, it can be tailored to your interests, whether that’s art, architecture, or local cuisine.
Bottom Line: For a comprehensive cultural deep-dive into Cosenza, this tour offers an enriching, flexible experience that’s ideal for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
4. Dining Experience at a Local’s Home in Catanzaro with Show Cooking
Finally, if you’re after an authentic taste of Calabria, the Home Dining Experience in Catanzaro is hard to beat. For about $99, you’ll join a local family for a hands-on cooking class and family-style meal. The host guides you through preparing traditional Calabrian dishes, sharing insider tips and stories, then invites you to sit down and enjoy the meal with regional wines.
What makes this experience stand out is its personal touch — you’re not just a tourist, but a guest in a local home. Reviewers love how friendly and welcoming the hosts are, with one saying, “The food was delicious, and the atmosphere felt like visiting family.” It’s a great way to connect with Calabria’s culinary traditions and get practical cooking tips you can try at home.
Ideal for food lovers and those who enjoy cultural exchange, this tour offers a relaxed, intimate setting with a focus on genuine hospitality and regional flavors.
Bottom Line: For a memorable, intimate taste of Calabria’s cuisine, this home dinner provides a warm, hands-on experience that truly connects you with local life.
$98.90 per person
How to Choose
When deciding among these tours, consider your interests and the type of experience you want. If you’re seeking adventure amid Calabria’s wild landscapes, the Quad Buggy Excursion is hard to beat. For a culinary hands-on activity, the Ice Cream Laboratory or the Home Cooking in Catanzaro offer delicious, interactive experiences. For those wanting a cultural deep dive, the Cosenza Walking Tour provides insight into the region’s artistic and historic fabric.
Budget, time, and physical activity levels also matter. The quad tour offers high energy, while the cooking and art tours are more relaxed. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular experiences like the Cooking in Catanzaro, which has limited availability.
Lamezia Terme’s diverse tour options mean there’s something for every traveler. Whether you want to cruise through forests on a buggy, sample homemade gelato, walk through historic streets, or share a Calabrian meal, you’ll find experiences that make your trip memorable. For active adventurers, cultural explorers, or foodies, these tours are well worth planning ahead for.
If you’re ready to explore Calabria’s authentic side, consider booking your favorite experience now. Each offers a unique way to see, taste, and experience this vibrant part of Italy.